Rebates can save money on a new furnace, boiler or air conditioner.
Governmental rebates provide financial incentives on a variety of energy efficient upgrades. By taking advantage of renewable energy and green technologies through clean energy rebates, you can significantly reduce your installation costs and your monthly expenses.
The DSIRE database makes it easy to find available renewable energy rebates in your area. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in collaboration with the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, it’s the most comprehensive information resource for incentives and policies supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency in the country.
The DSIRE database provides an interactive map showing renewable energy rebates by state. Click on your state to see all available federal and state funded incentive programs to lower your installation costs.
Federal tax credits for renewable energy projects like a new furnace or more efficient ductwork are available through Dec. 31, 2023.
The cost savings of energy efficiency
Most likely, heating is your single biggest energy expense, especially in the winter. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts the cost of home heating will increase 54 percent this year due to an expected cold winter and an increase in fuel costs.
Replacing your old furnace, boiler or boiler circulator pump with more efficient heating equipment can save your family hundreds of dollars. We estimate older furnace and boiler systems to be about 50 to 70 percent efficient. But higher efficiency energy systems have efficiency ratings of 97 percent or higher — costing almost half as much to run. By upgrading your equipment, you can reasonably expect to slash your heating costs.
Retrofitting your furnace or boiler
If your boiler or furnace is only a few years old, you might choose to retrofit the equipment to increase the efficiency. Upgrades can be made to your boiler or furnace to improve its safety and efficiency. The costs of these upgrades can be significantly reduced through local and federal governmental tax incentives.
Retrofitting upgrades include the installation of smart thermostats, upgrading ductwork and implementing zone control for hot water systems. Water boilers can be installed with a time delay relay, which circulates water through your boiler system for a set period without activating the boiler, saving energy.
Replacing your furnace or boiler
But if your furnace is old, worn out, inefficient, or oversized, outright replacement may be your most efficient option for energy savings. Ask yourself:
- Does your natural gas furnace have a pilot light, rather than an electronic ignition?
- Do you have an old coal burner that was switched over to oil or gas?
- Do you have a large furnace relative to the size of your home?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are likely a good candidate for a new boiler or furnace.
Upgrade with renewable energy incentives
Financial assistance for energy efficient purchases and improvements are available through tax credits or rebates, or through energy-efficient financing. You may qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program. You can apply for energy-efficient financing through a government-insured or conventional loan program. Loan availability varies by state. Contact your state energy office for information.
Want to lower your energy bills? Call HVAC 911!
Need help with a retrofit project? Call HVAC 911! We can connect you with local HVAC contractors who have the experience and skill to complete retrofit projects.
HVAC 911 is a referral service for trusted, local heating and air conditioning contractors and technicians. We can connect you to highly-skilled, highly-trained service techs who have been fully vetted. All our contractors are fully insured, bonded and licensed. Contact HVAC 911 for a more efficient furnace and save today!
