It’s tax season in the United States. Maybe you’re looking forward to a nice refund check. Or maybe you’re hoping to bring your tax burden down with money-saving strategies. Whether you’re hoping to reinvest your refund or get ahead on your monthly bills, Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, Illinois, has a few suggestions. Find out how you can turn tax time into savings time with these tips:
Tax tip: Invest your refund into an HVAC upgrade
One of the most common questions we hear at Ernst Heating & Cooling is “How long is my heating and cooling system going to last?” A lot of the answer depends on you. We find that semi-annual maintenance can help prolong your equipment’s life and hold off costly repairs that can show up as the system gets older. Proper installation can make a big difference as well. But some of it is out of your hands. If Illinois is experiencing extreme temperatures, your heating and cooling system may be forced to work harder. An older system can be less energy-efficient than its younger counterparts, making it harder to keep up with the demands of the four distinct seasons we enjoy here.
As a rule, we tell customers to consider the $5,000 rule. If you multiply the age of your system times the cost of a potential repair, consider the total. If it’s more than $5,000, it may be time to replace. So a $2,000 repair on a 2-year-old system may make more sense than a $500 repair on a 12-year-old system.
What do you get when you invest in a new heating and cooling system? A new model often brings hidden savings that pay you back over time. An older, more inefficient system can cost you upwards of $900 more in utility bills and $1,000 in repairs if you wait three or more years to replace it. When you upgrade, you’re enjoying better indoor temperature control and the peace of mind that comes from having a system that is under warranty. Ernst Heating & Cooling can help you determine if now is the right time to upgrade, and which system best fits your family’s unique needs.
Tax tip: Take advantage of current incentives and tax rebates
Maybe you saw a dreaded red “amount due” number when you filled out your tax form. Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their tax burden, and energy-saving devices may be the key to unlocking this heating and cooling puzzle. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, offers rebates and tax credits for switching to electric appliances like heat pumps. You may also enjoy annual incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Ernst Heating & Cooling can help you walk through the various paths to a lower bottom line. Remember, we always have special savings and offer financing as well.
Tax tip: Invest in smart upgrades
We won’t judge you if you opt to use your tax refund on a tropical trip. But we encourage you to do some homework and see how smart changes to your heating and cooling system can make a difference in your budget and your comfort.
Smart thermostats offer precision temperature control for your home. These tiny little workhorses have come a long way since they were a hand-controlled dial on your wall. Now Ernst Heating & Cooling offers smart thermostats that attach to your home’s WiFi and adjust the temperature through an app on your phone. These thermostats also have advanced technology that finds your ideal temperature without needing to nudge the needle up and down. Some models can even monitor your family’s activities and create a schedule tailored to your needs.
We also recommend an energy audit, which uses special tools to determine how and where air is entering or escaping your home. This helps you decide whether you need to spend your money on better insulation or new energy-efficient windows, for instance. When you make an informed decision, you can rest assured that you’re spending your money in ways that will reward you over time.
Now is the time to take advantage of your tax refund or make the necessary changes to lower next year’s tax burden. Call Ernst now at 618.217.1836 to schedule a valuable spring tune-up or chat about heating and cooling upgrades. We also have a convenient online form at https://www.ernstheating.com/contact_us/. Tax time can be savings time when you partner with Ernst Heating & Cooling.