A quality HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.

HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an excellent time to check out your options. A variety of companies, organizations and even government entities are promoting rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Many 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 optimize how much heating is released. It’s a fantastic way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates because less energy use results in 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 find out which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.

Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems

A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for efficient cooling from a leading brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can easily combine federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable improvement to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this level of efficiency, and so most provide rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates virtually permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also provide programs where they exchange discounted rates for the capacity to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When registered in this program, your thermostat will automatically be changed by a few degrees.

More Cost-Saving Options: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that supplied 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, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to share 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 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 generating it by combusting fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher than incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If your 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 typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.