A well-designed 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 going up next year, so now’s an excellent time to compare your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models
Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat refine how much heating is produced. It’s a great way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates because less energy use means 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 learn which rebates you could be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a leading brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are entitled. In addition, you can easily join federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system
Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also create programs where they provide reduced rates for the ability to access 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 will automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.
More Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Slightly different compared to rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated 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 may be claimed every year rather than only once. These credits are available for a much greater variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to offer 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 contained separate legislation known 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 combusting fuel. To motivate more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher compared to incentives for AC systems 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 meeting 80-150% of the median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.