A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. You deserve the most effective comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help ensure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an excellent time to explore your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone secure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models

Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces offer rebates for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat fine-tune how much heating is released. It’s a great way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates since less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also useful for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you might be approved for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Air Conditioner Rebates

A lot of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a leading brand like Lennox. Just talk to your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can often join federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

2023's 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 optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this degree of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates virtually allow you to get a free smart thermostat!

Local utility companies also offer programs where they provide discounted rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts show up. When participating in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.

Additional Ways to Save: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

Somewhat different than rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. 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 each year as opposed to only once. These credits are obtainable for a much wider variety of projects, like 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 all over 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 geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by combusting fuel. To encourage more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher than incentives for AC systems 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 median income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.