Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Rebates | Riverside Public Utilities

Residential Heating and Cooling Rebate Program

This public benefit program offers rebates to residential electric customers when they purchase and install new energy-efficient heat pump or air conditioning systems in their homes.

There are two types of air conditioners and heat pumps – split systems and packaged units. For split systems, both the condenser and the evaporative coil must be “new” and replaced at the time of installation. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) must meet the specifications for the appropriate types of systems as stated below. Both the condensing unit and the evaporative coil model numbers must be listed in combination on the AHRI Directory and meet the efficiency requirements as a combination to qualify.

Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioning

When controlling the temperature of your home you have a few options; the most common of which are air conditioning and heat pumps. While both systems can heat and cool your home, there are a few differences between the two types of systems.

Heat pumps can pump hot air into a home to help heat it, while air conditioners cannot and rely on a furnace system to provide heat.
Heat pumps don’t work well in climates that experience freezing weather, while air conditioners are typically better suited for more extreme climates.
Air conditioners cost less but can have higher utility cost, while heat pumps work more efficiently.

How does a Heat Pump work?

To cool your home, the heat pump transfers heat from the air inside the home to the outside air. To perform this function, a heat pump works like a central air conditioning system. It has three main components: a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator coil. These parts are responsible for converting the working chemical known as a refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again. The indoor unit, which contains the evaporator coil, removes undesirable indoor warmth and humidity from the air. The outdoor unit, which contains the condenser and compressor, expels the heat that was captured indoors.

When an air-source heat pump is heating your home, the cooling cycle is reversed. The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air and moves it into the home. A heat pump can do this because heat exists in all air down to absolute zero (-460 F or -273 c). Even cold winter air contains heat.

What are the rebate amounts?
Current rebates are $150 per ton for an AC unit with a SEER rating of 15.2 - 15.9 and $250 per ton for an AC unit with a SEER of 16 or greater. Electric Heat Pump Air Conditioner SEER rating of 15.2 and above are rebated at $750 per ton. This rebate program also provides $25.00 for HVAC tune-up (must include refrigerant level check).

Find additional information about HVAC tune ups.

Learn how to pick the right contractor.

Qualifying Products

Qualified Products	Rating	Rebate
Central Air Conditioning Units	15.2 SEER to 15.9 SEER 16 SEER or greater	$150 per ton $250 per ton
Electric Heat Pumps	15.2 SEER or greater	$750 per ton
HVAC Tune Up (must include refrigerant level check)		$25
Whole house evaporative cooler		$150
Wall/window room evaporative cooler		$50
Smart programmable thermostat	Wi-Fi enabled	$50

Program Guidelines

Program is subject to fund availability and may be cancelled at any time.
Customers must fulfill all program guidelines, program specific and general RPU program guidelines, to be eligible for incentives.
The SEER rating must be equal to or greater than 15.2 SEER.
A matching condenser and evaporator coil must be installed to qualify for the rebate and both inside and outside coils on a split system must match to verify efficiency.
A copy of the dated sales receipt must be provided, and is subject to verification. The sales receipt must note the make, model number, serial number, tonnage, and SEER rating of the new unit(s).
All General Program Guidelines apply.
Following installation of the new high-efficiency system, complete and return the application to Riverside Public Utilities. A copy of the dated sales receipt must be attached to the application. Sales receipt is subject to verification. Please include all applicable receipts with your application, and mail to the address listed above.

Download Application

Submit your completed and signed application, proof-of-purchase and other supporting documentation as required, within 90 days of the purchase date and in accordance with program guidelines to:

Mail:
Riverside Public Utilities – Programs & Services
3025 Madison St.
Riverside, CA 92504

E-mail:
[email protected]

*Once you have submitted your rebate via email, there is no need to submit a paper form.