A Guide to HVAC Rebates in 2023

November 27, 2022

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

HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an ideal time to explore your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are extending 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 extend rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat refine how much heating is generated. It’s an easy way to reduce energy use overall. Local utilities also provide furnace rebates since less energy use means less strain on the local energy grid.

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

Air Conditioner Rebates

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 such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can usually bundle federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to find out what's all available, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system.

Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an especially valuable addition to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can fine-tune the daily schedule. Utility companies can benefit from this kind of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. After some time, these rebates effectively permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

These utility companies also create programs where they swap reduced rates for the capacity to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps reduce strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.

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

A little different compared to rebates, tax credits are also promoted for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. 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 every year as opposed to 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 fashioned to offer 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 known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is specially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher versus incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If the household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you are able to use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households meeting 80-150% of the average income can take care of 50% of equipment and installation costs.