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 get the most out of these programs.
As an example, HVAC systems’ energy efficiency is getting higher, so you’ll want to check the minimum ratings to get a better idea of what’s energy efficient for your local climate. To qualify for rebates and tax credits, your HVAC system needs to meet these criteria.
Neal Harris Service Experts can help simplify the process. By providing information about local HVAC rebates online, it becomes easier for homeowners to save funds and hours on this crucial utility. We’ll also aid you in locating the ideal make and model to ensure you benefit the most from heat pump discounts, AC discounts and more.
As solutions for climate control advance, so do our standards for energy-efficient heating and cooling. There are different rating systems for heating and cooling units, and anything failing to reach these standards can only be sold or installed if they were manufactured before the cutoff date. Use these rating systems to effortlessly 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 regulations 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 built before January 1, 2023, can still be sold and installed. At the same time, in the Southeast and Southwest regions, non-compliant air conditioning systems are not allowed regardless of their manufacture date. Non-compliant heat pumps manufactured before January 1, 2023, can still be sold and installed in these areas.
Knowing these HVAC efficiency ratings is essential 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 advanced 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 damage 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 benefit from these opportunities:
You can obtain tax credits for different energy-efficient improvements including HVAC systems and insulation as well as energy-efficient windows and doors. These credits help lower the full cost of home energy upgrades, making it more affordable to improve your home’s efficiency.
This credit will cover 30% for the installation of eligible home improvements, up to $1,200 every year. This includes upgrades to heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient windows and doors, and insulation. By taking advantage of 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, reducing the cost of energy-efficient home improvements by 30%.
Solar Energy Systems 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, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.
Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps: The Act also includes incentives for purchasing and installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. These credits can cover a major portion of the cost, making heat pumps especially attractive for boosting your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can significantly lower your energy consumption and costs.
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