Feb. 5, 2009 - (Source: AP Online, by H. Josef Hebert) -- Looking to buy a new furnace or air conditioner or replace drafty windows? Congress may soon give you a break that could save you hundreds of dollars. There's also money to install solar panels for the water heater, or add insulation to the attic -- maybe even put up a small windmill. The $900 billion economic recovery package before Congress includes more than $50 billion in energy-related grants, tax breaks and loan guarantees to spur solar and wind energy development and to cut energy use in everything from government buildings to schools and homes. While the recovery package is touted as a stimulus to create thousands of "green energy" jobs, the average homeowner could be among those who will reap major benefits. Both the House-passed stimulus package and the Senate version include $4.3 billion in tax breaks for residential energy-efficiency improvements including the purchase of more-efficient furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners as well as for energy-tight windows and more insulation.

In addition to national-level energy stimulus packages, another $300 million is to go to states as matching grants to promote utility-sponsored rebates for the purchase of more energy-efficient appliances, and tax breaks for people wanting to install solar panels to power water heaters.

Unlike past efforts by Congress to use taxes to spur energy efficiency, the proposals in the stimulus package are substantial: A credit of 30% of the cost of the equipment (maximum $1,500 per household), triple what Congress enacted four years ago. The improvements must meet a minimum efficiency (generally 15-20 % higher than the base standard.)

U.S.H.A.C is committed to green building and energy conservation issues and we are dedicated to helping Florida's multi-family communities upgrade their energy standards. We provide energy services including on-site energy evaluations to help determine the cost savings obtained by replacing older, less efficient equipment (HVAC, water heaters, lighting fixtures, refrigerators and appliances, etc.) with more energy-efficient equipment

Because we are a "one-stop shop", specializing in HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing services, our energy evaluations are comprehensive and second to none. Contact us today, and find out how your community can both save money and reduce your multi-family community's carbon footprint by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment.