To avoid rising energy costs and work toward a more sustainable life, 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 a big chunk of the installation costs, as long as the homeowners choose eligible equipment and submit the appropriate form.
If you’re trying to avoid a long process, we can share something that will help! Patterson & Stirling hopes this guide will give you everything you need to earn these HVAC tax credits in 2024. Here’s how.
How Do These Tax Credits Work?
These valuable tax credits for upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient are just one small part 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 mitigate costs associated with installation and renovation projects. Of particular importance are the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit.
Don’t forget, to earn any of the credits, you’ll have to fill out IRS Form 5695. Additionally, this form is submitted for the same tax year the upgrades were installed, not purchased.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit
Through 2032, the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit provides 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 be eligible for the maximum amount, it means making severel investments. For example, you’ll receive up to $2,000 for installing a higher efficiency heat pump. This can be combined with the remaining $1,200 in credits for other eligible upgrades made within the tax year.
While new heat pump installation projects are a key target for this incentive, high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and other HVAC systems are still eligible for this tax credit. It will help to confirm that your choice’s energy efficiency rating is high enough for eligibility.
Exploring the Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit amounts to roughly 30% savings on a wide range 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 works primarily with 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 carry forward excess credit to offset future tax obligations. This is a great way to make things a little easier when investing in renewables.
Additional Qualifications for Energy Tax Credits
Because HVAC systems are one of the major reasons for high energy bills, 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
- 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 confirm that your preferred make and model features the eligible energy efficiency ratings.
Three Tips for Making the Most of 2024 HVAC Tax Credits
While all the listed upgrades can improve your home’s energy efficiency, some planning ahead will ensure more long-term benefits. Get the most from your HVAC tax credits with these reminders:
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify impactful upgrades. Rely on professional HVAC assessments for crucial advice.
- Install new high efficiency 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.
- Remember to consider financing plans offered by service providers.
Secure Your 2024 HVAC Credits with Help from Patterson & Stirling
Partner with local HVAC professionals like Patterson & Stirling for help with home energy audits and new installation projects. Our experienced installers will deliver everything you need for a more energy-efficient home.
