Consumer Stimulus Tax Credit
Extension of Tax Bill 25C effective for 2011
These Tax Credits can be up to 10% of the installed cost of qualifying new, high efficiency heating & cooling equipment, with a maximum credit of $500. Tax Credits are available for qualifying HVAC improvements made during the calendar year 2011. The Credit expires 12/31/11.
Most of the HVAC qualifying efficiency levels have remained the same as last year. The only exceptions are boilers and oil furnaces, where the qualifying efficiency has been increased from 90 AFUE to 95 AFUE. The chart below (click on arrow) summarizes the the 2011 tax credits. Changes in the tax credits for 2011 are highlighted in red.
What is included in the Federal Tax Credit?
| Product | 2011 Tax Credit |
| General Provision | 10% of installed cost, up to $500 |
| Central AC | Split System:16 SEER & 13 EER Packaged Unit: 14 SEER & 12 EER 10% of installed cost, $300 max |
| Furnaces | Gas Furnace: 95 AFUE Oil Furnace: 95 AFUE Boilers: 95 AFUE 10% of installed cost, $150 max |
| Efficient Indoor Fan | $50 |
| Heat Pump | Split System: 15 SEER, 12.5 EER. 8.5 HSPF Packaged Unit: 14 SEER, 12 EER, 8 HSPF 10% of installed cost, $300 max |
| * Consumers should consult a tax professional to ensure they qualify for the tax credit. Effective 2011 calendar | |
Smart $aver®
What is Smart $aver®?
Smart $aver pays cash rebates to residential customers, participating HVAC dealers and home builders who install qualifying high efficiency heating and cooling equipment in a new or existing home. It’s just one way Duke Energy is promoting energy efficiency and helping our customers lower their energy costs. Locate a Smart $aver Dealer or Builder by using our participating vendor search or ask your current heating and air conditioning contractor about Smart $aver.
Who Is Eligible for Rebates?
Incentives are paid for qualifying heat pumps or air conditioners installed on or after June 1, 2009 for Duke Energy Carolinas electric residential retail customers residing in a single-family home, condominium, duplex or mobile home. Incentives are paid after the qualified system is installed and operating. The following table outlines the Smart $aver incentive amounts:
| HVAC Systems that Quality for Smart $aver Rebates | Existing Home Customer Rebates | New Home Builder Rebates |
| Heat Pumps: must be 14 SEER or greater, include an ECM fan motor on the indoor furnace, and have an HSPF of 8.2 or greater | $200 | $300 |
| Air Conditioners: must be 14 SEER or greater and include an ECM fan motor on the indoor furnace | $200 | $300 |
| Geothermal Heat Pumps: must be 11.5 EER or greater and include an ECM fan motor on the indoor furnace | $200 | $300 |
Equipment Rebate Programs
Residential - North Carolina
| North Carolina Customers Only |
| Residential customers in North Carolina who replace existing natural gas equipment with qualifying high-efficiency natural gas equipment are eligible for: |
|
$175 for a high-efficiency furnace (AFUE = 90% or higher) |
|
$150 for a tankless1 water heater (EF = 0.82 or higher) |
|
$50 for storage tank water heater (EF = 0.62 or higher) |
Rebates apply only to equipment purchased and installed after March 23, 2009, when the Commission approved the program.
Proof of installation (a copy of the receipt, invoice or contract) and/or proof of purchase must be included with the rebate application.
1Tankless water heaters sometimes require larger natural gas piping, so make sure to discuss this with your contractor in case new natural gas piping is required.
Please allow up to 6 weeks for rebate processing from the time the rebate form is received in the mail by Piedmont.
Eligibility Requirements (Residential)
- Available for all existing Piedmont residential customers who are served under the company’s 101-Residential Service rate schedule and have an active Piedmont natural gas account.
- Rebates are only available for qualifying natural gas equipment that is installed to replace existing natural gas-fired equipment.
- This offer is not available for the new construction market of homes, condominiums, apartments, or town homes. This rebate is also not available for the replacement of equipment served by an alternate fuel source such as electricity or propane.
- Equipment must be installed by a NC licensed HVAC or plumbing contractor.
- Maximum number of rebates per residential service address is 2 rebates per year for water heating and 2 rebates per year for space heating. Each applicant is limited to receiving no more than a total of 24 rebates per year.
- Rebate applications must include the HVAC or plumber information and all applicable equipment information as shown on the rebate form. Equipment must be installed in the residence corresponding to the submitted Piedmont Natural Gas service account number.
NCMPA1 Energy Efficiency Program
Anyone who lives in a town covered by NC Public Power is eligible for a $400 equipment rebate under the NCMPA1 Energy Efficiency Program.
