A quality HVAC system is essential 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 beneficial. 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 a great time to check out your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces include 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 decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates because less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you might be qualified for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems
A lot of 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 such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. Additionally, you can usually join federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly 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 addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also create programs where they provide reduced rates for the ability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When registered in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other Incentives: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Slightly different than rebates, tax credits are also offered 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 updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year rather than only once. These credits are obtainable for a much wider variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored 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 included separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher versus incentives for AC units 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 average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.