A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions available, 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 a great time to check out your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

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

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

Air Conditioner Rebates

Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to 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 find out which makes and models are entitled. Additionally, you can often 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 cooling system

Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this level of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates essentially permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also provide programs where they provide reduced rates for the capacity to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts show up. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat can automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.

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

Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year rather than only once. These credits are obtainable for a much greater variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored to provide the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency across the country.

New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates

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

If a household’s income is lower 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 median income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.