HOW CAN I SAVE ON MY ENERGY BILL?

Many factors can influence the potential savings on your energy consumption, including efficiency rating, lifestyle and having the right-sized system for your home.


When properly selected, higher efficiency matched systems give you improved comfort at reduced operating costs by using fewer energy resources. With a proper load calculation for the right-sized system and one of many high-efficiency products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines, you can keep your utility bills down and reduce energy costs.

Efficiency Rating

Remember that the higher the efficiency rating, the greater the energy savings. All Trane split system air conditioner and heat pump matched systems with a SEERof 14.5 or above, 12 EER, or HSPF of 8.2 or above and all of our gas furnaces with an AFUE of 90% or above meet or exceed the minimum efficiency required by the EPA for ENERGY STAR recognition.

Proper Load Calculation

Another vital step to getting a more efficient  matched system for your home is to have BAC conduct a load calculation. Most homes today are heated and cooled by units that are too big for the home—others are too small. When an air conditioner or heat pump system is not the proper size (capacity) for a home, an array of problems can result. Temperatures might be uneven. Units might not run long enough to properly control humidity. You may have more maintenance problems over time. And the money you think you might be saving may be reduced, because with units that are too big, you’re essentially paying to heat or cool space that isn’t there.

Along with a proper load calculation from BAC—who accurately calculates the right size system for your home—we design all our products in a variety of capacity sizes to make sure that each one works as intended.

The Benefits of Conserving Energy

Household energy use contributes to air pollution, including 20% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide. It also accounts for 26% of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide and 15% of nitrogen oxides. By reducing your personal energy use, using more energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment, and constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can reduce pollution and save energy at the same time.

Regular Seasonal Maintenance

Have BAC perform preventative maintenance before the summer cooling and winter heating seasons begin. Asking a professional to check your system will increase the life of the system, improve energy efficiency, reduce pollutants and save money.

A dirty furnace filter can restrict airflow and increase energy use in your home. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted can save about 5 percent on heating costs. To increase the efficiency of your furnace, replace or clean filters once a month during operating seasons. 

WHAT IS THE FEDERAL ENERGY TAX CREDIT?

Thanks to federal legislation, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water heating equipment, or make other energy-related improvements to their homes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. This legislation provides incentives for increasing the efficiency and performance of America's homes and commercial buildings. As a part of the recently passed tax bill, Congress modified and extended its energy efficiency tax credits for appliances, new homes and retrofits to existing homes, which includes the 25C heating and cooling equipment tax incentive for another year. The new bill extends eligibility to the end of 2011, but reduces the incentive to a $500* maximum tax credit.

As a leader in producing energy-efficient home comfort solutions, Trane offers many products that are eligible under this new law. Depending on the type of system or product purchased, it is possible to qualify for a tax credit of up to $500* on your 2011 income tax return.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A TAX CREDIT?

For qualified improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 10 percent of the installed costs (up to $500 maximum*). The extended tax credit is in effect for all qualifying systems and products installed during the 2011 calendar year and expires on December 31, 2011. The tax credit applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. In the past, IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695 (the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit). To fully understand how the new tax credit may apply to you and what you can do to obtain one, you should consult with a tax professional. Subject to IRS regulations. Customers should consult a tax professional for advice on tax preparation. Qualified products or systems installed during 2009 and 2010 may also qualify for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the installed costs (up to $1,500) for those respective tax years.

GET YOUR TAX CREDIT CERTIFICATE

WHICH PRODUCTS ARE ELIGIBLE?

The following residential Trane products qualify for the federal tax credit:

  • Split system air conditioning – 16 SEER/13 EER (both efficiency levels must be met to qualify for the tax credit)
  • Split system heat pump – 15 SEER/12.5 EER/8.5 HSPF
    • (all three efficiency levels must be met to qualify for the tax credit)
  • Gas furnace – 95% AFUE
  • Packaged air conditioning, heat pump or dual fuel products – 14 SEER, 12 EER, 8 HSPF

Maximum tax credit amount - $500*. The legislation specifies 10% of the cost of qualifying equipment, including installation costs, subject to a $500* maximum per homeowner. The tax credit is effective for all qualified systems installed from 1/1/2011 through 12/31/2011. The tax credit is only valid for taxpayers that own their home and it is used as the principal residence.

In addition, you’ll find the government’s summary of Energy Star products that are eligible for HVAC credits at www.energystar.gov/taxcredit. As always, you can also contact your local independent Trane dealer who can help you determine product model numbers if necessary.

The IRS is responsible for the implementation of the tax incentive portions of the legislation, so details of how this tax credit will be administered will be included in future IRS rules. As soon as the IRS releases its applicable rules, Trane will communicate to its independent distributors and dealers, what documentation homeowners will need, how it is to be filed and where they can get the required documentation. Please check with your dealer or revisit this page for updated information coming soon.

*$300 maximum for a qualifying air conditioning system, heat pump or packaged system, $150 maximum for a qualifying furnace, and $50 maximum for a qualifying product with an advanced circulating fan.