A well-designed HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Every homeowner deserves the most productive comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. 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. 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

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat fine-tune how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates since less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to see which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.

Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for equipment from a top brand such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are eligible. Additionally, you can usually combine federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially 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 provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates virtually permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also create programs where they provide lower rates for the capability to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When participating in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

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

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 provided credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to share 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 especially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by combusting fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to 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 pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.