To combat increasing energy expenses and embrace sustainability, many homeowners are looking for ways to enjoy the same standards of comfort while reducing utility bills. With help from the Inflation Reduction Act, federal tax credits are available for upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems, such as air conditioners. These credits offer big savings, provided that homeowners use eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, maybe we can help! Central Heating & Plumbing hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
These valuable tax credits for boosting your home’s energy efficiency 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 primary goal of these credits is to mitigate costs associated with installation and renovation projects. Two of note are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
Don’t forget, in order to apply for the credits, you’ll have to complete IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted within 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. You should be aware that in order to be eligible for the maximum amount, it involves making different investments. For example, you’ll receive up to $2,000 for a new, high-efficiency heat pump. This can be combined with the remaining $1,200 in credits for other eligible upgrades made within the tax year.
While new heat pump systems are a key target for this incentive, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You should confirm the make and model’s energy efficiency rating is high enough for eligibility.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides 30% savings on a variety of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is only extended to homeowners looking for new clean energy solutions for their home. While the Home Improvement Credit highlights utilities and HVAC systems, this credit is instead designed around 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 use any excess credit to reduce taxes in future years. This is a great way to soften the entry into investing in clean energy.
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
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Insulation, air sealing and ventilation enhancements
- High-efficiency electric stoves, cooktops, ranges or ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- High-efficiency water boilers
Like the HVAC systems, you’ll need to confirm that your chosen products meet the required energy efficiency ratings.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While any of these upgrades can improve your home’s energy efficiency, a little planning will ensure more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with these three tips:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Trust experienced HVAC companies to pinpoint essential products and services.
- Improve your home's thermal efficiency with better 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.
Central Heating & Plumbing Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Central Heating & Plumbing for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our helpful installers know how to provide all you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.