For a lot of homeowners, there typically seems to be a long list of home improvement tasks that they want to do or new ideas they’d like to attempt. While several may not be necessary, furnace replacement is one project that could be critical to keeping your home comfortable through the winter months in Columbia.

Purchasing a new furnace is a large investment. You’ll absolutely see the return-on-investment on your indoor comfort in addition to your energy bills, but it might be a tad intimidating at first. The good news is that when you shop for a new energy-efficient furnace, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

According to ENERGY STAR®, the Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credits were pushed through December 31, 2020. In order to obtain the tax credit, you are required to purchase a furnace that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Keep in mind it can’t be a furnace that is labeled ENERGY STAR for “U.S. South Only.” When browsing for furnace replacements, watch for solutions with the ENERGY STAR rating so you can be confident you’re picking a high-efficiency furnace.

At Watts Electric & AC, we’ll help you identify a solution that matches your needs and ensures you qualify for this tax credit. While ENERGY STAR products indicate high efficiency, you’ll need to clarify that the furnace you select has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater than 95, in order to qualify for the tax credit. AFUE represents the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.

Qualifying for the tax credit is not going to be the only savings you’ll observe when you select a new high-efficiency furnace. Many of the most efficient models can save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills all year long. And your family will also have more confidence in your HVAC system to maintain your indoor space at just the right temp.

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for a tax credit, or if there are further local savings you could be eligible for by buying a new high-efficiency furnace, give our technicians at Watts Electric & AC a call at 601-736-7362. You may also visit ENERGY STAR or contact your local utility organization if you have questions about other eligible home products.