A quality HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions possible, 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 explore 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

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is produced. It’s a great way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates as less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also useful 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 learn which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can often 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 Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially 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 provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also offer programs where they swap lower rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When registered in this program, your thermostat can automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

Other Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

Somewhat different compared to rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted 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 as opposed to only once. These credits are eligible for a much larger variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are fashioned to share 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 called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher compared to incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If your 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 typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.