Permits and rebates · independent publisher, not a contractor
The LADWP heat pump rebate, step by step
LADWP pays a heat pump rebate per ton: $1,000–$1,250 for ducted, split and packaged systems and $1,500–$2,500 for ductless mini- and multi-splits, rising with SEER2 and HSPF2 (read 2026-10-20). You apply after purchase and installation, with the final approved Building and Safety permit, within 12 months of purchase. ADUs and new construction are excluded.
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At a glance
LADWP Consumer Rebate Program, read 2026-10-20 and again 2026-10-26. Applies to equipment purchased and installed on or after 1 November 2025.
Ducted, split and packaged heat pump tiers
| Rated at least | Rebate | 3-ton example |
|---|---|---|
| 15.2 SEER2 / 7.7 HSPF2 | $1,000 per ton | $3,000 |
| 16 SEER2 / 8 HSPF2 | $1,050 per ton | $3,150 |
| 16.9 SEER2 / 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,100 per ton | $3,300 |
| 17.8 SEER2 / 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,150 per ton | $3,450 |
| 18.7 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2 | $1,200 per ton | $3,600 |
| 19.6 SEER2 / 8.9 HSPF2 | $1,250 per ton | $3,750 |
The ratings belong to the matched outdoor and indoor pair, and both have to clear a row. A unit at 16 SEER2 but 7.9 HSPF2 lands in the first tier, held back by its heating number.
Ductless mini-split and multi-split tiers
| Rated at least | Rebate | 3-ton example |
|---|---|---|
| 15.2 SEER2 / 7.8 HSPF2 | $1,500 per ton | $4,500 |
| 16 SEER2 / 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,650 per ton | $4,950 |
| 16.9 SEER2 / 8.3 HSPF2 | $1,800 per ton | $5,400 |
| 17.8 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2 | $1,950 per ton | $5,850 |
| 18.7 SEER2 / 8.7 HSPF2 | $2,100 per ton | $6,300 |
| 19.6 SEER2 / 8.9 HSPF2 | $2,250 per ton | $6,750 |
| 20.5 SEER2 / 9.1 HSPF2 | $2,500 per ton | $7,500 |
Why ductless pays more
LADWP pays more per ton for ductless systems, so the rebate covers a bigger share of a mini-split quote. The published LA prices it comes off are in the mini-split cost guide.
Working out your number
The arithmetic is tons times the tier amount. Tons come from the outdoor unit's nominal capacity: 12,000 Btu/h is one ton, so a 36,000 Btu/h system is 3 tons. Ask the contractor what capacity LADWP will read from the AHRI certificate, because a 2.5-ton system earns half a ton less than a 3-ton one at the same tier.
| Example system | Tier | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 3-ton ducted, lowest tier | $1,000 per ton | $3,000 |
| 3-ton ductless, top tier | $2,500 per ton | $7,500 |
LADWP says a home or multi-residential building can claim more than one unit if all of them go in on the same application. If you are doing a ducted system downstairs and a mini-split in a converted garage, file them together. The rebate estimator runs this for any size.
Who and what qualifies
- Central, split, packaged, mini-split and multi-split heat pumps rated at least 15.2 SEER2 and 7.7 HSPF2. Packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHP) are not eligible.
- New construction and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are not eligible.
- Apply after the equipment is bought and installed; the application must be postmarked within 12 months of the purchase date.
- The final approved Building and Safety permit is required.
- You must be an LADWP residential customer with an active electric meter.
One wording quirk
LADWP's minimum reads "≥15.2 SEER2 and ≥7.7 HSPF2", while its tier rows use ">". A unit rated exactly on a tier boundary could be read either way. Ask LADWP before you count on the higher tier.
The documents LADWP asks for
Three documents carry the application. Collect them as the job happens, not a year later when the contractor has moved on.
| Document | What it must show | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Paid, itemized invoice | Make and model of each component and the AHRI certificate reference number | Your contractor, marked paid |
| AHRI certificate | The rating of the matched outdoor and indoor components you bought | AHRI Directory, or the contractor |
| Final approved permit | Building and Safety sign-off on the installation | LADBS (or the county, outside the city) after final inspection |
Applying by mail adds a signed application form (Parts A and B), page 1 of your LADWP bill and the original proof of purchase. Keep copies of everything you send.
LADWP Consumer Rebate Program, read 2026-10-26.
From quote to payment
- Check you are on LADWP. Go by the bill, not the mailing address, and confirm the house is not an ADU or a new build.
- Get the AHRI-matched ratings on the quote: SEER2, HSPF2 and capacity for the exact outdoor and indoor models.
- The contractor pulls the permit through LADBS; see the LADBS steps.
- Install and Title 24 tests. The ECC rater verifies them (testing guide).
- Final inspection. Download or keep the finalled permit.
- Apply online through your LADWP account (PDF or image uploads) or by mail, postmarked within 12 months of purchase.
- Possible inspection. LADWP may inspect the installation before it releases the check.
Funding is first come, first served
LADWP states that funding is limited and rebates are not guaranteed. It publishes no processing time for heat pump claims and sets no contractor-enrolment requirement on the page we read. So treat the rebate as likely money, not money in hand, and keep the installation price workable without it.
Old figures still on the page
LADWP's page still mentions GO ZERO and a federal tax credit. GO ZERO is closed and the 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after 2025. Neither should appear in a 2026 quote's net price. The status board tracks each program.
Ways LADWP claims fail
- Buying a minimum-efficiency unit. The federal floor of 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 sits below LADWP's first tier.
- An invoice without the AHRI reference number, or with models that do not match the certificate.
- Installing in an ADU or a new build.
- No permit, or one never finalled.
- Applying after 12 months.
- Counting GO ZERO or the federal credit in the net price.
Sources
- LADWP, "Consumer Rebate Program" (Heat Pump HVAC) (retrieved 2026-10-20)
- LADWP, "Consumer Rebate Program" (heat pump HVAC documents and application steps) (retrieved 2026-10-26)
- 10 CFR 430.32(c), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (retrieved 2026-09-29)
- IRS, "Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit" (retrieved 2026-09-29)
- South Coast AQMD, "GO ZERO Incentive Program" (retrieved 2026-10-20)
Questions
Does LADWP give a rebate for a central AC?
Its Consumer Rebate Program tiers are for heat pump HVAC. A cooling-only AC is not in those tables.
Is an ADU eligible for the LADWP heat pump rebate?
No. LADWP says new construction and accessory dwelling units are not eligible.
Are packaged terminal heat pumps eligible?
No. LADWP excludes packaged terminal heat pump (PTHP) units.
How long do I have to apply?
The application must be postmarked within 12 months of the purchase date, after the equipment is bought and installed.
How is the rebate calculated?
Tons of capacity times the tier amount for the system's SEER2 and HSPF2. A 3-ton ducted system in the lowest tier earns $3,000; a 3-ton ductless system in the top tier earns $7,500.
What paperwork do I need?
A paid itemized invoice with make, model and the AHRI reference number, the AHRI certificate for the matched system, and the final approved Building and Safety permit. Mail applications also need the signed form and page 1 of your LADWP bill.
Can I claim two systems in one house?
LADWP says homes and multi-residential dwellings may receive rebates for more than one unit if they are all applied for at once.
Next step
Free quote request
Get a quote to check against these numbers
- Tell us about the job. Service, ZIP, property and timing. The form says right away if your ZIP is outside the area.
- We check the license first. Requests go only to contractors whose CSLB C-20 license we have matched on the state register. If none covers your ZIP yet, we email you and say so.
- Compare what comes back. Line the written quote up against the published ranges and the quote checklist.
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