To combat increasing energy expenses and embrace sustainability, 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 right paperwork.
If you’re worried about a long, complicated process, maybe we can help! Classic Air hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s how.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
These valuable tax credits for upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient are just one goal 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 help pay for high efficiency HVAC equipment and other projects. Of particular importance are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
Don’t forget, to claim your credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted within the same tax year the upgrades were installed, not bought.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement credit empowers homeowners by offsetting up to $3,200 annually for installing higher efficiency home upgrades. This equals 30% of the total project’s cost. It's important to note in order to receive 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 combined with the remaining $1,200 in credits for other eligible upgrades made within the tax year.
While heat pumps are a great use of the program, 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.
Exploring the Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides 30% savings on a variety of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is restricted 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 provisions of the 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 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 incentivize 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:
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electrical panel upgrades
- New electrical wiring
- Insulation, air sealing and ventilation enhancements
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- High-efficiency 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.
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. Get the most from 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.
- 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.
Classic Air Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Classic Air for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our helpful installers will deliver everything you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.