A well-designed HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. You deserve the most efficient comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. 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 compare your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models

Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which allow the thermostat to fine-tune how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates as less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you might be qualified for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a top brand such as Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can easily combine federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

2023's 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 highly value this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

Your utility companies also provide programs where they exchange discounted rates for the capability to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts show up. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

A little different from rebates, tax credits are also available 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 new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed every year rather than only once. These credits are obtainable for a much wider variety of projects, like home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are tailored to offer the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency nationwide.

New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act included 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 igniting fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher versus incentives for AC systems 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 making 80-150% of the median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.