A well-designed HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient 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 affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an ideal time to compare your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to refine how much heating is generated. It’s a fantastic way to decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates because 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 enter 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 suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a top brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are entitled. In addition, you can usually join federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system
Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this degree of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also provide programs where they swap lower rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Additional Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Somewhat 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 provided credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year rather than 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 tailored 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 particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by igniting fuel. To motivate more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to incentives for AC systems 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 median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.
