Philadelphia-area homeowners looking to replace an aging air conditioner or upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump have a limited window to take advantage of the 2026 EAP Fall HVAC Rebate Program. The Electrical Association of Philadelphia (EAP) is offering instant rebates ranging from $200 to $1,650 for qualifying complete system installations, but the program has firm deadlines that require prompt action.
The rebate amounts vary by system type and efficiency rating. For heat pumps, Tier 1 offers $500 for systems with 15.2+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2; Tier 2 provides $1,000 for 16.0+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2; and Tier 3 gives $1,400 for 18.0+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2. An additional $250 is available for qualifying dual-fuel or hybrid heat pump installations that combine an electric heat pump with a furnace.
For central air conditioning, rebates are $500 for Tier 1 (15.2+ SEER2 and 12.0 EER2), $900 for Tier 2 (16.5+ SEER2 and 12.0 EER2), and $1,200 for Tier 3 (18.0+ SEER2 and 12.0 EER2). Ductless mini-split heat pumps qualify for $250 for a single-zone system or $200 per zone for a multi-zone system, provided they meet minimum efficiency standards of 17.0 SEER2, 12.0 EER2, and 8.5 HSPF2.
Eligibility requires that the installation includes a complete system—such as the outdoor unit, indoor coil, and furnace for central AC—and that the equipment is purchased and installed through an EAP-participating contractor. Retail purchases and add-on coils alone do not qualify. The rebate is applied as an instant discount on the contractor's invoice, not mailed to the homeowner.
The program deadlines are critical: the customer contract must be signed between August 3 and November 13, 2026; the system must be installed by November 27, 2026; and EAP must receive the completed claim by December 4, 2026. Waiting until the first cold night to start shopping could leave too little time to select qualifying equipment, schedule installation, and complete the paperwork.
Homeowners may also be able to combine the EAP rebate with a separate PECO heating and cooling rebate, as long as the equipment meets both programs' requirements. However, the EAP rebate cannot be combined with manufacturer rebates or discounts, so it's important to compare offers and confirm eligibility before ordering equipment.
Notably, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) is no longer available for residential HVAC equipment placed in service in 2026. The IRS states the credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Homeowners who completed qualifying installations in 2025 may still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return, but for 2026 installations, the EAP and PECO rebates are the primary incentives.
The end of summer is an ideal time to plan an HVAC replacement, as it allows time to compare systems and verify efficiency ratings without the pressure of a breakdown. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system can address common issues like constant AC running, rising electric bills, frequent repairs, and uneven temperatures. HVAC Philly, a participating contractor, offers in-home evaluations and can guide homeowners through the rebate process. The company serves Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.
For those considering an upgrade, acting before the November deadlines is essential. Contact HVAC Philly at 215.725.6111 or book an appointment online to review qualifying systems and determine which rebates may apply.
