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. Included in the Inflation Reduction Act, federal tax credits are available for upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems, such as air conditioners. These credits offer significant savings, provided that homeowners work with eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, we’re offering to help! H & H Service Company hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s how to make it happen.
How Do These Tax Credits Work?
These valuable tax credits for upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient 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. The two we’ll cover are the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Don’t forget, in order to earn any of the credits, you’ll need a completed IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted during 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 equals 30% of the total project’s cost. Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for the maximum amount, it involves making different investments. For example, you’ll get 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 heat pumps are a key target for this incentive, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You should confirm that your choice’s energy efficiency rating is sufficient to qualify.
Exploring the 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 only applies to homeowners looking for new clean energy solutions for their home. While the Home Improvement Credit focuses on utilities and HVAC systems, this credit targets renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
Some provisions of the tax credit include the requirement that installation must occur 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 soften the entry into investing in clean energy.
Additional Qualifications for Energy 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:
- Heat pump water heaters
- Modern electrical panel improvements
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Efficient heat pump clothes drying solutions
- High-efficiency water boilers
Just like with installing one or more HVAC systems, you’ll need to verify that your chosen products meet the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While any of these upgrades can boost home energy efficiency, a little planning will ensure the best chance at more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with these three tips:
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
- 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.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from H & H Service Company
Partner with local HVAC professionals like H & H Service Company for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our experienced installers will deliver everything you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.