To avoid rising energy costs and work toward a more sustainable life, many homeowners are looking for ways to enjoy the same standards of comfort while reducing utility bills. Included in the Inflation Reduction Act, federal tax credits are available for high efficiency HVAC equipment. These credits offer significant savings, as long as the homeowners choose eligible equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, maybe we can help! Smyth Air Conditioning hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s how.
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 primary goal of these credits is to mitigate costs associated with installation and renovation projects. Two of note are the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy 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 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 provides up to $3,200 annually for energy-efficient home upgrades. This equals 30% of the total project’s cost. You should be aware that in order to receive the maximum amount, it involves making different investments. For example, you’ll save up to $2,000 for installing a higher 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, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. 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 amounts to roughly 30% savings on a variety of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility only applies to homeowners seeking to update existing or newly constructed homes. 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 specific items in this tax credit include the requirement that installation must occur between 2022 and 2032. But at the same time, homeowners can keep the excess credit to reduce future taxes. This is a great way to make things a little easier when investing in renewables.
Additional Qualifications for Energy Tax Credits
Because HVAC systems are one of the major reasons for high energy bills, 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
- Electrical panel upgrades
- New 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 check that your chosen products meet the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While all the listed upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, a little planning will ensure the best chance at more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
- Enhance your home's envelope by addressing inefficient windows and doors.
- Look into rebates for clean energy projects from utilities. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal contribute to community power grid sustainability.
- Remember to consider financing plans offered by service providers.
Smyth Air Conditioning Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Smyth Air Conditioning for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our seasoned installers will deliver everything you need for a more energy-efficient home.