A dependable HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. You deserve the most productive comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. 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 an excellent time to compare your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward buying 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 released. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also offer 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 obtaining a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you could be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.
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 top brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. In addition, you can often join federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner
Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this level of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates essentially enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also create programs where they exchange reduced 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 come through. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat can automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Additional Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
A little different from 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 can be claimed every year rather than only once. These credits are eligible for a much wider variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed 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 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 generating it by igniting fuel. To motivate more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher versus incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If your household’s income is below 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 typical income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.