Ready to get a heat pump installed in your home with a generous ACES rebate to help defray the cost? Here’s what you need to know about the applying to ACES, getting a home assessment, having your heat pump installed, and receiving your rebate:
Please note: the timeline below is a general estimation ONLY. The time it will take to complete your project will vary greatly depending on many factors such as how quickly we can verify your income, if you are a renter or an owner, the availability of AHS Assessors, and the availability of contractors in your community.
Applying to ACES
You MUST apply to ACES, complete the income verification and home assessment processes, and receive final approval prior to purchasing materials or starting your installation. Installations started prior to receiving ACES approval will not be eligible for a rebate.
Step 1: Read the ACES FAQ to find out if the program will fit your home heating conditions.
Step 2: Apply to the ACES program if you think your home is eligible. You will be asked to provide basic information about your current home heating system and household income. The application should only take about 5-10 minutes to fill out.
Income Verification ~ 1 month
Step 3: AHS staff will help you complete the income verification process and any other necessary steps to determine which rebate amount you qualify for. See the list of required income documents here.
Step 3a: If you are a renter, AHS will work with you to secure approval from your property owner.
Step 4: Receive notification of the rebate amount that you are eligible for and and next steps.
Home Assessment ~ 1 month
Step 5: AHS staff will schedule your home energy assessment to determine if a heat pump will work in your home, and if so, which type will work best.
Step 6: Complete home energy assessment (virtual or in-person depending on your home layout and location).
Step 7: Receive Assessment Report from AHS staff with detailed utility, cost, and heat pump recommendations, as well as information on any home heating concerns that may require further discussion.
Step 8: Receive final go ahead from AHS staff. Once you have received the final go ahead you have one year to install your heat pump. You may request an extension if you know you won’t get your heat pump installed within the one year deadline. If you do not get your heat pump installed within a year and do not get approved for an extension, you may re-apply to the program.
Heat Pump Installation ~ 1 – 4 months
Step 9: After receiving AHS permission to proceed with a heat pump project, identify contractors to handle your installation. Heat pumps require a dedicated electrical circuit to the outdoor unit. In many cases the heat pump installer does not perform the electrical work and the homeowner will have to contract with an electrician separately. DIY heat pump installation and electrical work are not permitted. Make sure that your contractors visit our Contractor Support page and are aware of the installation requirements prior to starting your project.
Step 9a: If you qualify for a $4,000 or $6,000 rebate, you can select the heat pump installer and electrician of your choice, either from the AHS Qualified Contractor List or elsewhere, and work with them directly to complete your heat pump installation. You will receive your rebate payment after completion of the project and upon submission of the Reimbursement Packet, which will include an installation checklist, photos, paid invoices for both the heat pump installation and electrical work, and a W9 form. More information on the reimbursement requirements can be found here.
Step 9b: If you qualify for an $8,500 rebate, you have two options:
- Program staff will send your application and energy assessment to a contracted installer working in your area. The contractor will reach out to you directly to determine the details of the installation. This process can take from 1 to 3 months and will require your input and approval. If you choose to go with a system that will cost more than the $8,500 rebate allocated to your project, you will be responsible for paying any additional cost. However, any project cost up to $8,500 will be paid directly to the contractor from the ACES program.
OR
- Proceed as applicants do in step 9a. You may choose your own qualified contractors to install and wire your heat pump. However, you will be responsible for paying the entire cost of the heat pump installation out of pocket and will not receive your reimbursement until after your heat pump is installed. In order to receive this reimbursement, the heat pump installation will need to be completed by a certified installer and electrician, and fully paid for. DIY heat pump installation and electrical work are not permitted. You will then submit the reimbursement paperwork and the AHS team will have 60 days to distribute the funds.
Additionally, our Heat Pump Loan Program in partnership with True North Federal Credit Union and Tongass Federal Credit Union may be a great way to ease the upfront financial burden of your heat pump installation.
Please keep in mind that this rebate payment may be considered taxable income and you will receive a 1099 tax form for the tax year in which you receive your rebate.
Rebate Payment ~ 60 days after submission of required docs
Step 10: Work with your contractors to submit the required documents outlined in the Reporting Requirements section of our Equipment & Reimbursement Requirements. AHS staff will provide you with a reimbursement packet to complete.
Step 11: Once AHS has received all required documentation, allow 30 days for processing. Once processing is complete, expect to receive your rebate in another 30 days.
Step 12: Enjoy being warm and cozy with your new energy efficient heating system!
Follow-up Energy Use Survey ~ 1 year after rebate sent
Step 13: After using your new heating system for one year, you will be requested to provide updated information to Alaska Heat Smart on your energy use. This will allow us to accurately track the reduction in heating fuels in your home and provide you with information on your annual energy savings. You will receive reminder emails to submit the necessary information.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #84101201 to Southeast Conference (SEC). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.