Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C)
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
About This Program
Note: Congress ended this federal tax credit for installations after December 31, 2025. Projects placed in service by that date can still be claimed on your 2025 federal return (IRS Form 5695).
Homeowners can claim a 30% annual federal tax credit up to $3,200 per year for qualified energy-efficiency improvements including insulation, exterior windows and doors, heat pumps, biomass stoves, electric panel upgrades, and home energy audits. Annual caps: $1,200 general limit, $600 windows, $500 doors, $2,000 heat pumps/biomass. No lifetime cap, the credit resets each tax year. Available through December 31, 2025 under current law.
Example: $10,000 heat pump = $2,000 credit. $2,000 insulation + $6,000 windows = $600 + $600 = $1,200 credit.
The cited program-specific URL responded on 2026-07-21; confirm current terms.
Record set last reviewed 2026-04-03. How we verify our data.
This is a national program. You can also review these local programs in Houston, TX; confirm separately whether they can coordinate:
Key Details
- 30% credit, up to $1,200/year general; up to $2,000 for heat pumps or biomass stoves
- Covers insulation, windows ($600 cap), doors ($500 cap), HVAC, heat pumps, panel upgrades, energy audits
- No lifetime cap, credit resets annually
- Must be primary residence; claim on IRS Form 5695
- Valid through December 31, 2025 under current law
How to Apply
Some programs require contractor estimates, licenses, or inspections. A cited link may be general, so confirm the current rules with the administrator before hiring; a directory match does not guarantee contractor eligibility or funding.
You may need a contractor or estimate
Some programs for this project type ask for a license, inspection, or written estimate. Confirm the rule before contacting a contractor in Houston.
Get matched with a contractorEach administrator sets its contractor rules. Confirm exact requirements directly; the cited URL may be a general agency page.
Your application paperwork
Documents you will likely need
- Your federal tax return for the year of the work (this benefit is claimed on your taxes, not through a separate application).
- Proof you own and live in the home (deed, recent mortgage statement, or property tax bill).
- A government-issued photo ID for every owner on title.
- A written estimate from a licensed contractor for the work (many programs require this to apply).
- A recent utility bill for the home (energy and weatherization programs use it to confirm service and usage).
- The program's own application form, completed (use the official link or phone number on this page).
Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules and application route with the administrator. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.
Deadline: Ended December 31, 2025 (federal law change)
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Find More Programs in Houston, TX
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