
A dependable HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an ideal time to compare your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is produced. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates since less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for acquiring 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.
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 such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are eligible. In addition, you can usually bundle federal and local rebates for even higher 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
Potential Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this degree of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also create programs where they provide discounted rates for the ability to adjust 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 may automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.
Additional Incentives: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
A little different compared to 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 supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, including 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 incorporated separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is especially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by combusting fuel. To encourage more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher than incentives for AC systems 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 median income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.