A quality HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Every homeowner deserves the most effective comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. 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 procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces

Many manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces extend rebates for a new system. These furnaces feature energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat optimize how much heating is produced. 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 recommended for acquiring a furnace rebate. You can type in your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets 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 a system from a leading brand such as Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can usually bundle federal and local rebates for even greater savings. Don’t hesitate to learn what's out there, because it can easily add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system

Available Rebates for Smart Thermostats

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

Your utility companies also create programs where they swap lower rates for the capability to access your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, especially when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat can automatically be adjusted by a few degrees.

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

Slightly different than rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act restarted a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The revised credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed each year instead of only once. These credits are available for a much larger variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to provide 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 especially aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by combusting fuel. To motivate more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher versus incentives for AC units and furnaces.

If the 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 that meet 80-150% of the average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.