As summer heat fades, Philadelphia-area homeowners have a limited window to take advantage of the 2026 EAP Fall HVAC Rebate Program, which offers instant rebates of $200 to $1,650 on qualifying high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. The program, administered by the Electrical Association of Philadelphia (EAP), requires that contracts be signed between August 3 and November 13, 2026, with installations completed by November 27 and claims submitted by December 4. Missing these deadlines means forfeiting significant savings, especially since federal HVAC tax credits expired at the end of 2025.
The rebate tiers vary by system type and efficiency. For heat pumps, homeowners can receive $500 for a Tier 1 system (15.2+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, 7.8 HSPF2), $1,000 for Tier 2 (16.0+ SEER2), and $1,400 for Tier 3 (18.0+ SEER2). An additional $250 is available for qualifying dual-fuel or hybrid heat pump installations that combine an electric heat pump with a furnace. Central air conditioning rebates range from $500 for Tier 1 (15.2+ SEER2) to $1,200 for Tier 3 (18.0+ SEER2), while ductless mini-split heat pumps qualify for $250 for single-zone systems or $200 per zone for multi-zone systems, provided they meet minimum efficiency ratings of 17.0 SEER2, 12.0 EER2, and 8.5 HSPF2.
One critical change for 2026 is the expiration of the federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which previously offered up to $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for central AC. According to the IRS, this credit is no longer available for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Homeowners who installed qualifying systems in 2025 may still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return, but for 2026 installations, the EAP rebate and potential PECO utility rebate are the primary financial incentives.
The EAP rebate can be combined with a separate PECO heating and cooling rebate, but homeowners must verify eligibility under both programs. EAP rebates are applied as instant discounts on the contractor’s invoice, while PECO rebates require a separate application. It’s important to note that EAP rebates cannot be combined with manufacturer rebates or discounts, so homeowners should compare offers carefully.
Industry experts suggest that end-of-summer is an ideal time to replace aging equipment. Homeowners who experienced inadequate cooling, rising energy bills, or frequent repairs during the hot months should consider upgrading before the busy fall season. The program requires complete system installations—replacing only one component, such as an indoor coil, does not qualify. Equipment must be purchased and installed through an EAP-participating contractor; retail purchases are ineligible.
For those considering a heat pump, the system must meet the specified efficiency ratings, and for dual-fuel installations, the outdoor unit, indoor coil, and furnace must all be installed. The right choice depends on the home’s existing ductwork, electrical service, and comfort needs. HVAC Philly, a participating contractor, offers in-home evaluations to help homeowners identify qualifying equipment and understand the savings available.
With the contract deadline less than three months away, homeowners are urged to act promptly. Waiting for a breakdown could mean losing the rebate opportunity. To claim the rebate, schedule an evaluation, select a qualifying system, sign the contract within the program window, and complete the installation by November 27. For more information, contact HVAC Philly at 215.725.6111 or visit their website to book an appointment.
