COOLAdvantage Program
Program Overview
The COOLAdvantage Program provides rebates for energy-efficient central air conditioners or heat pumps and as well as proper system sizing and installation "best practices" that affect operating efficiency.
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, 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.
Please call 1-866-NJSMART to request a rebate application. New incentives and requirements will go into effect April 1, 2009.
Equipment Type |
Minimum Efficiency Level for units purchased on or after April 1, 2009 |
Sizing and Selection |
Customer Portion of Incentive |
Contractor Portion of Incentive |
| Central Air Conditioning or Air to Air Heat Pump | Compressor and coil combination that yield >= SEER 14.5 and EER 12 and (in the case of heat pumps) HSPF 8.5 | ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized within 15% variance of requirement and correctly selected for the dwelling | $100 | $100 |
| Central Air Conditioning or Air to Air Heat Pump | Compressor and coil combination that yield >= SEER 15 and EER 12.5 and (in case of heat pumps) HSPF 8.5 | ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized within 15% variance of requirement and correctly selected for the dwelling | $150 | $100 |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | GSHP systems must be ENERGY STAR qualified to be eligible for incentives. | ACCA Manual J and Manual S outputs are required showing that the installed system is sized within 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 and (in the case of heat pumps) HSPF 8.5 | Not required | $100 | N/A |
ENERGY STAR qualified product lists may be found at http://www.energystar.gov
Equipment Type |
Minimum Efficiency Level for units purchased on or after April 1, 2009 |
Incentive |
| Gas Furnace | AFUE* 92% or greater, ENERGY STAR | $300 |
| Gas Furnace with ECM* | AFUE 92% or greater, ENERGY STAR | $400 |
| Gas Boiler | AFUE 85% or greater, ENERGY STAR | $300 |
| Domestic Hot Water Heater | EF* .62 or greater | $25 |
| Domestic Hot Water Heater | EF .82 or greater | $300 |
*AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor), EF (Energy Factor)
- COOLAdvantage customers must be current residential electric customers of Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, or Rockland Electric.
- WARMAdvantage customers must be current residential gas customers of Elizabethtown Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas, Public Service Electric and Gas, or South Jersey Gas.
- Builders of new homes are not eligible for participation in the WARMAdvantage or COOLAdvantage programs, but are encouraged to participate in the New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes program. (Incentives for residential new construction are restricted to homes in Smart Growth areas; see http://sgi.state.nj.us/hmfa/viewer.htm.)
- All installations must be completed in accordance with all laws, codes, and other requirements applicable under federal, state, and local authority.
- Applications must be postmarked within one year of the purchase date.
- Additional requirements may be found on the application instructions page.
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.
Learn about getting a home energy assessment from Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.