Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)

Purchasing and installing a new, energy-efficient AC system in 2012, might deem you eligible for a tax credit. Recently on Jan. 2, 2013 the fiscal cliff avoidance legislation retroactively restored the 25C tax credit for highly efficient AC systems.

To be eligible for this credit your air conditioner must have been installed in 2012 and be Split system central air conditioners with 16 SEER and 13 EER or Packaged central air conditioners with 14 SEER and 13 EER. If you have an old AC system you can schedule for an AC installation. Although one can still utilize the $300 tax credit for the installation of efficient AC systems.

2013 Air Conditioner Tax Credit Guide

 (Photo credit: jaysalikin)

As winter finally leaves and is replaced by spring, it may be time to prepare your AC for warm weather by cleaning the condenser. You should also have the conditioner inspected – but this is not the same thing! You can clean the AC condenser on your own, at home.

This is the section of the AC which cools the air, and sits outside of your home. There shouldn’t be any problems cleaning the unit as long as it is clear of debris, since it is designed to sit outside in all weather.

The process of cleaning the condenser involves disconnecting the power, cleaning surrounding debris, rinsing the tubes and vents, and making sure nothing is blocking air flow. This can all be accomplished within 20 minutes.

How to Clean Your AC Condenser