Air conditioner rebates California homeowners can claim in 2026 come from a few city-owned utilities and from income-qualified programs. On the pages DuloCore checked on November 5, 2026, LADWP pays $100 to $120 per ton and Riverside Public Utilities $150 to $250 per ton for an efficient central air conditioner. Most other money goes to heat pumps, which also heat.
Furnaces and heat pumps are in our guide to California HVAC rebates for 2026.
Which California Utilities Pay an Air Conditioner Rebate?
LADWP and Riverside Public Utilities do, as of November 5, 2026: LADWP from $100 per ton and Riverside from $150 per ton. PG&E, SCE and SDG&E list no rebate for a standard air conditioner.
| Utility or program |
Air conditioner offer on its official page |
| LADWP |
$100 to $120 per ton |
| Riverside Public Utilities |
$150 to $250 per ton |
| SCE |
A heat pump rebate in Disadvantaged or Low-Income communities |
| SCE Energy Savings Assistance |
No-cost replacement for income-qualified homes |
| SMUD |
Heat pumps only, per its heating and cooling rebates page |
| PG&E |
None, per its rebates page |
| SDG&E |
None; the Golden State Rebates coupons have ended |
Heat pump amounts by utility are in our list of California heat pump rebates.
How Much Is the LADWP Air Conditioner Rebate?
LADWP pays $100 per ton for a central or split air conditioner rated 15.2 SEER2 and $120 per ton at 16.0 SEER2.
The LADWP Consumer Rebate Program page asks for a paid itemized invoice, the matching AHRI certificate and a final approved Building and Safety permit. A heat pump earns up to $2,500 per ton at LADWP for equipment purchased and installed on or after November 1, 2025.
What Does Riverside Public Utilities Pay for an Air Conditioner?
Riverside Public Utilities pays $150 per ton for a central air conditioner rated 15.2 to 15.9 SEER and $250 per ton at 16 SEER or higher.
| Equipment |
Rebate |
| Central air conditioner, 15.2 to 15.9 SEER |
$150 per ton |
| Central air conditioner, 16 SEER or higher |
$250 per ton |
| Electric heat pump, 15.2 SEER or higher |
$750 per ton |
| Whole house evaporative cooler |
$150 |
| Wall or window evaporative cooler |
$50 |
For a split system, the condenser and the indoor coil must both be new and listed together in the AHRI directory, and the application is due within 90 days of purchase, per the Riverside rebate page.
Can SCE Customers Get a Rebate for Replacing an Air Conditioner?
As a rebate, only through a heat pump. SCE Home Performance Plus pays $667 per ton for a ducted heat pump rated 16 SEER2 or higher that replaces an old central air conditioner and gas furnace.
The old air conditioner must be rated 13 SEER (12.4 SEER2) or lower and the furnace 80% AFUE or lower, as the Home Performance Plus rebate list states. The program serves SCE homes in Disadvantaged or Low-Income communities.
Long Beach details are in our page on HVAC rebates in Long Beach.
Can Income-Qualified Homes Get a Free Air Conditioner Replacement?
Yes, in SCE territory. SCE Energy Savings Assistance lists central and window or wall air conditioner replacement and a portable air conditioner among the upgrades a home may receive for free.
The income limit through May 31, 2027 is 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, per the SCE Energy Savings Assistance page. Limits on the age, size and condition of the old unit and a co-payment may apply.
Furnace replacement through the same program is in our free HVAC replacement program guide.
Are There Window Air Conditioner Rebates in California?
Not as store coupons. The Golden State Rebates retail coupons, which listed room air conditioners, have ended, according to SDG&E.
The closure notice is on the SDG&E rebates page.
Is There a Tax Credit or State Rebate for a New Air Conditioner in 2026?
No. The federal 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, and the TECH Clean California single-family heat pump incentives are fully reserved.
TECH Clean California single-family heat pump incentives have been fully reserved and not accepting new reservations since November 14, 2025, per the TECH Clean California incentives page.
The end of the 25C credit is in the IRS questions and answers on the ended home energy credits.
Check one address with the DuloCore rebate calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cool Air Rebate Program for Home Air Conditioners?
No. The Cool Air Rebate Program pays for repairs of leaking air conditioning in cars and light trucks, covering 90% of a qualifying repair up to $1,500 per vehicle.
It is funded by unclaimed deposits on R134a cans, in coordination with the Car Care Council and the California Air Resources Board, as the Cool Air Rebate Program page explains.
Does SMUD Pay a Rebate for an Air Conditioner?
SMUD pays for heat pump heating and cooling systems installed by a contractor in the SMUD Contractor Network, while funding lasts.
Does PG&E Offer an Air Conditioner Rebate?
The PG&E rebates page lists none.
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