NATION — Looking to ditch clunky, energy-guzzling equipment? 2025 offers a rebate windfall that makes upgrading hard to ignore. Under the expanded Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit, you can deduct 30 percent of qualified costs—up to $3,200 per calendar year—on measures such as triple-pane windows, insulated doors, attic insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency ventilation fans. Swap your fossil-fuel furnace for an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient heat pump and a separate $2,000 credit kicks in; many states and utilities layer on rebates that slice the net bill by thousands more. The credit renews every year through 2032, so staging projects lets you claim the maximum annually without draining your savings once. Start with a professional home-energy audit (also credit-eligible) to uncover the biggest leaks, then tackle payback fixes before major heavy lifts. Contractors are already booking late-summer slots, so gather at least three quotes now, demand product certification numbers proving IRS compliance, and stash every receipt—next April’s refund could cover your vacation while lower utility bills keep paying dividends.
—Jeremy Webb
