Talk of The Villages Florida - Replacing your home's HVAC System?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2444336)

That is true but many are not in your situation which is why you need to look at your specific situation and see if it makes sense.

Either way, just wanted to let everyone know who do pay taxes, that the 25C Federal Tax credits are not being renewed and will go away at the end of 2025. Even if the high efficiency system you were looking at costs the same amount in 2026, it will cost $2,000 more without the tax credits.

In my opinion, ending energy tax credits is a good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithos (Post 2443033)

I believe that if you can afford a variable speed compressor you will have significantly lower electric rates and the life of the compressor will be much longer not to mention it is great for humidity control.

The third – and most crucial law for energy savings – reveals that the power consumed by these components is related to the cube of their speed. So, a small reduction in speed can lead to a significant drop in power usage and, consequently, energy costs.
What is the Affinity Law – and what does it have to do with your HVAC system?
*

The sales people tell you will save 30% on your heating and cooling costs with a variable speed compressor. My 16 year old system cost is high in the summer for 3 months maybe $100 per month. According to SECO over the last 12 months I spent $583 running cooling and heating. 30% of that is $174.90 / year. Multiply that by 16 years I have lived here I could have saved $2798.00.

Quote:

Originally Posted by elevatorman (Post 2444360)

I can't validate your data but in my home my electric bill is about $180-$225 in the hot months. So far for the first month having the system, I'm saving about $50/month. So, that's about $500/year x 16 would be about $8,000. I have a 2600 sqft home but if you have a smaller home then your savings will be less. Also, depending on what you set the thermostat to, etc., will also affect how much you pay for your HVAC system. Lot's of variables.

Regardless, the point of getting a variable speed inverter system vs a single stage unit is not primarily for the energy savings but for the comfort, quietness and longevity of the system. Since we don't know where energy costs are going in the next 10 years, it's probably best to get the most efficient system you can afford. With the tax credits and rebates, currently a variable speed system will not be that much more than a basic single stage system and that's the point. Once the tax credits go away at the end of the year and more of the tarriffs kick-in then I think the more expensive systems may be out of reach for many.

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2444353)

In my opinion, ending energy tax credits is a good idea.

Many agree with you but we knew it was coming since these tax credits are from the green energy initiative and once they go away I'm not sure we are going to see them in this fashon again.

So, in my case, I made the decision to get my insulation done and my HVAC system was old enough to justify changing that out too so I could take advantage of the credits. But everyone has their own situation and needs to make the decisions that work for them. Again the purpose of the thread was to make people aware of what's going on so if they can take advantage of the credits, then at least they know now is the time to make any decisions vs waiting another year or two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2444137)

I would tend to agree based on what I've seen and heard. This is why even if your system is only 10 years old and you have the budget, it may be prudent to change your system out this year for one of the variable speed inverter systems like the Carrier Infinity Greenspeed that qualifies for the $2,000 Federal Tax Credits vs waiting a couple of years and paying significantly more for the same system or have to go with a basic single stage system because the variable speed systems will be too far out of reach by then.

This thread got me interested. Our HVAC is a 9 1/2 years old GAS furnace & A/C (16 Seer). Just got through with a replacement estimate from Sunshine A/C. I may have missed it in an earlier post but the $2000 tax credit is ONLY FOR HEAT PUMP replacement. Gas furnaces do not qualify for anything other than a $450 credit (by Carrier).

That said, for replacement of our furnace/AC, all rebates, etc. considered, the estimate provided for either gas furnace & A/C or heat pump & A/C, both (~ 22 Seer) Carrier Infinity systems, only amounts to a $800 difference (~ $15K v. $14K).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risuli (Post 2444627)

I'm not a tax expert but I found this:
>>>
You may qualify for federal tax credits:
If you upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump from your gas furnace, you may qualify for federal tax credits. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit offers savings for homeowners who install qualifying air conditioners, heat pumps, and other HVAC systems. Heat pumps that meet or exceed the CEE highest efficiency tier qualify for a credit of up to $2,000 per year. These upgrades not only lower your tax bill but also cut energy costs and improve your home's comfort.
<<<<
So, it sounds like no matter what you currently have, if you replace and upgrade your system with a high efficiency heat pump system that qualifies, then you get the max. Federal tax credit. Maybe check with a tax person if you want to pursue this?