A dependable HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a significant investment. You deserve the most effective 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 going up next year, so now’s an excellent time to explore your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward the cost of 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 an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates because less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.

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

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many 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 such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are eligible. Additionally, you can often join federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this level 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!

Local utility companies also provide programs where they swap 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 show up. When registered in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

A little different than rebates, tax credits are also promoted for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that offered credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year rather than only once. These credits are eligible for a much larger 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 across the country.

New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act incorporated separate legislation called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If your household’s income is below 80% of the local median, you are able to use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households that meet 80-150% of the average income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.