A well-designed HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s a great time to explore your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are extending 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 incorporate energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat optimize how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates since less energy use means 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 find out which rebates you could be qualified for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems
Many 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 top brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are suitable. In addition, you can easily join 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 AC system
Available Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates virtually enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also create programs where they provide discounted rates for the capacity to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat will automatically be changed by a few degrees.
Other Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits
Somewhat different compared to 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 supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much wider variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored to offer 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 included separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by igniting fuel. To motivate more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus incentives for AC systems 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 meeting 80-150% of the median income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.