Rebate offers $1,500 back on new air conditioner

If you need a new air conditioner, now’s the time to buy one. You could receive a $1,500 rebate.

In an effort to stimulate the economy and make homes throughout Florida more energy-efficient, the government has set aside $15 million for the Florida Energy Star Rebate program.

The program starts Monday and runs until Dec. 31 -- or until the $15 million runs out, which could be quickly.

Consumers can get the rebate if they buy a new central air conditioner or air source heat pumps.

They must also have their home air ducts tested. No more than 15 percent can be leaking outside, and officials said that could mean about 12 percent of homes in Florida will not qualify:

Approximately 12 percent of the homes in Florida have duct systems that cannot be accessed for repair. If your home has extensive duct damage or your home duct systems cannot be easily repaired, this program may not be for you. If your duct system is difficult to access, it is possible that your home will never achieve a score of 15 percent leakage or less and thus will never qualify for this rebate. It is strongly recommended that the homeowner discuss any concerns with a Florida licensed HVAC installer before pursuing this rebate.

Several other regulations and standards must be met in order to get the rebate.

How to get the $1,500 rebate

1. Read the qualifications: rebates.com/floridahvac.
2. Buy a new central A/C unit. It should be Energy Star compliant, and could cost several thousand dollars.
3. Make needed leakage repairs in your home. Researchers at the Florida Solar Energy Center reportedly found that sealing ductwork in existing homes cut cooling bills by about one-third.
4. Hire a licensed contractor to make sure no more than 15 percent of the heating and cooling system leaks outside. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the review.

Gov. Charlie Crist said the program is expected to increase employment in the air conditioning industry, and make more homes environmentally friendly.

However, the rebate program is completely on a first come, first served basis. So the earlier consumers look into it, the better.