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 high efficiency HVAC equipment. These credits offer significant savings, as long as the homeowners work with qualifying equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, maybe we can help! Ilten's hopes this guide will provide all the information necessary to take full advantage of HVAC tax credits this year. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
How Do These Tax Credits Work?
These valuable tax credits for boosting your home’s energy efficiency are just one small part of the recent Inflation Reduction Act. Energy costs affect everyone, so helping homeowners upgrade to higher efficiency utilities can benefit everyone. The key provision of these credits is to mitigate costs associated with installation and renovation projects. Of particular importance are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
But keep in mind, in order to apply for the credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted during the same tax year your upgrades were installed, not bought.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit provides up to $3,200 each year for energy-efficient home upgrades. This can be up to 30% of the total project’s cost. Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for the maximum amount, you’ll have to make several 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 key target for this incentive, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You’ll need to confirm the make and model’s energy efficiency rating is sufficient to qualify.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit offers 30% savings on a number of other 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 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.
What Else Is Eligible for These Tax Credits?
Because HVAC systems are one of the major reasons for high energy bills, these tax credits offer more access 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:
- Energy-saving heat pump water heating systems
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Water boilers
Just like with installing one or more HVAC systems, you’ll need to verify that your preferred make and model features 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 they offer the most 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.
- 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.
- Don’t forget financing options from local service companies, which can help reduce costs even more.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from Ilten's
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Ilten's for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our experienced installers can deliver whatever you need for a more energy-efficient home.