Program update (August 2026): Georgia's rebate programs are changing. The Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) program is open now at every income level, and the HEAR program closed to new applications on August 10, 2026 while the state prepares a relaunch with new eligibility rules. One thing isn't changing: rebate work runs through state-approved contractors, and choosing the right one matters more than ever. Check your rebate tier or call (404) 798-9672.
By now, you may have heard about Georgia's energy rebate programs, also known as the HEAR and HER programs. But did you know that there's a limited number of approved contractors in Georgia who can participate in the programs?
It's true! Not just anyone can become a HEAR program contractor or a HER program contractor. Only professionals with specialized training and expertise are afforded that privilege.
So, what makes HER and HEAR-approved contractors so different?
Let's take a quick dive into the qualifications common to all approved contractors for Georgia's energy rebate programs. We'll also cover what makes PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing uniquely qualified to perform rebate-eligible energy efficiency upgrades and electrification projects.
Find out how to maximize your rebates from Georgia's energy rebate programs! Contact PV's Customer Advocate Center today!
Contractor qualifications for Georgia's HER and HEAR programs
Any upgrades qualifying for the Home Efficiency Rebates, or HER, program can only be performed by state-approved contractors. And while the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, or HEAR, program has included a few DIY-friendly upgrades (installing a new electric range or clothes dryer, for example), most rebate work must be performed by an approved contractor.
What, exactly, does it take for a contractor to be approved? Here are a few requirements:
Building Performance Institute certification
All contractors approved for the HER program must be certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Becoming BPI-certified is no small feat. After completing the rigorous BPI trainings, professionals become highly proficient in key aspects of building science and home performance, such as:
- Building envelope improvements
- Air leakage and duct leakage
- Blower door testing
- Thermal performance of buildings
- HVAC interaction with other systems
- Home energy audits
Very few HVAC contractors in the Atlanta area have BPI-certified professionals on staff. At PV, multiple managers and company principals hold this esteemed certification, which allows us to participate in the Georgia energy rebates programs.
GEFA requirements
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) also requires contractors to meet special requirements. These involve:
- Mandatory required trainings
- Rigorous quality assurance and quality control standards
- Expertise with required software programs
- Building assessment and ventilation audit procedures
- Stipulations for call center practices
Why PV stands out among approved contractors for Georgia's energy rebate programs
In addition to meeting the standard requirements for HER and HEAR participation, which are rigorous enough to exclude most Atlanta-area contractors, PV Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing boasts additional qualifications.
Advisors to GEFA
PV personnel have advised GEFA on the HER and HEAR programs since before they were launched. Our team has been instrumental in ensuring a timely, effective program rollout for Atlanta homeowners, and we're tracking the HEAR relaunch just as closely, so our customers are first in line when it reopens.
Pilot program contractors
Our team has been an approved contractor for HER and HEAR since the very beginning of the program rollout. Due to our unique building science expertise and longtime focus on home performance, we were one of the first contractors selected for participation in the programs.
Georgia Power HEIP Affiliated Installer
State programs aren't the only rebates that run through approved networks. Georgia Power's Home Energy Improvement Program offers rebates, like an instant rebate of up to $800 on a qualifying heat pump water heater, that are only available through the utility's Affiliated Installer network. We're in it, which means Georgia Power customers can capture utility rebates through us that many contractors simply can't offer.
Commitment to HVAC excellence
Every HER program contractor and HEAR program contractor is required to perform a Manual J load calculation prior to installing any new heating and cooling equipment. The load calculation is an essential step in ensuring you get an HVAC system that actually saves energy and keeps you comfortable. Most contractors in the Atlanta area don't bother doing it. Most aren't even equipped to do it!
At PV, we always perform a load calculation for every installation! No exceptions!
We're customer advocates
To help Atlanta-area homeowners maximize their rebate savings, we've created a Customer Advocate Center. To get an idea of where you stand, check your rebate tier on our Georgia rebates page, it takes about 10 seconds. After that, contact a PV customer advocate to identify the best savings opportunities!
Hire an approved contractor for Georgia energy rebates
PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a family-run business that does things a lot different from the legacy HVAC contractors around Atlanta. And that's a good thing!
Besides meeting the rigorous requirements for becoming an approved HER/HEAR contractor, we're a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer a 10-year labor warranty on new installations, and we always perform a rigorous quality control audit for all new equipment. Check out our 4.9 rating and 1,500+ five-star Google reviews to see what customers think!
Claim your rebate savings today
Our Customer Advocate Center is ready to help you determine your program eligibility, find the best upgrades for your home, and maximize your rebates.
Please note: We currently serve homeowners in the Metro Atlanta area only.
To see where you stand, check your rebate tier on our Georgia rebates page, or call a PV customer advocate at (404) 798-9672 today!
