2014 HVAC Rebate Programs for Maryland Homeowners
The state of Maryland offers several rebate programs that reduce the cost to homeowners for the installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment such as an efficient gas furnace or electric heat pump.
Here’s a look at how you can save money on the equipment and then continue to save each month through reduced energy use and costs.
Be SMART Home Efficiency Rebate Program
This state rebate program covers a wide range of HVAC equipment and materials including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and central air conditioners. Home appliances with an Energy Star rating are also eligible for rebates. Here’s a look at the Maryland energy rebate overview:
- Energy Audit: $300 (paid to contractor)
- Building Envelope Improvements: 50% of cost
- HVAC Equipment: varies by measure, $25 – $500
- Water Heating: varies by measure, $25 – $350
- Appliances: varies by measure, $75 – $150
- Boilers: $500 – $1,750
The building envelope improvements including the addition of house wrap, sealing air ducts and increasing the amount of insulation.
EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program
This program is available to customers of these utility companies: BGE, Delmarva, PE, Pepco or SMECO who also qualify as low-income. Eligible equipment includes refrigerators, lighting and furnaces. For residents that qualify, the equipment and installation come at no cost to the recipient.
Geothermal Heat Pump Grant Program
Residents who install a geothermal heat pump are eligible for rebates of $3,000. The typical cost of these units to be installed is $10,000 to $15,000. Here are the requirements for the efficiency of the system:
- Must meet the safety and performance standards of a nationally recognized testing laboratory including:
- A minimum Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 14.0;
- A minimum Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.0
Residential Clean Energy Grant Program
This program administered by the state provides rebates for solar water heating (SWH) and the production of electricity through the use of photovoltaic equipment (PV). Here are the amounts of the rebates:
- PV: $1,000 (flat per installation/household incentive)
- SWH: $500 (flat per installation/household incentive)
Maryland Utility Company Rebates
Most of the state’s power suppliers also offer rebates for the installation of energy-efficient equipment or increased insulation.
For example, the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Gas) – Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers these rebates:
- Gas Furnace: $300 or $400 depending on the efficiency of the unit installed
- Duct Sealing: $200
- Tune-ups: $100
- Installation Rebates: Contact BGE
For all Maryland state and utility company rebates, see DsireUSA.