A dependable HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help ensure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s a great time to explore your options. A variety of 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
Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat optimize how much heating is released. It’s an easy way to decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates since less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for securing a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.
Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner
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 leading brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can often combine 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 AC system
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 appreciate this level of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates effectively permit you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also offer programs where they provide discounted 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 will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other Incentives: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also promoted 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 as opposed to only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, such as 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 all over the country.
New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act included 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 burning fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher compared to incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If the 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.