Furnace AC Requirements

The Federal Goverment established SEER and EER Ratings to help consumers judge the energy efficiencies of Air Conditioning units regardless of the manufacturer.   The higher the rating the more cost efficient the unit operates.   An increase of 1 SEER is roughly equal to a five percent savings in Kilowatts consumed.

Both SEER and EER are included in the ENERGY STAR specification because each rating indicates the energy efficiency of the product under different operating modes. SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the systems energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing a product.

You do not have to replace an older AC unit to qualify a  furnace replacement for a tax credit.   It is most likely ( almost certain ) you will  have to replace your furnace to qualify an eligible AC unit for a tax credit.

Qualifying Furnace's must have a 95% AFUE Rating.  Not all 95% AFUE rated Furnaces will qualify the AC unit only those with variable speed blower motors.

To verify tax credit eligibility, we use the: Amana/Goodman Split System Match Up Table.

The law does not require that you replace both your heating and air conditioning, but practically speaking you will probably have to replace both for the air conditioner to qualify. Most air conditioners on the market today will only be able to qualify for the tax credit if you also replace the air moving device that pushes the cool air through the duct system (this "blower motor" is usually part of the furnace, but if you don't have a furnace it will be part of the air handler).

Today's air conditioners need the added efficiency from a highly efficient blower motor (commonly known as an ECM, Electronically Commutated Motor, or another type of "advanced main air circulating fan") to reach the tax credit efficiency level.

If you recently replaced your furnace check what kind of "blower motor" it has. If it has an advanced main circulating fan, then it's possible that a new air conditioner could qualify with your current furnace.

Only the combination of an ECM (Variable Speed) motor driven blower type Furnace , Evaporator Coils, TXV (Thermostatically Controlled Expansion Valve), and 16 SEER or greater Condenser qualify for the tax rebate on the Air Conditioning.  What does this mean if you purchase a new Furnace that as a furnace qualify for the rebate but does not meet the requirement for the AC you will only get a rebate on the furnace portion.