H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 is a $819 billion economic stimulus package that extends, expands, and simplifies the federal income tax credits for homeowners who make energy efficiency home improvements. The law extends the consumer tax benefits for another year, through 2010, and triples the total available tax credit from $500 to $1,500.

This bill also replaces the per appliance dollar limits with a 30% allowance on the installed costs. At the same time, the stimulus bill removes the lifetime cap, so that Congress could come back and authorize another $1500 in credits for 2011 and beyond.

For more information on Energy-Efficiency Home and Vehicle Tax Credits, please visit the Alliance to save energy website.
Central air conditioners that meet the following requirements qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the cost (including installation), up to $1,500:

Split Systems:       SEER >= 16 & EER >=13
Package systems: SEER >= 14 & EER >= 12

For a list of equipment that qualifies for the tax credits, please visit the Energy Star Website.

The bill also approves nearly $50 billion in spending on new building construction, bonding authority for "green" upgrades to existing buildings, and money for state and local governments to improve schools, airports, and other government buildings.