Where to look
- ENERGY STAR — Federal tax credits overview
- DOE — Federal incentives for efficiency
- Your electric / gas utility “rebates” page
- Your state energy office
Incentives
Rebates & checklist
Incentive programs change. Use this as a pre-purchase checklist, then confirm eligibility on official sites before you buy.
Checklist before you sign
- Confirm the equipment is ENERGY STAR certified (when required by the program)
- Ask whether the contractor is enrolled in the utility / state rebate program
- Save model numbers, AHRI certificates, invoices, and photos
- Ask if federal tax credits (when available) need specific efficiency tiers
- Check whether a home energy audit or pre-approval is required
- Confirm who files the rebate paperwork — you or the contractor
Red flags
- “Guaranteed rebate” without program paperwork
- Pressure to skip permits to “save money”
- Used or gray-market equipment pitched as rebate-eligible
- No written model numbers on the proposal