Are you a homeowner looking to save money on your energy bills, improve your home's comfort, and contribute to a greener future? You may be surprised to learn that the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers financial incentives for homeowners to make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes. The IRA's provisions aim to help homeowners like you reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

But what kinds of projects qualify for funding under this new legislation? In this blog, we will delve into the wide range of energy efficiency, home improvement, and weatherization projects covered by the IRA, from air source heat pumps to solar energy systems. By understanding the available opportunities, you can make informed decisions to maximize your home's energy efficiency and take full advantage of the IRA's funding opportunities. So, let's explore how you can benefit from these rebates and transform your home into a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly space!

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Here are some purchases that may qualify:

• Air Source Heat Pumps: These are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor air. They can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
• Battery Storage Technology: This involves the use of advanced batteries to store excess energy generated by renewable sources, like solar panels, for later use when needed, reducing reliance on the grid.
• Biomass Stoves/Boilers: These appliances use organic materials, such as wood pellets or agricultural waste, as fuel to provide heating and hot water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Central Air Conditioners: These systems cool an entire home by circulating refrigerant through a central unit and distributing cooled air via ducts. Energy-efficient models can reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Electric Panel Upgrade: This project involves upgrading an outdated electrical panel to handle increased electricity demands and prevent potential safety hazards.
• Exterior Doors: Energy-efficient exterior doors help minimize heat loss and air leakage, improving a home's overall energy efficiency.
• Fuel Cells (Residential Fuel Cell & Microturbine System): These systems convert hydrogen or natural gas into electricity, generating power onsite, reducing energy costs, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Furnaces (Natural Gas, Oil): High-efficiency furnaces use less fuel to generate heat, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps: These systems use the stable temperature of the ground to provide heating and cooling, increasing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters: These water heaters use heat from the air or ground to heat water, consuming less energy compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters.
• Home Energy Audit: This is an assessment of a home's energy use and efficiency, identifying areas for improvement to reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Hot Water Boilers (Natural Gas, Propane, Oil): High-efficiency hot water boilers use less fuel to heat water, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.
• Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing energy consumption.
• Small Wind Turbines (Residential): These systems generate electricity from wind power for residential use, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering energy costs.
• Solar Energy Systems: These systems use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, reducing grid energy consumption and lowering electricity costs.
• Water Heaters (Natural Gas): High-efficiency natural gas water heaters use less energy to heat water, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.

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How do I find out what I qualify for under the Inflation Reduction Act?

Determining your eligibility for rebates and funding under the IRA is easier than you might think! Thanks to the user-friendly IRA calculator, you can quickly find out which energy efficiency upgrades and projects you qualify for by providing just a few simple details. Here's what you need to input:

1. 1. Zip Code: Your zip code helps identify the specific local incentives and rebates that may be available in your area, in addition to federal funding under the IRA.
2. 2. Homeowner Status: Whether you own your home or are renting, your status will affect the types of projects and incentives you're eligible for.
3. 3. Household Income: Your annual household income will be used to determine if you qualify for certain income-based incentives and rebates.
4. 4. Tax Filing: Your tax filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.) may impact the amount of funding you qualify for under the IRA.
5. 5. Household Size: The number of people living in your home can also influence your eligibility for certain incentives and rebates.

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Once you have gathered this information, simply visit the IRA calculator at https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator, enter the required details, and let the calculator work its magic! Within moments, you'll receive a personalized list of energy efficiency projects and upgrades that you qualify for under the Inflation Reduction Act. This valuable tool can help you make the most of the available funding and support, empowering you to transform your home into an energy-efficient haven while saving money in the process.

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What is the difference between the Tax Credits and Rebates?

Tax Credits and Rebates are both financial incentives designed to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-efficient improvements, but they differ in how they provide financial benefits. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences between the two that you need to know:

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Tax Credits

What is a Tax Credit?

‍A tax credit is a financial incentive that directly reduces the amount of money you owe to the IRS. Unlike deductions, which lower your taxable income, tax credits reduce your actual tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis.Who Qualifies for Tax Credits? Tax credits are available to anyone who has a tax liability to offset, meaning anyone who owes taxes.How does a Tax Credit work? For example, if you owe $5,000 in taxes and have a $2,000 tax credit, the credit will reduce your total tax bill by $2,000, leaving you with $3,000 owed to the IRS.When will these tax credits be available?These tax credits will be available starting January 1, 2023.How do I obtain my Tax Credit? To claim your tax credit, keep the receipt for your qualifying purchase. When filing your 2023 tax return, there will be a designated section for entering qualifying purchases under IRS Sections 25C and 25D.

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Rebates

What is a Rebate?

‍Homeowners will experience point-of-sale Electrification Rebates as immediate, off-the-top discounts when making qualifying electrification purchases. Who Qualifies for Rebates? The rebates are reserved for low- and moderate-income households. How does a Rebate work? That means the rebate will apply at the time of purchase subject to income verification. When will these Rebates be available? They will likely be available second half of 2023.

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Potential Savings: A Detailed Breakdown

Are you curious about the exact savings you can achieve by making energy-efficient upgrades to your home under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)? In this section, we'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the specific tax credit amounts for each qualifying project.

TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS – IRA 25C Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit

‍A tax credit is used to offset tax liability

‍‍This tax credit is effective for products purchased and installed between 1/1/2023 & 12/31/2032

‍Air Source Heat Pumps – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $2,000

Battery Storage Technology – You can claim: 30% for property placed in service after 12/31/21, and before 1/1/33

Biomass Stoves/Boilers – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $2,000

Central Air Conditioners – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

Electric Panel Upgrade – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

Exterior Doors – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $500 ($250 per door)

Fuel Cells (Residential Fuel Cell & Microturbine System) – You can claim: 30% for property placed in service after 12/31/21, and before 1/1/33.

Furnaces (Natural Gas, Oil) – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

Geothermal Heat Pumps – You can claim: 30% for property placed in service after 12/31/21, and before 1/1/33.

Heat Pump Water Heaters – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $2,000

Home Energy Audit – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $150

Hot Water Boilers (Natural Gas, Propane, Oil) – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

Insulation – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $1,200

Small Wind Turbines (Residential) – You can claim: 30% for property placed in service after 12/31/21, and before 1/1/33.

Solar Energy Systems – You can claim: 30% for property placed in service after 12/31/21, and before 1/1/33.

Water Heaters (Natural Gas) – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

Windows and Skylights – You can claim: 30% of Project Cost up to $600

‍Annual Limits on Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credits: In addition to limits on the amount of credit you can claim for any particular equipment installation or home improvement, there are annual aggregate limits. The overall total limit for an efficiency tax credit in one year is $3,200. This breaks down to a total limit of $1,200 for any combination of home envelope improvements (windows/doors/skylights, insulation, electrical) plus furnaces, boilers and central air conditioners.  Any combination of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and biomass stoves/boilers are subject to an annual total limit of $2,000.‍ ‍

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REBATES FOR HOMEOWNERS The High Efficiency-Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Program

‍Funds allocated by Department of Energy and, specifically, your State Energy Office‍

‍Eligible Households: Total income that is less than 150% of the area median income (AMI) as defined by the Department of Urban Housing and Development (HUD). Households making less than 80% of area median income can use the rebates to cover 100% of the cost of equipment and installation for energy efficient appliances and home upgrades. Households making between 80-150% can use the rebates to cover 50% of the equipment and installation costs.‍

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HEEHRA Rebate Amounts for Appliances:

‍Heat Pump Water Heater – Maximum Rebate Amount: $1,750

Heat Pump for Space Heating and Cooling – Maximum Rebate Amount: $8,000

Electric Stove, Cooktop, Range, Oven – Maximum Rebate Amount: $840

Heat Pump Clothes Dryer – Maximum Rebate Amount: $840

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HEEHRA Rebate Amounts for Non-Appliance Upgrades:

‍Upgraded Electrical Panel – Maximum Rebate Amount: $4,000

Insulation, Air Sealing, Ventilation – Maximum Rebate Amount: $1,600

Electric Wiring – Maximum Rebate Amount: $2,500

‍Total combined rebate cannot exceed $14,000 per household.

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‍YOU CAN COMBINE ENERGY EFFICIENCY TAX CREDITS AND HEEHR REBATES*

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Wrapping up: your opportunity to invest in energy efficiency

In conclusion, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) presents a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient home improvements while benefiting from financial incentives in the form of tax credits and rebates. From air source heat pumps to solar energy systems, there's a wide array of eligible projects that can help you save on energy costs, improve your home's comfort, and contribute to a greener future.

To determine your eligibility and find out which projects qualify for funding, use the IRA calculator by providing your zip code, homeowner status, household income, tax filing, and household size. Keep in mind that tax credits are designed to offset your tax liability, while rebates provide direct cash reimbursement or discounts on qualifying purchases.

Take advantage of the IRA's provisions by making well-informed decisions on energy-efficient upgrades and installations for your home. Don't forget to save your receipts and documentation for claiming tax credits and rebates when filing your taxes. With a wealth of information now at your fingertips, you're well-equipped to maximize the benefits offered by the Inflation Reduction Act and make your home a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly space.

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