How South Carolina Residents Can Benefit From the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2022 in order to fight inflation while accelerating the United States' shift to clean energy.

Beginning in late 2023, Americans will soon be eligible for tax credits and rebates that will make it more affordable to install energy-efficient household systems like heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces, and other clean burning electrical appliances. This is good news for South Carolina homeowners looking to save money on energy efficient HVAC upgrades and long-term energy bills.

To further explain, let’s take a look at:

In 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, intending to make the United States a global leader in clean energy. As a result, the legislation includes many tax incentives for consumers to reduce their energy consumption with energy-efficient home improvements. This is especially true for households earning less than $300,000 a year.

Let’s take a closer look at what rebates are available, including how much you can save, and eligibility requirements.

The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act, commonly known as HEEHRA, offers a 10-year rebate to help low-income and moderate-income homeowners electrify their homes. It primarily applies to electric heat pump installations. So, if you currently heat your home with natural gas or oil, and you install an electric heat pump system instead, you can save on a portion, if not all, of your installation costs.

The maximum rebate amount is $14,000. This amount covers electrification projects like heat pump installations, heat pump water heater installations, heat pump clothes dryer installations, and other energy-efficient home upgrades. The maximum rebate for heat pump installations is $8,000.

To qualify, you must make below 150% of the area’s median income. You also must currently have a natural gas, oil, or other non-electric HVAC system in place. If you already have an electric heat pump, for example, you won’t be eligible for a rebate to replace it with another one.

There are various income brackets that provide different rebates and savings. Rewiring America has an online calculator you can use to check out exactly how much money you can save.

You can also give Comfort Systems a call at (803) 324-7572 and we’d be happy to help walk you through your HEERHA rebate options and potential savings.

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is the HOMES rebate, standing for “Homeowner Managing Energy Savings.” Similar to HEERHA, this rebate primarily applies to heat pump installations.

The standard HOMES rebate is $2,000, and there is no income requirement. Rather, contractors need to prove that your heat pump installation will reap a minimum of 20% energy savings.

South Carolina homeowners may also be eligible for larger rebates if their home improvement project cuts their energy consumption by 35% or more. In this case, your household may be eligible to receive rebates up to $8,000.

Note: You can combine HEEHRA and HOMES rebates if you’re eligible for both, but you can’t apply them to the same project.

South Carolina homeowners may also qualify for the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which covers qualifying air conditioners, furnaces, exterior windows and doors, insulation, smart thermostats, and other improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. The EEHITC used to be called the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit, but the Inflation Reduction Act changed its name and increased the amount of money available to taxpayers.

Previously, you could only get a $500 lifetime credit for covered improvements. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the credit is now worth $1,200 per year. You may even qualify for a second credit of $2,000 per year for a biomass boiler, biomass stove, heat pump water heater, natural gas heat pump, or electric heat pump. When you file your tax return, you can claim 30% of what you paid for qualifying home improvements or the maximum credit of $1,200, whichever amount is lower.

The South Carolina government offers tax incentives, low-interest loans, and grants to help residents increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Contact the South Carolina Energy Office for more information about these savings opportunities.

You can also inquire with local utility companies like York Electric and Duke Energy as they often have HVAC rebates tailored to energy-efficiency.