Rebates & Audits

What is a ground-source/geothermal heat pump?

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

The rebate for a new ground-source heat pump and loop field is $750 per ton of heat pump capacity.

• 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

The rebate for the replacement of an existing ground-source heat pump is $200 per ton of heat pump capacity.

• 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.

The rebate for foundation insulation with the installation of a GSHP is 50 percent of the cost of the insulation, $500 maximum.

• ​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

The rebate for an ENERGY STAR® heat pump water heater is 50 percent of the total cost, not to exceed $500.

• 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

The rebate for a dual-fuel heat pump is $150 per ton of heat pump capacity.

• Heat pump must have a minimum SEER rating of 17
• Propane or natural gas furnace must be used as the back-up heat source.
  • Electric resistance and wood burning systems do not qualify as a back-up heat source for this rebate.

The rebate for a mini-split heat pump is $150 per ton of heat pump capacity.

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

The rebate for an ENERGY STAR® window/room air conditioner is $50.

• 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 commercial member in good standing with the cooperative
• The rebate is available for new and existing businesses
• All new motors must meet NEMA Premium standards (see chart on second page of rebate form, link below)
• All old motors must be properly disposed of
• The rebate amount is limited to 50 percent of the total cost of the unit
• Click here to download the rebate form

The rebate is $50 per brake horsepower not to exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the unit

• Must be a commercial member in good standing with the cooperative
• The rebate is designed for new and existing 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
• Click here to download the rebate form

The rebate is a maximum of $15 per timer, limited to 50 percent of the total cost of the timer.

• 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
• 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 $325 fee to have an energy audit and only charges 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.

Contact any SWEC office to pay the $100 energy audit fee to get your audit scheduled. Once the audit is complete and corrective measures have been performed, an onsite inspection from a cooperative representative will be done to begin the reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of the repairs/improvements.

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