Georgia homeowners interested in upgrading their HVAC systems this year will be happy to learn that there are rebates that can help them save money on their investments. But which systems qualify for these savings, and how much can families expect to save through these rebate programs?

United Air Temp can help you break down the HVAC rebate programs available to Georgia residents so you can make the most informed, cost-effective decision for your home comfort.

What’s the Difference Between Tax Credits & Rebates?

Before we dive into the different programs available for Georgia homeowners, it’s important to establish the difference between a tax credit and a rebate.

Rebates are upfront discounts that provide a specified cash-back amount after your HVAC equipment is purchased. A rebate may alternatively be provided at the point of sale, reducing the cost of your investment at the time your purchase is made.

On the other hand, tax credits are income tax reductions that you’ll receive when filing your annual taxes. As of August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act offers federal tax credits to homeowners looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to their HVAC equipment. These credits are offered at a fixed amount, typically up to 30% of the total cost of the equipment installation.

What Federal Programs Are There for Home Energy Rebates?

Under the IRA, several rebate programs are also available. Each state must apply to receive administrative funding to generate its own program requirements and program funding that will then be distributed to homeowners.

Georgia has received administrative funding and is working on the application to receive total program funding of $218,995,310. Home Energy Rebates should be available for Georgia families no later than September 30, 2024, making it an excellent time to consider upgrading your home’s HVAC equipment.

Here is a breakdown of the rebate programs that Georgia families can take advantage of:

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program was specifically designed to make energy-efficient improvements more accessible to low- to moderate-income households.

Low-income households are those earning less than or equal to 80% of the area median income. Moderate-income households earn 80% to 150% of the area median income.

Georgia’s energy office will develop a particular product list with efficiency rating requirements. Only those systems will qualify for this rebate.

The Home Efficiency Rebates Program

The Home Efficiency Rebates Program is for all households with no income restrictions on eligibility.

The program offers rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified product installations that reduce 20% or more of your household’s total energy use.

HVAC Rebates From Georgia Utility Providers

Along with federal tax incentives and state rebates, there are many local HVAC rebate programs available through Georgia’s utility providers.

Depending on your service provider, you may be eligible to take advantage of rebate programs with any of the following utility providers:

• Marietta Power & Water
• Georgia Power Company
• Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation
• Walton Electric Membership Corporation
• Jackson Electric Membership Corporation
• TVA Energy Right, including Blue Ridge Mountain E M C, City of Chickamauga, North Georgia Elec Member Corp, Tri-State Electric Member Corp
• Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation
• Diverse Power

Are There Any Exclusions for HVAC Rebates?

While many Georgia households will be eligible to receive incentives for their HVAC replacements, some restrictions apply that may limit your ability to take advantage of these programs. Exclusions include:

• High-income households: Households earning more than 150% of the average median income are not eligible for savings through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program.
• New construction properties: HVAC upgrades are only eligible for rebate savings if they’re for existing homes, not newly constructed properties. However, there are tax credits for home builders.
• Multiple federal rebates for the same system: Families can’t qualify for multiple federal rebates for the same HVAC equipment. However, you can combine utility, state, and federal incentives in some cases.
• Annual limits: If you need to make a lot of updates, you may want to consider spacing out your replacements for maximum savings. However, you should never put off a replacement you need, even if it means you won’t be eligible for additional incentives.
• Retroactive incentives for federal rebates: While some utility rebates can be retroactive, federal rebates are reserved for qualifying system installations that were made after the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law.

Schedule Your HVAC Replacement in Georgia

Ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency while taking advantage of available rebate programs? United Air Temp is here to help.

We’re familiar with local, state, and federal incentive programs, so we can guide your family to ensure your heating and air conditioning replacements meet eligibility requirements so you can maximize your savings.

Call (404) 467-2148 today to book your HVAC replacement in Atlanta, Marietta, or surrounding areas!