Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Sewer

Plumber Blog - New Technology

High Efficiency vs Low Flow Toilets What to Buy

Tuesday, 7/21/2009 by jason schlunt

Every week it seems we are faced with the question of what type of toilet is the best and which one qualifies for rebates and discounts.

In terms of the rebate it's not so cut and dry; it all depends on which water district you are part of. The different water districts offer credit on your water bill ranging from $300 to as little as $50. The rebate amount is largely dependent on what type of toilet you purchase and the age of the toilet you are having removed.

Typically if you are removing an old pre-1992 3.5 gallon per flush toilet and replacing with a high efficiency, better known as a HET 1.28 gallon per flush toilet, you'll qualify for some sort of rebate. If you're only replacing it with a 1.6 low flow type toilet you likely won't qualify under the new stricter rebate guidelines.

So let us say you have done your research and figured out whether you qualify for a rebate or not, which low flow type toilets perform the best.  Now before you start complaining and say something like, “Ten years ago we purchased one of those low flow toilets and the thing couldn’t flush a single piece of toilet paper….not a single piece damn it. We use to plunge that thing after every single night,” let me calm your nerves and assure you that the new low flow 1.6 and HET 1.28 toilets have all the power to get the job done. You can finally let go of those terrible toilet plunging nightmares that you've been hanging on to.

Among the HET 1.28 toilets our favorites are the Toto Eco-Drake and the Pro Flow HET Dual Flush. The Toto Eco-Drake with its attractive styling and powerful flush capability make it a top choice amount homeowners. The Toto Aquia, similar to the Drake, is another popular HET toilet. It’s different from the Drake in that it’s a dual flush toilet. The only problem with Aquai is that it only comes in elongated and Toto don’t make an ADA model yet. So there are some limitations when it comes to install.

Another great HET toilet is the ProFlow Dual HET. At about, $375 installed it’s a steal. What we like so much about the ProFlow HET Dual Flush is that even at a great value it has all the same flushing power as more expensive toilets. In terms of styling the ProFlow is your typical toilet; I’ve never had a client scream that it is the most amazing toilet they’d ever seen, and at the same time I’ve never had a client complain that they couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Low flow 1.6 gallon per flush toilets do not make a whole lot of sense with the newer HET toilets. But if you insist, as they are a little cheaper, here are a couple options. Toto makes the standard Drake toilet which has been our most popular deluxe grade toilet for the past 5 years running. It’s a great toilet, especially if you add the soft close seat option. For a more standard level toilet you can't go wrong with the Kohler Wellworth, it’s powerful, inexpensive, and has good styling.  Most people can find the Kohler Wellworth at the big home centers but be careful as the home center models are built slightly cheaper with more plastic parts than the exact same model your contractor will pick up at a specialty store.

By the way if you’re still confused don’t hesitate to give Bellows Plumbing & Heating a call, we’re always willing to assist you with your decision.

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Toilet, Energy Efficient, Rebates

HVAC Tax Credits in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [The Economic Stimulus Bill]

Tuesday, 8/18/2009 by: http://www.findlay.pa.us/

So we found this great memo on the web and it basically breaks down energy efficiency tax credits. Remember these are general guidelines only and may not be applicable in all circumstances.  Taxpayers are encouraged to consult with a tax professional.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into law. The legislation combines spending and tax incentives designed to get the American economy moving again by investing in our nation’s road and energy infrastructure, and providing incentives for increasing the energy efficiency and performance of America’s homes and commercial buildings.

Specifically for HVAC contractors, the new law makes important changes to existing tax incentives for homeowners who make qualified improvements to HVAC, water heating equipment, and other energy related improvements to their primary residences.

Residential Tax Credit Details

Greater Tax Credit

For qualified improvements (see the table below), homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500).

 

Longer Term

The new tax credits are retroactive to 1/1/2009 and expire on 12/31/2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two year term, not $1500 each year.

Per-Appliance Caps Removed

Subject to the 30% of installed cost limitation, homeowners may use the entire $1,500 tax credit limit on a single qualifying improvement. The previous per-appliance caps that limited the homeowner to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

Lifetime Limit Removed

Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for the full $1,500 limit. Also, HVAC contractors should be aware that the $1,500 limit applies to many types of energy efficient home improvements, including windows, doors, shingles, and insulation. All of these various contractors will be competing with HVAC contractors for the work related to these tax credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Tax Credits

Q1.      Can the homeowner claim $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in 2009 and again for improvements made in 2010?

Answer:  No. Taxpayers will be eligible only for a total of $1500 in tax credits for qualifying improvements made in the combined two year period of 2009 and 2010.

 

Q2.      Can a homeowner use the entire $1500 limit as a credit toward the installation of one appliance?

Answer:  Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1500 in tax credits for installing a single appliance, such as a qualified furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump system as long as the total cost of the appliance is $5000 or more.  The legislation limits the tax credit to 30% of total cost with a $1500 cap. 

 

Q3.      What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1500?

Answer:  The homeowner can use the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements in 2009 or 2010.  Any single installation of a qualifying appliance that costs less than $5000 will allow the homeowner to invest in additional energy saving appliances or upgrades and still receive a tax credit (up to a $1500 combined maximum).

 

Q4.      Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?

Answer:  The tax credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

 

Q5.      Do any manufacturers offer a full line of air conditioners and coils that meet the tax credit guidelines?

Answer:  According to the AHRI directory, no HVAC manufacturer has a full line of split system air conditioners + coils + variable speed furnaces that meet the tax credit guidelines of 16 SEER and 13 EER.  However, several manufacturers have full product lines that meet the tax credit guidelines with 3rd party coils.

 

Q6.      Does a 95% AFUE furnace plus a 13 SEER split outdoor system qualify for a tax credit?

Answer:  Yes, but only the portion of the installed cost associated with the 95% furnace (both the equipment and labor).  So if the installed cost of the 95% furnace is over $5000, then the homeowner will qualify for the full tax credit.  If the installed cost of the 95% furnace is less than $5000, then the homeowner will qualify for a tax credit that is equal to 30% of the installed cost. 

 

Q7.      Does a system that otherwise doesn’t meet the efficiency requirements, but has a furnace with an “advanced circulating fan” qualify for the tax credit?

Answer:  The advanced circulating fan should qualify for a tax credit, but how the cost of the fan is broken down is not certain at this time.  The chart of qualifying HVAC equipment from the Energy Star website, which is included below, includes advanced circulating fans as qualifying for the 30% up to $1500 tax credit.  However, there is also a statement on the Energy Star website (answer to question #27 on the FAQ list) indicating that the IRS is looking at this question and will issue a clarifying rule. 

 

Q8.      How will a taxpayer claim the credit and receive their money?

Answer:  The tax credit applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed.  In the past, the IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695, Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. It is expected that the IRS will produce new rules related to the recently enacted stimulus legislation giving taxpayers further guidance on claiming tax credits.

>Q9.      Where can homeowners find a manufacturer's Tax Credit certification statement?

Answer:  Certification statements for Trane matched systems will soon be posted on Trane.com.  Certification statements for Trane components mix-matched with independent coils should be available at the independent coil manufacturer website.

Q10.    Where can a homeowner or dealer find a list of qualifying systems?

Answer:  www.ahrinet.org

Q11.    What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?

Answer:  A tax credit applies against the taxpayer’s obligation for taxes. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income. Tax credits have a greater benefit to a taxpayer.  For example, if the taxpayer owes $2000 in taxes, a $1500 tax credit reduces the obligation to $500. 

 

Q12.    What if the homeowner already claimed $500 in tax credits in 2006 or 2007?

Answer:  The “lifetime caps” that used to be in place have been removed.  Previous claims do not count against the current $1500 tax credit limit.

 

Q13.    Can a homeowner claim the credit for improvements to a second home?

Answer:  No. The tax credit is available for the taxpayer’s primary residence only.

 

Q14.    Can dealers tell homeowners they will receive a $1500 tax credit if they purchase a qualifying system?

Answer:  Dealers can tell homeowners what products and systems qualify for the tax credit and the qualifying amount; however, dealers don’t know what other qualifying products the homeowner may purchase before they file their taxes.  The safest strategy for dealers is to share the following chart with homeowners, which is taken from the Energy Star website. 

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Heating, Furnace, Tankless, Rebates, Credits

Instant Hot Water - Minimal Assembly - Why Haven't You Already Called?

Probably 9 out of 10 clients I see when asked the question, "How long do you wait for hot water when hopping in the shower," answer 1 to 3 minutes. Think about it that's literally thousands of gallons of water per year per person. All because the home owner hasn't made the minimal investment in a hot water circulating pump.

Installation of a hot water circulating pump used to mean a pretty labor intensive project with running the cold water return line and all. But, today's systems are fairly simple and require no return line, in fact most installatiosn take less than an hour to complete.

My favorite model is the Grundfos circulating system which uses a bypass valve and pump with a timer to control water flow. As water slowly cools in the hot water line, the circulating hot water pump moves the hot water from the water heater through the baffel and back to the water heater along the cold water line.

Most of the Grundfos hot water circulating pumps also utilize a timer so that you can choose which hours of the day you want the pump to run. There's no need to have hot instant hot water in the middle of the day when no-one is home.

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Water heaters, Instant Hot Water, Energy Efficient