Georgia heat pump rebates and incentives in 2026
Georgia homeowners can still access $4,000 to $14,000+ in heat pump rebates in 2026 — but the landscape shifted after federal tax credits expired. The main incentives now come from Georgia's IRA-funded HEAR and HER programs, plus utility rebates from Georgia Power and the state's EMCs. This guide covers all major Georgia heat pump incentives available in 2026, including HEAR, HER, Georgia Power HEIP, and EMC programs. Here's what's actually available — and what you'll realistically get after rebates.
Last verified: March 23, 2026
Rates and program availability may change after this date.
Georgia
Open
HEAR rebates cover up to $8,000 for heat pumps (≤150% AMI). HER whole-home rebates up to $4,000 (all incomes) or $16,000 (≤80% AMI). Georgia Power HEIP offers up to $1,000. EMC rebates $100–$600. Federal 25C/25D credits expired Dec 2025.
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The short version
✓ HEAR rebates up to $8,000
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program covers up to $8,000 for a heat pump, applied at point of sale. Households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) receive up to 100% of costs. Households at 80–150% AMI receive up to 50%.
✓ HER whole-home rebates up to $16,000
The Home Efficiency Rebates program rewards whole-home energy reductions. All income levels qualify: up to $4,000 for above-median-income households, up to $16,000 for low-income households achieving 35%+ energy savings.
✓ Total potential: $4,000–$18,000+
$4,000–$6,000 (above 150% AMI) to $12,000–$18,000+ (below 80% AMI). Utility rebates add another $100–$1,000 depending on your provider. Full electrification packages combining HEAR, HER, and utility rebates can reach ~$18,000 total incentives.
✗ Federal tax credits expired
Both Section 25C ($2,000/year for heat pumps) and Section 25D (30% for geothermal) expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. No replacement has been enacted.
⚠ HEAR only covers households at or below 150% AMI
Households above 150% AMI are not eligible for HEAR. The HER program is the primary incentive for higher-income homeowners, but requires a whole-home approach with documented energy savings — not a standalone equipment swap.
Federal tax credits have expired
Both Section 25C and Section 25D federal tax credits expired on December 31, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) terminated these credits seven years ahead of their original 2032 sunset. Section 25C had provided up to $2,000/year for air-source heat pumps. Section 25D had provided 30% with no cap for geothermal heat pumps. Neither is available for systems installed in 2026 or later. Read more about what changed.
The "placed in service" rule is critical for Georgia homeowners in the transition period. Per IRS guidance, the installation date — not the payment date — controls eligibility. A heat pump installed before December 31, 2025 but paid for in January 2026 qualifies for the 2025 credit. A heat pump paid for in 2025 but installed in 2026 does not. Section 25D does permit carryforward of unused credit amounts to future tax years.
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)
HEAR provides point-of-sale rebates — the discount is applied at purchase through a GEFA-approved contractor, not claimed on taxes later. Only households earning at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) qualify. The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) administers the program through energyrebates.georgia.gov.
HEAR rebate amounts
| Equipment | Maximum rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat pump (space heating/cooling) | $8,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | $1,750 |
| Electric stove, cooktop, range, or heat pump dryer | $840 |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $4,000 |
| Insulation, air sealing, ventilation | $1,600 |
| Electric wiring | $2,500 |
| Maximum total per household | $14,000 |
Income tiers
Households at or below 80% AMI receive up to 100% of project costs. Households between 80–150% AMI receive up to 50% of costs. Households above 150% AMI are not eligible for HEAR.
⚠ Common mistake: HEAR requires electrification
HEAR generally requires a Qualified Electrification Project — the upgrade must be first-time electrification or replace a non-electric appliance. Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump qualifies. Replacing an existing electric furnace with a heat pump does not qualify under HEAR. All products must be ENERGY STAR-certified.
Home Efficiency Rebates (HER)
HER takes a whole-home, performance-based approach. Unlike HEAR, all income levels qualify — but rebate amounts vary by income. Projects must achieve a minimum 20% modeled or measured energy reduction through qualifying improvements. All HER projects require a BPI-certified, GEFA-approved contractor who performs energy modeling.
HER rebate amounts by income
| Income tier | ≥20% energy savings | ≥35% energy savings |
|---|---|---|
| At or below 80% AMI | Up to $10,000 | Up to $16,000 |
| Above 80% AMI | Up to $4,000 | Up to $4,000 |
Eligible improvements include heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and window/door upgrades. A single household can use both HEAR and HER — but not for the same upgrade.
HER is the key program for above-median-income homeowners
With federal credits gone and HEAR limited to households below 150% AMI, HER is now the single most valuable tool for higher-income Georgia homeowners. The tradeoff: it requires a whole-home approach with documented energy savings rather than a simple equipment swap. Pair a heat pump with insulation and air sealing to hit the 20% savings threshold.
Utility rebates: Georgia Power and EMCs
Georgia Power — Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP)
Georgia Power, the state's largest utility serving roughly 2.7 million customers, offers rebates at 50% of installed cost up to the listed cap. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of the paid-in-full invoice. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR-certified.
| Improvement | HEIP rebate (50% of cost, up to cap) |
|---|---|
| Air-source heat pump conversion | Up to $1,000 |
| Mini-split heat pump | Up to $1,000 |
| Ground-source heat pump | Up to $300 |
| Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,000 |
| Home Comfort Bundle (insulation + air sealing + duct sealing) | Up to $1,250 |
EMC rebates across Georgia's cooperatives
Georgia's 41 Electric Membership Cooperatives serve roughly 4 million residents, primarily in suburban and rural areas. Rebate programs differ significantly by cooperative. No consolidated statewide EMC rebate list exists.
| EMC | Heat pump rebate | HPWH rebate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson EMC | $400 | $500 | Min 15.2 SEER2, total electric only |
| GreyStone Power | $300–$600 | $200–$400 | Gas-to-electric conversion only |
| Sawnee EMC | $100/ton | $200 | Min 16.2 SEER2, load mgmt required |
| Central Georgia EMC | $200–$400 | — | Min 14.3 SEER2, no dual fuel |
| Walton EMC | $200 | $200 | Fossil fuel conversion only |
| Cobb EMC | $500 | — | General energy efficiency incentive, once per 5 years |
| Coweta-Fayette EMC | $100 | $250 | SmartChoice Home Program |
| Marietta Power | $150–$500 | $250 | Gas-to-electric conversion; $500 for bundled HVAC + water heater |
Contact your EMC directly for current program details. Rebate amounts and eligibility can change without notice.
How programs stack in Georgia
Per GEFA's official FAQ, state HER and HEAR rebates can be combined with utility rebates (Georgia Power HEIP or EMC programs), but not for the same single upgrade. Different upgrades within the same home can draw from different programs. HER and HEAR cannot be combined on the same upgrade either. These rebates are treated as purchase price reductions — not taxable income.
Above 150% AMI — ducted heat pump + insulation
- HER whole-home rebate (20%+ energy savings): up to $4,000
- Georgia Power HEIP heat pump water heater: up to $1,000
- Georgia Power Home Comfort Bundle: up to $1,250
Realistic maximum: ~$5,000–$6,000
80–150% AMI — gas-to-heat-pump conversion + water heater
- HEAR heat pump rebate (50% of cost): up to $8,000
- Georgia Power HEIP heat pump water heater: up to $1,000
- HER (additional insulation/air sealing): up to $4,000
Realistic maximum: ~$8,000–$12,000
Below 80% AMI — full electrification package
- HEAR heat pump rebate (100% of cost): up to $8,000
- HEAR heat pump water heater: up to $1,750
- HEAR electrical panel + wiring: up to $6,500
- Georgia Power HEIP Home Comfort Bundle: up to $1,250
- HER whole-home (additional measures, 35%+ savings): up to $16,000
Realistic maximum: ~$12,000–$18,000+
What you'll actually pay
On a $12,000–$18,000 whole-home heat pump project, expect to pay $0–$6,000 out of pocket if below 80% AMI, $4,000–$10,000 at 80–150% AMI, or $7,000–$14,000 above 150% AMI. Georgia has no state tax credit or state loan program to fill the gap for higher-income households.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Georgia's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), also administered by GEFA through local Community Action Agencies, provides free energy efficiency improvements to households earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The program can include heat pump installation — GEFA received a $7.5 million DOE grant in 2024 specifically for clean energy technology including heat pumps.
Services include energy audits, insulation, air/duct sealing, and HVAC improvements at no cost to the homeowner. Waiting lists may exist due to high demand. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
✓ Best candidates for Georgia heat pump rebates
Homeowners replacing gas furnaces or propane heating (HEAR-eligible electrification), households below 80% AMI (100% cost coverage through HEAR), Georgia Power customers doing bundled projects (HEIP + HER stacking), and anyone in EMC territory with an aging electric resistance system (lower bills plus EMC rebates).
Georgia's climate and heat pump performance
Georgia sits in IECC Climate Zones 2A (southern/coastal) and 3A (northern/Atlanta metro) — a mixed-humid, cooling-dominant climate where heat pumps deliver exceptional year-round performance. Cold-climate heat pumps are unnecessary for the vast majority of Georgia.
ASHRAE design temperatures
| City | Winter design (99.6%) | Summer design (0.4%) | IECC zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 21.7°F | 93.7°F | 3A |
| Augusta | ~23°F | ~98°F | 3A |
| Savannah | ~27°F | ~96°F | 2A |
Atlanta's winter design temperature of 21.7°F means outdoor air drops below that level for fewer than 35 hours per year. A standard ENERGY STAR heat pump maintains strong efficiency at 25–35°F, covering well over 99% of Georgia's heating hours. The cooling season runs five to seven months, meaning high SEER2 ratings generate outsized savings.
Variable-speed (inverter-driven) heat pumps are strongly recommended for Georgia's humid climate. They run at lower speeds for longer periods, pulling more moisture from the air — critical for comfort in a state where latent humidity loads are substantial. The federal minimum for the Southeast is 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 for split-system heat pumps.
Per the 2020 EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey, Georgia homes split nearly evenly between natural gas (47%) and electricity (46%), with propane at 5%. Metro Atlanta heavily favors natural gas. Rural and coastal areas rely more on electric resistance heating and propane. If you're also considering battery storage, see our guide to home batteries in 2026.
Georgia's climate is the hidden subsidy
Heat pumps in Georgia operate near peak efficiency for the vast majority of hours, delivering both heating and cooling savings in a state where every home needs air conditioning. The payback period is shorter than in most of the country even with reduced incentives.
How to apply for Georgia heat pump rebates
Check income eligibility
Visit energyrebates.georgia.gov to determine your AMI tier. HEAR requires household income at or below 150% AMI. HER is open to all income levels.
Find a GEFA-approved contractor
Both HEAR and HER require a contractor registered with GEFA. The approved contractor list is available on the energyrebates.georgia.gov portal. HER additionally requires a BPI-certified contractor for energy modeling.
Get a quote with eligible equipment
Your contractor will confirm ENERGY STAR certification and, for HEAR, that the project qualifies as electrification. For HER, the contractor performs a Manual J load calculation and energy model to project savings.
Complete the project and claim rebates
HEAR rebates are applied at point of sale through the contractor. HER rebates require post-installation verification. Apply for utility rebates (Georgia Power HEIP or your EMC) separately after installation — Georgia Power requires submission within 60 days.
What to watch for
IRA funding runway
Georgia's HEAR and HER programs are funded through September 2031 or until funds are exhausted. However, future Congressional action could modify IRA appropriations. Once funding runs out, these rebates end with no guarantee of renewal.
GEFA contractor availability
Both HEAR and HER require GEFA-approved contractors. As demand increases, scheduling may take longer. Getting on a contractor's calendar early — especially before summer cooling season — improves your timeline.
EMC program changes
EMC rebate programs are set by each cooperative's board independently. Amounts, eligibility rules, and program availability can change at any board meeting. Verify current terms with your EMC before committing to a project.
Frequently asked questions
What heat pump rebates are available in Georgia in 2026?
Georgia’s main heat pump rebates in 2026 come from the IRA-funded HEAR program (up to $8,000 for households at or below 150% AMI), the HER whole-home program (up to $4,000 for above-median-income or up to $16,000 for low-income households), Georgia Power’s HEIP rebate (up to $1,000), and EMC rebates ranging from $100 to $600 depending on the cooperative. Federal Section 25C and 25D tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
Can I stack HEAR, HER, and utility rebates in Georgia?
Yes, but not on the same upgrade. GEFA allows stacking HER and HEAR with utility rebates (Georgia Power HEIP or EMC rebates) as long as each program covers a different improvement. You cannot combine HEAR and HER on the same piece of equipment. A low-income household could use HEAR for a heat pump and a utility rebate for a heat pump water heater, for example.
Does Georgia’s climate work well for heat pumps?
Georgia is one of the best states in the country for heat pump performance. Atlanta’s winter design temperature is 21.7°F, meaning outdoor temperatures rarely drop below levels where standard heat pumps lose efficiency. Georgia’s cooling-dominant climate means high-SEER2 heat pumps deliver outsized savings across a five-to-seven-month cooling season.
Who administers Georgia’s HEAR and HER rebate programs?
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) administers both the HEAR and HER programs through its Division of Energy Resources. Applications are processed through energyrebates.georgia.gov, and all projects require a GEFA-approved contractor. The helpline is (877) 348-5237.
Do I qualify for HEAR if I’m replacing an existing electric furnace?
Generally no. HEAR requires a Qualified Electrification Project, meaning the upgrade must be first-time electrification or replace a non-electric appliance. Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump qualifies. Replacing an existing electric furnace with a heat pump does not qualify under HEAR. However, you may still qualify for HER whole-home rebates if the project achieves at least 20% modeled energy savings.
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Disclaimer: This page covers the main statewide, utility, and IRA heat pump incentives available to Georgia homeowners in 2026. It does not calculate savings, guarantee eligibility, or represent any incentive program. Georgia's 41 EMCs each set their own rebate terms independently; we cover the largest cooperatives but cannot list every program. We verify status regularly but programs can change without notice. Always confirm current amounts and eligibility with GEFA, Georgia Power, your EMC, and your contractor before making decisions.
See how this state compares → Heat Pump Rebates by State (2026)