COOLAdvantage Program Updates
Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rebate Program
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Important Program Change Effective February 15, 2007 |
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All CoolAdvantage rebate applications will now be processed by Honeywell. Any applications received by your electric utilities have been forwarded to Honeywell for processing. If you have any questions about your CoolAdvantage rebate, please contact: CoolAdvantage Program This change has been made by directive of The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), administrator of the CoolAdvantage program |
Electric Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rebate Program
There's a New Minimum Efficiency for 2006
Like many consumer products that use energy, air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. For nearly a decade, that minimum has been 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). On January 23, 2006, the minimum will jump to 13 SEER, a 30% increase over the current standard.
Who will this affect?
The 13 SEER minimum applies to everyone - consumers, your local heating and air conditioning installer and all manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps. However, it only applies to new equipment manufactured on or after January 23, 2006. In other words, you can continue to use your current system indefinitely, even if it operates below 13 SEER. However, if you own an older system that often needs repair, or if it is simply time to replace your current system, purchasing a more efficient model will give you several advantages:
- You'll start saving money on your monthly utility bills with a newer, more energy efficient system.
- You'll be able to make the switch at today's costs instead of tomorrows.
- Plus, you may be eligible to receive a rebate from the CoolAdvantage Program for an energy efficient installation. However, systems with an efficiency rating lower than 14 SEER will not be eligible for a rebate after December 31, 2005.
What does it mean to you?
For many homeowners, a higher SEER air conditioner or heat pump will represent money saved on each month's electric bill. Exactly how much you can save will depend on the efficiency of your current system as well as your individual lifestyle.
Here's a comparison:
The new DOE efficiency standard, 13 SEER, delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models. 14 SEER equipment delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 13 SEER models.
Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced, but for anyone currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes a lot of sense to start saving now with an energy efficient central air conditioner.
Electric Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rebate Program
Important Notice Regarding 2006 Rebate Levels
Dear HVAC Dealers and NJ Residents:
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has established a new national standard for central air conditioners. After January 23, 2006, all electric central air conditioners and air source heat pumps manufactured must meet or exceed the minimum efficiency standard set at 13 SEER. As a result of this change, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's COOLAdvantage Program will no longer pay a rebate for central air conditioners and air source heat pump equipment with a SEER between 13 and 13.99 installed after December 31, 2005. Existing rebates and eligibility requirements for central air conditioners with a SEER 14 or more and an EER of 12 and (in the case of air source pumps) a HSPF of 8.5 or more remain in effect.
Additional changes to New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's COOLAdvantage Program incentive levels are anticipated in 2006, pending the development of new efficiency tiers by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the result of market research being conducted on the impact of the new DOE standard. Any future program modifications will be announced as soon as possible. Please continue to use your supply of 2005 rebate applications until new forms are developed and made available.
For additional information regarding program changes and updates, contact your participating electric or gas utility or the Eastern Heating and Cooling Council (www.eh-cc.org) at 1-800-247-6547.
CoolAdvantage Rebate Level Changes Effective April 1, 2006
Dear New Jersey HVAC Industry Professional:
Re: CoolAdvantage 2006 Program Changes
New Jersey's Clean Energy Program has established new incentive and equipment efficiency levels for the 2006 CoolAdvantage Program. These changes will be effective for equipment installed on or after April 1, 2006. These program changes are warranted due to new efficiency standards established by the US Department of Energy which require new central air conditioners and air source heat pumps manufactured after January 23, 2006 to meet a minimum efficiency standard of 13 SEER. The following table details the new incentives and eligibility requirements:
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Minimum Efficiency Standards
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Current Incentives
Installations on or before March 31, 2006 |
2006 Incentives
Installations on or after April 1, 2006 |
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SEER
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EER
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HSFP
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Central A/C
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Heat Pumps
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Central A/C
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Heat Pumps
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14.00
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12.00
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8.50
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$400
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$550
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$300
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$350
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15.00
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12.50
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8.50
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$400
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$550
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$400
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$450
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The 2006 eligibility requirements and rebate amounts will apply for all applications received by utilities with installation dates of April 1, 2006 or later. All applications received by utilities with installation dates before April 1, 2006 will receive the current incentive.
There is no change to the incentive or efficiency level for ground source heat pumps which remains at $500 per ton ($400 for ground loop/$100 for equipment) with a minimum 13 EER.
All other program requirements, including proper sizing, airflow and refrigerant charge remain in effect to help ensure the most energy efficient installation possible.
An interim supply of rebate application forms will be printed for 2006 to be used for equipment installations between January 1, 2006 and March 31, 2006. A supply of forms will also be available for installations completed on April 1, 2006 or later.
For additional information regarding program changes and updates, contact either your participating electric utility or the Eastern Heating and Cooling Council (www.eh-cc.org)
at 1-800-247-6547, or visit www.njcleanenergy.com.
Important Notice to Contractors Regarding NATE Certification
Click here to download the PDF.
2006 Federal Tax Credits Available for Energy Efficient Home Improvements!
Click here to find out about more.