The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new resources to assist American households and home energy efficiency contractors in accessing federal tax credits for home upgrades, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. These tools are designed to simplify the process of determining eligibility for thousands of dollars in tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The DOE's resources include a Tax Credit Product Lookup Tool that helps identify if new equipment qualifies for tax credits, information on key elements of home insulation products, and a training module for contractors on leveraging various home energy efficiency incentives. These initiatives aim to make it easier for households and contractors to understand their eligibility for these tax credits, thereby enabling more Americans to reduce their utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these resources will enhance access to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which has already been claimed by over 2.3 million families, resulting in savings exceeding $2 billion—an average tax cut of $880 per household. The credit is available through 2032 and allows households to receive up to $3,200 annually in tax credits for various energy-efficient home improvements.
“Across the board, the Biden-Harris Administration is making it easier for more American households to save energy and save money on home improvement upgrades that will keep money in their pockets for years to come,” stated U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Contractors are the go-to resource for homeowners looking to upgrade insulation, wiring and appliances, which is why we are providing new tools that get contractors the information to ensure their customers can unlock Investing in America savings.”
The newly released Tax Credit Product Lookup Tool assists users in determining if specific heating, air-conditioning, or water-heating equipment qualifies for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit by generating a report that can be saved or printed by homeowners.
Additionally, an explainer on home insulation guides both contractors and homeowners through essential aspects of home insulation and air-sealing products that can help lower utility bills while qualifying for tax credits.
A contractor training module offers introductory details on how residential energy efficiency incentives can be utilized from federal, state, local, and utility-run programs. This free 30-minute video is accessible via the Building Science Education Solution Center and complements DOE’s Energy Skilled recognition program aimed at developing skills necessary for clean energy jobs.
These initiatives build upon existing DOE tools aiding Americans in exploring energy-saving technologies such as heat pump water heaters and cold climate heat pumps.
Homeowners seeking further information on federal tax credits available for energy-efficient technology can visit the ENERGY STAR website. The site provides comprehensive instructions on claiming tax credits alongside strategies for maximizing federal savings.
Energy-efficient tax credits may also be combined with DOE Home Energy Rebate programs along with other state or local incentives enhancing consumer savings during purchase or installation processes. Together with decision-making tools like product lookup options plus contractor training modules—these efforts collectively support Americans striving towards improved residential energy efficiency while ensuring they acquire suitable equipment tailored toward comfort needs—all while securing applicable incentives leading toward reduced monthly expenses.
