A dependable HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. You deserve the most productive comfort solutions available, 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 increasing next year, so now’s a great time to check out your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models

Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is generated. It’s an easy way to decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also share 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 satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a leading brand such as Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are eligible. What’s more, you can often combine federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

Available Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable upgrade 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 provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates essentially enable you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also create programs where they exchange lower rates for the capability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts show up. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be changed by a few degrees.

Additional Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

Somewhat different compared to rebates, tax credits are also promoted for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. 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 every year as opposed to only once. These credits are available for a much larger variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are fashioned 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 incorporated separate legislation called 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 encourage more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher compared to incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If your household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you could 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.