To combat increasing energy expenses and embrace sustainability, 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 use eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re worried about a long, complicated process, we’re offering to help! J.L. Brady Company LLC 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.
How Do These Tax Credits Work?
These valuable tax credits for boosting your home’s energy efficiency are just one intended use 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 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.
But remember, to earn any of the credits, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted during the same tax year any upgrades were installed, not bought.
Maximizing Savings with the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit provides 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 get back the maximum amount, you’ll have to make several 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 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 provides 30% savings on a wide range of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is only extended 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 provisions of the tax credit include the requirement that installation must occur between 2022 and 2032. But at the same time, homeowners can use any excess credit to reduce taxes in future years. 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 biggest expenses on your energy bill, 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:
- Energy-saving heat pump water heating systems
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Upgraded electrical wiring
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Water boilers
Like the HVAC systems, you’ll need to verify that your preferred make and model features the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While any of these upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, some planning ahead will ensure they offer the most long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with the following three tips:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
- Enhance your home's envelope by addressing inefficient 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 J.L. Brady Company LLC
Partner with local HVAC professionals like J.L. Brady Company LLC for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our helpful installers will deliver everything you need for a more energy-efficient home.
