A well-designed HVAC system is vital 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 worthwhile. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.

HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s a great time to check out your options. Various 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 provide rebates for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to optimize how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates because less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.

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

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 top brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are suitable. In addition, you can often join federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this level 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!

Your utility companies also create programs where they provide reduced rates for the ability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When registered in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

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

Slightly different from 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 revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are available for a much wider variety of projects, such as 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 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 particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by igniting fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If a 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 meeting 80-150% of the typical income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.