Heating and cooling rebates
HVAC replacement (heat pump)
If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is old, it’s probably inefficient. Replacing it can trim your energy bills and increase the comfort of your home.
- SMUD offers up to $2,000 in rebates on energy-efficient heat pump heating and cooling systems installed by a qualifying contractor.
- If you're going to do multiple improvements, such as a heat pump water heater, a heat pump HVAC system or insulation, our Home Performance Program may be for you.
How to apply for a rebate
- Choose a participating contractor from the SMUD Contractor Network.
- Install a qualifying multi-stage electric heat pump HVAC system.
- Your contractor will provide the rebate application for your signature and submit the rebate for you.
- Receive your rebate. Note: Your contractor may offer the rebate amount upfront and collect the rebate from SMUD after the project is completed.
Rebates are subject to availability of funding and must be submitted by a qualified participating contractor through the SMUD Contractor Network.
SMUD heat pump HVAC rebates can be stacked with various statewide and federal incentive programs including TECH Clean CA and HEEHRA while funding is available. Ask your contractor about eligibility criteria and availability of these incentives.
For more information about external incentive program offers available to SMUD customers, visit the Switch Is On incentive lookup.
Technical requirements
Multi-stage electric heat pump HVAC gas-to-electric conversion
| Measure | SMUD rebate |
|---|---|
|
Variable-stage heat pump system |
$2,000 |
| Two-stage heat pump (15.2 SEER2 minimum) HVAC system - gas to electric |
$1,000 |
| Go Electric Bonus/Panel upgrade* | $2,000 |
Multi-stage electric heat pump HVAC upgrade
| Measure | SMUD rebate |
|---|---|
| Multi-stage heat pump HVAC upgrade (two-stage or variable-stage) - electric to electric |
$500 |
Average pricing for heat pump HVAC installations
To help you make a more informed decision on your project, the chart below shows how much customers are paying on average for HVAC installations.
|
Installation |
Average (median) installation cost |
Minimum installation cost |
Maximum installation cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Heat pump HVAC gas-to-electric |
$19,747 | $4,500 | $66,078 |
| Split | $20,246 | $5,500 | $66,078 |
| Package | $19,000 | $7,000 | $47,305 |
| Mini-split | $17,934 | $4,500 | $47,209 |
| Ducted | $17,950 | $4,500 | $47,209 |
| Ductless | $17,164 | $7,848 | $28,670 |
| Heat pump HVAC electric upgrade | $17,839 | $8,168 | $42,774 |
| Split | $17,598 | $8,168 | $42,744 |
| Package | $18,870 | $9,158 | $35,781 |
| Mini-split | $18,155 | $9,860 | $27,789 |
| Ducted | $18,155 | $9,860 | $27,789 |
Pricing listed is before any SMUD, statewide or federal rebates, or Federal Tax Credits are applied. The data provided here is from actual SMUD residential customer projects in the SMUD Advanced Home Solutions Rebates program over the past 12 months (data is refreshed each quarter) and only includes single-measure projects. Projects that included other measures besides heat pumps or multiple heat pumps were not included. We’re displaying this data as a convenience to SMUD customers with their home upgrade planning. SMUD does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity or quality of the data nor does SMUD assume liability for any actions taken in reliance on the data.
Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Factors that impact HVAC installation costs
There are multiple factors which can impact installation costs of heat pump HVAC systems, so to help provide some context, please see a general overview below.
- Compressor speed
- System size
- Size of home
- Higher efficiency rating (SEER2)
- New ducts
- Number of bedrooms in home
- Number of mini-splits heads
- Moving the installation site
- High-performance air filtration (better indoor air quality)
- Zoning (provides more comfort)
- Service package (continuing contractor support)
- Enlarged return (for increased airflow)
- Asbestos abatement(removal/treatment)
- Installation location (Installing in the garage is easier than installing in the attic.)
- Brand of equipment (Higher-end brands tend to cost more.)
- Duct location (Installing ducts in a spacious attic is easier than in a tight crawl space.)
- Backup heat strips
We recommend getting at least 3 bids as pricing can vary depending on the company. Once bids are received, you should consider or ask for more information on the factors above, especially on bids from contractors outside of the program. These factors most impact project pricing and the associated work may or may not be listed explicitly in the bid.
Questions?
Customers
- Most Popular Heating and Cooling Questions, Answered webinar
- For questions about the status of your rebate, please email our Rebate Center or call 916-732-7550.
- For other questions, please email Advanced Home Solutions or call 916-732-5732.
- For verification or questions about your Field Quality Control (FQC) check, please email our FQC team at Efficiency First California.
Contractors: Please contact Efficiency First California at 916-209-5117.
Get started
Product must be installed by a participating contractor in the SMUD Contractor Network.
Note: SMUD doesn't endorse or warrant any workmanship, installation, labor, cost or materials of the contractor you select.
A heat pump HVAC system is simply an air conditioner that can run in reverse to heat or cool your home.
Heat pumps have changed
Today’s multi-stage heat pumps aren’t like older heat pumps that increased your energy costs and left your home uncomfortable. The difference is in the compressor, which is the heart of the HVAC system and responsible for about 80% of the energy consumption. SMUD recommends and provides rebates for new two-stage or variable-stage heat pumps. Here’s how they stack up:
Basic: Single-stage systems operate at one compressor speed—100% —or not at all. Even if you adjust your thermostat setting to heat or cool your home by one degree, the equipment runs at full speed. Because these systems turn on and off frequently, the compressor uses more energy, which increases your energy costs. These systems are not eligible for SMUD rebates.
Better: Two-stage systems can operate at a lower compressor speed (Stage 1- typically about 50%) or on high (Stage 2). This uses half the power of a single-stage system, which reduces your heating and cooling costs. By running longer at a low speed, these systems deliver increased comfort and a longer system life.
Best: Variable-stage systems use even less power because they can run at lower compressor speeds than two-stage systems. They also offer the most energy and bill savings, superior comfort and an even longer system life.
Features and benefits
More comfort. Two-stage and variable-stage systems circulate more air throughout your home, which helps to eliminate hot or cold spots and keep your home at a consistent temperature. Plus, a variable-stage system operates so quietly that you may not even realize it’s on!
Balanced humidity. Systems that have longer runtimes are better at maintaining the ideal levels of humidity in your home by season. Humidity levels are what help you feel cooler or warmer. You’ll notice less humidity in the summer (which helps you feel cooler) and slightly more humidity during the colder months (which helps you feel warmer).
Better indoor air quality. Because the multi-stage systems run longer, the air filter traps more airborne particulates, lowering the dust and pollen levels inside your home.
Safer, cleaner and healthier. Homes and buildings that power appliances with electricity instead of gas are safer - No open flames, no gas leaks, no carbon monoxide. Residential natural gas appliances can produce pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO) and ultrafine particles. These pollutants are harmful and significantly contribute to asthma.
Better for the environment. More than 50% of SMUD’s power comes from carbon-free sources and SMUD’s goal is to be completely carbon free by 2030. When you switch from a gas HVAC to a heat pump HVAC, you’re investing in a cleaner, carbon-free electric future.
Myth: Heat pumps don’t work well in Sacramento.
Fact: New multi-stage heat pumps heat and cool extremely well in Sacramento’s climate.
Myth: Heat pumps cost too much to use.
Fact: While this may have been true for the old single-stage systems, new multi-stage heat pumps can keep your home comfortable for about half the cost of the old systems.
Myth: Heat pumps produce cold air during the winter.
Fact: It may feel cooler when the heat pump first turns on but the system quickly adjusts to warm your home.
Heat pump
- Package, split & mini-split(1) system
- Variable-stage or 2-stage compressor
- ≥ 15.2 SEER2
- Must pass Title 24 via HERS CF3R and/or if new ductwork installed, it must be insulated to ≥ R8.
- Connected thermostat (Wi-Fi enabled, 7-day programmable)
(1) Mini-splits must service entire home and meet minimum HVAC system requirements.
These are a condensed version of the requirements outlined in the SMUD Contractor Handbook: Home Rebates Programs Requirements. Contractors are responsible for knowing all requirements, current program rules and advising customers appropriately.
Eligibility requirements
Eligibility for single-family and multi-family dwellings (up to 4 units).
To be eligible for rebates, the resident or homeowner must be a SMUD customer with an active SMUD account. In addition, the home must be individually metered by SMUD. For multifamily dwellings up to 4 units, each unit must be individually metered.
The rebate is contingent on the project complying with all city/county ordinances, building codes and permit requirements, including inspections.
Manufactured, modular or factory-built homes have additional requirements.
Eligibility for manufactured, modular or factory-built homes
Manufactured, modular or factory-built homes qualify for a rebate only if all of the following are true:
- Resident or homeowner is a SMUD customer with an active SMUD account.
- Home is individually metered by SMUD.
- Home is subject to state and local building codes.
- Contact your local building department to find out if your home is subject to state and local building code.
- Mobile homes on a chassis and axle, constructed under HUD codes or that have a State of California Community Services Department sticker indicating status as a licensed mobile home may not qualify.
- Homes on a permanent foundation typically do qualify.
Other rebates
SMUD heat pump HVAC rebates can be stacked with other statewide and federal incentive programs including TECH Clean CA and HEERA while funding is available. Ask your contractor about eligibility criteria and availability of of other incentive opportunities or visit the Switch Is On incentive lookup.
Tax credits
Federal tax credits are also available for qualifying heat pump HVAC systems installed starting January 1, 2023. Please note: Not all HVAC systems that qualify for the SMUD rebate are eligible for the tax credit.
Tax credit: Claim up to 30% of project cost up to a maximum of $2,000.
Expires: December 31, 2032
Note: Heat pump HVAC must be installed in your existing home and principal residence. New construction and rentals are not eligible. Tax credits are administered by the IRS and can be claimed when you file your federal taxes.