ATLANTA – April 29, 2009 – As Earth Month draws to a close, Rheem Manufacturing Company is helping homeowners significantly save on upfront product costs, lower monthly utility bills and conserve Earth’s precious energy supplies with a wide range of products that qualify for the new Federal tax credits. As the only manufacturer that produces both heating and cooling and water heating products, Rheem is able to provide homeowners the expert advice they need when selecting new home appliances and navigating available rebates and tax incentives.

“President Obama’s Federal energy tax credit program increases consumer purchasing power and allows homeowners to obtain Rheem whole-home comfort systems at prices well below the standard market prices,” said Ed Raniszeski, marketing director of Rheem. “From now until the end of the year, there is a window of opportunity for consumers to affordably replace inefficient equipment with energy efficient comfort systems.”

Home heating and cooling equipment, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, may qualify for a tax credit of 30 percent of the installed cost, up to $1,500.  In order to qualify, air conditioners and heat pumps must have a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of at least 15 while furnaces and boilers need an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95 percent. Homeowners can view a complete list of Rheem heating and cooling products which qualify for a tax credit at www.rheemac.com/taxcredit/.

Rheem also offers a full array of water heaters that qualify for Federal tax credits. Solar water heaters, such as the new Rheem SolPak^® active solar water heater, qualify for a tax credit of 30 percent of the installed cost, with no cap.  Virtually all Rheem tankless water heaters meet the .83 energy factor (EF) requirement, qualify for a Federal tax credit of 30 percent of the installed cost, up to $1,500, and are Energy Star^® certified.

A large number of Rheem heating, cooling, and water heating products are Energy Star^® certified, which gives homeowners the added assurance that Rheem products meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) demanding energy efficiency standards. According to the EPA, Energy Star appliances saved homeowners $19 billion on utility bills in 2008 alone.

In many areas, local governments and utility companies are also offering homeowner rebates or other credits to upgrade the efficiency of their home comfort systems.  Homeowners can visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiencies for a listing of state and local government and utility incentives in their area.

For more information on Rheem products or to find a Contractor in your area, please visit www.rheem.com.