A dependable HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most productive comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. They can help ensure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s a great time to explore your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is generated. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates as less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.

Air Conditioner Rebates

A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a leading brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. In addition, you can usually combine federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this kind of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates virtually permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

Local utility companies also create programs where they swap reduced rates for the capability to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat will automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.

Additional Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects

Somewhat different from rebates, tax credits are also promoted for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are available for a much larger variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are fashioned to provide the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency nationwide.

New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act incorporated separate legislation referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If the household’s income is below 80% of the local median, you are able to use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households that meet 80-150% of the average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.