We received several rebates which were paid out upon request. I think they included hot water heater, appliances, a couple from the utility and cooperatives. Chad, even hate to mention this since your geothermal sounds so much less than ours. Ours was $42,000, with almost $13,000 in tax credt ... which we can't claim until next year. We also got $1000 on the dual fuel heat pump from the energy cooperative. Our geothermal cost included 5 ton vertical loop system (five- 200 foot shafts), heat pump, back up furnace, programmable thermostats, radiant floor heating (I think 6 zones), humidifier, hot water heater, air filter, all ducting, labor etc, etc. Without looking at the bid, I can't remember all it included. I guess it's hard to compare if you're not comparing apples to apples. I'm estimating out total rebate/tax credits were between $17,000 and $20,000. Our builder and several of the subs were the ones who told us about the rebates we weren't aware of. They even gave us the forms.

The people who are really going to get shafted is anyone who made under the cap for the goodie bag in 2006 and don't qualify in 2008. They'll get the rebate and then owe it back. I'm hoping that they will base it on the 2007 AGI (because I went be to work Jan 2,2008). In other words, the government cuts the check based on the 2006 return but then will adjust on the 2007 return. Then if the taxpayer makes ovr ethe threshold in 2007, they will owe it back in 2008. AcK! If the plan is this confusing how can it be good or even reasonable?

Hello Andre: You may need to change your terminology a bit. In Connecticut, at least, the manufacturer provides an "incentive"; the utility provides a "rebate"; and the feds provide a "tax incentive." I'd guess there are variations between states. When I was shopping, both Trane and Lennox were providing "Spring" incentives that expired. I think, on June 15th. The incentives were different with the type of equipment, but ranged from $500 to $1000 and were listed on the respective web sites of each company. The vendor, also provided an "incentive" in the form of 0 percent financing for 60 months. The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund provides a $300 REBATE for a 15.0 SEER system, and a $500 REBATE for a 17+ SEER system. The SEER (system performance) rating is verified by the ARI. Both the energy fund and the ARI have information on their respective web sites. I would think that there is a PA Energy Fund equivalent. It should be listed on your utility's web site. The TAX INCENTIVE will be realized at the time of income tax filing using a form provided by the IRS.

Azzalea, here's your answer from the IRS website: "Q. If an individual dies, what happens to his or her direct deposit or stimulus check? A. Stimulus payments will be issued in the name of the individual eligible for payment on a filed 2007 income tax return or to the account designated by the individual on that return. Any issues or concerns involving a decedent's filed return or the related stimulus payment should be addressed by the legal representative of the decedent's estate. [New 2/27/08]" Here is a link that might be useful: Q&A for Stimulus Payment