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 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 ideal time to check out your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are extending 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 the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to reduce 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 submit your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner
Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a leading brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are eligible. Additionally, you can usually combine federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, 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 a particularly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this kind of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates virtually enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also provide programs where they provide discounted rates for the capacity to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When registered in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.
Additional Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits
A little different than rebates, tax credits are also promoted 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 new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are available for a much greater 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 contained separate legislation referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is especially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If the 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 median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.