Industry Insider: Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning

Everyone is trying to save money these days as the economy remains weak. Yet many homeowners are missing the boat on an impressive series of rebates and tax credits tied to replacing your aging — and probably electricity or natural gas-guzzling— furnace or air conditioner, said Dave Musial, CEO of Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning, a Chicago-based family business for the past 40 years.

“I have never seen more incentives than there are out there right now. But as the economy starts to come around, I can see them being eliminated,” he cautioned.

“You can practically have others buy your new furnace for you,” Musial said.

He checked off the following money-saving opportunities now available:

Ÿ If you purchase a new high-efficiency furnace that is 95 percent efficient or higher, Nicor will give you a rebate of $400 after you fill out its form and apply for the money.

Ÿ The purchase of that same furnace or a qualifying air conditioner will also earn you the right to claim a $500 tax credit on your 2011 federal tax return. This is the last year for that tax benefit and you must not have earlier claimed it for any other energy-saving expense, like new windows.

Ÿ Lennox, one of the largest manufacturers of heating and air conditioning systems, now offers up to a $1,400 rebate on qualifying HVAC systems.

Ÿ Four Seasons, Musial’s firm, is offering four years of interest-free financing on new furnaces and air conditioners and, until May 21, they also offer the choice of a free extended warranty or a free programmable thermostat.

Ÿ A new, high-efficiency system will save the typical homeowner between 30 percent and 40 percent per year on his gas or electric bill.

“I have heard estimates that 92 percent of people in the United States have not yet taken advantage of this tax program and that is a shame because we are coming to the tail end of it and once it is gone, it’s gone,” Musial said.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees. Yet, since the economy tanked, we at Four Seasons have been lucky enough to grow each year. Last year we grew by 30 percent,” he said.

The company is even in the market for experienced HVAC professionals and customer service personnel to add to its 540-employee workforce.

Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning is the largest, independently-owned HVAC firm in the country, yet it still maintains a focus on customer service because, Musial said, “without our customers, there is no company.” Four Seasons has earned the Super Service Award from Angie’s List.

For more information, call (773) 284-6161 or visit www.fourseasons-chicago.com.