Air conditioning

The Biden Administration recently passed the most significant climate legislation in US history, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Learn more about the federal AC rebates and see how you can upgrade your home while maximizing your tax benefits.

The Inflation Reduction Act

The IRA was signed into law on August 16, 2022, and contains $500 billion in new spending and tax breaks to reduce carbon emissions, offset the effects of inflation, fund the Internal Revenue Service, improve taxpayer compliance, and reduce healthcare costs.

The IRA invests $369 billion into clean energy sources and technologies, which includes significant rebates and tax incentives for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient home heating and cooling systems.

 

Benefits of an Energy-Efficient AC

Aside from the tax credit or rebate savings, there are plenty of benefits to energy-efficient AC Systems: 

 

Utility Bill Savings

As the name suggests, energy-efficient air conditioners optimize your energy usage by using only enough energy to power your AC and keep your home comfortable. An energy-efficient system not only saves you money on your energy bill, but it’s better for the environment.

AC Longevity

AC systems take wear and tear over the years, especially if they’re overworked. When it has to work too hard due to inefficiency, it adds more wear and stress to the system. Overworked AC systems tend to break down more easily and thus require more frequent repairs.

An energy-efficient AC system only puts out enough power to cool your home, reducing the stress that can lead to repairs or breakdowns. Upgrading your AC is an investment that will pay off in cost savings in the future.

State and Local Requirements

Though not nationwide, several states have adopted energy-saving initiatives and rules governing vehicle or appliance efficiency. These initiatives provide the foundation to scale efficiency programs to make everyone more efficient.

Depending on your area, you may be required to purchase and install more energy-efficient appliances or upgrades to stay compliant.

Eco-Friendly

We’re in the middle of an environmental crisis that’s only worsening by the day. There are small steps we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint and do our part for the environment, including upgrading to an eco-friendly (energy-efficient) AC system.

Efficient AC systems can have a dramatic effect on your energy usage – up to 40% reduction, in some cases. Combined with other environmentally friendly initiatives, you can be sure that you’re running your home with the least environmental impact without sacrificing your comfort.

Which Systems Qualify?

According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), federal tax credits are available across several project categories, including:

• Electric or gas heat pump water heaters
• Electric or natural gas heat pumps
• Central air
• Gas, propane, or oil furnace boilers
• Gas, propane, or oil water heaters

The IRA categorizes the eligible products by CEE tiers. Tax credit eligible tiers may be Tier 1, 2, or 3, depending on the specific product category. CEE tier products are all ENERGY STAR® certified energy-efficient systems.

Federal Tax Credits Available

Tax Section 25C

The 25C Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit launched a new version in 2023, under the IRA, to incentivize household electrification by lowering the total costs of qualified upgrades. The tax credit has a cap of 30% for:

• Heat pumps
• Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs)
• Qualifying electrical panel upgrades
• Select weatherization measures
• Energy audits

With this new incentive, air source heat pumps for space heating and cooling, as well as HPWHs, will be eligible for a tax credit up to $2,000 per year. Electric panel upgrades that are installed alongside a heat pump or HPWHs will be eligible for up to $600.

25C resets each year, so households can make upgrades over multiple years and likely claim tax credits for each upgrade. For example, one year you can claim 25C with a heat pump, then a HPWH and electrical panel upgrade the following year.

The tax credit and rebates on AC purchase, replacement, and installation cover a range of other appliances and upgrades. Here’s the breakdown:

Federal Tax Credits

The annual limits for the federal tax credit are 30% of the project cost, or up to $3,200 annual maximum for all energy efficiency improvements. The limits are:

• Up to $2,000 toward the purchase of air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves or boilers annually
• Up to $1,200 toward the purchase of central AC, furnaces, boilers, and eligible home improvements like new windows or insulation annually
• Per-project limits for AC and furnaces

The new equipment must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, in an existing home that is a principal residence. Rentals and new construction aren’t eligible.

A new system for energy efficiency went into effect on January 1, 2023. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2), Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (HSPF2), and Energy Efficiency 2 (EER2) replaced the previous rating system.

The tax credits on the AC and heat pump have additional requirements.

Central Air Conditioners

• 30% of the project cost, up to $600 maximum
• Split Systems must be ENERGY STAR® certified with SEER2 ≥ 16
• Packaged Systems must be ENERGY STAR® certified with SEER2 ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥ 11.5

Air Source Heat Pumps

• 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000 maximum
• Ducted split systems must be ENERGY STAR® certified with HSPF ≥ 7.8, SEER2 ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥11.7
• Packaged systems must be ENERGY STAR® certified with SEER2 ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥ 11.5
• Ductless mini-split (non-ducted) Systems must be ENERGY STAR® certified with SEER2 ≥ 16, EER2 ≥ 12, HSPF2 ≥9

For ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate models, the following apply:

• Ducted systems (split and packaged) must be SEER ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥ 10 and HSPF2 ≥ 8.1
• Mini-split systems must be SEER2 ≥ 16, EER ≥ 9, and HSPF ≥ 9.5

HEEHRA Act Energy Efficiency Rebates

The IRA includes rebates or tax deductions for homeowners who purchase a new heat pump, which is covered by the High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) incentive program. This is also known as the Zero-Emission Homes Act (ZEHA).

This program provides point-of-sale rebates, which are automatically deducted at the time of purchase, on any heat pump used for home heating and cooling up to $8,000. Homeowners will not need to send in a rebate to receive a refund. The amount of the rebate depends on household income and the type of heat pump you purchase, however.

HEEHRA is a voluntary program that covers 100% of electrification costs – up to $14,000 – for low-income households. Moderate-income households receive 50% of costs – up to $14,000. You can check your income comparison at Fannie Mae.

Qualified electrification projects include:

• Heat pump HVAC systems
• Heat pump water heaters
• Electric stoves and cooktops
• Heat pump clothes dryers
• Upgrades like insulation, air sealing, circuit panels, ventilation, and wiring

Project costs include the purchase and installation costs, with the rebate going into effect at the time of purchase.

Rebates amounts for heat pumps, heat pumps water heater, and electric panel upgrade.

Qualifications

Because the IRA distributes funding to the state energy office, in some cases, the qualifications and applications must be provided by the agency that runs the program. In some states, federal agencies like the EPA will handle funding distribution.

The IRA is new, so homeowners can expect updates as the program is rolled out. Keep in mind that some states may not include this program.

Save More with Local Energy Rebates

In addition to the IRA and other federal tax credits and rebates on energy-efficiency upgrades, you can find financial incentives on the state or local level. Some of these include:

State Energy Office

Many states offer incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades, such as tax credits, rebates, deductions, and loans. Check with your local state energy office for available programs.

Utility Companies

Some utility companies offer utility rebate discounts or incentive programs to help homeowners reduce energy consumption and save on utility costs. Check with your local utility company for available options.

Manufacturers

Some manufacturers offer energy-efficiency rebates for upgrades. Look for available rebates on certain ENERGY STAR® certified products.

Combining State and Federal Rebates

Generally, you can claim multiple tax credits to reduce your tax liability and maximize your tax benefits from energy-efficient investments. There are limits to combining certain rebates on the same project, such as the home electrification rebate and the home efficiency rebate.

Be sure to consult with a tax professional to get the most out of your home improvements and upgrades come tax season.

How to Apply for Tax Credits and Rebates

Tax credits and rebates are used synonymously, but they’re different. Tax credits are intended to offset the total tax balances due, so they typically apply only to people who owe on their taxes at the end of the year. Tax rebates are paid to a taxpayer, no matter if they have a payable tax.

Information about how to apply for the energy rebate isn’t yet available. State governments are responsible for the HEEHRA rebates, and we can expect an update in spring of 2023. These rebates will be available while funding lasts.

Are you considering efficiency upgrades for rebates on AC purchase and installation? Contact the pros at Sierra Air to learn more about federal energy-efficient ACs.

On a hot summer day, homeowners rely on their air conditioners to provide respite indoors. This comfort comes to them through science or the AC refrigerant flowing inside the air conditioner. We’ll discuss what refrigerant is, the different types used then and now, and signs you may have a refrigerant leak.

What is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is the chemical inside an air conditioner that changes its physical state under defined conditions, such as applying high pressure. During these changes is when the air conditioner creates cool air. Each air conditioner is charged or loaded with an amount of refrigerant appropriate for the overall unit size, such as how many square feet it can cool.

What are the Different Types of Refrigerants?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

CFCs were the first non-flammable and non-toxic refrigerants used in air conditioners. They were banned from use in air conditioners in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, CFCs contribute substantially to greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere and the breakdown of the ozone layer.

R-22 Refrigerant

Developed in the 1950s and the standard air conditioner refrigerant for six decades, R-22 refrigerant differs from its predecessor through an added hydrogen atom. Though this atom shortens its environmental lifespan, R-22 was banned for use in new air conditioners in 2010 because of its ecological impact.

AC units built or installed before 2010 likely use R-22 but now may need to be entirely replaced due to its tightly controlled supply in the United States.

R-410A Refrigerant

Air conditioners built and installed after 2010 generally use R-410A refrigerant. Lacking a chlorine atom, this type is more eco-friendly and is commonly known as Puron. Puron absorbs and releases heat more efficiently and has a lower condensation temperature, reducing the electricity needed to cool your home. It was developed in the 1990s as companies looked for a replacement for CFCs.

R-32 Refrigerant

The newest type of air conditioner refrigerant, R-32, has a lower energy consumption than R-410A and, by extension, less of an environmental impact. Air conditioners charged with R-32 use almost 20% less refrigerant than even new systems with R-410A. Your air conditioner doesn’t have to cycle as often to provide the set temperature, lowering your electric bill.

How Does Refrigerant Work?

The air conditioner’s fan pulls hot air from the home and moves the air across the evaporator coils. These coils hold the liquid refrigerant, which absorbs the heat, and the refrigerant turns into a gas. The gas goes to the compressor as the system pushes cool air into the home. Inside the compressor, the gas pressure rises until it turns into liquid again in the condenser coil, and the cooling cycle starts over.

How Can I Check What Kind of Refrigerant My AC Uses?

If the system was built and installed before 2010, it probably uses R-22. Most units have a sticker on the outdoor condenser listing the type of refrigerant. The type should be noted in the user manual. You can also ask the HVAC technician during a maintenance appointment.

What Does it Mean to Recharge the Refrigerant?

Recharging an air conditioner adds more refrigerant until the system has the appropriate amount. It’s often done after repairing a leak and should only be done by an HVAC technician. This is because of the high-pressure levels; without the proper equipment, you have a substantial risk of damaging the air conditioner.

Signs Your AC Needs Refrigerant Work

Sometimes it’s easy not to realize your AC needs refrigerant work and believe the issue lies in a different part of the system. But, if you suspect or find the unit has a leak, never try to fix it yourself. Call an HVAC technician. They have the appropriate equipment and tools to protect you and the air conditioner since the refrigerant is harmful if ingested, inhaled, or touched.

AC is on, but no cool air is coming out

An AC with a low refrigerant level won’t absorb heat and humidity as usual. The result is only warm air, or less air, coming from your home’s air vents.

Higher than Usual or Increasing Electric Bills

Without the required amount of refrigerant to work efficiently, your air conditioner begins to cycle or run more frequently to compensate. Remember, the refrigerant absorbs warm air; without it, the unit tries to keep up with the thermostat temperature. More cycling means more electricity consumption and, thus, a higher electric bill.

Coils are Frozen

Though it sounds counterintuitive, the coils freeze when there isn’t enough refrigerant. The warm air flowing over them freezes as the cold refrigerant flows backward. When this happens, it’s imperative to repair the issue quickly, or the compressor could freeze and cause a complete system failure.

You haven’t had a tune-up in a while

These appointments allow an HVAC technician to give the entire air conditioner system a thorough look over and make repairs if necessary. If, for example, your AC has the beginnings of a refrigerant leak, the technician can fix the leak and recharge the unit before any significant damage occurs. Regular tune-ups help the AC extend its functional lifespan and operate efficiently.

The next time you’re relaxing in a comfortable air-conditioned home, thank the science behind the refrigerant flowing in the system.

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, or has any other issues, contact Sierra Air Inc., for reliable and professional HVAC service.

Most air conditioners start without issue after the winter. But some don’t, causing a bit of a headache for homeowners. If your AC system was one that stopped working over winter, we go over a few reasons why it may have happened and how you can prepare it for the spring.

Tripped Breaker, Blown Fuse, or Emergency Shutoff

A tripped breaker or blown fuse aren’t usual reasons an air conditioner stops working over winter. But they happen and are a good place to start troubleshooting. Inside the fuse box, find the fuse corresponding to the AC system. Replace the fuse and try turning on the air conditioner. If it doesn’t turn on, move to the circuit breaker box.

Inside the breaker box, find the AC breaker and see if it’s in the off position. If so, flip the breaker on and wait a few seconds. If it stays on, great; if not, don’t try to flip it again and call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Conversely, the emergency shutoff switch is usually installed outside near the condenser. A simple switch, it can be easily moved on or off. Therefore, a passing bump or nudge is enough force to flip it off by accident.

Weather Damage (from wind and rain)

Whether it’s tree branches or limbs crashing down on the condenser unit, or blown dirt and mud jamming up the fan blades, winter weather damage may be a culprit. Make sure to check the outside unit after any storm and look inside the caging for sticks and twigs that can impede internal parts.

Blower and Fan Failure

Most air conditioners share the blower motor and fan with the furnace or heat pump. These parts frequently have a large workload through the winter which can cause wear and tear, and eventual breakdown. When running, both are generally quiet unless there’s an issue. Then you may hear screeching, squealing, grinding, and other noises.

Clogged Drain Line

The condensate drain line carries moisture, namely condensation, away from moisture sensitive parts and out of the air conditioner. But, the drain line is the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and gunk to form and create a clog. As moisture backs up in the clogged line, sensors in the air conditioner shut the system down to prevent further issue.

Capacitor Failure

Every air conditioner has two capacitors powering the condenser motor. The start capacitor provides enough power for the condenser to begin running while the run capacitor supplies power during the cooling cycle. One or both capacitors may fail if the AC system cycles on and off more than usual as the extra wear and tear causes a breakdown.

The start and run capacitors in the condenser motor provide power to the motor during two parts of the cooling cycle. If the air conditioner frequently cycles on and off, the capacitors wear prematurely and eventually fail. They’re also affected by high temperatures and can fail after overheating.

Prepare AC for Spring

After sitting idle for several months, it’s important to prepare the air conditioner for another season of use instead of simply turning it on.

Clean debris around the condenser

As mentioned, yard debris is a problem for the outdoor condenser unit. Use a broom or brush to wipe down the four sides and remove any visible debris from the top opening, where the fan blades are located. The condenser needs at least two feet of space clear around all sides at all times. This is for the unit’s temperature regulation which is affected by its ventilation.

Change the air filter

The air filter should be changed on a regular basis, such as every two to three months. The filters come in a range of sizes, so before buying a new one, verify the size by looking at the dimensions on the side. Air filters are available for purchase at department and hardware stores.

Test the thermostat

Now is a great time to rule out any thermostat issues by testing it. Turn the thermostat from heat mode to cool and listen for the system to begin running. Let it run for a few minutes then check the air vents for cool air. If you feel cool air, the thermostat and air conditioner are ready for spring and beyond!

Schedule a tune-up

An easy way to prepare your AC system for spring and beyond is by scheduling a tune-up. During this appointment, an HVAC technician inspects all parts for issues, including those that may develop as the system runs. It’s a great way to keep the air conditioner healthy and efficient for multiple seasons.

If you want your home’s air conditioner to turn on after winter, take the time to prepare it for the cooling season and schedule a tune-up. Contact Sierra Air Inc. today for reliable air conditioner service.

Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a lot of simple things you can do to reduce your energy use, save money on your bills, and help the environment.

Here are tips to get you started and help you on your way to low energy bills.

Get an Energy Audit

The first thing to do is get an energy audit. An energy audit will tell you where your biggest energy-loss culprits are and what you can do to fix them. You can do it yourself, but it’s easier with a professional.

A good energy auditor will look at the whole house and recommend ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. They’ll also recommend specific repairs, such as sealing leaks in your ductwork or installing new insulation in your attic.

Even better, energy auditors may also be able to help you get rebates for installing certain types of equipment and appliances that use less energy.

You’ll come away with a list of recommendations to help you reduce your energy consumption. Of course, it might involve investing money to implement the suggestions. But many home improvements pay for themselves within two years by generating low energy bills.

Make Sure Your Home is Insulated

Insulation prevents heat from escaping through the walls of your house during winter and keeps heat inside during summer. This means less power is needed for heating or cooling and less money spent on bills.

In addition, insulation keeps your home comfortable year-round. You can lower your thermostat by a few degrees during the summer or winter, saving you even more money on energy bills!

Moreover, insulating your home also helps reduce noise pollution and lower moisture levels preventing mold growth.

Insulate Your Water Heater

The secret to low energy bills is to insulate your water heater. It’s a simple, no-cost way to reduce the heat lost through your hot water pipes, which means less work for your furnace or air conditioner.

Covering your water heater can help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can buy a cover at home improvement stores or online. In addition, some manufacturers sell custom insulated covers that fit snugly around the tank.

Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

One simple way to save money on your electric bill is to use appliances during off-peak hours. This means that instead of running the dishwasher or washing machine and other major appliances like the dryer, you should wait until 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., when most people are not as active, and demand for electricity is lower.

Change Your Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system is one of the most essential parts of the unit, and it can also be one of the easiest to forget about.

But when you don’t change your filters regularly, you’re essentially letting dust and dirt build up inside your system. This can cause problems with efficiency, which means you’ll be paying more for your electricity bill than you need to.

The best way to keep your filters clean is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.

Lower the Settings on Your Thermostat

Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees can make a big difference in your energy bill. And chances are you won’t even feel the difference.

In addition, you can save money by using a programmable thermostat that reduces heat or air conditioning when you leave your home or office. You can also set it to turn off when no one is there.

Landscape for Shade

Shade trees and dense scrub can save you money on your energy bills by reducing your air conditioner usage in the summer as the trees block out some of the heat. They also insulate your home by adding a layer of protection between your home and the cold weather conditions. And the best thing is, they also add curb appeal to your home.

Replace Your Showerhead

Replacing your old showerhead with a low-flow model can help you save money on water and energy costs by reducing both water consumption and energy use from heating that water.

Use LED Light Bulbs

LED lighting is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs and CFLs. In addition, LED light bulbs are designed to last a long time, and they don’t contain mercury like some other types of bulbs.

Make Sure to Get HVAC Maintenance and Tune-Ups

A HVAC tune-up is one of the best ways to make sure your energy bill stays low. Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment by keeping it free from dirt, dust, lint, and other contaminants that build up over time. This reduces wear on moving parts and makes it easier for the unit to run properly. The harder the unit has to work, the more energy is used.

An HVAC system working at peak efficiency means lower utility bills for you.

Need HVAC maintenance? Get affordable HVAC care with the professionals at Sierra.

3 Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner Efficiently

When the temperatures soar, many homeowners can be tempted to crank the thermostat to the lowest possible setting. It may seem like this is a good strategy to cool your entire home down more quickly. In actuality, it just puts more strain on your system and spikes your energy use. To efficiently cool your home follow these tips:

Set It and Forget It

The ideal summer temperature for energy efficiency is 78 degrees. The EPA recommends setting your thermostat to this temperature and “forgetting it” — or not adjusting it further. This allows your system to keep your home at a standard temperature without fluctuations.

If you want more control over the amount of energy you use at home, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Smart technology can help you track your energy use and remotely turn the air off when you aren’t at home.

Change the Filter

Your air filter may seem like a small consideration in relation to the rest of your HVAC system, but in actuality, it can be one of the biggest factors affecting your home’s temperature. A blocked or clogged air filter prevents airflow from moving through your system and cooling your home. Change the air filter before summer to avoid this problem and prevent putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.

Leave the AC Running

A common misconception about saving energy at home is that you should turn your air conditioner off when you leave the house. This will save energy to a certain degree, but if the heat outside is significantly different than your desired temperature, you can end up wasting more energy in the long run.

When you turn your HVAC system off, your home warms up. When you come home and turn the system back on, the AC has to work even harder to cool your home down from the hotter temperature it has reached while you were out. Instead, simply raise the temperature a few degrees when you leave the house. This way, you can save energy and prevent your system from overworking to bring a 90-degree house back down to 78 degrees.

How to Save Money and Stay Cool

While using your air conditioner is a great way to stay cool this summer, there are many other ways to chill out and cut back on your energy costs:

• Shut the blinds. Light-blocking curtains and blinds can help reduce the sunlight heating your home.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water is an easy and smart way to stay cool all summer long. Cool water helps to reduce your body’s core temperature and keep you cool from the inside out. Keep in mind: Drinking ice water after being outside in excessive heat can be a shock to your system. Make sure your water is cool and not cold to hydrate safely.
• Make some cool treats. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles! Best of all? You can make your own! There are tons of recipes online for yogurt and fruit popsicles or even homemade sea salt ice cream.
• Use your ceiling fan. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a fan in a room can make you feel up to four degrees cooler! Keep in mind, this only works if you’re in the same room as the fan — the windchill effect won’t work without people.

There are many more creative ways to stay cool this summer, such as using cool washcloths on pressure points, investing in linen sheets, and more!

If you think you’re spending too much on your energy bills or your AC isn’t cooling your home the way it used to, contact the Sierra Air Inc team at (775) 800-5500! Our team can help you get your cool air back up and running so you can live comfortably all season long.