Georgia’s Home Energy Rebates

Who Qualifies?

• Any Georgia homeowner may replace a separate AC + gas furnace with either:
  • an all-electric heat pump & air handler, or
  • a hybrid "dual fuel" system that pairs a high‑efficiency heat pump with a backup gas furnace.
• Both options are eligible for HEAR (income‑based) or HER (performance‑based) rebates.

What's a Hybrid Dual Fuel System?

The heat pump does the heating and cooling for 90%+ of the year. When outside temperatures dip below a set point, the integrated high‑efficiency gas furnace automatically takes over, ensuring reliable warmth with much lower annual gas use.

HEAR Program Rebate (Income‑Based):

• <80% AMI: Up to 100% of project costs (max $8,000 per heat‑pump system, $14,000 total with panel/wiring).
• 81-150% AMI: 50% of costs (same dollar caps).

HER Program Rebate (Performance‑Based):

Combine the new heat‑pump or hybrid system with whole‑home upgrades targeting 20% or 35% energy savings to earn:

• <80% AMI: Up to $10,000 (20% savings) or $16,000 (35%).
• >80% AMI: $2,000 (20%) or $4,000 (35%).

Why Upgrade?

• Cut heating & cooling bills with a single high‑efficiency system.
• All‑electric option eliminates onsite gas; hybrid option slashes gas consumption while keeping furnace backup for extreme cold.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit: 30% of out‑of‑pocket costs (max $2,000).
• Georgia Power Rebates: Extra savings for customers.

Who Qualifies?

• Homeowners upgrading to a high-efficiency AC and gas furnace can earn rebates only through the HER program (gas-to-gas systems aren't covered by HEAR).

HER Program Rebate:

• <80% AMI: Up to $10,000 at 20% energy savings, or $16,000 at 35% energy savings. Can cover 80-98% of total costs.
• >80% AMI (no income cap): $2,000 back at 20% savings; $4,000 back at 35% savings.

Why Upgrade?

• Significantly lower heating and cooling costs with a high-efficiency system.
• Often requires additional home efficiency upgrades (like insulation, air sealing, or duct sealing) to meet 20-35% whole-home energy HER savings—these costs can be rebated as part of the project.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credits: Up to $600 for an ENERGY STAR® gas furnace and $600 for an efficient AC.
• Manufacturer and Utility Rebates: Some gas and electric utilities offer additional rebates—check local programs.

Who Qualifies?

• Homeowners replacing an older electric heat pump—or converting it into a hybrid dual‑fuel setup can claim rebates through the HER program (electric‑to‑electric or electric‑to‑hybrid upgrades are not covered by HEAR).

Hybrid option: add a high‑efficiency gas furnace for backup while the new heat pump handles day‑to‑day heating and all cooling.

HER Program Rebate:

• <80% AMI: Up to $10,000 (20% savings) or $16,000 (35%).
• >80% AMI: $2,000 (20%) or $4,000 (35%).

Why Upgrade?

• Up to 50% less energy use with next‑gen variable‑speed heat‑pump technology.
• Option to keep or add a gas furnace for peace‑of‑mind heating in rare deep‑freeze events.
• Insulation, air‑sealing or duct work may be needed to reach 20-35% savings and maximize HER benefits.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 on a qualifying heat pump.
• Utility Rebates: Check Georgia Power for extra savings.

Who Qualifies?

• Ideal for homeowners wanting to add supplemental heating and cooling in areas without central air or needing extra comfort (like basements, attics, garages, additions, or sunrooms).
• Also a great option for homes wanting a new mini-split instead of installing full central air (especially when avoiding ductwork costs).

HEAR Program Rebate:

• <80% AMI: Up to 100% of project costs covered (up to $14,000 total, including wiring & panel upgrades).
• 81-150% AMI: Covers 50% of total project costs (up to $14,000).

Why Install a Mini-Split?

• Heat and cool specific rooms efficiently without needing full central air.
• Avoid the cost of installing ducts—great for homes without existing ductwork.
• Energy-efficient and whisper-quiet operation.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit: 30% back, up to $2,000.
• Georgia Power Rebates: Additional savings if you're a customer.

Who Qualifies?

• Homeowners switching from a gas (or propane/oil) water heater to an electric heat pump water heater (HPWH). Qualifies for both HEAR and HER if included in a whole-home project.

HEAR Program Rebate (Income-Based):

• <80% AMI: $1,750 off the HPWH cost.
• 81-150% AMI: 50% off the project cost (up to $1,750 for HPWH).

HER Program Rebate (Performance-Based):

If the HPWH is part of a broader upgrade targeting 20% or 35% energy savings, it can help you reach the threshold for:

• <80% AMI: Up to $10,000 (20% savings) or $16,000 (35% savings) toward total project costs.
• >80% AMI (no income cap): $2,000 (20% savings) or $4,000 (35% savings).

Why Upgrade?

• Cut water heating costs by up to 70% compared to gas.
• Lower total home energy use—helping you reach HER's 20-35% savings goal.
• Reduce fossil fuel consumption while providing reliable hot water.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit: 30% off the cost, up to $2,000.
• Georgia Power Rebate: Up to $1,000 back.

Who Qualifies?

• Homeowners upgrading an older gas water heater to a high-efficiency gas model. Qualifies for HER if it's part of a whole-home effort reaching 20-35% energy savings.

HER Program Rebate (Performance-Based):

• <80% AMI: Covers 80-98% of total costs, up to $10,000 (20% savings) or $16,000 (35% savings).
• >80% AMI: Up to $2,000 (20% savings) or $4,000 (35% savings).

Why Upgrade?

• Reduce gas usage and improve efficiency with a condensing gas water heater.
• Combine this upgrade with other measures (like HVAC, insulation, or air sealing) to reach 20-35% energy savings and unlock significant rebates.

Stack Additional Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to $600 for a high-efficiency gas water heater.
• Gas Utility Rebates: Some natural gas companies offer additional incentives.