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 possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.

HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an ideal time to explore your options. Various 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

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat refine how much heating is released. It’s a great way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates as less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.

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

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a top brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. Additionally, you can easily join federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

Potential Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this degree of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates essentially allow you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also create programs where they exchange lower rates for the capacity to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When enrolled in this program, your thermostat may automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

Other Incentives: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

Somewhat different compared to rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted 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 may be claimed each year as opposed to only once. These credits are available for a much greater variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed 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 contained separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher versus 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 that meet 80-150% of the average income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.