by SETH ROSSER

Many members may not realize that United offers rebates for a wide range of energy-efficient home upgrades. 

For decades, United has supported members’ efforts to improve comfort, reduce energy use, and lower bills—and the co-op’s rebate program has been a cornerstone of that commitment. As technology evolves and industry standards change, United continues offering programs that benefit both individual members and the cooperative as a whole.

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A Proven Program That Continues to Grow
Since 2010, United has awarded more than 50,000 rebates for residential energy efficiency improvements. Participation in the Energy Innovation Rebate Program has steadily increased year after year—a trend we expect to continue well into the future.

To make sure our programs deliver real value, United reviews its rebate offerings annually and periodically works with an independent industry consultant for a more comprehensive analysis. This third-party review evaluates each rebate from both the member perspective and the cooperative perspective, ensuring every offering is cost-justified and provides meaningful energy savings. 

Following this year’s review, United confirmed that all existing rebate amounts and qualification criteria will remain unchanged for 2026.

A More Convenient Way to Submit Rebate Applications
United is excited to introduce a new, convenient option for submitting rebate applications electronically. Members can now complete and upload their rebate forms directly through United’s website at ucs.net/rebate-programs. This streamlined process makes it easier than ever to take advantage of United’s Energy Innovation Rebate Program.

HVAC Tune-Up Rebates
Among all rebate categories, the HVAC tune-up rebate consistently earns the highest member participation. Members use this incentive to confirm that their heating and cooling systems are operating properly and efficiently. Tune-ups provide valuable maintenance benefits, and United will continue offering the HVAC tune-up rebate at $75 per unit per year in 2026.

Rebates for High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
When an HVAC system reaches the end of its lifespan, an upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump can deliver substantial energy savings—especially in all-electric homes. United offers rebates to help offset the cost of these system replacements.

In 2026, United will continue offering $200 rebates for the following types of heat pumps:

  • Air-source heat pumps rated above 17 SEER or 16.2  SEER2

  • Geothermal heat pumps rated above 17 SEER

Electric Vehicle Charger Incentives
As electric vehicles become more common, United remains committed to supporting members who choose to charge at home. In 2026, members who install a Level 2 EV charger and enroll in Beat the Peak notifications—with the charger set to avoid operating from 3 to7 p.m. during summer—will be eligible for a rebate covering 50 percent of equipment and installation costs, up to $250.

Smart Thermostat Rebates
Smart thermostats are standard on many new systems, but members installing new Nest, ecobee, or Honeywell smart thermostats can still receive a $50 rebate per unit. Additional incentives may be available for select models through participation in United’s Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) program. Members can find details at ucs.net/thermostat-program.

Attic Insulation Rebates
Proper attic insulation keeps homes comfortable year-round and reduces the workload on HVAC systems. United offers an attic insulation rebate to help members improve their home’s energy envelope.To qualify, members must first schedule a free home energy audit. If a United energy expert verifies that the attic has eight inches of insulation or less, the member qualifies for the retrofit rebate, which covers up to 12 inches of insulation. United provides two cents per inch installed per square foot of attic space.

Heat Pump Water Heater Savings
Water heating is typically the second-largest use of energy in a home. For members with high hot-water demand or water heaters located in unconditioned spaces, a heat pump water heater can be an excellent upgrade. These units are roughly twice as efficient as standard electric models.
United offers a $150 rebate for heat pump water heaters with:

  • A minimum 40-gallon capacity

  • A 2.0 or higher energy factor

United’s Commitment to Member Savings
United is dedicated to supporting members through energy-saving technologies and programs that reflect today’s changing market. Each rebate is designed to reduce upfront costs and encourage broader adoption of energy-efficient upgrades. As participation continues to grow, United encourages all members to explore these rebates and other programs—including free home energy audits—to make informed decisions about their energy use. To learn more or to schedule an audit, visit ucs.net/energy-audits or call your local United office.