A dependable 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 climbing next year, so now’s an excellent time to check out your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting 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 extend rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to optimize how much heating is released. It’s a great 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 helpful for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be eligible for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many 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 leading brand such as Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can often join federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system

Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively allow you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also provide programs where they swap reduced rates for the capacity to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.

Other Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

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 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 obtainable for a much greater variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to share 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 included separate legislation referred to as 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 combusting fuel. To persuade more people to convert 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 could use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households that meet 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.