Who May Participate: Homebuilders or City of Tallahassee residential electric customers who purchase and install qualifying equipment.
Rebate Amounts: $100-$750* (see minimum specification details below)
- Air Conditioner (Bronze Tier)
$100 Rebate
Split & mini-split systems SEER2 15.2 and EER2 12.0 (Package units SEER2 15.2 and EER2 11.5)
- Air Conditioner (Gold Tier)
$350 Rebate
Split & mini-split systems SEER2 17.0 and EER2 12.0 (Package units SEER2 16.0 and EER2 11.5)
- Air-Source Heat Pump (Bronze Tier)
$100 Rebate
Split & mini-split systems SEER2 15.2, EER2 11.0, and HSPF2 7.8 (Package Units SEER2 15.2, EER2 10.0, and HSPF2 7.2)
- Air-Source Heat Pump (Gold Tier)
$350 Rebate
Split & mini-split systems SEER2 16.0, EER2 11.0, and HSPF2 8.0 (Package units SEER2 15.2, EER2 10.0, and HSPF2 7.2)
- Water-Source Heat Pump
$750 Rebate
EER 17.1 and COP 3.6 (closed loop only)
Choosing an Energy-Efficient HVAC System
Heating and cooling typically account for 40–50% of a home's annual energy use, making your HVAC system one of the most important investments in your home's comfort and long-term operating costs. Replacing an older system with a high-efficiency model can significantly reduce monthly energy bills and improve indoor comfort. Because a new HVAC system can last 15 years or more, choosing energy-efficient equipment today can provide thousands of dollars in energy savings over the life of the system. A straight cool air conditioner is typically paired with another component to provide heating. In North Florida, these heating components are often either built-in electric resistance heat strips or a natural gas furnace. This type of system may be a good choice if your home already has an efficient gas furnace or if heating needs are minimal.
Heat Pump
A heat pump provides both cooling and heating using the same equipment. During the summer, it operates like a traditional air conditioner. In the winter, it reverses its operation to transfer heat into your home instead of generating heat with electric resistance elements. Transferring or "pumping" heat uses substantially less electricity than powering electric heat strips. During a typical North Florida winter, a heat pump can provide the same level of comfort while using approximately 50–70% less electricity than electric resistance heating. Although the initial purchase price may be higher than a comparable straight cool system, the reduced heating costs can help offset that investment over time.
Water-Source Heat Pump
A closed-loop water-source heat pump provides both heating and cooling by transferring heat to and from the ground through a network of buried or submerged pipes filled with circulating fluid. Because ground temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, closed-loop water-source heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available. For residential properties, they offer reliable year-round comfort, quiet operation, and the potential for lower energy costs.
Split Systems vs. Packaged Units
High-efficiency HVAC equipment is available in two common configurations: split systems and packaged units. Both can provide excellent comfort and energy savings when properly sized and installed.
Split System
Split systems are the most common type of HVAC system in North Florida homes. A split system has two main components: an outdoor unit that contains the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator coil and is typically connected to a furnace or air handler. Split systems offer a wide range of efficiency options, operate quietly indoors, and make it easier to replace individual components when needed.
A mini-split is a type of split system that connects an outdoor unit directly to one or more indoor units, providing zoned heating and cooling without traditional ductwork.
Packaged Unit
A packaged unit combines all of the heating and cooling components into a single outdoor cabinet and conditioned air is delivered directly into the home's duct system. Packaged units are often selected for homes with limited indoor mechanical space, such as smaller homes, manufactured homes, or those with limited crawl space or attic space.
Existing Homes:
- Rebates are subject to change without notice and are subject to approval.
- For rebates to be paid, this application must be completed entirely and submitted with required documentation.
- Rebates cannot exceed the total installed cost for the appliance(s).
- Rebate application must be received within 90 days of the installation's Final Inspection Date.
- Approved rebates for qualifying equipment completed after issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued as a credit to the homeowner's or utility customer's City utility account.
- Rebates only available to City of Tallahassee electric customers who purchase qualifying appliances.
- An installation permit and a Completed (passed) final inspection are required.
- Air conditioning and heat pump rebates are available only for permitted and inspected installations of complete, AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) matched systems that have a valid AHRI Unique Reference Number.
New Homes:
- Rebates are subject to change without notice and are subject to approval.
- For rebates to be paid, this application must be completed entirely and submitted with required documentation (see above).
- For New Homes, all approved rebates for eligible equipment installed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued via ACH or check directly to the homebuilder. Homebuilders must be registered as a City vendor prior to submitting an incentive application.
- Rebates cannot exceed the total installed cost for the appliance(s).
- Rebate application must be received within 90 days of the home's Certificate of Occupancy.
- The qualifying equipment must be installed in a permanent residence receiving City of Tallahassee electric service.
- An installation permit and a completed (passed) final inspection are required.
- Air conditioning and heat pump rebates are available only for permitted and inspected installations of complete, AHRI-matched systems that have a valid AHRI Unique Reference Number.
- The rebates listed above cannot be combined with the Peak Performance Homes Incentive. Applicants may either apply for the Peak Performance Homes Incentive, which includes select ENERGY STAR® appliances, or apply separately for individual à la carte appliance and equipment rebates. Natural gas rebates are subject to separate eligibility requirements and must be applied for independently.
Updated: 10/20/2026
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