A quality HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. You deserve 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 increasing next year, so now’s a great time to check out your options. Different 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 offer rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to refine how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to decrease 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 recommended for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you might be eligible for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Plenty of 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 leading brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can usually join 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 air conditioner
2023's Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this level of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates effectively enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also offer programs where they provide reduced rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.
More Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits
A little different than 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 offered credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised 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 greater variety of projects, including 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 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 combusting fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If the household’s income is below 80% of the local median, you can use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households making 80-150% of the average income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.