Why it matters to you
With the federal 25C credit ended for 2026 installations, utility incentives are one of the few remaining ways to lower the installed cost of a new system in Greater Houston. Because the CenterPoint incentive is applied on the invoice, choosing a contractor who is not participating in the current program means missing it, with no way to claim it yourself afterward.
Practical guidance
Ask each bidder whether they are a participating contractor in CenterPoint Energy's current residential HVAC program, confirm it on CenterPoint's site, and get the model numbers in writing so you can check the equipment qualifies. Program amounts and rules change, so confirm current terms with the utility.
How much is the CenterPoint Energy HVAC incentive?
CenterPoint Energy says residential HVAC incentives "start at $200 and may increase depending on your installation." The final amount depends on the equipment and the current program rules. Confirm current terms on CenterPoint Energy's site before you sign a quote.
Do I apply for the CenterPoint incentive myself?
No. CenterPoint Energy applies the incentive directly to the installation invoice when the work is done by a participating contractor. That is why it matters to ask any contractor whether they participate in the current program before you hire them, and to look for the incentive on the invoice before you pay.
What is the free ComfortCheck AC tune-up?
ComfortCheck is a CenterPoint Energy program that provides a free tune-up for an existing central AC or heat pump. Based on CenterPoint's program information, the home must be served by CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, not be an apartment, have a working system at least one year old and not have had a ComfortCheck in the past five years. Sign up through CenterPoint's heating and cooling program page.
Which SEER2 rating qualifies for the CenterPoint incentive?
Published figures for the qualifying efficiency level have not been consistent, so we do not state one. Ask your contractor which models qualify under the current program, and check the model numbers on your estimate against CenterPoint Energy's program information.
I live in The Woodlands. Which utility program applies?
It depends on your address. Part of The Woodlands is served by Entergy Texas and part by CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric. Entergy Texas runs a midstream program that pays incentives to HVAC distributors rather than a rebate homeowners claim, and The Woodlands Township offers an address lookup to confirm your utility.