Tax credits and incentives make it easier to afford home comfort upgrades such as an energy-efficient HVAC replacement or water heater. These upgrades can help lower your utility bills and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

When it’s time to upgrade your home service equipment, take advantage of the tax incentives available to you. At Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air, we provide information on a host of tax incentives and rebates to our customers because we believe you deserve to enjoy substantial savings and enhanced home comfort!

What’s the Difference Between Rebates and Tax Credits?

You might be wondering what rebates and tax credits you can expect when working with Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air for an HVAC or water heater installation. First, let’s clarify the difference between the two. Tax incentives or credits are a reduction in the amount of income tax that you owe and can be claimed through federal and state governments. On the other hand, rebates are typically offered through private organizations and government programs or agencies, which provide an upfront discount at the time of purchase, depending on different factors.


What Federal Rebates are Available?

Interested in the different federal and state rebates available to you? Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air experts can provide you with all the information you need. We want to provide you with the most energy-efficient equipment available.

ENERGY STAR

To start, know that the ENERGY STAR program is a collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish energy efficiency standards for HVAC products. ENERGY STAR-certified products are independently tested, ensuring that HVAC systems meet high efficiency and environmental standards, which can benefit homeowners through energy savings and incentives.

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The DOE sets mandatory energy standards, while the EPA’s standards are voluntary and focus on environmental impact. Products that meet the EPA’s criteria receive the ENERGY STAR certification and are often required to qualify for federal tax credits and rebates.


Inflation Reduction Act

Another big player in HVAC rebates and tax incentives is the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The IRA introduced new programs, including the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. HEEHRA provides rebates up to $8,000 for low-income households upgrading to high-efficiency systems like heat pumps, with funds available through 2033.


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For a broader range of improvements, the HOMES rebate, also part of the IRA, covers enhancements like insulation or electrical upgrades. Local utility programs, like Berkeley Electric Cooperative, may also provide thermostat rebates that could cover the entire cost. Check if your utility company offers a demand response program, as choosing a compatible thermostat could earn you additional benefits. We’ll provide you with more information on utility company rebates below.

Heating and Cooling Rebates That You Could Qualify for

Often, utility companies will provide rebates for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient home services equipment. For instance, Dominion Energy, which serves customers throughout the Lowcountry, like Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Moncks Corner, West Ashley, and the surrounding areas of the Tri-County, offers such rebates.

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Dominion customers can receive rebates and reduced costs by purchasing and installing qualified ENERGY STAR equipment. This includes qualified central air conditioners and heat pumps, replacing electric furnaces with an ENERGY STAR-qualified heat pump, making ductwork improvements in your home, or installing a new ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater. Find out a bit more information about these rebates and rebates from Berkeley Electric Cooperative below.


Dominion Ductwork Rebate

Do you have ductwork in your home? You could be eligible for a ductwork improvement rebate from Dominion Energy when you make improvements to your ductwork that increase energy efficiency within your home. Available incentives include a rebate of $300 for duct sealing and $300 for duct insulation, which include complete ductwork replacement. The benefits of this include sealing and insulating your existing ductwork or replacing your ductwork to reduce energy use and improve the comfort of your home.

To be eligible for this rebate, you need to have a licensed contractor install your ductwork and submit an application and detailed invoice to Dominion within 90 days of installation. Certain eligibility constraints are in place, so be sure to confer with Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air and the rebate application.


Dominion Natural Gas Water Heater Rebate

Dominion Energy also offers rebates of up to $350 when you purchase and install an ENERGY STAR-certified natural gas water heater. These independently certified water heaters help to reduce energy consumption and save you money over time. Available rebates include both tank-style and tankless gas-fired water heaters, and the rebates can vary depending on the Uniform Energy Factor, which measures energy performance. The higher the UEF value, the more efficient the water heater. Certain eligibility requirements apply, such as having a licensed plumbing contractor install the water heater. See other requirements from Dominion Energy on this natural gas water heater rebate.


Dominion HVAC Rebate

Homeowners can also save money through rebates for heating and cooling system replacements from Dominion Energy. With ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment, you could receive rebates from $400 to $500 toward the cost of purchasing and installing this qualified equipment, which includes both central air conditioners and heat pumps.

What benefits can you expect when you replace older, less energy-efficient equipment with ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment? You’ll gain lower energy costs, improved home comfort, reduced energy use, and, of course, cash back from a rebate like this. Certain eligibility requirements are in place, so be sure to speak with a Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air technician and visit Dominion Energy’s application for more information.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative Dual Fuel HVAC Rebate

Berkeley Electric Cooperative (BEC) offers a $1000 rebate for a gas to dual-fuel heat pump installation or $500 for heat pump to dual-fuel heat pump installation per household. According to BEC, each dual-fuel heat pump system must include a new outdoor heat pump unit that matches the new indoor coil and air handler/gas furnace.

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This rebate is available for both existing residential gas unit replacements and newly constructed homes. Certain eligibility requirements and restrictions apply, so be sure to verify the details with the BEC application. Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air technicians and team members will be sure to provide you with direction and assistance.


Santee Cooper Home Rebate Programs

Homeowners around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion who partner with Santee Cooper for utilities can also enjoy incentives and home rebate programs when deciding to invest in new home comfort upgrades. Santee Cooper provides home rebates for new heat pumps, smart thermostats, duct replacement, and heat pump water heaters.

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To qualify for Santee Cooper’s heat pump rebate and duct replacement rebate, you’ll need a Santee Cooper Trade Ally to install your new heat pump or ductwork. Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air is a Santee Cooper Trade Ally, so we can easily help you with these installations and replacements and make sure you get the rebate you qualify for. Heat pump rebates range from $40 per half-ton to $700 per installed system. Duct replacement rebates are available for single-family and multi-family homes, with rebates up to $500.

Santee Cooper also offers rebates for smart thermostat installation and heat pump water heaters. For a rebate on smart thermostat installation, customers will need to choose one from the utility provider’s smart thermostat prequalified list, which our technicians can help you navigate. Rebate amounts range from $30 to $50, depending on the size of the home. And don’t forget about the available heat pump water heater rebate! This energy-efficient choice will garner customers a rebate of $400 when they purchase a qualifying heat pump water heater and have it installed by a South Carolina licensed plumber.

The Locally Owned Home Services Company You Can Trust

At Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air, we want to ensure you get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment. We provide expert heating and air conditioning installation, with highly trained technicians and plumbers on staff. We are a proud member of the South Carolina Association of Licensed Trades (SCALT) and one of a few select contractors for the Berkeley Electric Home Advantage Loan program.

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Our team at Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air can tell you more about these rebate programs and tax incentives and help determine your eligibility. Terms and conditions are subject to change. Contact our highly skilled team today!