Both furnaces and geothermal heat pumps are eligible for income tax credits form the U.S. government, but the tax credits are different for each. Energy-efficient furnaces are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the material and labor costs for up to $1,500, and geothermal heat pumps (considered renewable energy in this case) are eligible for a credit equal to 30 percent of the installation costs with no upper limit.

Columbia Gas of Ohio Home Performance Solutions offers rebates up to $400 for upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace. The program also provides free programmable thermostats.

Finally, Ohio’s ECO-Link Program offers low-interest loans up to $25,000 to Ohioans who want to use that money for energy efficiency programs on their homes. The loan rates are reduced by 3 percent because they’re offered in partnership with the Ohio Treasury. Some of the upgrades that qualify for this program include geothermal heat pumps, energy efficient appliances, water heaters and much more.