What to verify before signing
For heat pump installations, ask for equipment model numbers, matched indoor and outdoor combinations, permit assumptions, utility account eligibility, installation timing, invoice language and any required contractor registration. Incentives should never be treated as guaranteed until the current program source and paperwork path are checked.
LADWP currently publishes heat pump HVAC rebate language for eligible residential customers, while TECH Clean California publishes state incentive and reservation status details. The federal ENERGY STAR air-source heat pump tax credit page states that the 25C window applied to products purchased and installed from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025, so 2026 homeowner conversations should not casually promise that federal credit.
Official source links
- LADWP Consumer Rebate Program: LADWP says Heat Pump HVAC rebates increase for equipment purchased and installed on or after November 1, 2025, with qualifying systems eligible up to $2,500 per ton depending on SEER2/HSPF2 rating and documentation.
- TECH Clean California incentive status: TECH Clean California public reporting is the source to check for current reservation status; 2026 homeowner conversations should treat TECH and HEEHRA availability as a live-status item, not a guaranteed discount.
- IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: The IRS states the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit applied to qualifying improvements made through December 31, 2025, including up to $2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps while the credit was active.
- ENERGY STAR air-source heat pump tax credit page: ENERGY STAR confirms the air-source heat pump tax credit page covered products purchased and installed from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025, so 2026 estimates need current utility and state sources.
- ENERGY STAR air-source heat pump guidance: ENERGY STAR explains that heat pumps move heat rather than converting fuel and that proper sizing should use a Manual J load calculation.
- U.S. DOE air conditioner maintenance: DOE says dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency, coils need inspection and professional service should check refrigerant charge, duct leakage, airflow, controls and electrical terminals.
- U.S. DOE ductless mini split heat pumps: DOE notes that ductless mini splits are useful for additions and non-ducted spaces, and that duct losses can account for more than 30% of space-conditioning energy use when ducts sit in unconditioned areas.
- U.S. DOE minimizing energy losses in ducts: DOE emphasizes balanced supply and return flow, sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces, and avoiding building cavities as ducts.
- EPA Indoor AirPlus and wildfires: EPA says wildfire smoke can enter homes and recommends discussing filtration strategy; Indoor AirPlus requires MERV 8 minimum while EPA highly recommends MERV 13 for added protection.
- California Air Resources Board wildfire smoke FAQ: CARB recommends using indoor air cleaners when AQI is unhealthy or smoke is visible or smelled, and points homeowners toward high-efficiency filtration during smoke events.
- LADBS mechanical HVAC permits: LADBS states mechanical HVAC permits are required for installation or modification of heating and cooling systems, so replacement scopes should include permit expectations.
- California Energy Commission 2025 Energy Code update: CEC says the 2025 Energy Code encourages efficient heat pumps for space and water heating and strategies that shift energy use away from peak demand periods.
- NOAA Los Angeles International Airport 1991-2020 climate normals: NOAA climate normals for LAX show annual base-65 cooling degree days and monthly temperature patterns, useful for explaining why coastal and inland LA homes have different loads.