A quality HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. You deserve the most productive comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an ideal time to check out your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates for a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates because less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you may be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.
Air Conditioner Rebates
A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for equipment from a leading brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are eligible. Additionally, you can easily combine federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system.
Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this kind of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates virtually allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also create programs where they exchange reduced rates for the ability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Slightly different than rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted a program in 2021 that provided credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are obtainable for a much greater variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored to share the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency all over the country.
New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act included separate legislation referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher than incentives for AC systems and furnaces.
If your household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you can use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households meeting 80-150% of the average income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.