Rebates in Philadelphia

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 get the most out of these programs.

As an example, the energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems are increasing, so it will help to check the minimum ratings to get a better understanding of what’s an energy-efficient option for the climate. If you want to apply for many of the tax credits, your chosen make and model has to meet these standards.

Stallion Heating and Air Conditioning can help simplify things for you. By sharing details about local HVAC rebates online, it becomes quicker for homeowners to save funds and effort 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 rebates, AC rebates and more.

How New Standards Impact Energy Efficiency Ratings and HCFC Refrigerant

As our HVAC systems evolve, so do our standards for energy-efficient heating and cooling. There are distinct 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 effortlessly identify which models are eligible for rebates and tax credits.

HVAC 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 homeowners should know. In Northern states, non-compliant AC and heat pump systems made 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:

• 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 comparable 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 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 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.

Lower Up-Front Costs 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:

• Home Energy Credits
• Household Energy Tax Credits

Home Energy Credits

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 reduce the overall cost of home energy upgrades, making it more affordable to boost 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 even more energy savings.

US Federal Tax Incentives and Deductions

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers substantial 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 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, fostering the use of renewable energy sources.

High-Efficiency Heat Pumps: The Act also offers incentives for installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. These credits can cover a large part of the cost, making heat pumps an attractive option for boosting your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Heat pumps are extremely efficient and can significantly decrease your energy consumption and costs.