Take advantage of Colorado State and Local Rebate Programs
A hot topic for COLORADO residents are the rebate programs that are going on and what is happening with these rebate programs. Visit our new Colorado rebates webpage for an easy reference to many websites.
It is very likely that these rebate programs have limited funding and may not go on for much longer so before you know it, they will be over. So it would be wise to take advantage of these offers and rebates while the offers are still available.
“Big ticket” items like air conditioners, boilers and furnaces are examples of where you take advantage of current rebate offers and save money. If you combine these dollars with the federal money and the Xcel rebate direct to the customer then you are talking about some serious cash. You can get up to 40 % or more in incentive dollars. That means that you can lower the cost of installation and then you can lower the energy bill from the day you start up the equipment. This is real money and that is what it is all about.
The next step of responsibility with major equipment purchases is with you, the homeowner, for the upkeep and maintenance of your equipment. From this day forward, you the owner must keep the air conditioner, furnace or boiler clean and keep the filters replaced like it says in the manual. Remember that when the burners are kept clean they burn more efficiently and the energy bills are lower and you reap the rewards. If you forget, and they get dirty and dusty you pay the price and your fuel bill rises.
When the air filters get dirty they slow down the air flow and this increases the static on the motor and shortens its life. Humidifiers get clogged up depending on the type and now you have a real mess.
To begin - clean the furnace itself. Clean the top and sides of you boiler. Clean the pump and clean the blower motor after you have turned off the electricity and waited for everything to wind down and cool off. Don’t forget that there is safety to consider and that there is low and line voltage as well. Amps and volts can hurt you just as well so make sure you have turned off all of the fuses and breakers before starting any of your cleaning.
Rebates and replacement of this equipment are great incentives if you get the job done right. How do you know you have the right job done? Ask a qualified inspector or those who have been in the trade you need to find a resource you can trust. Go to your local building department and ask them. Go to the local Chamber of Commerce and ask them. They are a great reference for reputable contractors. Ask the BBB and they will give you a list as well. This is where you start but do not stop until you are happy with the choice you have. If you want to schedule a service call or have any questions, feel free to call me, Tom D’Agostino at Kimmel Mechanical, Denver Office 303-952-8668 or our Gypsum Office at 970.328.6001. Best of luck!
Why you should upgrade your appliances
“Why should I spend money now to upgrade my furnace/water heater/boiler/swamp cooler/air conditioner?”
I am sure you have heard all of the reasons why it is important to change these older appliances RIGHT NOW, but let me review the obvious reasons and then give you a few compelling ones you may not have heard:
Let’s begin with the reasons you may already have heard:
1. Federal tax credits up to $1,500.00
2. Utility rebates direct to you in the form of a check.
3. Life safety because the old appliance may be leaking toxic gases in your home
4. Increase efficiency (and a reduced energy bill every month)
5. Peace of mind knowing you do not have to wait for a disaster before you changes out the appliance.
These are the top five reasons that you may have read in your newspaper, on a radio ad or on an advertising piece you have received in the mail.
Let me tell you why I feel it makes sense to upgrade or buy better quality appliances as soon as you can. First, now that more energy efficient appliances are becoming more affordable, the cost of putting in an 80% efficient appliance often is about the same as a 95% one. If there is a financial incentive to put in the better quality, you may get a longer life out of the new one than you would otherwise and for close to the same price.
A singular point not mentioned in any discussion about a conversion from old to new is very basic: upgrading to better and more efficient equipment simply adds to our everyday comfort. We live in our homes year in and year out and we rely on that equipment for consistent hot water, regular heating and cooling. Being comfortable in our home is found in the simple yet important things like the temperature being controlled better with the new furnace or boiler system or the hot water temperature is consistent after the third shower in a row by family members. Today’s equipment gives us better heating and cooling and more consistent hot water than we have ever had in the past which is a valid reason alone for making the upgrade. Yes, there are brands that claim to offer certain performance and may not perform as well as those claims in actual use, but do your research and check out what are proven brands and models are available and you can enjoy better “creature comfort” than ever before. One of the free services that I can provide to you through Kimmel Service is help in guiding you to the best appliances and equipment that meet both your budget and lifestyle needs.
When we install a higher quality piece of HVAC equipment and tell the customer the benefits (and differences) from their previous equipment they are amazed and pleased. One of the first comments that customers tell me is that they have been living in a cold or warm house for so many years that this will be a pleasant change. They of course want to save money but often they will think “now that I have a furnace which puts out better heat at a lower price, I will move my thermostat up a few degrees and not pay any more money”. This is a common misunderstanding, but you have not studied you’re your new furnace or boiler can do for you without turning up the thermostat.
I encourage the customer to some time reading the literature for the equipment and talking to the experienced technicians or company managers so the customer is aware what it takes to get superior comfort at a better that expected utility bill and to make the best selection.
Also, did you know that adding a humidifier can actually lower your thermostat temperature? Yes, you can feel just as comfortable at a lower temperature if the humidity level in your home is increased. We experience a two to four degree drop in temperature when you raise the humidity level in your Colorado home.
If you have any questions or want input and guidance regarding your upcoming purchase of new appliances or equipment, please feel free to give me a call.
Thanks,
Tom D’Agostino, Kimmel Service Manger, Denver 303.952.8668 Summit & Eagle County 970.328.6001