Hot, Florida summers mean high energy bills from a constantly running AC. When you get your bill, you probably are hoping there’s some way to lower it. Luckily, Gainesville residents have some options to both decrease their energy bills and receive Florida HVAC tax credits. Save some money and read our guide to discover the different rebates, incentives, and programs available to Florida HVAC homeowners in Gainesville!
Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit
In Gainesville, homeowners have the chance to earn a significant tax rebate for installing highly energy-efficient HVAC units under the nonbusiness energy property credit. This rebate will provide a 30% tax credit on the installation costs of an AC unit, furnace, heat pump, and more—up to $1,200. According to the IRS, qualifying improvements may include:
- Insulation and air sealing
- Exterior doors
- Windows, including skylights
- Central AC units
- Natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters
- Natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces or boilers
- Panelboards, sub-panelboards, and branch circuits or feeders
- Energy audits
Check into getting a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. This document certifies that the improvements qualify for a tax rebate. Before this offer ends, make any needed or wanted HVAC improvements, and take advantage of the nonbusiness energy property credit until December 31, 2032!
GRU Rebates and Incentives
Gainesville’s local utility company, GRU, also offers several incentives and rebates for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Some of the ones listed are directly applicable to HVAC, while others are more general for at-home energy efficiency.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program Plus (LEEP Plus)
The Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program Plus, also known as LEEP Plus, is an incentive offered by GRU to provide free energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households. Some stipulations include the program can only be used once, the household must already be a GRU customer for at least a year, the applicant must own the home, and the home must be 10 years old or older.
Some qualified improvements may include:
- HVAC replacement
- Duct system repair
- Insulation installation
- Water heater replacement
- Programmable thermostat installation
- Weather strips and caulking application
- Up to 10 LED lightbulbs
A GRU representative will work with your family to determine which improvements will best suit your needs and lower your electric bill. If you match the qualifications, take advantage of free home upgrades with LEEP Plus!
Natural Gas Central Heat & Other Natural Gas Incentives
Natural gas is more energy efficient than other energy sources like electricity. To encourage homeowners to make the switch, GRU offers rebates for gas furnace installations. The HVAC tax rebate offer is as follows:
- Change up to two existing furnaces to gas for up to $800 in rebates
- Combine with other natural gas rebates (natural gas range and dryer rebate and natural gas water heater rebate) for up to $1,600
- Install a new gas furnace, plus two of a range, dryer, or water heater, for a $150 bonus rebate
- Can also be combined with federal energy-efficiency tax credits
This rebate is for GRU customers looking to get a new gas furnace for the first time—this rebate won’t count for those who already have a gas furnace and are replacing it. You can call GRU to see if you’re within their natural gas service area and if you meet their other requirements. Make sure to ask about the other natural gas rebates we mentioned if you want to take full advantage of GRU’s natural gas rebate program.
Net Metering for Solar PV Systems
As renewable energy becomes more and more popular, GRU wants to incentivize its customers to invest in solar energy. One way they’re encouraging renewable energy is by offering reimbursements for any energy generated by a solar PV system that is not used. This means if the kilowatt hours exported to the city by the solar panels are greater than the kilowatt hours used by the customer, the difference will be used to cover their next energy bill. To see the eligibility and terms, read more about this program on the GRU website.
Enjoy Florida HVAC Tax Credits with an Energy-Efficient AC Unit Installation
Do you want to see a lower energy bill and start benefiting from local and federal HVAC tax credits in 2024? Comfort Temp is here to help get you started! Our team can help walk you through which products are energy efficient and qualify you for rebates. After we determine the best system for you, we offer professional installation services that will have your new unit up and running in no time. See how much you can save, and check out our AC installation services today!
