A well-designed HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an excellent time to check out your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is produced. 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 helpful for securing a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be qualified for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.

Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems

Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also useful for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a top brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are eligible. Additionally, 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 cooling system

Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this degree of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

Your utility companies also create programs where they exchange lower rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When registered in this program, your thermostat will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

Additional Cost-Saving Options: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects

Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated 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 may be claimed each year instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to offer 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 incorporated 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 generating it by igniting fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher than incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If the household’s income is less than 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 median income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.