A quality HVAC system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions available, which is why HVAC rebates are so important. They can help ensure high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.

HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an excellent time to check out your options. A variety of 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

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

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

Earning a Rebate for a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

Many 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 leading brand like Lennox. Just check with your local utility companies to verify which makes and models are suitable. What’s more, you can often combine federal and local rebates for even higher savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

2023's 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 can benefit from this level of efficiency, and so most offer rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates effectively permit you to get a free smart thermostat!

Local utility companies also provide programs where they provide reduced 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 arrive. When registered in this program, your thermostat will automatically be changed by a few degrees.

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

Slightly 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 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 offer 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 incorporated separate legislation known as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is especially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. To persuade more people to convert to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are substantially higher versus incentives for AC systems and furnaces.

If your 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 meeting 80-150% of the typical income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.