Here in Seattle, we’re expecting an unprecedented late June heatwave this weekend and into next week, with weather possibly getting into the triple digits for multiple days. People that have homes with central cooling may find their AC systems have a tough time keeping up with these extreme temperatures. Because 100+ degree days have happened so few times in Seattle’s history, these temperatures are above what air conditioning systems are typically designed to handle in our area.  Your home will still be much cooler than the outdoor temperature but may not be as cool as you normally like it. If your home has AC, here are some tips to help your AC system perform as well as possible in the 
upcoming heatwave:

Here is more information courtesy of ICP (International Comfort Products):

Home Energy Savings Act to Extend the IRS Code Section 25C Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Code Section 25C tax credit for qualified energy efficiency improvements has been retroactive beginning January 1, 2018 until Dec. 31, 2020. Please consult with your tax professional for further details.

Introduction

Homeowners will receive a credit against their taxes for an amount equal to the sum of:

• 10% of the amount paid or incurred during the taxable year, capped at the below stated amounts.

• The amount of the residential energy property expenditures paid or incurred during the taxable year.

• 25C tax credit is retroactive, starting January 2018, if homeowners choose to amend their taxes.

Top Features

A homeowner can claim the § 25C credit only for qualifying expenditures incurred for an existing home or for an addition or renovation to an existing home. This cannot be claimed on a new construction home. Labor costs may be included while calculating the § 25C credit for the onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation. In contrast, a homeowner may not include the labor costs for qualified energy efficient building envelope components. The credit is subject to a cap of $500.

Boilers and Furnaces: Oil, propane and natural gas hot water boilers must meet or exceed a 95% AFUE. Propane furnaces, natural gas furnaces and oil furnaces must meet or exceed a 95% AFUE. The maximum credit for boilers or gas furnaces is up to $150.

Central Air Conditioners: Split system central air conditioners must have a minimum of 13 EER and 16 SEER. The tax credit is up to $300. Packaged system central air conditioners must meet or exceed 12 EER and 14 SEER. The tax credit is up to $300.

Heat Pumps: Packaged heat pump systems must have a minimum of 12.5 SEER, 8 HSPF and 15 SEER. Air source heat pumps are required to have a minimum of 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF and 15 SEER. The tax credit is up to $300.

Main Air Circulating Fan: The advanced main air circulating fan must not use more than 2% of energy. The tax credit is up to $50.

For more information, please visit: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/142381-americas-hvacr-and-water-heating-manufacturers-applaud-tax-treatment.Manufacturer’s certificates are available on https://www.icpeqp.com.

Disclaimer: This notice is not to be considered tax advice. See your tax professional to determine how these credits may apply in your circumstance.

With its beautiful vistas, perfect temperatures, mountains, rivers, lakes, and the Puget Sound, Seattle’s gorgeous summers are the envy of most other cities around the country. Unfortunately, for three out of the last four years, summers here have been marred by smoke and ash blown in from forest fires

How Much Does AC Cost in Seattle?

If you’ve lived in the Seattle area for any length of time, you’re probably aware that our weather pattern seems to be changing. According to Seattle Met Magazine, (https://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2019/5/29/is-it-time-for-seattle-to-embrace-air-conditioning) since 2015 we have had 2 different record-breaking heat waves during the summer. We’ve also had extremely poor air quality in August for two years in a row due to large forest fires filling our region with smoke and ash. This poor air quality discourages people from opening their windows. If this pattern continues it will make air conditioning more important than ever in Seattle.

If you’re not running your system’s fan often, you’re missing out on a lot of the benefits of owning a home with a central duct system. Read on to find out why running your fan is a powerful tool to improve the health and comfort of your home's inhabitants.

The Dark Ages of Heating and Air Conditioning

Up until a few short years ago, if you owned a home with no central ductwork in Seattle, you had limited options for heating and (especially) air conditioning. Many homes with no ductwork have some form of electric resistance heating, usually either wall heaters or baseboard heaters. Many Seattle homeowners still suffer from these decades old, costly, inefficient, and uncomfortable systems. Unfortunately, adding a central ductwork system to a home not designed with one in mind can be extremely expensive, and in some cases impossible or entirely cost-prohibitive. Until recently, this was the only real air conditioning option for homes built without ductwork.