Most Orlando homeowners I talk to have no idea these programs exist. They spend $8,000–$12,000 on a new AC system and never claim a dollar in rebates. That is money your utility company is literally offering to give you — and you just have to ask for it.

Here is a complete breakdown of every HVAC rebate available to Orlando homeowners right now, how much you can get, and exactly how to claim them.

Duke Energy Rebates (Up to $3,800)

Duke Energy's Home Energy Improvement program offers some of the most generous HVAC rebates in Florida. If you are a Duke Energy customer (check your electric bill), here is what is available.

Heat Pump Replacing Strip Heat: $600–$1,000

This is the biggest single rebate. If you are replacing electric strip heat (resistance heat) with a heat pump system, Duke Energy will pay you $600–$1,000 depending on the system's efficiency rating. Heat pumps are dramatically more efficient than strip heat — they move heat instead of generating it — so Duke Energy wants to incentivize the switch.

AC System Replacement: $100–$150

Replacing your central air conditioning system with a higher-efficiency unit qualifies for a $100–$150 rebate from Duke Energy, depending on the SEER2 rating of the new system. Not a huge amount, but it is free money for something you are already buying.

Duct Repair: Up to $200

If your ductwork needs repair or sealing, Duke Energy offers up to $200 for qualifying duct improvements. Considering that leaky ducts can waste 25–30% of your cooled air, this rebate often pays for itself in lower bills within the first month.

Free Home Energy Check (Required First Step)

Before you can claim most Duke Energy rebates, you need to schedule a free Home Energy Check. A Duke Energy contractor visits your home, assesses your insulation, ductwork, windows, and HVAC system, and provides recommendations. This visit is free and is a requirement for most of the rebate programs.

Total possible from Duke Energy: up to $3,800 when you combine heat pump replacement, AC system, and duct repair rebates.

OUC Rebates (Up to $1,630)

If you are an Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) customer, you have a separate set of rebates available. These can be used instead of Duke Energy rebates (not in addition to — you only have one utility provider).

Heat Pump AC System: $45–$1,150

OUC's rebate for heat pump installations ranges from $45 for a basic qualifying system up to $1,150 for high-efficiency units. The rebate amount scales with system size (tonnage) and efficiency (SEER2 rating). A 3-ton, 16 SEER2 heat pump — a common size for Orlando homes — typically qualifies for $400–$600.

Additional OUC Efficiency Rebates

OUC also offers rebates for insulation upgrades, smart thermostats, and other efficiency improvements that complement a new HVAC system. Check their rebates page for current offerings.

Total possible from OUC: up to $1,630 for qualifying heat pump systems and related improvements.

Federal Tax Credits: Up to $2,000 More

Here is where it gets really interesting. The utility rebates above are separate from federal tax credits — and you can stack them.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners who install a qualifying heat pump can claim a federal tax credit of up to $2,000. This is not a deduction — it is a dollar-for-dollar credit against your federal income taxes. According to Home Energy Basics, Florida homeowners are among the biggest beneficiaries of these credits because heat pumps work exceptionally well in our climate.

To qualify, the heat pump must meet specific efficiency requirements (generally 15.2 SEER2 or higher for split systems). Your HVAC contractor should be able to confirm whether a specific system qualifies.

What This Means for Orlando Homeowners

Let me put real numbers on this. Say you are a Duke Energy customer replacing a 15-year-old AC system with a new high-efficiency heat pump.

That is a 35% reduction in the cost of a new system, and it does not include the energy savings you will see on every electric bill for the next 15–20 years.

How to Claim These Rebates: Step by Step

Step 1: Identify Your Utility Provider

Check your electric bill. If it says Duke Energy, you apply through Duke Energy's program. If it says OUC, you apply through OUC. You cannot claim from both — it is one or the other based on who provides your electricity.

Step 2: Schedule the Free Energy Assessment

For Duke Energy, schedule a free Home Energy Check through their website or by calling them directly. For OUC, check their rebates page for any pre-qualification requirements. This step is often required before the rebate will be approved.

Step 3: Get Your AC Replaced by a Licensed Contractor

Have your new system installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. Make sure to get documentation of the equipment model numbers, SEER2 ratings, and AHRI certificate. You will need these for the rebate application.

Step 4: Submit Your Rebate Application

After installation, submit your rebate application with the required documentation (invoice, equipment specs, AHRI certificate). Duke Energy and OUC both accept online applications. Most rebates are processed within 6–8 weeks.

Step 5: Claim the Federal Tax Credit

When you file your federal income taxes, use IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) to claim the heat pump tax credit. Keep your installation invoice and manufacturer certification statement as documentation.

How Smart Home Air & Heat Helps

We handle the rebate paperwork for our customers. When we install a new system, we provide all the documentation you need — equipment specs, AHRI certificates, itemized invoices — and we walk you through the application process. We have helped hundreds of Orlando homeowners claim these rebates, and we know exactly which systems qualify for the maximum amounts.

For more details on rebates and financing options, visit our dedicated page or call us directly.

Do Not Leave This Money on the Table

These rebate programs have budgets. When the money runs out, the programs close or reduce their offerings. If you are planning to replace your AC system this year, apply for these rebates now — do not wait until the end of the year when funds may be exhausted.

The combination of utility rebates and federal tax credits makes 2026 one of the best years in recent memory to upgrade your HVAC system. A system that might have cost you $10,000 out of pocket five years ago could cost you $6,500–$7,000 after all available incentives.

Want to know exactly how much you can save? Call (407) 465-7777. We will give you a free estimate that includes every rebate and credit your system qualifies for.

Sources

1. Duke Energy — HVAC Replacement Rebates
2. Duke Energy — Home Energy Improvement Program
3. OUC — Savings Rebates Program
4. Home Energy Basics — Florida Heat Pump Rebates & Tax Credits