A well-designed HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most effective comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. 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 an excellent time to explore your options. Various 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 for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is generated. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates since less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to see which rebates you may be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
Air Conditioner Rebates
A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also useful for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for equipment from a leading brand such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are suitable. Additionally, you can often join federal and local rebates for even greater 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
Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this degree of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also create programs where they swap lower 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 registered in this program, your thermostat can automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
A little different from rebates, tax credits are also promoted for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that offered credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are eligible for a much wider variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored 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 referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by burning fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher than 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 meeting 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.
