March 6, 2025
Upgrading your HVAC system is one of those things you know you’ll need to do eventually, but the price tag can make you push it off—especially when your current system is still limping along. What you might not know is Missouri offers rebates and incentives to make those upgrades a lot easier on your wallet. These programs are designed to help you install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems while cutting your energy bills in the long run. Figuring out what’s available, which systems qualify, and how to apply can feel like piecing together a puzzle, though.
You don’t want to leave free money on the table, but you also don’t want to spend hours digging through paperwork. At Scott-Lee Heating Company in St. Louis, MO, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners in Missouri get the most out of these rebates and set up systems that save money year after year. Knowing what’s out there means you can upgrade your comfort without breaking the bank.
Understanding How Rebates Work
When you hear the word rebate, it probably sounds like one of those “too good to be true” things. But when it comes to HVAC systems, rebates are real, and they can save you a chunk of money if you know how to use them. A rebate is basically a refund after you’ve made a purchase. You buy a qualifying system, submit some paperwork, and a few weeks later, you get a check in the mail or a credit on your bill.
Utilities and energy programs offer these rebates because they want you to use less power. Older systems work harder and use more energy, which costs you more every month. They also strain the power grid during hot summers when everyone is cranking their AC. By helping you upgrade to a system that uses less energy, they cut down on waste and reduce the risk of outages.
If you’ve ever thought about replacing your old HVAC system but are worried about the price, rebates can help bring that cost down. Some programs offer a few hundred dollars back, while others can give you over a thousand, depending on the system you choose. That’s money you could use for other home projects—or maybe finally take that weekend trip you keep putting off.
Finding the Right Energy-Efficient System
Upgrading your HVAC system isn’t as simple as picking the first system you see at the store. The system needs to be the right size for your house, and it needs to meet energy efficiency standards if you want to qualify for rebates.
Efficiency ratings might sound confusing, but they’re easier to understand than you think. When you look at air conditioners, you’ll see something called a SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a number that tells you how well the unit cools your home compared to how much electricity it uses. The higher the number, the better. Older systems might have a SEER of 10 or 12, while newer, high-efficiency models often start around 16 and can go up to 25.
If you’re replacing a furnace, you’ll want to look at the AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how much fuel turns into heat versus how much is wasted. A 95% AFUE furnace turns 95% of its fuel into heat, with only 5% going to waste. That’s a big upgrade if your current furnace is running at 70% or less.
Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC
If your system is more than 10 or 15 years old, it’s probably costing you more than you realize. Older units lose efficiency over time. They run longer, work harder, and drive up your electric bill. You might not notice because the increase happens little by little. But if you compare what you’re paying now to what you paid five years ago,you’lld probably see a difference.
Another sign is if you’re calling for repairs more often. Maybe it’s a small fix here and there—replacing a capacitor or fixing a refrigerant leak. Those bills add up fast. If you’re spending hundreds on repairs every year, that money could go toward a new system that runs better and costs less to operate. You’ll also notice a difference in comfort. Older systems can struggle to keep up when temperatures hit extremes. Maybe your home never quite feels cool enough in the summer, or certain rooms stay cold all winter. A new system can fix that, giving you more even temperatures throughout your house.
Combining Rebates with Tax Credits for More Savings
Rebates are great, but they’re not the only way to save. You can also take advantage of tax credits when you install an energy-efficient system. Tax credits lower the total amount of income tax you’re responsible for paying, which can make a big difference when April rolls around.
Federal programs often offer credits for high-efficiency HVAC systems, heat pumps, and even smart thermostats. The rules can change from year to year, so it’s good to check what’s available before you start shopping. If you qualify for both a rebate and a tax credit, you can stack those savings. You might get a check from your utility company and reduce your tax bill at the same time.
Let’s say you upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump. You get $800 back through a rebate program and claim a $600 tax credit. That’s $1,400 you’re saving just to make your home more comfortable.
The Long-Term Benefits of an Energy-Efficient System
Saving money upfront is nice, but the long-term savings are what really make upgrading your HVAC system worth it. A high-efficiency system uses less energy to heat and cool your home. That means lower bills every month. Over time, those savings add up.
Picture this: You install a new air conditioner with a SEER rating of 20. Your old unit was a SEER 10. That’s like cutting your cooling costs in half. If you’re used to paying $200 a month in the summer, you could see that drop to $100. Multiply that over the life of your system—say, 15 years—and you’re looking at thousands of dollars saved.
Energy-efficient systems also tend to last longer. Because they don’t have to work as hard, the parts experience less wear and tear. You’re less likely to need expensive repairs, and you can go longer before needing another replacement.
Getting Professional Help to Maximize Your Savings
Navigating rebates, tax credits, and efficiency ratings can feel overwhelming. That’s where working with an experienced HVAC professional can help. They know the ins and outs of the programs available in your area and can make sure you get every dollar you qualify for.
They’ll also help you pick the right system for your home. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to HVAC. If your unit is too large, it can short-cycle—turning on and off too often—which wears it out faster and drives up your bills. If it’s too small, it’ll run constantly and still struggle to keep you comfortable.
A professional can evaluate your home’s size, insulation, and windows to find the system that fits just right. They can also handle the installation, making sure everything is set up properly so you get the efficiency you’re paying for.
Call Us Today
Replacing your HVAC system might feel like a big investment, but when you tap into Missouri’s rebates and energy-saving incentives, it gets a whole lot easier. You could lower your upfront costs and start seeing those energy savings right away—all while keeping your home more comfortable year-round. The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re ready to upgrade now or just want to understand your options, including financing, the team at Scott-Lee Heating Company can walk you through the process and help you save.
Give Scott-Lee Heating Company a call today and see how much you could keep in your pocket.