AC rebates and tax credits in Southern Nevada
Last checked October 29, 2026
For a new AC in 2026, the federal tax credit is gone (it ended for installs after December 31, 2025). NV Energy's PowerShift page currently offers free smart thermostats and energy assessments, plus AC retrofit and tune-up offers, but no standalone AC replacement rebate is listed. Boulder City residents get their own city rebates, up to $1,600 for a central AC. Nevada's federal heat pump rebates haven't launched.
What's available, at a glance
| Program | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Federal 25C tax credit | Homeowners nationwide | Ended for installs after Dec 31, 2025 |
| NV Energy PowerShift | NV Energy customers | Free smart thermostat and energy assessment for everyone. AC retrofits and tune-ups through Home Energy Saver. No standalone AC replacement rebate listed as of Oct 29, 2026 |
| Boulder City Utilities rebates | Boulder City electric customers | Posted, first come, first served |
| Nevada HOMES / HEAR rebates | Nevada households | Not launched, pending federal review |
| Valley Electric Association (Pahrump) | VEA members | Ask VEA directly |
The federal tax credit is gone
The IRS is clear: you can't claim the energy efficient home improvement credit for anything placed in service after December 31, 2025. It used to be worth up to $600 for a central AC and up to $2,000 a year for a heat pump. If a contractor still mentions it for a 2026 install, they're out of date.
NV Energy PowerShift
NV Energy has paid AC rebates for efficient units installed by its approved contractors. In 2024 the rebates ranged from $340 to $2,000 and required at least 15.2 SEER2. Then the money ran out, NV Energy added $1.5 million to restart them in July, and the replacement rebates ended August 31, 2024.
What NV Energy's PowerShift page lists now (checked October 29, 2026):
- Free smart thermostat, professionally installed. Easy win for anyone, new AC or not.
- Free home energy assessment, in person or through your MyAccount dashboard.
- Home Energy Saver: offers for AC retrofits, pool pump calibrations and income-qualified AC tune-ups.
- Free qualified appliance replacement for customers who meet the eligibility rules.
We didn't see a standalone rebate for replacing your AC on that page. Contractor sites still claim one exists, with amounts that don't agree, so treat those claims with caution. Before you sign:
- Open the Home Energy Saver section on NV Energy PowerShift and check what applies to you
- Ask if the contractor is on NV Energy's approved list and who files the rebate
- Get the AHRI certificate for your system, since rebates often need it
- Apply early in the year: the money has run dry by mid-summer before
Boulder City Utilities
Boulder City runs its own power and posts its own rebates for residential electric customers replacing a central AC or heat pump:
| New unit | 16 SEER | 18 SEER | 20+ SEER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC | $400 | $900 | $1,600 |
| Air-source heat pump | $600 | $1,200 | $2,400 |
Ductless heat pumps get $1,600. The new unit has to replace one under 15 SEER, be installed by a contractor with a finaled permit, and you apply within 90 days. Boulder City converts SEER2 ratings to SEER (for example, 16 SEER2 counts as 16.8 SEER). Energy Assistance Program customers get more.
Nevada's heat pump rebates
Nevada was allocated about $48 million each for two federal home energy rebate programs (HOMES and HEAR). The state energy office lists the launch as pending federal review and guidance. The "up to $8,000 for a heat pump" figure you may see online comes from the federal design, not a live Nevada program.
Common questions
Is there still a federal tax credit for a new AC?
No, not for anything installed after December 31, 2025. The IRS says the energy efficient home improvement credit (25C) can't be claimed for property placed in service after that date. It only matters now if your install finished in 2025.
Does NV Energy have AC rebates in 2026?
As of October 29, 2026, NV Energy's PowerShift page lists free smart thermostats, free energy assessments, Home Energy Saver offers (AC retrofits, pool pump calibrations, income-qualified AC tune-ups) and free appliance replacement for customers who qualify. We didn't see a standalone AC replacement rebate listed. Check the Home Energy Saver page before you buy.
What AC rebates does Boulder City offer?
Boulder City Utilities pays $400 for a 16 SEER central AC, $900 at 18 SEER and $1,600 at 20+, when it replaces a unit under 15 SEER. Heat pumps pay $600 to $2,400. It needs a contractor install, a finaled permit, and an application within 90 days.
What happened to Nevada's heat pump rebates?
Nevada has about $96 million in federal home energy rebate money (HOMES and HEAR), but the state lists the launch as pending federal review. As of its last update, the program had not opened.
Sources
- IRS: Instructions for Form 5695 (25C and 25D end dates)
- IRS: FAQs on 25C/25D changes under the 2025 tax law
- Nevada Governor's Office of Energy: Home efficiency rebates program
- Nevada Current: NV Energy's AC rebates halted, restarted (2024)
- This Is Reno: NV Energy's on-and-off AC rebates end (Aug 2024)
- NV Energy: PowerShift programs
- Boulder City Utilities: AC and heat pump rebates
- Boulder City: Rebate program resolution
- AHRI: System certificates (needed for some rebates)
Rules, rebates and prices change. If something here is out of date, tell us on the share page and we'll fix it.