APS AC Rebate 2026: It Ended. Here's What APS Customers Can Still Use

If you're on APS and a quote for a new AC or heat pump shows an "APS rebate" line, ask the contractor to take it off. That rebate doesn't exist anymore. Here's what happened, and what APS customers can still use in 2026.

These are program rules as of October 2026. Programs change, so we confirm what's live the week we quote.

What APS ended on January 1, 2026

APS stopped its residential AC rebate, smart thermostat rebate and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR checkup rebate as of January 1, 2026, following Arizona Corporation Commission Decision No. 81584. APS says some programs are suspended and under review, and that its bill-assistance programs aren't affected. Source: APS rebates page.

The federal 25C tax credit also expired for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. So for most APS homes, a 2026 replacement has no utility rebate and no federal credit.

What APS customers can still use

Cool Rewards (smart thermostat credits). APS still pays bill credits for enrolling a smart thermostat in its summer peak-event program: a one-time enrollment credit plus a smaller credit each season you stay in. It's real money, but small, and it doesn't touch equipment cost.

Efficiency Arizona (income-qualified). The state's federally funded HEAR program can cover a large share of a heat pump for households at or below 150% of area median income: up to $8,000 for the heat pump, covering 100% of cost below 80% AMI and 50% from 80 to 150%. Two catches that rule out a lot of Valley homes:

• It's for a first heat pump, replacing gas, propane or electric-resistance heat. If you already have a heat pump, it doesn't apply.
• You apply before the install, through a contractor qualified for the program.

Manufacturer promotions and financing. Seasonal brand rebates and 0% financing don't care which utility you're on. Our rebate post lists the current American Standard offer, and financing has the payment options.

Am I on APS or SRP?

Check your electric bill. It's the address, not the city, that decides, and neighborhoods on either side of a street can be on different utilities. SRP customers still have Cool Cash: $75 to $225 per ton. SRP Cool Cash 2026.

How this changes the decision for APS homes

• The price on the quote is the price. No rebate check is coming, so compare installed prices directly. Our cost by size guide has 2026 ranges.
• Efficiency is a bill decision now. On SRP, the rebate pays for part of a variable-speed upgrade. On APS, a higher tier has to pay for itself in lower summer bills. For most Valley homes, 15.2+ SEER2 still pays back; past that, it depends on how much you're home and how high your bill runs.
• Don't let a promo drive the size. A right-sized system beats an oversized one installed to qualify for a deal. Our sizing guide covers how a load calculation works.

Red flag: a 2026 quote with an APS rebate on it

It's either an old template or a sales tactic. Either way, the net price on that quote is wrong. Ask for the rebate line to come off and compare the real number. If you'd like a second set of eyes on it, we'll read it for free.