The 2026 HVAC savings landscape
Incentives changed meaningfully going into 2026. The headline: the long-running federal tax credit ended, but state and utility programs plus financing still make a new system far more affordable. Here's an honest map of where the savings are — and where to confirm the details, because amounts and deadlines shift.
Federal tax credit (25C): what changed
The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit previously gave up to $2,000 toward a qualifying heat pump and up to $600 toward high-efficiency central AC or a furnace. That credit expired for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, so it is not part of 2026 planning. [GATHER: confirm current federal credit status before quoting customers] in case of any legislative change.
Kentucky Home Energy Rebates (IRA-funded)
Kentucky received federal Inflation Reduction Act funding for Home Energy Rebates — the HOMES (whole-home energy-savings) and Home Electrification & Appliance programs — administered by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. For eligible households these can substantially offset a qualifying heat pump or efficiency upgrade. Because rollout timing, dollar amounts, and income eligibility are set by the state and change over time, treat the following as the program's design, not a promise of a specific check:
- Income-qualified households generally see the largest rebates, especially for heat pumps.
- Whole-home (HOMES) rebates scale with the energy savings your project achieves.
- Exact amounts, eligibility, and program dates: [GATHER: current KY Home Energy Rebates status, amounts, income tiers, and application dates from the KY Energy & Environment Cabinet].
Local utility rebates
Many Kentucky utilities offer their own rebates for high-efficiency HVAC equipment, frequently up to around $750. The exact amount depends on your provider and the system you install. [GATHER: confirm the specific rebate(s) for the utilities serving DuctPros customers — provider names, amounts, and qualifying equipment].
Financing: turn the price into a monthly payment
Even without a tax credit, financing through GoodLeap keeps a new system affordable. Promotional plans include 0% APR for up to 60 months on qualifying purchases. As an illustration, every $6,000 financed at 0% over 60 months is about $100 per month. [GATHER: confirm current GoodLeap promotional APR and term].
How to capture every dollar
- Choose efficient, qualifying equipment — heat pumps usually unlock the most incentives.
- Confirm active programs — ask us or check the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet before you buy.
- Keep your paperwork — model numbers, AHRI certificates, and invoices are needed for most rebates.
- Combine savings with financing — stack a rebate with a 0% plan to lower both the price and the payment.
We'll never invent savings
DuctPros only points you to incentives that are actually available to you. As a Daikin Authorized Dealer with 50+ years combined experience and a Kentucky license (#HM04747), we'll factor current rebates and financing into your free estimate — and if you already have a quote, our free 2nd opinion can confirm you're getting fair value.