Why Are Rebates on Mini Splits Offered?

Although mini splits are among the most cost-efficient home HVAC systems available, you can save additional money by using rebates provided by public entities and privately held businesses. 

Multiple organizations offer rebates for purchasing specific mini split models to motivate buyers to invest in energy-efficient, eco-conscious heating and cooling devices. 

Learn more about why companies and public organizations offer rebates on mini splits. Also, explore several examples of rebate programs and how to find rebates for your make and model.

Why Do Mini Split Rebates Exist?

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), an average U.S. household spends approximately 51% of its annual energy budget on space heating and air conditioning, such as HVAC appliances. The exact percentage varies depending on your geographic region. For example, warmer states generally have lower heating expenditures, while colder areas typically spend more on heating. No matter where you live, energy expenditure for heating and cooling remains a significant source of residential energy consumption.

Numerous households in the United States use older or inefficient HVAC systems, contributing to wasteful energy expenditures nationwide. In response, the U.S. government passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. One of its key elements is the Nonbusiness Energy Property Tax Credit, a personal federal tax credit promoting more energy-efficient homes.

Initially intended to end in 2017, the federal government passed multiple extensions on this tax credit. These extensions have allowed homeowners to continue benefiting from rebates for installing more energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as mini splits.

The objective of these rebates is to incentivize energy-efficient air conditioning and space heating system usage, reducing the carbon footprint of residential buildings and contributing to environmental protection.

Who Can Offer Rebates?

Multiple entities can offer rebates to customers purchasing mini split systems. These organizations include the federal government, state governments, and regulated companies serving localities.

Federal government rebates

The primary entity offering rebates to customers in the United States is the federal government. According to the Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residences, as of April 2022, you may qualify for rebates for mini split systems installed at your primary residence on or before December 31, 2021.

The rebate value is 10% of the system’s cost up to $500 or a fixed value between $50 and $300. Qualifying models must be Energy Star certified and possess a minimum SEER rating of 16 and a minimum EER rating of 13.

State government rebates

Depending on your state of residence, you may benefit from state-level tax rebates and incentives for purchasing specific types of mini split systems. For example, residents of California may benefit from the California TECH Initiative’s $3,000 heat pump rebate. A single-family home in Compton, CA, with an installed LG split system with heating and cooling functions, may also benefit from the $3,000 rebate.

Local rebate programs

Local governments and government-approved private companies may also offer rebates and incentives for more energy-efficient HVAC systems.

For example, the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) is a non-profit electricity company serving select areas of southeastern Arizona. If you live in one of the areas served by the SSVEC, you may benefit from one of their heat pump rebate programs. Eligible split systems must possess a SEER rating of 16 or more, qualifying residents for a $500 rebate.

Visit your local power company’s websites or contact their offices to find out if they offer similar programs and incentives. These entities often provide better value than federal rebates on the same systems or features. 

How Can I Find Rebates?

The best way to find qualifying rebates is to use an online rebate finder. This specialized search engine lets you search for rebates on qualifying products by ZIP code.

ComfortUp Mini Split Rebate Finder

ComfortUp offers an easy-to-use rebate finder for eligible Gree mini splits and heat pump systems, such as the Vireo GEN3, Vireo+, Vireo+ Ultra, Sapphire, FLEXX, and Multi 21+. Enter your ZIP code in our rebate finder and find all applicable federal, state, and local rebate programs, alongside application dates, terms, and conditions.

Energy Star Appliance Rebate Finder

The Energy Star website offers a rebate finder where you can discover federal, state, and local rebates for numerous Energy Star-certified applications. These rebates include mini splits and split heat pumps.

The Energy Star rebate finder functions more like a traditional search engine. It sends you to each entity’s website for more information on the product category you’re interested in without listing specific product names. Although not as comprehensive as the ComfortUp Rebate Finder, it is a valuable additional resource to find even more rebates.

Get the Best Deals on Mini Splits at ComfortUp

ComfortUp is a leading online supplier of mini split air conditioners and heat pumps.

Take control of your home’s cooling and heating and reduce your energy bills with one of our high-efficiency single-zone and multi-zone systems made by the world’s most trusted HVAC manufacturers. 

Many of our products are eligible for federal, state, and local rebates and incentives. Find a qualified product with our rebate finder and save even more money today.

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