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 upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems, such as air conditioners. These credits offer significant savings, provided that homeowners choose eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re concerned the application process might be tedious, we can share something that will help! County Line Mechanical LLC 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 portion of the recent Inflation Reduction Act. Energy costs affect everyone, so helping homeowners upgrade to higher efficiency utilities can benefit everyone. The key provision of these credits is to help pay for high efficiency HVAC equipment and other projects. Two of note are the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Don’t forget, in order to apply for the credits, you’ll have to complete IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form needs to be submitted for the same tax year your upgrades were installed, not purchased.
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 can be up to 30% of the total project’s cost. It's important to note in order to get back the maximum amount, you’ll have to make several investments. For example, you’ll get up to $2,000 for high efficiency heat pump systems. 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 great use of the program, other HVAC upgrades like efficient furnaces and air conditioners also qualify. You should confirm that your choice’s energy efficiency rating is sufficient to qualify.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit offers 30% savings on a number of other residential clean energy equipment upgrades. Eligibility is only extended to homeowners seeking to update existing or newly constructed homes. While the Home Improvement Credit focuses on utilities and HVAC systems, this credit is instead designed around renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
Some specific items in this tax credit include requiring the installation project to be finished 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 spread out costs and keep them more manageable.
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:
- Energy-saving heat pump water heating systems
- Modern electrical panel improvements
- New electrical wiring
- Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Energy-efficient cooking appliances like stoves, cooktops, and ovens
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- 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.
Maximizing Your 2024 HVAC Tax Credits: Top 3 Tips
While all the listed upgrades can enhance your home's energy performance, a little planning will ensure the best chance at more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. Trust experienced HVAC companies to pinpoint essential products and services.
- Install new high efficiency 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.
- Remember to consider financing plans offered by service providers.
County Line Mechanical LLC Can Help You Secure HVAC Credits for 2024
Partner with local HVAC professionals like County Line Mechanical LLC 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.