Air Conditioning
About 6% of the average U.S. household energy use goes to space cooling.
In the District we are no strangers to heat and humidity, so cooling costs can make your summer energy bills seem unbearable. Reducing energy use for air conditioning can be accomplished by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners and improving the overall energy-efficiency of your home.
How to Replace Your Old Air Conditioning System
Your choice of cooling system affects your energy bill. If you need to replace an old or failing air conditioning system, or are ready to upgrade, we recommend that you:
1. Find a Contractor.
A DC-licensed HVAC contractor can help you make sure your choices are eligible for rebates. Confirm that your new efficient air conditioning equipment is compatible with your existing HVAC system to be eligible for the rebate and result in expected energy savings.
2. Choose Efficiency.
DCSEU offers rebates on many models of energy efficient cooling systems.
3. Get a Rebate.
DCSEU rebates help offset the increased cost of high-efficiency cooling systems.
Tips for Cooling Down This Summer
Before you upgrade your cooling equipment, consider the most cost-effective way to save money and energy on cooling–reducing your air conditioning needs. This can be done in several ways:
|
What You Can Do |
How it Will Help |
How Expensive Is It? |
|---|---|---|
|
Delay heat-producing tasks |
Wait to do any dishwashing, baking, or laundry, until the cooler evening or early morning hours. |
No cost |
|
Keep cool air in & hot air out |
When it’s cooler outside than inside, open your windows. When it’s warmer outside than inside, close your windows and draw window coverings against direct sunlight. |
No cost |
|
Use energy-efficient light bulbs, such as CFLs or LEDs |
Incandescent light bulbs lose 90% of their energy as heat. |
$ |
|
Use fans (ceiling, table, floor, or wall-mounted) |
Fans circulate air in a room, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you more comfortable in hot weather. |
$$ |
|
Use bath fans |
Removes heat and moisture generated by showers. |
$$ |
|
Plant shade trees |
Planting leafy shade trees on the east and west sides of your home will block heat and sunlight. |
$$ |
|
Install and use a whole house fans |
Pulls air in through windows and exhausts warm air from the attic and roof. |
$$$ |
|
Insulate and air seal |
Prevents heat from entering your house. |
$$$$ |
Get Started
Rebates
Cooling equipment must be installed by a DC-licensed HVAC contractor in order to qualify for rebates. Contractors must have a valid DC Master Ref/AC license to offer cooling rebates.
|
Qualifying Product |
Qualified Source |
Qualifying Efficiency Level |
Previous Rebate |
Updated Rebate (Until June 30, 2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Central Air Conditioners |
≥ 16 SEER and ≥ 13 EER |
$200 |
$250 |
|
|
≥ 18 SEER and ≥ 13 EER |
$300 | $375 | ||
|
Variable Speed Mini-Split Air Conditioners |
SEER ≥ 18 EER ≥ 12.5 |
$100 | $125 |
*Disclaimer: The DCSEU website has the most up-to-date rebate information. Please refer back to this table or DCSEU rebate applications for accurate rebate amounts.
Eligibility
To search for eligible equipment, please use the CEE/AHRI search tool for central air conditioners and variable speed mini-split air conditioners. Confirm with the DCSEU or contractor to determine that equipment is eligible for rebates. Apply for a rebate online if you have worked with a contractor to install qualifying equipment. Equipment must be installed on or after 10/1/20 to qualify for rebates. For more information, contact us at 202-479-2222 or info@dcseu.com.
- Equipment must be purchased new and installed by a licensed contractor between 10/1/20-9/30/21.
- Equipment must be installed in residential households of 4 units or less.
- Rebates for products installed after 9/30/21 are subject to change.
- Equipment model numbers must be listed on the DCSEU’s Qualifying Product Lists to be eligible for a rebate
- Limit one product per utility account per fiscal year
- Application and any required additional documentation must be filled out completely, truthfully, and accurately. These materials must be submitted within 30 days of the installation date and postmarked by 9/30/21 to qualify for a rebate.