If you’re a homeowner in Ohio, you probably feel the squeeze of rising utility bills, especially during those cold Cleveland winters and muggy summer days. Fortunately, several federal and local energy rebates* are available to help offset the cost of upgrading to more efficient systems. Whether replacing an outdated furnace, installing a new AC system, or considering clean energy solutions like a geothermal heat pump, these incentives can make a real dent in your upfront costs.
Rebates & Incentives Available To Ohio Homeowners
Ohio homeowners can use federal tax credits and state-administered rebate programs. Depending on your household income, the type of system you’re upgrading, and your utility provider, you may qualify for one or more of the following:
Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Federal Tax Credit)
This federal tax credit allows homeowners to claim 30% of the cost for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements, with annual limits. Eligible improvements include specific HVAC systems, insulation, windows, and doors. The credit is available for existing homes that serve as the taxpayer’s primary residence. ​
Residential Clean Energy Credit (Federal Tax Credit)
Homeowners can claim 30% of the cost for qualifying clean energy systems, such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, and wind turbines. This credit applies to primary and secondary residences and has no annual or lifetime cap. ​
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)
Administered by the State of Ohio, HEEHRA provides point-of-sale rebates for low- and moderate-income households to install high-efficiency electric appliances. Rebates can cover up to 100% of the cost for low-income families and 50% for moderate-income households, with a maximum rebate of $14,000. ​
Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES)
Also administered by the state of Ohio, the HOMES program offers rebates for whole-home energy-saving retrofits. Rebate amounts are based on the percentage of energy savings achieved, with up to $2,000 for 20% savings and up to $4,000 for 35% or more. ​
Duke Energy Ohio — Smart $aver® Program
Duke Energy offers rebates to Ohio homeowners for installing energy-efficient HVAC systems and making other energy-saving home improvements. Eligibility requires installation by a licensed contractor and completion of a Home Energy Check within the past 24 months.
AEP Ohio — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
AEP Ohio provides rebates for homeowners who invest in energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Rebate amounts vary based on the type and efficiency of the equipment installed.
FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities — Energy-Efficiency Rebates
FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities offer rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, including HVAC systems. Rebate amounts and eligibility criteria vary; homeowners should consult FirstEnergy’s website for current information.
Dominion Energy Ohio — Energy-Efficiency Rebates
Dominion Energy provides rebates for customers who install qualifying energy-efficient HVAC systems. Eligibility requires installation by a licensed contractor and submission of the rebate application within 90 days of installation.
HVAC Systems That Qualify
Many rebates and tax credits listed above are tied directly to specific HVAC systems. Below, we break them down by system type so you can see exactly what incentives may be available.
Boilers
If you’re installing a new boiler, you may qualify for:
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $600 for boilers meeting specified efficiency standards.
- Residential Clean Energy Credit: 30% credit for qualifying biomass boilers.​
Furnaces
Furnace installations may qualify for:
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $600 for gas furnaces with at least 97% AFUE.
- Dominion Energy Ohio: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.​
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can qualify for many potential rebates and incentives, including:
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $2,000 for qualifying air-source heat pumps.
- Residential Clean Energy Credit: 30% credit for geothermal heat pumps.
- HEEHRA: Up to $8,000 rebate for qualifying installations.
- HOMES: Rebates based on energy savings from whole-home retrofits.
- Duke Energy Ohio: Rebates available for qualifying installations.
- AEP Ohio: Rebates available for qualifying installations.
- FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.
- Dominion Energy Ohio: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.​
Central Air Conditioners
New central AC systems may qualify for:
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $600 for systems meeting specified efficiency standards.
- Duke Energy Ohio: Rebates available for qualifying installations.
- AEP Ohio: Rebates available for qualifying installations.
- FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.​
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-split installations may qualify for:
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $2,000 for qualifying ductless mini-split heat pumps.
- HEEHRA: Up to $8,000 rebate for qualifying installations.
- HOMES: Rebates based on energy savings from whole-home retrofits.
- Duke Energy Ohio: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.
- AEP Ohio: Rebates are available for qualifying installations.
- FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities: Rebates are available for qualifying installations
Contact The P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling Team Today
At P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling, we’ve served Greater Cleveland homeowners with expert heating and cooling solutions since 1936. Our certified technicians will walk you through qualifying systems, available rebates, and our instant, upfront pricing, so there are no surprises. With decades of local experience, we’re uniquely positioned to help you take full advantage of available credits for high-efficiency HVAC systems.
Contact our team to schedule your energy-efficient HVAC upgrade!
*Disclaimer
Recently the IRA Act has been revoked by executive order and is under review; some of the tax credits related to the IRA Act may not be completely accurate at this time; however, for more details about tax credits and assistance on savings for your HVAC system, give us a call today!
