Heat Pump & High-Efficiency HVAC Rebates in Orange County (2026 Update)

Last updated: November 2026. Rebate programs change often and many are first come, first served. Always confirm eligibility and current funding with the program before you buy equipment. The amounts below are what each official program page showed when we checked in November 2026.

Orange County homeowners still ask us whether there is money available for a heat pump or a high-efficiency system. The short answer: the big federal tax credit is gone, and the statewide IRA rebates are fully reserved, but there are still a few regional and utility programs worth checking. Here is where things stand.

Federal 25C Tax Credit: Ended After 2025

The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) paid 30% of qualified costs, up to $2,000 a year for qualifying heat pumps. Under Public Law 119-21 (July 4, 2025), the credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. There is no federal heat pump tax credit for systems installed in 2026.

If your heat pump was installed and placed in service in 2025, you may still be able to claim the credit on your 2025 return with IRS Form 5695. Talk to your tax professional.

• Source: IRS, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

• Source: IRS FAQs on the 2025 changes to Section 25C

California HEEHRA (IRA) Heat Pump Rebates: Fully Reserved

California's HEEHRA program, funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act and run through TECH Clean California, offered income-qualified households up to $8,000 (below 80% of area median income) or up to $4,000 (80% to 150% of AMI) toward a heat pump HVAC system. Single-family HEEHRA rebates for Southern California were fully reserved as of January 7, 2026, and statewide as of February 24, 2026. The California Energy Commission says Phase I is fully reserved and HEEHRA Phase II will be announced at a later date. The separate IRA whole-home program (HOMES) has not yet been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy to offer rebates in California.

The Energy Commission also warns about scams: if someone calls offering to file IRA rebates on your behalf, do not give them your financial information.

• Source: California Energy Commission, IRA Residential Energy Rebate Programs

• Source: TECH Clean California, HEEHRA Rebates

TECH Clean California

TECH Clean California's single-family incentives page currently lists one available offer: incentives for San Fernando Valley residents affected by the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility (as of November 2, 2026). That offer does not cover Orange County. TECH points homeowners to The Switch Is On incentive finder for programs available at a specific ZIP code.

• Source: TECH Clean California, Single-Family Incentives

• Tool: The Switch Is On, Incentive Finder

South Coast AQMD GO ZERO Rebates: Open Now

This is currently the most useful program for many Orange County homeowners replacing a gas furnace. Orange County is within South Coast AQMD's jurisdiction, and Phase 2 of the GO ZERO single-family rebate portal opened on November 6, 2026. Key rules from the program's FAQ:

• The heat pump must be ENERGY STAR certified and must replace a gas or propane furnace (central, wall or floor furnace). A heat pump that only replaces an air conditioner does not qualify.

• Installations on or after September 4, 2026 are eligible to apply.

• Single-family rebates (subject to change): $500 per heat pump under 3 tons, $1,000 per heat pump 3 tons or more. Amounts are doubled for homes in overburdened communities.

• One heat pump HVAC rebate and one heat pump water heater rebate per address.

• A finalized city permit is required, along with photos and model and serial numbers of the old and new units.

• Source: South Coast AQMD, GO ZERO

• Source: South Coast AQMD, GO ZERO FAQs

Southern California Edison (SCE)

SCE's rebates page does not list a general-market rebate for heat pump HVAC systems right now. What it does list:

• Smart thermostat bill credit: $75 when you let SCE adjust an eligible smart thermostat by up to four degrees during demand response events (for customers on the CBP-Elect, Critical Peak Pricing or Smart Energy Program).

• Home Performance Plus: a no-cost home energy assessment and enhanced rebates for upgrades, for SCE customers in single-family homes or buildings of up to four units located in disadvantaged or low-income communities.

• Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): for income-qualified homeowners and renters, SCE may cover upgrades such as a central AC or central heat pump replacement, including installation, where the service is available. For June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, the income limit is, for example, $82,500 for a household of four. SCE notes the separate ESA Whole Home program is sunsetting at the end of 2026 and is no longer accepting new projects.

• Source: SCE, Rebates & SCE Marketplace

• Source: SCE, Energy Savings Assistance Program

SoCalGas: High-Efficiency Furnace Rebate

If you are staying with gas heat, SoCalGas's 2026 Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Program lists a rebate of $1.40 to $25 per kBTUh for an ENERGY STAR certified furnace with an AFUE of 92% or higher. It must be installed by a licensed contractor with proof of permit closure, and it is limited to one per household.

• Source: SoCalGas, Rebates & Incentives

Anaheim Public Utilities Customers

If your electricity comes from Anaheim Public Utilities, the city lists $200 per ton for a replacement central air conditioner, heat pump or ductless mini split rated at least 14.3 SEER2 (or 15+ SEER). It also lists rebates for ENERGY STAR smart thermostats ($50, up to two), duct repair (50% of cost, up to $300) and whole house fans ($400). Anaheim notes the South Coast AQMD heat pump rebate is separate from its own.

• Source: City of Anaheim, Heating & Cooling Systems rebates

Golden State Rebates: Ended

The statewide Golden State Rebates program, which offered instant retail coupons on items like smart thermostats, has ended its retail rebate offerings.

• Source: SDG&E, Golden State Rebates program update

Manufacturer Promotions

Equipment manufacturers such as Carrier, Trane, Rheem and Daikin sometimes run seasonal promotions or rebates on select high-efficiency systems through participating dealers. These change often, have fixed dates and model lists, and are not guaranteed. Ask us when you request a quote and we will check what is running for the equipment you are considering.

Lower Operating Costs With a Heat Pump Rate Plan

Rebates are only part of the picture. SCE offers a time-of-use plan, TOU-D-PRIME, for customers with an electric heat pump for space or water heating (as well as EV and battery owners). Like SCE's other time-of-use plans, its highest prices are from 4 to 9 p.m. A heat pump paired with a smart thermostat can pre-cool or pre-heat before peak hours. Compare plans with SCE before switching.

• Source: SCE, Time-Of-Use Rate Plans

Our Recent Heat Pump Project: ACPRO SPHP-Z-V036BB

We recently replaced an aging system with an ACPRO SPHP-Z-V036BB single package vertical heat pump. Single package vertical units fit inside interior wall spaces, provide both heating and cooling from one unit, and work well where space is limited or a traditional ducted system is not practical. Modern variable-speed and high-efficiency heat pumps also tend to run quieter and hold temperatures more evenly than older equipment.

How We Help With Rebates

• We size and quote the system and tell you which programs it may qualify for.

• We pull permits, which programs like GO ZERO and SoCalGas require.

• We give you the model and serial numbers, photos and paperwork rebate applications ask for.

Programs, amounts and eligibility can change without notice. Final eligibility is decided by each program, so please confirm with the program before you rely on a rebate.

Get a Quote for a Heat Pump or High-Efficiency System

Thinking about a heat pump installation, a ductless mini split or a new high-efficiency furnace? Call GoTech HVAC at (949) 228-6242 or book a visit online. We serve homeowners across Orange County.