A quality HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Every homeowner deserves the most effective comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help make sure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s a great 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.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Numerous manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward buying 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 produced. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates because less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can enter your ZIP Code to see which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it fulfills your region’s standards for energy-efficient performance.

Air Conditioner Rebates

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 efficient cooling from a top brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. Additionally, you can easily combine federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency cooling system

Obtainable Rebates for Smart Thermostats

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

Your utility companies also provide programs where they provide discounted rates for the ability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When registered in this program, your thermostat can automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

A little different from 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 updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are available for a much greater 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 nationwide.

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 particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by igniting fuel. To motivate more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If the household’s income is lower than 80% of the local median, you could use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households making 80-150% of the average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.