To avoid rising energy costs and work toward a more sustainable life, 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 energy-efficient home upgrades, especially HVAC systems like air conditioners. These credits offer big savings, as long as the homeowners select qualifying equipment and submit the right paperwork.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, we can share something that will help! Bigfoot Mechanical 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 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. 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 is submitted for 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 each year for making your home more energy-efficient. This can be up to 30% of the total project’s cost. You should be aware that in order to receive the maximum amount, you’ll have to make several investments. For example, you’ll save 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 heat pumps are a great use of the program, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. It will help to 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 offers 30% savings on a variety of residential clean energy equipment upgrades. 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 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 spread out costs and keep them more manageable.
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 incentivize 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:
- 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
- Efficient heat pump clothes drying solutions
- Water boilers
Just like with installing one or more HVAC systems, you’ll need to verify that your preferred make and model features the required energy efficiency ratings.
Three Tips for Making the Most of 2024 HVAC Tax Credits
While any of these upgrades can boost home energy efficiency, a little planning will ensure more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Perform an energy audit to pinpoint valuable enhancements. Trust experienced HVAC companies to pinpoint essential products and services.
- 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 Bigfoot Mechanical
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Bigfoot Mechanical for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our seasoned installers know how to provide all you need for a more energy-efficient home.
