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 productive comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help make sure 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 compare your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to optimize how much heating is produced. It’s a great way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share 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 obtaining a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to see which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

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 a system from a top brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are entitled. Additionally, you can often bundle federal and local rebates for even greater 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

2023's Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a particularly 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 extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively enable you to get a free smart thermostat!

Local utility companies also create programs where they provide lower rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

Additional Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects

Slightly 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 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 can be claimed every year as opposed to only once. These credits are eligible for a much wider variety of projects, including 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 called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is especially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If your household’s income is lower than 80% of the local median, you can use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households meeting 80-150% of the typical income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.