A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. 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 an excellent time to check out your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting 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 offer 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 generated. It’s a great way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates because less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you could be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner
Many 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 top brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are eligible. In addition, you can easily 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 cooling system
2023's Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable improvement 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 provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates essentially enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also create programs where they exchange lower 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 arrive. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Additional Cost-Saving Options: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits
Somewhat different from rebates, tax credits are also promoted 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 new 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 greater variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to share 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 incorporated separate legislation called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by combusting fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If a 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 median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.