Tax Credits Up To $2000 Available On Qualifying Heat Pumps

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VAThe owners of this lovely older Federal style home in Marion VA had a 25 year old HVAC system that was consistently needing repairs. As tends to happen, when the hot weather hit, the system started working overtime, and the stress led to more break-downs.  The homeowner was an elderly woman and her son was helping her maintain the property, but needed to do so from his home out of state. That made getting prompt and courteous service important as well. The frequent breakdowns were causing a lot of stress, and were becoming more than just inconvenient. 

The homeowner’s son called us late on a Friday to see if we were available for service. Knowing how important this was, our helpful and experienced team went right out to help. Initially, the homeowner wanted to see how long the repair could sustain the system. After several more visits for problems over the summer, it was clear that the system was reaching the end of its lifecycle, and it was time to start considering a replacement.

The system failed completely during the height of the heat in August, and our technicians came out, recommending that while we could put one more Band-Aid on the system, it was clear that the better investment would be to replace the system with a newer, more efficient system that would not only be more reliable, but would provide greater comfort while reducing their energy bills every month- something people on fixed incomes can really appreciate.

When we sat down with the homeowner and her son, we discussed not only the different systems that would work well for the home, but we also included information about financing options, that can help make getting a new system work better with cash flow and finances for many people. The low interest rates can help save money, and the available rebates for replacing an older system with a higher efficiency system can also make installation more affordable.

Installing A New Heat Pump System

After considering all the options, the family chose a Trane XV Variable Speed heat pump that would provide efficient comfort all year long, while adding additional efficiency, which will lower energy bills each and every month.

Variable speed systems are some of the most efficient systems available. The variable speed motor acts like cruise control on your car, and is able to make small adjustments to keep the comfort level in the home just where you like it.  At low speeds, it does a fantastic job with controlling humidity, which makes sure you don’t get that sticky feeling during our hot and humid summer weather. 

By operating continually at lower speeds, the system uses less energy, while also increasing circulation of air, improving overall air quality in your home as well. Operating at lower speeds also means the system is quieter, meaning if you walk by the outdoor unit, it won’t sound like a jet is taking off when the system kicks on, like some systems.

System Installation

A Trane Heat Pump System Will Warm And Cool This Marion HomeOnce the family decided on the right system for the home, the next concern was installation. The team from Complete Comfort made sure to let the homeowner know when we would be there, what to expect, and how long the job would take. Here at Complete Comfort, we take pride in caring for your home like it was our own, and we know having a whole crew in your home can be stressful, especially when it’s hot weather and a speedy replacement is important. We worked to remove the old system and install the new Trane heating and air conditioning system quickly and efficiently, completing the job in one day, to get the home back to comfort as quickly as possible.

While we’re excited about the new system delivering better comfort and using less energy so the homeowner’s bills will be lower, the family was equally happy that they no longer had to worry about constant issues with the system.  For them, knowing they had someone who would treat them well, with respect, and would be there when needed was as important as getting ‘a good deal’. As a result, the homeowner wrote us and said “I was so happy I’ve continued to use Complete Comfort for after-sales service. I’ll keep it up!” And to us, that’s music to our ears. 

At the end of the day, we know our business depends on having a good reputation, and that means doing our best to treat every customer like family. Our technicians know that when your system is struggling, it’s easy to get hot under the collar and get frustrated. We go the extra mile to let you know what’s happening and help you make the best decision about your system, whether that’s a repair or whether it’s time to invest in new system altogether. And being able to give families peace of mind? That just makes our day.

Schedule A Free HVAC Consultation

Let Us Help You Achieve Complete Comfort!

If you have an HVAC system that seems to be struggling, give us a call here at Complete Comfort. Our team will help you figure out what’s wrong, and help guide you to making the best decision for your home. But most importantly, we will treat you and your home as if they were our own, taking the care needed to make sure you get the comfort you want- that’s what we mean by Complete Comfort..

The Price Of AC Rising In 2023 – 2024

In the past few years, especially with the supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, we see the prices of air conditioners and heating systems rise. Unfortunately, we are expecting the price of air conditioners to rise again in 2023-2024. 

 

We have been quoting and installing air conditioning systems all summer long, and something we are hearing from our suppliers is that they expect the prices to rise by 25-50% next year. Trane, one of our favorite brands, announced in May their commercial prices were rising from 4-6%. We feel that it’s our responsibility to let our customers and community know now, so they are not shocked next year when the increase in prices happens.

Why Are Prices Rising?

Prices rising isn’t anything new. As time passes, the price on every product and service generally increases. The issue is that it geneally doesn’t increase in such a steep manner. There are a few different reasons that the price of air conditioners is predicted to rise so much in the following year: 

  • New DOE Efficiency Requirements 

  • New Construction Guidelines

  • Increasing Cost Of Materials

New DOE Efficiency Requirements 

As a part of an effort to make our country more energy efficient, and reduce our carbon footprint, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has raised the efficiency standard for new AC systems for the first time since 2015. For our area in Virginia, we are considered the southern region, which has a different set standard that the northern states. 

 

It is required that all new AC systems have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 minimum or SEER rating of 15 minimum if the system is less that 45 kBtuhs. If the system is between 45-65 kBtuhs, then the minimum rating is 13.8 SEER2 or 14.5 SEER. The point truly is, the more efficient an AC system is, the more it will cost. If the minimum efficiency rating standard is increasing, it means the minimum price that can be paid for an AC system is also increasing. 

New Construction Guidelines

Along with the requirements for new AC replacements, it also comes with requirements for new construction. Any new construction that has HVAC included, which most new construction does, also have to meet these requirements. This brings the cost of new homes and commercial spaces up, but also keeps the AC prices high as well. 

Increasing Cost of Materials

HVAC systems are complex and require high-quality parts and components. Most of these are made from different types of metals, electrical components, plastics, etc. All of these materials are continuing to rise in price. Even though the supply chain has mostly caught up since the pandemic, we are still seeing spikes in different costs of material.

The combination of new requirements, inflation, and the costs of materials are driving the price of AC up.

Saving Money When You Install A New AC

We do have some options for you to keep your costs as low as possible for a new AC, without sacrificing comfort.

  • Rebates and Tax Credits

  • Energy Savings

  • Installing Before Prices Rise

Rebates and Tax Credits

The Prices Of AC In The US Are Rising

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, there are now tax credits up to $2000 for a new heat pump, and up to $600 for a new AC system available. Depending on the efficiency of your new AC system, rebates may be available as well. For example, in Virginia, Dominion Energy offers up to $500 in rebates for a new central AC system or heat pump that meets the Energy Star Qualifications. 

 

We recommend checking with your energy supplier to see if there are rebates available for an HVAC upgrade, or just ask the experts at Complete Comfort and we can help you get pointed in the direction of the best AC with the most savings available. 

Energy Savings

You have to consider that when you install a new high efficiency air conditioning system, you are also going to start using less energy to cool your home or business. Even though the initial cost is higher than a less efficient system, the amount of money you spend on energy is going to be less, over a long period of time. Your new AC should last for 10-20 years, and could be saving you hundreds, even thousands of dollars every summer depending on the size of your space. When you cost this out over the lifespan of your AC system, it’s going to equal huge savings on energy bills. 

Installing Before Prices Rise

We have been encouraging people to install a new AC system now, before the prices take a sharp rise next year. When you think about it, if you are in need of a new AC system now, it’s only going to become a growing need as time goes on. Unless Benjamin Button installed your air conditioner, it won’t be getting any younger. 

 

We recommend that you install a new AC system as soon as possible. If you install an air conditioner now, you will be doing a few things: 

 

  • Purchasing the system before prices rise

  • Installing a new, more efficient system that will reduce energy bills

  • Improving your home comfort for the rest of the season 

 

You will take care of your problem right away, and save the most money possible. We can help you choose the right system for your home, find the right rebates and tax credits, and also help with financing.

If you live in Chilhowie, VA, or the surrounding areas and you know it’s time to make the replacement, give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or click here to schedule a free AC consultation.