HVAC Equipment Depreciation:
Repair or Replace?
Although proper preventative maintenance of your building’s HVAC system will result in efficient performance and help extend its service life, there will inevitably come a time when you need to consider the economic and accounting benefits of replacing aging, depreciating equipment with a new heating
and air-conditioning system.
The CARES Act and HVAC
The CARES Act contains several tax savings benefits for businesses, including specific terms for HVAC and HVAC depreciation life – with the goal of enhancing Indoor Air Quality (IAC).
For example, under Section 168 of the tax code, the cost of all equipment and components of the “heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system” may be fully deducted for tax purposes in the first year. The CARES Act reduces the depreciation schedule to 15 years and creates a bonus depreciation that allows the taxpayer to take a full deduction of certain costs in a single year. The 100% bonus depreciation applies to qualified property acquired and placed in service before January 1, 2023*.
Assessing Your HVAC System
Your team at Campbell Mechanical can help provide an assessment of your existing HVAC system and make recommendations based on HVAC depreciation life for upgrades, replacements, and installations while also considering the latest equipment and technology available. And your tax advisor should be consulted to help you take advantage of qualifying CARES Act tax benefits.
Because the 2020 CARES Act includes provisions that provide tax benefits through accelerated depreciation for commercial property improvements, now may be the ideal time to upgrade or replace your facility’s older HVAC system.
Ohio School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) for HVAC Improvements
The Ohio BWC has expanded the School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) to help cover the costs of improvements to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Grant funding of $15,000 is available to any qualifying entity under the SSSG program to cover the cost of inspections, assessments, maintenance and improvements to HVAC systems as well as the purchase of other secondary devices to control the spread of airborne contaminants. Learn more about the CARES Act and HVAC opportunities here.
ASHRAE – ASHRAE chart of HVAC Equipment Life Expectancy
IRS – More information on depreciation can be found on the IRS website
ASHRAE – Current data and information can be found on the ASHRAE Service Life and Maintenance Cost Database
Our preventative maintenance program combined with these tax strategies creates an opportunity to invest in your business with the savings generated.
Contact Us Here for a System Analysis to help you find that freedom that comes with increased cash flow!
*Consult with your CPA firm to make sure the application is best for your specific business case.