The end of summer may be one of the best times to replace an aging air conditioner or upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump. Philadelphia-area homeowners can currently save through the 2026 EAP Fall HVAC Rebate Program, and qualifying PECO customers may be able to add a separate utility rebate. The catch is simple: these savings will not remain available indefinitely. The EAP program has firm deadlines, qualifying equipment requirements, and a limited list of participating brands. If your AC struggled through another humid Philly summer—or you want a more efficient way to heat your home before winter—now is the time to review your options.
The Electrical Association of Philadelphia, commonly called EAP, offers instant rebates on complete, qualifying high-efficiency HVAC systems installed through a participating contractor. Depending on the system and efficiency rating, homeowners can save $200 to $1,650. For heat pumps, rebates range from $500 for Tier 1 (15.2+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2) to $1,400 for Tier 3 (18.0+ SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2), with an additional $250 for qualifying dual-fuel or hybrid heat pump installations. Central air conditioning rebates offer $500 to $1,200 based on efficiency, while ductless mini-split heat pumps provide $250 for single-zone systems and $200 per zone for multi-zone systems, provided they meet 17.0 SEER2, 12.0 EER2, and 8.5 HSPF2.
The 2026 fall program is already open, but every step must be completed on time: the customer contract must be signed between August 3 and November 13, 2026; the qualifying system must be installed by November 27, 2026; and EAP must receive the completed claim by December 4, 2026. Waiting until the first cold night to start shopping could leave too little time to select qualifying equipment, schedule the installation, and complete the rebate paperwork. Equipment availability can also tighten as the heating season approaches.
One of the most compelling aspects of this program is the potential to combine EAP rebates with PECO utility rebates. These programs are separate, so equipment must meet each offer's requirements. EAP savings appear as an instant discount on the contractor's invoice, while PECO rebates generally require a separate application and proof of eligibility. However, EAP states that its rebate cannot be combined with a manufacturer rebate or manufacturer discount, making it important to compare offers instead of assuming every promotion can be stacked.
Homeowners should also note that federal HVAC tax credits are no longer available for 2026 installations. The federal Section 25C credit, which previously offered up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps and up to $600 per qualifying central AC, furnace, or boiler, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Those who completed qualifying installations in 2025 may still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return, but for 2026, the EAP and PECO rebates are the primary incentives.
There is a practical advantage to planning an HVAC replacement before fall gets busy. Homeowners have time to compare systems, verify efficiency ratings, and choose equipment based on their home rather than making a rushed decision after a breakdown. A new high-efficiency system can address common problems such as an AC that runs constantly but fails to cool upstairs bedrooms, rising electric bills, frequent repairs, or uneven temperatures. For some homes, a heat pump provides efficient cooling and heating from one system; others may benefit from central AC, a dual-fuel heat pump, or ductless mini-splits.
To take advantage of these rebates, homeowners must work with an EAP-participating contractor like HVAC Philly. The process involves scheduling an in-home evaluation, selecting qualifying equipment, signing a contract within the program window, and completing installation by the deadline. HVAC Philly applies the eligible EAP rebate directly to the invoice, simplifying the process. With the contract deadline set for November 13, 2026, and installations due by November 27, 2026, waiting too long could mean missing out on significant savings. For more information, homeowners can call 215.725.6111 or book an appointment with HVAC Philly, which provides HVAC installation throughout Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.
