Cooling Your Home Affordably
Affording air conditioning in the future will likely depend on a mix of individual choices, policy changes and technology improvements. Here are some key ways we might manage cooling costs as the climate changes:
1. Choosing more efficient technologies
- Newer AC models are more energy-efficient. Heat pumps, for example, use much less electricity than traditional air conditioners.
- Smart thermostats help optimize cooling and reduce waste.
- Passive cooling techniques (like better insulation, reflective roofs and window shading) can reduce the need for AC.
2. Accessing governmental and utility assistance
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 extended tax creditsfor the purchase and installation of high-efficiency HVAC through 2032. The IRA allows a credit of 30% of project costs up to a maximum of $600 for homeowners who install new, energy-efficient central air conditioners.
Installing a *qualified heat pump has a tax credit of 30% of the cost of installation, up to a maximum of $2,000.
*Please check with your HVAC provider and tax professional to determine which equipment may qualify
- Through the IRA, Ohio was awarded $249 million by the Department of Energy (DOE) to help eligible Ohioans by offering rebates towards projects aimed at improving energy efficiency through the following programs:
- High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) – $124,150,970
- Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) – $124,628,229
- Duke Energy offers the following rebates:
a. Smart $aver: Rebates for HVAC upgrades, insulation, water heaters and heat pumps
b. Home Energy House Call: A free home energy assessment
c. Power Manager and EnergyWise Home: Bill credits for shifting energy use away from peak periods
d. HVAC replacement: Up to $300 in rebates
e. Attic insulation: Up to $800 in rebates
f. Duct test and repair: Up to $200 in rebates for duct repairs and 50% of the cost of a duct test
g. Energy-efficient windows: Up to $400 in rebates for replacing your windows
3. Going solar
Ohio residents and businesses can receive tax credits and other incentives for installing solar energy systems through the following programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
- A 30% tax credit on the total cost of solar panel installation and battery storage
- Applies to solar projects that begin between 2023 and 2033
- To claim the credit, you print and fill out IRS form 5695 and submit it with your taxes
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
- One SREC is earned for every 1,000 kWh of electricity generated by a system
- SRECs can be sold for cash on an open marketplace
- Utilities and other organizations buy SRECs to meet renewable energy requirements
Other solar incentives include
- Net metering: Homeowners can receive a bill credit for excess energy that goes back into the distribution system
- Local incentives: Some counties offer loans, property tax exemptions or other incentives
- USDA REAP grant: Small, rural businesses and agricultural producers can receive funding for renewable energy systems
4. Supporting public cooling centers and better urban planning
- More cities may invest in centers where people can go during extreme heat events.
- Urban planning changes like more trees, green roofs and shaded walkways can reduce overall temperatures.
5. Taking excellent care of your AC system
If you stay on top of AC maintenance and any HVAC repair that comes up, your system will operate as cost-efficiently as possible.
Asking HVAC companies for help
To spend less on energy this summer, ask your Jansen technician for ideas, review tips offered in Jansen blogs, consider the free home energy assessment listed above, and when it comes time to replace your equipment, ask us about high-efficiency options. With Jansen, you will get expert guidance and proper AC installation.