This section explains tax credits, home energy rebates, refrigerant rules, SEER2 minimums, permits and how to check or hire a contractor.
Public Law 119-21, dated July 4, 2025, ended the 25C credit for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. The IRS says you can claim it for improvements made through December 31, 2025, by filing Form 5695 with your tax return. Federal home energy rebates are separate, run through state programs, and differ in status from state to state. Texas's update of August 21, 2026 said, "Rebates are not currently available."
If you own an R-410A system, EPA says you can maintain and repair it for the rest of its useful life. Split central ACs under 45,000 Btu/h need 13.4 SEER2 in northern states and 14.3 SEER2 in the Southeast and Southwest, as the SEER2 guide explains.
Seattle says you need a permit for any furnace replacement, and a refrigeration permit for any split-system heat pump or AC, according to the permit guide. The FTC says to consider only licensed and insured contractors and to confirm the license with your state or county, as how to hire an HVAC contractor explains.
