ST. LOUIS - To meet the demand for energy efficient heating and cooling and to help consumers deal with the struggling economy, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 in St. Louis announced that it has joined with a group of its residential contractors to provide rebates and potential tax credit opportunities for consumers in 2009.

Local 36 and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) are offering a series of rebates in the spring of 2009 for consumers looking to service their air conditioner or furnace and for those installing a new residential air conditioner or furnace to help transform their home into a more energy efficient one.

The rebates include:

• A rebate of $50 to any homeowner who signs up for an “Annual Maintenance Agreement” by May 15, 2009. Agreement includes two service appointments.

• A rebate of $125 to any homeowner who has a furnace or air conditioner replaced before May 1, 2009. The rebates will be given for a maximum of two units per residential address.

Additionally, Local 36 is reminding customers that anyone who installs certain high efficiency air conditioning and furnace systems in 2009 will be eligible for a tax credit. The systems eligible for credit and the amount of credit vary so check with a tax advisor about eligibility and other details.

“This is a great program for our workers, our contractors, and consumers,” said Local 36 President and Business Manager David C. Zimmermann. “It is truly a unique opportunity to be able to provide some financial relief to customers while helping them be more energy efficient in their homes.”

For more information about the rebate program and a full list of participating contractors, visit the organization’s Website at www.sheetmetal36.org.

Publication date: 03/23/2009