A well-designed HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.

HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s a great time to check out your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models

Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to optimize how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also offer furnace rebates because less energy use results in less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for securing 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 satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient operation.

Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

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

2023's Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this degree of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates virtually enable you to get a free smart thermostat!

Local utility companies also create programs where they swap lower rates for the capacity to control your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat may automatically be changed by a few degrees.

Other Incentives: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits

A little different compared to rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted a program in 2021 that provided 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 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 tailored 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 known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly targeted toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher compared to incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If a 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 making 80-150% of the typical income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.