A quality HVAC system is essential 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 climbing next year, so now’s an excellent time to compare your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is released. It’s a great way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also offer 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 acquiring a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you may be eligible for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems
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 a system from a top brand such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can usually bundle federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system
Available Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this kind of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates virtually permit you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also offer programs where they swap lower rates for the ability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.
Additional Incentives: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
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 reactivated a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are eligible 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 aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by combusting fuel. To persuade more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher versus incentives for AC systems and furnaces.
If your household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you are able to use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households making 80-150% of the average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.