A dependable HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Everyone deserves the most efficient 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 climbing next year, so now’s an excellent 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
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat optimize how much heating is released. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates as less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for securing a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Plenty 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 top brand such as Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are suitable. Additionally, you can easily combine federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system.
Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a particularly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this degree of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively permit you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also provide programs where they provide reduced rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat can automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.
More Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Somewhat different compared to rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted 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 instead of only once. These credits are eligible for a much larger variety of projects, such as 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 nationwide.
New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act incorporated separate legislation referred to 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 creating it by burning fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to incentives for AC systems and furnaces.
If the household’s income is less 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 meeting 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.