Effective October 1, 2026, Southwest Electric is making changes to the Comfort Advantage Program.
Here’s what you need to know:
- New home construction: Rebates will no longer be available for heat pumps installed in new homes.
- Existing homes: Rebates will still be available for heat pump replacements and additions in the member’s primary residence.
- Additional buildings: Heat pumps installed in detached garages, shops, barns, guest houses, or other additional structures will not qualify.
- Who qualifies: The program is available only to residential Members.
New Rebate Requirements
- Heat pumps must have a minimum efficiency rating of 16 SEER2 or 16 SEER.
- Members can receive rebates for a maximum of two heat pumps.
- First heat pump: $400 rebate
- Second heat pump: $150 rebate
- Heat pumps under 24,000 BTUs: $150 rebate each, regardless of whether it is the first or second heat pump.
Please make sure your new heat pump meets these requirements before purchasing or installing it if you plan to apply for a rebate. For more information, please call Les Southerland at 601-437-1345.
Recommendations:
Heating and Cooling:
- Electric air-to-air heat pump or ground source heat pump, properly sized
- Adequate cooling efficiency ratings and heating efficiency ratings
- Indoor and outdoor units should be listed as a matching system by ARI (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)
Insulation:
- Attic ceiling R-30 or higher
- Walls R-13 between studs plus insulated sheathing
- Floors over unconditioned space R-19 or greater
Windows and Doors:
- Glass area is not to exceed 20 percent of the floor area
- Double pane windows and foam core or solid wood doors leading to unconditioned space or outside
Water Heater:
- Heat traps and heat recovery device
- Heat pump or geothermal water heater
Attic Ventilation:
- Adequate combination of continuous ridge and soffit ventilation
Air Leaks:
- Wiring and plumbing access on exterior walls, floors and attics
- Exterior windows and doors
- Sole and top plate
- Fireplace damper
Duct System:
- Properly designed, installed and insulated duct system
- Mastic sealed joints
- Limited use of flex duct
- Duct insulation R-6 or higher
Right Questions to Ask:
- How does my air-to-air heat pump rate on efficiency?
Higher efficiency ratings for air-to-air heat pumps indicate lower cost of operation. Approximate ranges are: SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (cooling efficiency) from 11 to 17; HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (heating efficiency) from 6.8 to 9.1.
- What is the efficiency of my ground source heat pump?
Higher efficiency ratings for ground source heat pumps indicate lower cost of operation. Approximate ranges are: EER – Energy Efficiency Ratio (cooling efficiency) from 11 to 17; COP – Coefficient of Performance (heating efficiency) from 2.9 to 4.9. EER and SEER are not comparable.
- How will the size of my heat pump be determined?
Heat gain/loss calculation should be performed by the dealer according to Manual J standards.
- How many bags of blown insulation should be in my attic?
The chart on each bag will indicate the number of bags for the square footage of your attic floor according to R value. See manufacturer’s specification sheet and compare to bag chart during installation.
- What is the energy factor of my water heater?
An energy factor of .90 or higher is recommended on a standard storage water heater. Heat pump water heaters are more efficient, and geothermal water heaters are most efficient.