A well-designed HVAC system is vital 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 worthwhile. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are going up next year, so now’s an excellent time to compare your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to optimize how much heating is produced. It’s an easy way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates as less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a top brand such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can easily bundle federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system.
Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this kind of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates effectively enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also create programs where they provide reduced rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts show up. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed 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 available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much greater variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to provide 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 called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by burning fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus 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.