To combat increasing energy expenses and embrace sustainability, many homeowners are trying new methods to maintain comfort levels while using less energy. With help from the Inflation Reduction Act, federal tax credits are available for energy-efficient home upgrades, especially HVAC systems like air conditioners. These credits offer big savings, as long as the homeowners choose eligible equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re worried about a long, complicated process, we’re offering to help! JTech Mechanical hopes this guide will provide all the information necessary to take full advantage of HVAC tax credits this year. Here’s how to make it happen.
Understanding the HVAC Tax Credits
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 main intention of these credits is to mitigate costs associated with installation and renovation projects. The two we’ll cover are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
But remember, in order to be eligible for tax credits, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form has to be submitted within the same tax year any upgrades were installed, not purchased.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit provides up to $3,200 each year for installing higher efficiency home upgrades. This equals 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 get 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 new heat pump installation projects are a popular option for the tax credit, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. 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 variety of residential clean energy efficiency projects. Eligibility only applies to homeowners looking for new clean energy solutions for their home. 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 specific items in this 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 spread out costs and keep them more manageable.
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:
- Energy-saving heat pump water heating systems
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Insulation, air sealing and ventilation enhancements
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Efficient heat pump clothes drying solutions
- High-efficiency water boilers
Like the 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 one of those upgrades can improve your home’s energy efficiency, some planning ahead will ensure more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. 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.
- Don’t forget financing options from local service companies, which can help reduce costs even more.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from JTech Mechanical
Partner with local HVAC professionals like JTech Mechanical for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our experienced installers can deliver whatever you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.