The Stimulus Package: A Sales Opportunity

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the” stimulus package” includes a very important sales opportunity for our industry. This spending bill is filled with incentives for qualifying homeowners to earn tax credits on energy-saving home improvement projects completed in 2009 or 2010. The taxpayer may be reimbursed up to 30% of the costs associated with the projects, subject to cap of $1,500. Because they can earn this tax credit through a variety of energy saving projects such as re-insulating their home or replacing windows, it is imperative that we are the first to educate them about ways in which they can qualify through upgrading their heating and hot water producing equipment.

Below is some information we have gathered to help you educate you on the products and incentives available. We will continue to provide information and training to ensure that you have all the information necessary to take advantage of this opportunity going forward. In the meantime, please contact your local Granite Group branch or continue to check our website www.thegranitegroup.com for updated information or related seminars in your area.

Qualifying systems must meet the following efficiencies (as reported in the March issue of Air Conditioning Today):

• Natural Gas and Propane Furnaces: 95% AFUE
• OIL Furnaces: 90% AFUE
• Natural Gas, Propane and Oil Boilers: 90% AFUE
• Natural Gas, Propane and Oil Water Heaters: .82 Energy Factor / 90% Thermal Efficiency
• Air Conditioners: 16 SEER / 13 EER
• Heat Pumps: 15 SEER / 12.5 EER / 8.5 HSPF

More information on this tax credit can be found at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c3