To avoid rising energy costs and work toward a more sustainable life, 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 big savings, provided that homeowners use eligible equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re worried about a long, complicated process, we’re offering to help! Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s how.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
These valuable tax credits for boosting your home’s energy efficiency 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 reduce the cost of installing high efficiency upgrades. The two we’ll cover are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
Don’t forget, to be eligible for tax credits, you’ll need a completed IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted during the same tax year any upgrades were installed, not bought.
Maximizing Savings with the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement credit empowers homeowners by offsetting up to $3,200 every year for making your home more energy-efficient. 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 involves making different investments. For example, you’ll save 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 popular option for the tax credit, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You should confirm that your choice’s energy efficiency rating is high enough for eligibility.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit amounts to roughly 30% savings on a variety of residential clean energy efficiency projects. Eligibility is only extended 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 specific items in this tax credit include requiring the installation project to be finished between 2022 and 2032. But at the same time, homeowners can use any excess credit to reduce taxes in future years. 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 portions of your monthly energy costs, these tax credits offer more access 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:
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Upgraded 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 preferred make and model features the required energy efficiency ratings.
Three Tips for Making the Most of 2024 HVAC Tax Credits
While all the listed upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, some planning ahead will ensure the best chance at more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Trust experienced HVAC companies to pinpoint essential products and services.
- Install new high efficiency windows and doors.
- Explore potential rebates from utility companies for clean energy upgrades. 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.
Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our experienced installers know how to provide all you need for a more energy-efficient home.