A dependable HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Every homeowner deserves the most productive comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.
HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an excellent time to explore your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Numerous 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 allow the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is released. It’s an easy way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates because less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also useful for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a top brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can often bundle 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 optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this degree 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!
These utility companies also offer programs where they provide lower rates for the capability to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When registered in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other 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 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 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 provide the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency across the country.
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 burning fuel. To persuade more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If your 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 typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.