A dependable HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most productive comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. 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 ideal time to explore your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Receive a Tax Rebate by Installing a High Efficiency Furnace

Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates for 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 generated. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates because less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be approved for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems

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 learn 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 a particularly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this kind of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates essentially allow you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also create programs where they swap lower rates for the ability to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat may automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.

Additional Incentives: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects

A little different from rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted 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 can be claimed each year as opposed to 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 fashioned to offer 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 incorporated separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially 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 substantially higher compared to incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If the household’s income is below 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 cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.