New Green Incentives Set to Spur Home Electrification

The Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, is a $370 billion clean energy investment brimming with green incentives for anyone considering home energy efficiency upgrades like new electric appliance purchases or energy-saving retrofits.

Consumers are eligible for up to $14,000 in direct rebates and a host of tax credits for items like electric heat pumps, rooftop solar and home batteries as well as panel upgrades, electrical wiring and weatherization.

While many incentives make financial sense for homeowners, property managers and businesses, renters who buy portable appliances like window-unit heat pumps, heat pump dryers and induction cooktops can benefit too.

"The IRA is like a free bank account that provides every American household with thousands of dollars they can use to electrify their lives," said Noah Goldmann, a policy associate at Rewiring America, an electrification nonprofit that advocated for the law.

"If your A/C or furnace dies, a $2,000 tax credit [or up to an $8,000 rebate, if you qualify] can be the difference between locking yourself into 20 more years with another gas-powered appliance - and the high fuel prices and indoor air pollution that go with it - or purchasing a clean, efficient electric heat pump," he said.

The Inflation Reduction Act's two consumer rebate programs, HEEHRA (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act) and HOMES (Homeowner Managing Energy Savings) are implemented through state and tribal governments and offer the steepest discounts for income-qualified households.

They won't roll out until the end of the year at the earliest. California's IRA Residential Energy Rebates are projected to launch in 2024.

But beware - rebate funding could run out before the programs end on Sept. 30, 2031. Experts say when planning projects, build in time to work with a contractor and start with a home energy audit.

Federal tax credits kicked in Jan 1, so homeowners can apply them to investments made this year.

Rewiring America has an online IRA Savings Calculator that helps determine which incentives you qualify for based on income and location.

Tricky? A little. But the potential rewards - for your wallet, your home's energy footprint and the planet - are significant.

Southern California Edison and California's other investor-owned utilities also offer a wide range of home electrification cost-saving opportunities.