2011 Tax Credit 101

Late December, the federal government approved 2011 tax credits for upgrades to home efficiency, including heating and cooling equipment with a maximum credit of $500.

Here are the details:

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($300 limit) for central split-system air conditioners meeting or exceeding 16 SEER and 13 EER.

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($300 limit) for split-system air-source heat pumps meeting or exceeding 15 EER and 8.5 HSPF.

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($300 limit) for package air conditioners and gas packs meeting or exceeding 14 SEER and 12 EER.

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($300 limit) for packaged heat pumps and dual-fuel packaged systems meeting or exceeding 14 SEER, 12 EER and 8 HSPF.

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($150 limit) for furnaces meeting or exceeding 95% AFUE.

• Up to 10% of installed costs ($50 limit) for advanced main air circulating fan.

For more detailed information on the credit, click here to visit the Energy Star website, then click on "Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency".