A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. You deserve the most efficient 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 offering rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat fine-tune how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates as less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.

The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you may be qualified for. Equipment featuring the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.

Air Conditioner Rebates

Many 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 consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are eligible. What’s more, you can easily join federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner

Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats

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

Local utility companies also create programs where they provide reduced rates for the ability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

Somewhat different from 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 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 each year rather than only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger 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 nationwide.

New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act included separate legislation called the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is especially geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of generating it by burning 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 a household’s income is lower than 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 median income can pay for 50% of equipment and installation costs.