Comfort FAQ

Over the course of 2011, this space will identify opportunities within customers' homes that you may not have observed in the past. The opportunities are based on a recent homeowner survey conducted by Decision Analyst, Inc.

Is there a website that lists available HVAC-related tax credits?

While attending a GreenHomes Summit, I was shown a website that claims to organize all of the government and energy utility programs. The speaker claimed that it displayed them all at one, easy-to-navigate site. I've been there, and it seems to do what the speaker said it will do. With one stop before seeing your customer's each week consider including this site in your business.

Discussing rebates, grants, tax credits, etc. with customers is one way to enhance your "consultant" role, and show your expertise when in their home. (See Fig.1) If my consultant has kept me up on when systems are normally replaced, and included the added credit incentives as long as they're available, my contractor consultant would win my business and my appreciation.

The dsireusa.org website is funded by the EPA. Compare it against what you’ve been using, and if you find it to be valuable, include it as a way to provide more information to customers.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Garry Upton, of Decision Analyst, Inc., Arlington, TX, shares his interpretations of Decision Analyst’s American Home Comfort Study of homeowners, and explores what customers look for in HVAC contractors. To learn more about this study, or to purchase it, contact Garry, at [email protected].