How To Save With Tax Credits For High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

HVAC Home Energy Credits & Rebates for Ohio Homeowners

Homeowner's hand on a thermostat knob, and the face reads Save Now

We have good news if you’re a Cleveland-area resident considering investing in energy-efficient home improvements! As an Ohio homeowner, you can now upgrade your heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems and reap the rewards of significant tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The act, which went into effect January 1, 2023, provides rebates and tax credits that make it easier and more affordable than ever to improve your home’s energy efficiency and contribute to reducing the effects of climate change.

Contact a Verne & Ellsworth Hann HVAC expert at (216) 932-9755 to learn how to reduce your utility costs and save thousands of dollars on purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

ENERGY STAR® Tax Credits 

Ohio homeowners can currently claim tax credits equal to 30% of installation costs for the highest efficiency tier products:

  • Heat pumps: Up to $2,000 for ENERGY STAR® Certified heat pump HVAC systems.
  • Gas furnaces: Up to $600 for installing a new ENERGY STAR® Certified furnace system.
  • Air conditioners: Up to $600 for installing a new ENERGY STAR® Certified AC system.

The IRA also provides tax credits for community solar projects and other clean-energy and electrification improvements at affordable housing units.Taxpayers can claim the credits for the year the qualifying expenditures are made, and homeowners who improve their primary residence will have the greatest opportunity to claim them.

Ohio Homeowner Eligibility & Available HVAC Rebates

Ohio families can now qualify for various rebates that make investing in energy-efficient appliances more affordable, including:

  • 50% to 100% of the cost of installing new electric appliances, including water heaters, heat pumps, stoves, clothes dryers, and ovens.
  • Rebates for making energy-efficient repairs and improvements in single-family and multi-family homes.
  • Discounts up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used models.

What Rebates Are Available to Ohio Residents?

Rebate programs offered by Ohio utilities cover everything from air sealing and insulation to heating systems and smart thermostats. Examples for ENERGY STAR® Certified appliances include:

  • $50 for a clothes washer
  • $100 for an electric clothes dryer
  • $50 for freezers
  • $500 for heat pump water heaters
  • $50 for room air conditioners
  • $50 for air purifiers
  • $25 for dehumidifiers

Enhanced rebates are also available for limited-income residents. For more information about these and other energy-efficiency programs, visit the state’s First Energy website.

Qualifying HVAC Systems & SEER Ratings

Most consumers recognize the familiar yellow Energy Guide stickers and labels that indicate how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar models. To qualify for energy-efficiency rebates, consumers must choose appliances that meet new SEER2 ratings set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The DOE has designated Ohio part of the “North Region,” with new minimum SEER guidelines as follows:

  • Residential AC systems: SEER rating of 13.4 (equivalent to 14.0 SEER).
  • Heat pumps must meet requirements of 14.3 SEER2 (15.0 SEER) and 7.5 HSPF2 (8.8 HSPF).
  • Gas furnace rating standards will be 81% AFUE for all regions.

When shopping for new equipment, keep in mind that the latest SEER2 standards apply to new systems only and don’t affect your current system.

Does Replacing Your HVAC Unit Count Toward Rebate Eligibility?

Yes, replacing or upgrading one or more of your home’s HVAC system components allows you to claim available tax credits. For instance, some homeowners could qualify for a rebate worth up to $8,000 on the cost of a new electric heat pump and $1,750 for a heat pump water heater.

One final note: While a few incentives are available for DIY installations, most require working with a professional installer.

Why Choose Verne & Ellsworth Hann?

Since 1952, Verne & Ellsworth has delivered high-quality HVAC, plumbing, and boiler services that ensure lasting home comfort to Cleveland-area residents.

When you put your trust in us, you enjoy:

  • First-rate services performed by licensed, bonded & insured technicians
  • Fair & straightforward pricing
  • Valuable promotions, including whole-home assessments
  • Financing options that allow you to get the work you need when you need it

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Why Choose Verne & Ellsworth Hann?

5 Generations of Hann Family Experience
  • One of the oldest family-run businesses in Cleveland Heights
  • Angi Super Service Award and Best of the Heights Award
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Committed to professionalism and integrity
  • Licensed and insured technicians