A quality HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. You deserve the most productive comfort solutions possible, 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 ideal time to explore 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.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to optimize how much heating is produced. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates because less energy use translates to 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 learn which rebates you may be eligible for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.

Air Conditioner Rebates

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 leading brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are entitled. In addition, 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 quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance 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 virtually enable you to get a free smart thermostat!

Your utility companies also create programs where they exchange discounted rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When participating in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

Somewhat different than 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 offered credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year as opposed to 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 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 included separate legislation known 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 combusting fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus incentives for AC units 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 that meet 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.