Improve Home Efficiency With Inflation Reduction Act Rebates

Improve Home Efficiency With Inflation Reduction Act Rebates

Photo: Topher Donahue

The new legislation expected to be signed into law provides $9 billion in total home-energy rebates. Perhaps the most notable provision is the $4.28 billion High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program that gives a rebate of up to $8000 for installing high-efficiency heat pumps and a rebate up to $1750 for installing a heat-pump water heater.

Homeowners can also apply for up to $840 to offset the cost of a heat-pump clothes dryer or a high-efficiency induction range. Obviously, many homes will need electrical upgrades to take advantage of the rebates and the Act offers up to a $4000 rebate toward electrical service and panel upgrades. There’s also money (up to $2500) for wiring upgrades for heating and cooling equipment and appliances, and for electrical-vehicle charging. Homeowners can also apply for up to $1600 for air-sealing and insulation improvements.

A bright spot for solar too

The legislation continues the current 30% tax credit for installing residential solar panels and extends the program until December 31, 2034. The tax credit decreases to 26% for PV panels put into service after December 31, 2032. Photovoltaic (PV) battery systems with at least three kilowatt-hours (kwh) of capacity also qualify for the tax credit.

The solar and home energy-efficiency ​​tax credits are in addition to the $7500 for new electric vehicle purchases and $4000 for lower- and middle-income families to purchase a used EV. The program will be run by individual states through September 30, 2031. The Inflation Reduction Act allows a maximum of $14,000 in total rebates. Household income cannot exceed 150% of the area median income.

Start planning updates

Fine Homebuilding regularly produces articles and videos to help builders and homeowners make energy-efficient updates to homes. Check out the articles below to start planning retrofits and upgrades and to utilize the cost reduction from the rebate program.

Heat Pumps & Water Heaters

Electrical Upgrades

Solar & Electric Vehicles

Air-Sealing and Insulation

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