Rebates in Nashville

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, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you maximize these programs.

To start, HVAC efficiency standards are getting higher, so you’ll want to check the minimum ratings to get a better understanding of what’s best for the climate. To qualify for these tax credits, the HVAC system needs to meet these criteria.

Mid-State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can simplify things for you. By sharing details about local HVAC rebates online, it becomes quicker for homeowners to save money and hours on this crucial utility. We’ll also help you find 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 distinct 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 quickly identify which models are eligible for rebates and tax credits.

HVAC Energy Efficiency Standards

Every 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 states, 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 prohibited no matter 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 crucial for both manufacturers and homeowners:

• SEER and SEER2: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio systems are for air conditioners, with the SEER2 ratings used for newer AC systems. The minimum for both SEER and SEER2 ratings differ 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 the latest designs.
• AFUE: The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency system measures 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 harm 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 First 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. Let’s explore how you can utilize these opportunities:

• Household Energy Credits
• Home Energy Tax Credits

Home Energy Credits

You can obtain tax credits for various energy-efficient improvements such as HVAC systems and insulation as well as energy-efficient windows and doors. These credits help reduce the full cost of home energy upgrades, making it more affordable to enhance your home’s efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit

This credit recoups 30% of the cost 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 using this incentive, you can receive better home efficiency and enjoy long-term energy savings.

Federal Tax Credits and Deductions

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 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 accessible and affordable, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.

Heat Pumps: The Act also includes incentives for installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. incentives can cover a major portion of the cost, making heat pumps an attractive option for boosting your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can significantly lower your energy consumption and costs.