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Hawaii Energy AC Rebates on Oahu — What Qualifies and How to Claim

Hawaii Energy offers instant rebates on qualifying split AC, central AC and tune-ups, taken right off your invoice. We help Oahu homeowners and businesses find qualifying equipment and claim the rebates they're eligible for.

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Limited-time offer Ends Jun 30, 2027

Hawaii Energy Instant Rebate Per Split AC Outdoor Unit

UP TO $550

Hawaii Energy instant rebates on qualifying high-efficiency split AC systems installed by a Clean Energy Ally contractor. Counted per outdoor unit, so separate single-zone systems can each earn one.

Code: REBATE550

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Current program year

Hawaii Energy AC rebates at a glance

Amounts are 'up to' and depend on equipment size and efficiency. Subject to program availability, first-come, first-served.

EquipmentRebateNotes
Ductless mini-split (split AC) — residential$400–$550 per qualifying outdoor unitInstant, via participating contractor. Set by size and SEER2: a 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit earns $450 at 17.2 SEER2 or better and nothing below that; $550 starts at 30,000 BTU. Each qualifying outdoor unit earns its own rebate. Newly constructed homes do not qualify.
Central AC retrofit — residential$1,250Instant, via participating contractor. Replacement system must meet Hawaii Energy efficiency requirements (roughly 30–50% less energy than the system replaced). Installation may be inspected.
AC tune-up — residential$75Instant, deducted on the invoice by a participating contractor. Hawaii Energy recommends annual maintenance.
ENERGY STAR window AC — residential$25–$45$25 for qualifying ENERGY STAR units, $45 for dual-inverter models. Instant at participating retailers or by mail-in.
Package and split systems — commercialUp to $275 per tonTiered by efficiency; based on AHRI-rated system capacity.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) — commercialUp to $275 per tonTiered by efficiency; qualifying inverter VRF systems.
Chillers — commercialUp to $60 per tonTiered by efficiency.
PTAC / PTHP units — commercial$60 per tonPackaged terminal units common in hotels and multifamily buildings.

Hawaii Energy split AC rebate by outdoor unit size, July 2026 to June 2027

Each outdoor unit (condenser) earns the rebate for its size and SEER2 rating. A 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit rated below 17.2 SEER2 earns nothing, because the 15.3 SEER2 tier starts at 14,000 BTU.

Outdoor unit sizeMinimum SEER2Rebate
8,000 to under 20,000 BTUIncludes the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU units in most bedrooms17.2$450
14,000 to under 20,000 BTU15.3$400
20,000 to under 30,000 BTU15.3$450
20,000 to under 30,000 BTU17.2$500
30,000 to under 45,000 BTU17.2$550
45,000 to under 65,000 BTU17.4$550

Source: Hawaii Energy residential mini-split instant rebate application, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. BTU and SEER2 must match the system's AHRI Directory listing. Newly constructed homes do not qualify; newly purchased homes do. While funding lasts.

Hawaii Energy AC Rebate Amounts for 2026-27

Hawaii Energy is the state's ratepayer-funded energy-efficiency program. It serves electric customers on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai, and it offers rebates that lower the cost of efficient cooling.

Here are the main AC rebates for Oahu homes and businesses in the current program year, which runs through June 30, 2027. Amounts are maximums, subject to program availability and Hawaii Energy's current requirements.

  • Ductless mini-split (split AC): $400–$550 per qualifying outdoor unit, set by size and SEER2 ($450 for a 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit at 17.2 SEER2 or better), instant
  • Central AC retrofit: $1,250 for a qualifying replacement, instant
  • AC tune-up: $75, instant
  • ENERGY STAR window AC: $25–$45 at participating retailers
  • Commercial package and split systems: up to $275 per ton
  • Commercial VRF systems: up to $275 per ton
  • Commercial chillers: up to $60 per ton

How Instant AC Rebates Work on Oahu

Instant means you don't mail a form or wait for a check. When a participating contractor installs qualifying equipment or performs a qualifying tune-up, the rebate is deducted right on your invoice, and the contractor submits the paperwork to Hawaii Energy. Universal Air helps you claim eligible rebates this way.

  • Choose qualifying equipment. Efficiency and size requirements vary by rebate, so we match models to the current list.
  • Share your Hawaiian Electric bill. The rebate is tied to the electric account at the property where the equipment is installed.
  • Rebate on the invoice. The rebate comes off your bill, so you pay the lower price on day one.
  • Hawaii Energy may verify. The program can inspect installations to confirm they meet requirements.

First-come, first-served

Rebate funds are available first-come, first-served while program funds last. When budgets run low, rebates can pause or change, so it pays not to wait until the last minute.

What Qualifies for a Hawaii Energy Rebate

Each rebate has its own rules. Here's what to know in general — we check current requirements before every quote.

Ductless mini-splits

Split AC systems must include the outdoor condenser, and the rebate is set by that unit's capacity and SEER2 rating, as listed in the AHRI Directory. The lower 15.3 SEER2 tier starts at 14,000 BTU, so the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU units that go into most bedrooms need 17.2 SEER2 or better to earn anything; at that rating they earn $450, and $550 is reserved for units of 30,000 BTU and up. Homes with several qualifying outdoor units can receive several rebates. Hawaii Energy's application also says newly constructed homes do not qualify while newly purchased homes do, the paperwork must be submitted within 30 days of purchase, and a renter who buys the system needs the landlord to sign a waiver. Most of our split AC installations are quoted with qualifying equipment options.

Central AC retrofits

The $1,250 rebate is for replacing an existing central system with one that uses substantially less energy — Hawaii Energy describes qualifying systems as using roughly 30–50% less energy than the unit replaced. Learn more about central AC.

AC tune-ups

A qualifying multi-point tune-up by a participating contractor earns $75 off. Hawaii Energy recommends annual maintenance. Ask whether your visit qualifies when you book AC maintenance.

Window ACs

ENERGY STAR window units qualify for $25, and dual-inverter models for $45, at participating retailers. The rebate is handled in store or by mail — no contractor needed.

Commercial systems

Business rebates are tiered by efficiency and calculated per ton of AHRI-rated system capacity. Package and split systems, VRF systems, chillers and PTACs each have their own tiers. See commercial air conditioning for how we help businesses plan upgrades.

The Federal 25C Tax Credit Has Expired

For several years, homeowners could stack Hawaii Energy rebates with the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), worth up to $2,000 for a qualifying heat pump. That credit expired on December 31, 2025, and equipment installed in 2026 doesn't qualify.

Some older program materials may still mention the tax credit. If you installed qualifying equipment in 2025, talk to a tax professional about claiming it on that year's return. For new projects, Hawaii Energy rebates are the main way to lower your cost.

Planning the Rest of the Cost

The rebate lowers the price of qualifying equipment. For the rest, compare written quotes line by line and see paying for a new AC on Oahu for ways to plan the purchase.

For many Oahu households, that combination makes the math work: a more efficient system, a lower upfront cost and a lower power bill at around 43¢ per kWh. Use the AC running cost calculator to see what a more efficient unit saves you each year, and our instant estimate to see a price range before you book.

How We Help You Claim Your Rebate

Rebate rules change from year to year, and requirements can be specific. We check current requirements before we quote, show the rebate as a line item on your estimate and handle the submission for eligible work.

If a system you're considering doesn't qualify, we'll tell you why and show you an option that does, so you can decide whether the difference is worth it.

For the full fine print, including the central AC preapproval step and the tune-up checklist, read our guide to the 2026-27 Hawaii Energy AC rebate rules.

Current specials

Specials & savings

Hawaii Energy Instant Rebate Per Split AC Outdoor Unit

Ends Jun 30, 2027
UP TO $550

Hawaii Energy instant rebates on qualifying high-efficiency split AC systems installed by a Clean Energy Ally contractor. Counted per outdoor unit, so separate single-zone systems can each earn one.

*$400 to $550 per qualifying outdoor unit (condenser), set by size and SEER2. A 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit earns $450 if rated 17.2 SEER2 or better, and nothing below that; $550 is for units of 30,000 BTU and up. Counted per condenser, so three single-zone systems can earn three rebates while one multi-zone system earns one. Newly constructed homes do not qualify; newly purchased homes do. Must be installed by a Hawaii Energy Clean Energy Ally. Requires a Hawaiian Electric account. First-come, first-served while program funds last; program year ends June 30, 2027.

Code REBATE550

Free Second Opinion on Replacement Quotes

Ends Jun 30, 2027
FREE

Got a quote to replace your AC? We will take a second look at no charge and tell you straight whether a repair makes more sense.

*Requires a written replacement quote from another licensed Hawaii contractor. Residential systems on Oahu. One per household. We will tell you honestly if a repair makes more sense than a replacement, even if that means no sale for us.

Code 2NDLOOK

Hawaii Energy Pays $75 Toward Your AC Tune-Up

Ends Jun 30, 2027
$75 BACK

Hawaii Energy pays a $75 instant rebate on a qualifying AC tune-up performed by a Clean Energy Ally, up to two condensers per year. Ask us whether your visit qualifies.

*Hawaii Energy instant rebate of $75 per qualifying condenser, up to 2 per year per residence. The multi-point tune-up must be performed by a Hawaii Energy Clean Energy Ally. Requires a Hawaiian Electric account; Kauai (KIUC) is not eligible. First-come, first-served while program funds last. Program year runs through June 30, 2027. We confirm your eligibility before the visit.

Code TUNEUP75
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Hawaiian Electric customers on Oahu are eligible, along with electric customers on Hawaii Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai. You'll need a Hawaiian Electric bill for the property where the equipment is installed.

Not much. For contractor-installed equipment and tune-ups, the participating contractor submits the application and deducts the rebate on your invoice. We'll ask for your Hawaiian Electric bill and a few details.

Yes, if each one has its own qualifying outdoor unit. Hawaii Energy counts the rebate per outdoor unit (condenser), so three single-zone systems can earn three rebates while one multi-zone system earns one. Each is set by size and efficiency, from $400 to $550; a 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit earns $450 at 17.2 SEER2 or better.

Hawaii Energy's 2026-27 split AC application says applications for newly constructed homes do not qualify, while applications for newly purchased homes do. If your home is brand new, we confirm eligibility before the rebate goes into your quote.

Rebates are tied to the Hawaiian Electric account at the property. Renters need the owner's permission to install AC, and when a tenant buys the system, Hawaii Energy's application requires the landlord to sign a waiver. Condo owners should also check AOAO rules.

Rebates are first-come, first-served while program funds last. If funding runs out or rules change, a rebate may not be available until funds are replenished or a new program year begins. We confirm availability before finalizing your quote.

No. The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired for equipment installed after December 31, 2025. Hawaii Energy rebates are still available, subject to program funds.

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