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 energy-efficient home upgrades, especially HVAC systems like air conditioners. These credits offer significant savings, provided that homeowners use eligible equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, we can share something that will help! Heartland Heating & Cooling hopes this guide will give you what you need to secure 2024’s HVAC tax credits. Here’s how to make it happen.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
These valuable tax credits for upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient are just one goal 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. Two of note are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
But remember, to claim your credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted within the same tax year the upgrades were installed, not purchased.
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 can be up to 30% of the total project’s cost. It's important to note in order to get back the maximum amount, it involves making different investments. For example, you’ll save up to $2,000 for a new, high-efficiency heat pump. This can be paired with an additional $1,200 in credits for more projects in the tax year.
While heat pumps are a popular option for the tax credit, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. It will help to confirm the make and model’s energy efficiency rating is sufficient to qualify.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit amounts to roughly 30% savings on a wide range of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is only extended to homeowners seeking to update existing or newly constructed homes. While the Home Improvement Credit works primarily with utilities and HVAC systems, this credit is more about renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
Some provisions of the tax credit include requiring the installation project to be finished between 2022 and 2032. But at the same time, homeowners can carry forward excess credit to offset future tax obligations. This is a great way to make things a little easier when investing in renewables.
What Else Is Eligible for These 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 many 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
- Modern electrical panel improvements
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Insulation, air sealing and ventilation enhancements
- High-efficiency electric stoves, cooktops, ranges or ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Water boilers
Like the HVAC systems, you’ll need to check that your preferred make and model features the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While all the listed upgrades can boost home energy efficiency, some planning ahead will ensure more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with the following three tips:
- 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.
- Remember to consider financing plans offered by service providers.
Heartland Heating & Cooling Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Heartland Heating & Cooling for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our helpful installers can deliver whatever you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.