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 available, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an ideal time to explore your options. Various 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 offer rebates for 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 produced. It’s an easy way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates since less energy use results in 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 learn which rebates you might be qualified for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for equipment from a leading brand such as Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. Additionally, you can usually join federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

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 enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this kind of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates virtually enable you to get a free smart thermostat!

Your utility companies also create programs where they swap lower rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.

Other Cost-Saving Options: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects

Somewhat different from rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed each year rather than only once. These credits are eligible for a much greater variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored to provide 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 specially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by combusting fuel. To encourage more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher versus incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If the household’s income is lower 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 that meet 80-150% of the median income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.