Rebates you're probably missing.
Most Florida homeowners who replace an HVAC system in 2026 are eligible for real rebates from utilities, manufacturers, and state programs — and still miss most of them, because the programs are scattered and the paperwork looks scary. One thing has changed: the federal 25C heat-pump tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installs. Here's what's still on the table.
Utility rebate ($200–$1,500) + manufacturer instant rebate ($300–$1,000) + county and financing programs = up to $2,500+ that can still be stacked on a single qualifying heat pump install in 2026. Note: the federal 25C heat-pump tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installs.
1. Federal heat pump tax credit — expired after 2025
Through 2025, Section 25C of the Inflation Reduction Act gave homeowners a 30% tax credit capped at $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps. That credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so it should not be counted in your 2026 purchase math.
If you installed in 2025: you may still be able to claim it on IRS Form 5695 on your 2025 return — confirm eligibility with a tax professional. For 2026 installs, focus on the still-available utility and manufacturer programs below.
2. Federal electrical panel credit — expired after 2025
The 25C electrical-panel-upgrade credit (30% / up to $600 on a panel upgrade needed for a new heat pump) expired on the same December 31, 2025 date as the heat-pump credit and is not available for 2026 installs.
3. Utility rebates (the one most people know)
| Utility | Program | Typical rebate |
|---|---|---|
| FPL | Residential HVAC Rebate | $150 – $1,500 |
| Duke Energy | Smart $aver HVAC | $200 – $1,200 |
| TECO | Residential Energy Audit + Rebate | $200 – $800 |
| Gulf Power | Home Energy Improvement | $200 – $800 |
These programs require pre-approval in some cases (FPL) and post-install verification in others (Duke). Your installer should handle the paperwork — ours does automatically — but confirm it before you sign anything.
4. Manufacturer instant rebates
Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, and American Standard all run seasonal instant rebates on their higher-efficiency lines. These are usually $300–$1,000 and are applied at point of sale, so they never show up on your tax return. Ask for a current rebate sheet; distributors refresh them quarterly.
How NewHVACDeals handles it
RITA pulls every active rebate for your zip code during the assessment. By the time you see tier pricing, the rebates are already deducted from the list price. No paperwork on your end. No forms to mail in. If a rebate expires before your install date, we honor the original price — that's our efficiency-bonus guarantee.
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