Upgrade your home this holiday season with sustainable solutions. From heat pumps to solar panels, these energy-efficient upgrades save money, reduce energy use, and qualify for federal tax credits.
Serena Golden | December 5, 2024 | Clean Energy Generation, Energy Efficiency
Like many consumers, we at SACE have grown weary of crowded shopping malls and online shopping for fast fashion. This year, it’s time to make shopping more meaningful and sustainable. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, you don’t have to miss out on the great deals we associate with the holiday shopping season. Federal tax credits mean clean energy solutions are more affordable than ever, making this the perfect time to give your home the gift of energy efficiency. Here are eight impactful upgrades for a safer, more efficient home.
We’ve referenced federal tax credits as incentives for many of the upgrades below, but additional incentives are sometimes available. Always check to see if your local utility, state, or city offers extra incentives alongside the federal tax credits. While the information about tax credits presented below is generally applicable, it shouldn’t be taken as tax advice since everyone’s tax situation differs. Also, it is worth noting that for several of the upgrades listed below, additional rebates will be coming in 2025 through state-administered home energy rebate programs. Each state is on a different timeline for rolling out its rebate program.
Air Source Heat Pump for Home Heating and Cooling
An air source heat pump is an efficient solution for year-round temperature control of your home, qualifying for a 30% tax credit (up to $2,000 annually). Despite their names, these systems can both heat and cool your home, effectively replacing a conventional furnace and air conditioner with a single appliance. Heat pumps are up to 65% more energy efficient than traditional electric heating systems because they transfer heat rather than generate it, meaning big savings when replacing an electric furnace. Heat pumps are often more comfortable than traditional heating and cooling equipment because they excel at keeping homes at a constant temperature with a trickle of conditioned air, rather than the cycling on and off at full blast that many systems do.
Whether you’re replacing an outdated system or installing one for the first time, heat pumps are an excellent way to save energy and enhance home comfort. You can also explore the option of ground source, or geothermal, heat pumps, which can qualify for a 30% tax credit with no cap. Claim tax credits by filing IRS Form 5695. Starting in 2025, Southeast states will be rolling out energy efficiency and electric appliance rebate programs, some of which will be offering rebates up to $8,000 for air source heat pumps — stay tuned for updates from SACE on when rebate programs will launch in the Southeast.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Hot water accounts for a significant portion of household energy use (the biggest use apart from space heating and cooling), making a heat pump water heater an essential tool for energy savings. Similar to heat pumps for climate control, water heater heat pumps pull heat directly out of the air rather than creating their own heat, which allows them to be 3-4 times more efficient than traditional electric or gas water heaters. Heat pump water heaters can qualify for a 30% tax credit (up to $2,000 annually). Since these heaters operate much more efficiently than conventional options, they can save you hundreds annually on utility bills. File IRS form 5695 for tax credits, and when state home energy rebate programs roll out in 2025, heat pump water heaters will qualify for up to $1,750 in rebates for additional savings.
Solar Panels
Solar power has never been more affordable. Solar panel installations qualify for a 30% tax credit, allowing you to generate clean energy, reduce utility bills, and often increase your home’s value. Pairing solar panels with battery storage (which also qualify for the 30% tax credit) ensures access to energy even during outages. To claim this credit, file IRS form 5695. Some states offer additional incentives, such as the South Carolina state tax credit of 25%, adding up to a 55% tax credit.
Battery Storage
Battery storage systems provide a reliable backup power source and optimize energy use during peak times. They pair seamlessly with solar panels to store daytime energy for nighttime use. Eligible for a 30% tax credit, these systems are especially beneficial in areas without one-to-one metering. Submit IRS Form 5695 to claim this incentive.
Electric Vehicle Home Chargers
An electric vehicle (EV) home charger makes recharging your EV more convenient and cost-effective. These systems qualify for a 30% tax credit, up to $1,000. Charging your EV at home not only saves time but also eliminates reliance on public charging stations. File IRS Form 8911 to access this credit.
Duct Sealing
Your home could lose 20-30% of its heat and cool air due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Ensuring your ducts are properly sealed can be eligible for a 30% tax credit, up to $1,200, saving you money and energy. To claim the credit, file IRS Form 5695.
Insulation and Air Sealing Materials
Like duct sealing, poor insulation can allow heat and cool air to escape your home. With a 30% tax credit up to $1,200, you could limit the amount of air leaking in and out of your home, cutting down on heating and cooling costs, saving energy, and creating a more comfortable environment for your family and friends. Submit IRS Form 5695 to claim the credit.
Home Energy Assessment
A home energy assessment is the best way to identify areas where your home can save energy and reduce costs. These assessments qualify for a 30% tax credit, helping you prioritize upgrades for maximum impact. To claim the credit, file IRS Form 5695.
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be about overconsumption. Instead, consider sustainable shopping by investing in a safer, more efficient home where the savings never end.
Join the Clean Energy Generation
Looking for more ways to get involved in clean energy initiatives? You’re invited to join the Clean Energy Generation, a movement of like-minded individuals from all backgrounds sharing resources and encouragement in the fight for a healthier future in the fight against climate change.