TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Florida's HVAC Rebate Program
by
HL Carpenter

Good news for Floridians: The state legislature wants to encourage you to replace the heating and cooling system in your existing home, and is offering a rebate of up to $1,500 when you do.

Here are the details.

• The Florida Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Cooling (HVAC) rebate program applies to eligible heating and cooling systems purchased on or after August 30, 2010. The program ends December 31, 2010 (sooner if available funds run out).

• Eligible HVAC systems include a central air conditioner, air source heat pump or geothermal heat pump that meets certain energy efficiency standards.

• You'll need to hire a licensed HVAC contractor, get all required building permits, and purchase a new system. Ask the contractor for a printout generated by software that calculates the proper size of your new HVAC unit so you can claim the rebate.

• In addition to hiring a contractor and buying a new HVAC system, you'll have to have a qualified duct tester measure how much air "leaks", or escapes, from your heating or cooling system. You'll need a copy of the duct tester's Air Distribution System Test Report to get your rebate.

• Once you have all the paperwork in order, you can create an account at http://www.rebates.com/floridahvac/ and download a rebate form. In three or four months, assuming you qualify and there are enough funds, your rebate will arrive via snail mail in the form of an American Express prepaid card.

• You can claim the federal energy tax credit for your new system on your 2010 federal income tax return, even if you get the state rebate. The federal credit also expires December 31, 2010.

Originally published September 2010.

Last update: January 8, 2011