HVAC Rebates 2026 — Energy Saver NC Is Live Now

Professional HVAC Rebates 2026 — Energy Saver NC Is Live Now in Asheville & Western NC

HVAC Incentives: The 2026 Landscape

The biggest HVAC incentive for WNC homeowners in 2026 is Energy Saver NC — North Carolina's rollout of the federal Home Energy Rebates, administered by the NC Department of Environmental Quality / State Energy Office. As of February 2026 it is live statewide in all 100 counties and accepting applications now. Because these are direct rebates, not tax credits, they help even homeowners with little or no tax liability.

What Happened to the Federal 25C Tax Credit

The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (the old "30% up to $2,000 heat pump / $600 furnace or AC" credit) was repealed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and expired for any equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. It does not apply to 2026 installs — only systems completed on or before 12/31/2025 qualify, claimed on a 2025 return. For a new system in 2026, look to Energy Saver NC and utility rebates instead.

Energy Saver NC: HEAR and HOMES

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program provides up to $8,000 toward a qualifying ENERGY STAR electric heat pump. The HOMES whole-home efficiency program provides up to $16,000 for income-eligible households on projects that cut whole-home energy use — combining HVAC with insulation, air sealing, and more. Both are income-qualified: households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) can have the full project cost covered up to the cap, and households between 80–150% AMI can have 50% of project cost covered. Apply through the NC State Energy Office at energysavernc.org.

Qualifying Equipment and Utility Rebates

Energy Saver NC rebates apply to qualifying ENERGY STAR electric heat pumps and related electrification measures. On top of that, many WNC utilities (e.g. Duke Energy) offer rebates on qualifying high-efficiency systems and smart thermostats. Quality Comfort helps you select qualifying equipment and walks you through the Energy Saver NC application so you claim every incentive you qualify for on your new HVAC installation.