SRP Air Conditioner Rebates

SRP has a great rebate program for high efficiency air conditioners but homeowners need to be aware of SRP’s requirements to qualify for the A/C rebate.  Many companies offer “rebates and incentives” but they never comply with the SRP rebate requirements and really just hike their original price up so high, then discount it by applying cash back and incentives and in the end, you still end up paying a higher price for a new A/C system and you miss out of SRP’s quality install requirements.  You’ll know you are getting a true SRP rebate when you complete these forms.  In this post we will breakdown the SRP air conditioning rebates, SRP rebate requirements and the importance of why SRP puts them in place.

The A/C system is by far the largest energy user in Phoenix homes, often doubling in the summer months so any savings you can get from a high efficient A/C unit will translate into year over year savings for the life of the system.  Only SEER 16 and EER 12.0 or higher units qualify under SRPs rebate requirements.  There are additional requirements that SRP puts in place to ensure a quality install and for good reason.  

SRP Cool Cash Air Conditioner Rebates

SRP has a generous rebate amount for high efficiency air conditioners both for split systems and package units in the table below.

SEER	EER	HSPF	Incentive
16.0 or higher	​12.0 or higher	8.0 or higher	$400
17.0 or higher	12.0 or higher	​8.0 or higher	$600
Variable capacity compressor	​12.0 or higher	​8.0 or higher	$800

All the requirements must be met for the SRP A/C rebates to apply.  Typically SEER is given more attention that EER or HSPF ratings.  However, SRP requires the EER for good reason.  In hot, dry climates like Phoenix, EER is more important than the SEER rating.

EER Is More Important Than SEER

I like the way SRP has structured their A/C rebates because they put requirements in place that award rebates not only for a high efficiency A/C system, but also to make sure a proper installation takes place.  Here is a list of the SRP rebate requirements and explanations.

1. Both indoor air handler and condensing units must be replaced on split systems. This is because SRP recognizes that only a matched system delivers the best results.  Replacing only the condenser while leaving an old evaporator can leave the door open for a number of potential problems in the future.  First of all, if you’re A/C system is older than 2000, chances are it uses an outdated type of Freon (R22) that is no longer made and outlawed from being installed because of its environment damage.  Both indoor and outdoor components need to accept the same type of Freon.  In addition, you get the best energy efficiency by replacing both systems at the same time.  High efficiency A/C systems use communicating diagnostics to operate and troubleshoot themselves but both indoor and outdoor systems need to be matched and replaced.
2. A Manual J must be submitted with application or the application will be denied.  A Manual J calculation tells us what size AC system your house really requires and is based off your existing home orientation, leakage, insulation levels, house footprint, and appliances.  SRP requires that the size of the new A/C system is within 15% or a ½ ton of the existing unit.  Many AC systems are grossly oversized and bigger is not better when it comes to air conditioners.  Performing a Manual J calculation ensures that a properly sized system is being put on your home.  Read more about the Risks of Installing an Oversized A/C System.  
3. Certify that the airflow is within 10% of the blower’s rated capacity.  SRP requires approved contractors check the airflow after every installation and that each be within 10% of the blower’s rated capacity.  This is because no matter how good your new A/C unit is, if the airflow is off, your unit won’t be operating at its peak performance and you’ll likely experience hot and cold rooms and have comfort issues.    If the original ductwork was sized wrong and the A/C contractor didn’t address or replace the ductwork with the new system, your airflow is going to be off. 
4. Certify that the Freon charge is within 5% of manufacturers specifications.  SRP requires approved contractors check the Freon charge after every installation and that each be within 5% of manufacturer’s specifications.  Here SRP is saying that they know the installation is only as good as the installer.  You can have a super high efficient SEER 20 variable speed A/C system, but SRP won’ give you the A/C rebate if the Freon charge is off and your unit will be working harder than it should be without the correct Freon charge.  A/C systems come factory charged with Freon but it sometimes isn’t enough or it’s too much depending on how long the lineset is.  If there is a larger distance between the condenser and the indoor evaporator, then more Freon will likely need to be added.
5.  Provide the model and serial number of the old and new unit.  SRP requires this information to verify the specifications of both the new and the old A/C unit.  SRP is looking for the size, efficiency rating, AHRI number and charge recommendations from the factory.
6. The SRP high efficiency A/C rebate does not apply to new construction homes.  Only existing homes or attached up to 4 dwelling units are eligible.

What Happens If One Of The SRP Requirements Are Not Met?

If for example, the new high efficiency A/C meets all SRP’s efficiency requirements but after installation your contractor finds the airflow or charge is out of specifications and will not meet the SRP rebate requirements, you have two options.  The first option is to have the A/C contractor fix the deficiencies to meet SRP rebate requirements.  Depending on how much additional work is required, this may be done at no cost or at an additional charge.  Now let’s say the airflow is out of SRP’s specifications because the ductwork is sized wrong and fix the problem will cost an additional $300 that you do not want to pay.  Under this scenario, the unit would no longer qualify for the SRP rebate.

Are There High Efficiency Package System Heat Pumps?

Just because Trane, Carrier or Lennox do not have a high efficient package system doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.  SEER 19 variable speed compressors do exist for package heat pumps.  Contact Green ID for a free consultation of our high efficiency A/C systems.

Other SRP Rebates

SRP not only has rebates for high efficiency air conditioners, they provide rebates for sealing ductwork, adding insulation, shade screens, smart thermostats and air sealing.  See the table below for details.

SRP Rebate	Amount
Ductwork sealing	$400
Insulation	$600
Shade screens	$0.80
Smart thermostats	$75
Solar water heaters	$0.30 per kWh (~$725)

Using the SRP air conditioner rebates are a great way to lower the cost of a high efficiency A/C system while ensuring a quality install.  Contact Green ID for a free consultation to go over your A/C replacement options or if you would like a complete energy audit, you can start by taking a quick online survey to see if your home is a good fit.   Click here to find a list of all other SRP rebates.