To combat increasing energy expenses and embrace sustainability, many homeowners are trying new methods to maintain comfort levels while using less energy. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, federal tax credits are available for high efficiency HVAC equipment. These credits offer a big chunk of the installation costs, provided that homeowners use qualifying equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, maybe we can help! Air-Right Energy Design hopes this guide will provide all the information necessary to take full advantage of HVAC tax credits this year. Here’s how.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
These valuable tax credits for upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient are just one portion of the recent Inflation Reduction Act. With the higher cost of energy making an impact, helping more homeowners upgrade their equipment is always beneficial. The key provision of these credits is to help pay for high efficiency HVAC equipment and other projects. The two we’ll cover are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
But keep in mind, in order to earn any of the credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted during the same tax year the upgrades were installed, not bought.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit provides up to $3,200 annually for energy-efficient home upgrades. This amounts to 30% of the total project’s cost. It's important to note in order to be eligible for the maximum amount, it means making severel investments. For example, you’ll get up to $2,000 for high efficiency heat pump systems. This can be paired with an additional $1,200 in credits for more projects in the tax year.
While new heat pump systems are a great use of the program, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. It will help to confirm that your choice’s energy efficiency rating is high enough for eligibility.
Exploring the Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit offers 30% savings on a number of other residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is restricted to homeowners looking for new clean energy solutions for their home. While the Home Improvement Credit works primarily with utilities and HVAC systems, this credit targets renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
Some key details of this tax credit include requiring the installation project to be finished between 2022 and 2032. But at the same time, homeowners can keep the excess credit to reduce future taxes. This is a great way to spread out costs and keep them more manageable.
Additional Qualifications for Energy Tax Credits
Because HVAC systems are one of the biggest expenses on your energy bill, these tax credits can guide you to the most energy-efficient options. But home energy efficiency can be improved in lots of other ways. Apart from the previously listed HVAC upgrades, {you could also choose|other eligible items include|you also have access to:
- Energy-saving heat pump water heating systems
- Modern electrical panel improvements
- New electrical wiring
- Insulation, air sealing and ventilation enhancements
- High-efficiency electric stoves, cooktops, ranges or ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Water boilers
Just like with installing one or more HVAC systems, you’ll need to check that your chosen products meet the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Three Tips for Making the Most of 2024 HVAC Tax Credits
While any of these upgrades can improve your home’s energy efficiency, some planning ahead will ensure the best chance at more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with the following three tips:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
- Improve your home's thermal efficiency with better windows and doors.
- Look into rebates for clean energy projects from utilities. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal contribute to community power grid sustainability.
- Don’t forget financing options from local service companies, which can help reduce costs even more.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from Air-Right Energy Design
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Air-Right Energy Design for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our experienced installers can deliver whatever you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.
