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 big savings, provided that homeowners use eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.

If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, maybe we can help! Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling hopes this guide will provide all the information necessary to take full advantage of HVAC tax credits this year. Here’s how.

How Do These Tax Credits Work?

These valuable tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements are just one goal 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 reduce the cost of installing high efficiency upgrades. The two we’ll cover are the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.

However, in order to be eligible for tax credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted during the same tax year any upgrades were installed, not purchased.

Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit

Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement credit empowers homeowners by offsetting up to $3,200 every year for energy-efficient home upgrades. This can be up to 30% of the total project’s cost. Keep in mind that in order to get back the maximum amount, it means making severel investments. For example, you’ll get 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 new heat pump systems are a great use of the program, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You’ll need to 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 efficiency projects. Eligibility is restricted to homeowners looking for new clean energy solutions for their home. While the Home Improvement Credit highlights utilities and HVAC systems, this credit targets renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.

Some key details of this 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 biggest portions of your monthly energy costs, 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
  • Modern electrical panel improvements
  • 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 confirm 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 improve your home’s 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:

  1. Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
  2. Improve your home's thermal efficiency with better windows and doors.
  3. Look into rebates for clean energy projects from utilities. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal contribute to community power grid sustainability.
  4. Don’t forget financing options from local service companies, which can help reduce costs even more.

Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Partner with local HVAC professionals like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for eligible serves like energy assessments or new installation. Our helpful installers will deliver everything you need for home energy efficiency upgrades.