A quality HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Everyone deserves the most efficient comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. They can help ensure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.
HVAC efficiency standards are going up next year, so now’s an excellent time to check out 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.
Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models
Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to optimize how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates because less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.
Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems
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 consult your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are suitable. 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 air conditioner
2023's Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this degree of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates virtually permit you to get a free smart thermostat!
Local utility companies also provide programs where they provide reduced rates for the capability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When participating in this program, your thermostat will automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.
Additional Cost-Saving Options: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Somewhat different compared to 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 provided credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are available for a much larger variety of projects, like 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 all over the country.
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 particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. To encourage more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If a household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you could use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households meeting 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.