A reliable HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and stress-free home, but it’s also a significant purchase. Each and every homeowner deserves top-notch climate control solutions, no matter their budget. That’s why HVAC rebates and other savings opportunities are so beneficial. By utilizing rebates, tax credits and various plans, you can make new installation more affordable. But before you get started, here are a few helpful tips to ensure you maximize these programs.
For instance, the energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems are increasing, so you should check the minimum ratings to get a better understanding of what’s best for your local climate. In order to be eligible for rebates and tax credits, the HVAC system needs to meet these criteria.
Komfort Air can help simplify the process. By providing information about local HVAC rebates online, it becomes easier for homeowners to save cash and hours on this crucial utility. We’ll also aid you in locating the perfect make and model to ensure you benefit the most from heat pump incentives, AC incentives and more.
As solutions for climate control improve, so do our standards for what makes them energy efficient. There are unique rating systems for heating and cooling units, and any models that are noncompliant can only be sold or installed if they were manufactured before the cutoff date. Use these rating systems to easily identify which models are eligible for rebates and tax credits.
Over the course of seven years, the U.S. Department of Energy updates the minimum efficiency requirements for HVAC systems. This time, there are new minimum efficiency standards that homeowners need to be aware of. In Northern regions, non-compliant AC and heat pump systems manufactured before January 1, 2023, can still be sold and installed. However, in the Southeast and Southwest regions, non-compliant air conditioning systems are off-limits regardless of their manufacture date. Non-compliant heat pumps made before January 1, 2023, can still be sold and installed in these areas.
Knowing these HVAC efficiency ratings is crucial for both manufacturers and homeowners:
Minimum HVAC Efficiency Ratings for 2024
| Type of System | 2023 Minimum Rating (Northern) | 2023 Minimum Rating (South + Southeast) |
| AC (<45,000 BTU/hr) | 14 SEER (13.4 SEER2) | 15 SEER (14.3 SEER2) |
| AC (>45,000 BTU/hr) | 14 SEER (13.4 SEER2) | 14.5 SEER2 (13.8 SEER2) |
| Split-system heat pump | 15 SEER (14.3 SEER2)
8.8 HSPF (7.5 HSPF2) |
15 SEER (14.3 SEER2)
8.8 HSPF (7.5 HSPF2) |
| Single-package heat pump | No change | No change |
A large part of why HVAC technology improved was the need for safer, more efficient refrigerant. In the past, most air conditioners used something called R-22, more commonly known as Freon, for coolant. But this substance is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), which was found to deplete the ozone. The US started to eliminate HCFCs in the mid 1990s and passed the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act to speed up the replacement of HVAC equipment still using Freon and other HCFC refrigerants.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has made it easier for homeowners to save on new HVAC equipment and other energy-efficient upgrades. Here’s how you can take advantage of these opportunities:
You can apply for tax credits for eligible energy-efficient improvements such as HVAC systems and insulation as well as energy-efficient windows and doors. These credits help cut down the total cost of home energy upgrades, making it more affordable to improve your home’s efficiency.
This credit recoups 30% for the installation of eligible home improvements, up to $1,200 annually. This includes upgrades to heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient windows and doors, and insulation. By utilizing this incentive, you can upgrade to better home efficiency and enjoy even more energy savings.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers considerable financial incentives for certain energy upgrades, available through 2032. Homeowners can receive up to $3,200 annually, lowering the cost of energy-efficient home improvements by 30%.
Solar Energy System Installation and Solar HVAC: With the Inflation Reduction Act, you can get a tax credit for 30% of the cost of installing clean energy systems like solar panels and solar-powered HVAC systems. This credit makes solar energy more available and affordable, fostering the use of renewable energy sources.
Heat Pumps: The Act also offers incentives for installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. incentives can cover a large part of the cost, making heat pumps especially attractive for boosting your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can greatly reduce your energy consumption and costs.
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