Rebates & Audits

What is a ground-source/geotherma heat pump is?

An on site inspection of the GSHP is required, please contact any SWEC office to schedule.

To qualify for a rebate on a new GSHP including a loop system, the following must be met (make sure your HVAC contractor is aware of the requirements before you purchase/install):

• Must be a new ground-source heat pump with a minimum EER of 19.1
• Must be installed to a Delta-T of 80 supported by a Manual J Load Calculation; ensure your HVAC contractor is aware of this requirement.
• Electric back-up heat must be wired on a separate breaker from the heat pump
• Structure must have a minimum insulation of R-38 in the ceiling and R-13 in the walls
• Structure must be on a permanent foundation

To qualify for a rebate on the replacement of an existing GSHP the following must be met:

• Must be a new ground-source heat pump with a minimum EER of 19.1
• A load calculation is not required for replacement units

A maximum of 10 tons for residential and 50 tons for commercial installations will be rebated. Please note, SWEC will not rebate Direct Expansion Systems.

• Available only to members also installing a ground-source heat pump
• Basement, crawl space or slab floor insulation in either a new or existing residence
• Insulation should comply with Dept of Energy R-Value recommendations for basement/crawl space walls of an R-10 (example)
• Slab floors should have a minimum of a 1” thick waterproof insulation board placed around the entire foundation and extend in from the perimeter a minimum of 24 inches horizontally under the slab (example)
• Installation of any insulation should include any necessary vapor barriers to prevent moisture or mold issues
• 50 percent of the cost of insulation measures will be rebated, $500 maximum

• What is a heat pump water heater?
• Effective April 1, 2019
• Limit of up to two (2) rebates per member address
• Limited to 50 percent of the total cost of the unit
• Unit must be 40 gallons or larger
• Contact any SWEC office to schedule an onsite appointment for rebate

• Heat pump must have a minimum SEER rating of 17
• Propane, natural gas or fuel oil must be used as the back-up heat source.

• Heat pump must have a minimum SEER rating of 17
• Cannot have electric resistance as the back up heat source
• What is a mini-split heat pump?

• Must be ENERGY STAR® rated
• Limit of one (1) rebate per member address
• Submit a copy of the sales receipt with the rebate application, within 90 days of purchase
• Click here to download the rebate form

• Must be a member in good standing with the cooperative
• The rebate is designed for new and existing commercial businesses
• All new motors must meet NEMA Premium standards
• All old motors must be properly disposed of
• The rebate amount is limited to 50 percent (50%) of the total cost of the unit
• Click here to download the rebate form

• Must be a commercial member in good standing with the cooperative
• The rebate is designed for new and existing commercial businesses
• VFD must be controlled
• This rebate is NOT for the replacement of existing VFDs
• Applications include: hot water pump, chilled water pump, HVAC fan
• Types of VFD HVAC fans include: constant volume, air foil/backward inlet, air foil inlet guide vanes, forward curves, forward curved inlet guide vanes
• Types of VFD HVAC pumps include: hot water pump, chilled water pump
• The rebate amount is limited to 50 percent (50%) of the total cost of the unit
• The rebate dollar limit is $50 per brake horsepower
• Click here to download the rebate form

• Must be a programmable timer
• Be sure the timer is:
  • Heavy duty and designed for outdoors
  • Cold weather resistant
  • Rated for a minimum of 15 amps or 1,800 watts capacity
• Maximum rebate of $15 per timer is limited to 50 percent of the total cost of the unit
• Click here to download the rebate form

To schedule an energy audit of your home contact any SWEC office. SWEC provides a cost share on the $300 fee to have an energy audit and only charge our members $100.

A residential energy audit consists of the following measures:

• Check the heating/cooling system and duct work for air leakage
• Check the temperature setting on the water heater
• Perform a blower door test to measure and locate air leakage throughout the home
• Inspect the attic and foundation insulation levels and for any energy efficiency opportunities
• Inspect crawl space or basement for any energy efficiency opportunities
• Inspect rim joists, windows, doors, recessed lighting, electrical outlets and switchs for air leaks

Energy audit will be conducted by a certified energy auditor who will prepare a report of any items found needing replaced or repaired. If the member makes corrective measures, SWEC will reimburse 50 percent (up to $500) of the cost of the repairs/improvements by the auditors report. Corrective measures include such items as labor and materials for insulation, building shell sealing, and duct work sealing/insulation. Repair/replacement costs for HVAC equipment are not eligible for a rebate through the energy audit (even if recommended by auditor); please refer to our other rebates for HVAC system rebates.

For more information on a Commercial Energy Audit please email Nick Seiner or call 800-262-0326.