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 significant savings, provided that homeowners choose qualifying equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, we can share something that will help! B & G HVAC 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 energy-efficient home improvements are just one small part 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 reduce the cost of installing high efficiency upgrades. The two we’ll cover are the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
But keep in mind, to earn any of the credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted within the same tax year any 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 each year for installing higher efficiency 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 high efficiency heat pump systems. 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 should 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 number of other residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is restricted 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 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 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 portions of your monthly energy costs, 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
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- 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 any one of those upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, a little planning will ensure more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with these 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.
- 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.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from B & G HVAC
Partner with local HVAC professionals like B & G HVAC for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our seasoned installers know how to provide all you need for a more energy-efficient home.
