A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient 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 going up next year, so now’s an excellent time to explore your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Receive a Tax Rebate by Installing a High Efficiency Furnace
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates for a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is generated. It’s a fantastic way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates since less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to see which rebates you might be approved for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.
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 equipment from a top brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are entitled. Additionally, you can usually combine federal and local rebates for even higher 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
Available Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this degree of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially allow you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also offer programs where they exchange reduced rates for the ability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat can automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Additional Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that provided 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 instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, like 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 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 targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by combusting fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher compared to incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If your household’s income is less than 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 take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.