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 upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems, such as air conditioners. These credits offer a big chunk of the installation costs, provided that homeowners work with eligible equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, maybe we can help! Titan Heating & Air Conditioning hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s what you should know.
How Do These Tax Credits Work?
These valuable tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements are just one small part of the recent Inflation Reduction Act. With the higher cost of energy making an impact, helping more homeowners upgrade their equipment is always beneficial. The main intention of these credits is to help pay for high efficiency HVAC equipment and other projects. The two we’ll cover are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
But keep in mind, in order to be eligible for tax credits, you’ll need a completed IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted within 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 annually for energy-efficient home upgrades. This amounts to 30% of the total project’s cost. It's important to note in order to receive the maximum amount, it involves making different 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 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 sufficient to qualify.
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 more about renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
Some key details of 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 soften the entry into investing in clean energy.
Additional Qualifications for Energy Tax Credits
Because HVAC systems are one of the biggest portions of your monthly energy costs, 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
- Modern electrical panel improvements
- New electrical wiring
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- High-efficiency electric stoves, cooktops, ranges or ovens
- Efficient heat pump clothes drying solutions
- High-efficiency water boilers
Like the HVAC systems, you’ll need to check that your preferred make and model features the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Three Tips for Making the Most of 2024 HVAC Tax Credits
While any one of those upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, a little planning will ensure more long-term benefits. Maximize your HVAC tax credits with the following three tips:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Trust experienced HVAC companies to pinpoint essential products and services.
- 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.
- Don’t forget financing options from local service companies, which can help reduce costs even more.
Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Titan Heating & Air Conditioning for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our experienced installers will deliver everything you need for a more energy-efficient home.