Cold weather means big business for some companies

What sluggish economy?  That is the question heating and air conditioning businesses are asking.  Thanks to the federal governments Energy Tax Credit Program, combined with the cold winds, one Cedar Rapids business is getting hit with a double whammy.

“We've been seeing a boom for probably the last six to eight months,” said P.J. Kalb of Colony Heating and Air Conditioning, “We're getting a lot of them (customers) now that they realize that program (tax credit) is coming to an end.”

Under the program homeowners who purchase energy start appliances, like furnaces and biomass stoves, can receive a 30 percent tax credit of up to $1,500 (see the full list here).

Kalb said since many people are turning their furnaces on for the first time, the business is getting a lot of calls.  He said now is a great time to upgrade because of the tax credits.  Customers seem to agree.

“It's quieter, it just works a lot more efficient, it's energy efficient, and between the tax credit and the rebates it ends up saving us 37 percent,” homeowner Bill Brennan said of his new furnace.

But if you want to take advantage of the program you will have to act quickly.  It ends on December 31st of this year.