COOLAdvantage Program
Program Overview
The COOLAdvantage Program promotes qualifying energy-efficient equipment and as well as proper system sizing and installation "best practices" that affect operating efficiency. The Program provides rebates for the installation of high efficiency electric central air conditioners or heat pumps. New incentives are in effect for purchses after June 1, 2008. Click here for more information.
When selecting a contractor, be sure to ask if they are NATE certified. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the leading national certification program for technicians For a list of NATE certified contractors who participate in the CoolAdvantage Program, contact the Eastern Heating & Cooling Council at 1-800-247-6547, or visit www.eh-cc.org.
You should also consider the installation of an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to help reduce your energy bill. These thermostats can help you save money and keep your home comfortable by automatically adjusting your temperature settings while you are asleep or away.
Incentives
Central Air Conditioner rebate amounts are based on the unit's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and documentation that the proper installation requirements have been met. Both the condenser and coil must be replaced or installed as a matched set as rated in the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute certified performance criteria.
Heat Pump rebate amounts are based on the unit's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) and documentation that the proper installation requirements have been met. All three factors (SEER, EER and HSPF) must meet minimum requirements in order to qualify for a rebate.
The following table details the new 2008 incentives and eligibility requirements for purchases effective June 1, 2008. For the 2008 incentives and eligibility requirements for installations up to May 31, 2008 click here. Please call 1-866-NJSMART to request a rebate application.
|
Equipment Type |
Minimum Efficiency Level |
Sizing and Selection |
Customer Portion of Incentive |
Contractor Portion of Incentive |
|
Central Air Conditioning or Air to Air Heat Pump |
SEER 14/EER 12/HSPF 8.5 (must be matched system with ARI rating number) |
ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized with 15% variance of requirement and correctly selected for the dwelling |
$100 | $100 |
|
Central Air Conditioning or Air to Air Heat Pump |
SEER 15/ EER 12.5/ HSPF 8.5 (must be matched system with ARI rating number) | ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized with 15% variance of requirement and correctly selected for the dwelling | $150 | $100 |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | EER 13.0 | ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized with 15% variance of requirement and correctly selected for the dwelling | $150 | $100 |
| Ductless mini-split air conditioning system or heat pump | SEER 14 / EER 11 /HSPF 8.5 (must be matched with ARI rating number) | Not required | $100 | N/A |
To ensure that New Jersey residents get the full benefits of an energy-efficient central air conditioner or heat pump (i.e. that it operates as efficiently as its energy rating suggests it should), the rebate will be processed only if your installing contractor submits documentation that the air conditioner or heat pump has been properly sized and installed.
Geothermal/Ground Source Heat Pump rebate amounts are based on the unit's Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Documentation that the unit has been properly installed is also required.
Features and Benefits
Recent studies show that the average electric central air conditioner will consume two times the required energy. Year after year, that could result in hundreds of dollars wasted on energy bills. Just as important, improper installation can lead to comfort problems, higher maintenance costs and energy bills, as well as shorter equipment life.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is offering a free booklet to help you buy the best energy-efficient system for your home. Click here for the "Shop Smart, Stay Cool, Your Guide to Buying an Energy-Efficient Central Air Conditioner" or call 1-866-NJSMART.
Participation Eligibility
The Program targets all residential dwellings in Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G and Rockland Electric Company's electric service areas, in which a new electric central air conditioner or heat pump is installed. Customers participating in the New Jersey ENERGY STAR® Homes (new construction) program are not eligible for a rebate through this Program, as this equipment will be accounted for under the new construction program standards, requirements and incentives. Installations in newly constructed homes are only eligible for rebates in Smart Growth areas, defined as Planning Areas 1 and 2, as well as Designated Centers, on the State Plan Map.
The program also offers rebates on the purchase of high efficiency natural gas heating systems and/or water heaters. Click here to learn more. Also, learn about getting a home energy assessment from Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.