Rebates in Kingwood

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, let’s review some things to ensure you maximize credits and rebates.

To start, 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 the climate. In order to be eligible for these tax credits, your chosen make and model has to meet these requirements.

Finch Air Conditioning and Heating can simplify the process. By providing information about local HVAC rebates online, it becomes easier for homeowners to save funds and time 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.

How New Standards Impact Energy Efficiency Ratings and HCFC Refrigerant

As home comfort products improve, so do our standards for energy-efficient heating and cooling. There are unique rating systems for heating and cooling units, and noncompliant models 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.

HVAC Efficiency Standards

Over the course of seven years, the U.S. Department of Energy updates the minimum efficiency standards for HVAC systems. This time, there are new minimum efficiency standards that homeowners should keep in mind. In Northern states, non-compliant AC and heat pump systems finished before January 1, 2023, can still be sold and installed. However, 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.

Understanding HVAC efficiency ratings is essential for both manufacturers and homeowners:

• SEER and SEER2: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio systems are for air conditioners, with the SEER2 ratings only applying to newer AC systems. The minimum for both SEER and SEER2 ratings fluctuate by region across the United States, with hotter southern climates requiring greater efficiency ratings.
• EER: A similar system to SEER, EER ratings focus only on the electric capacity of an AC or heat pump, comparing the BTUs against energy output in watts.
• HSPF and HSPF2: HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and measures energy use by heat pumps, with HSPF2 being the newest standard for more recent designs.
• AFUE: The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency system illustrates furnace efficiency by the amount of heat produced per dollar of fuel. Today’s minimum standards require an 81% AFUE rating or higher.

Minimum HVAC Efficiency Ratings for 2024

New US EPA Refrigerant Regulations

A large part of why HVAC technology evolved 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 remove 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.

Lower Initial Expenses with Federal Tax Credits

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:

• Household Energy Credits
• Home Energy Tax Credits

Home Energy Credits

You can claim tax credits for different energy-efficient improvements like HVAC systems and insulation as well as energy-efficient windows and doors. These credits help lower the overall cost of home energy upgrades, making it more affordable to boost your home’s efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit

This credit will cover 30% for the installation of eligible home improvements, up to $1,200 each year. This extends 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 sustained energy savings.

National Tax Credits and Deductions

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers significant 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 Installations and Solar-Powered 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, spreading the use of renewable energy sources.

High-Efficiency Heat Pumps: The Act also covers incentives for purchasing and installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. incentives 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 a particularly energy-efficient option and can significantly lower your energy consumption and costs.