Cooling Rebates

Minnesota residents can earn up to $450 cash back in air conditioning rebates. Our Central AC Rebate program is designed to generate maximum energy savings for our customers by focusing on proper installation practices.

Qualifying customers who purchase and install a new, eligible central air conditioner with a quality installation from one of our registered cooling program contractors may receive up to $450 cash back.

• Rebates lower the initial cost of the equipment
• Highly-efficient equipment costs less to operate
• These units use less energy to operate, and that’s good for the environment

Please read the full program details.

The installation property must be located in Minnesota and receive residential electric service from Xcel Energy to qualify for the rebate. Central air conditioners and air source heat pumps must be installed by a contractor who is registered in Xcel Energy’s residential cooling rebate program.

Equipment eligibility is verified through the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). To be eligible for a rebate, equipment model numbers on the invoice and the rebate form must match exactly, and meet AHRI standards. Check with your contractor to ensure that your unit will meet these standards.

Xcel Energy uses the AHRI Directory to verify all AC and ASHP equipment. Coil and condensers that do not match per AHRI, do not qualify for rebates. There is no limit to the number of AC rebates you can receive. If you install two qualifying air conditioners, you may submit two forms.

Rebate forms for units installed between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 must be submitted by July 31, 2014. Please note that window air conditioning units and ductless mini-split systems do not qualify for Xcel Energy rebate programs.

Rebates for new home construction should be negotiated between the builder and the home buyer to determine who receives the rebate.

Rebates may take up to six weeks to process after the application has been submitted. Rebate applications are processed individually; you will receive one check per application if approved. Please retain a copy of your paperwork.

Xcel Energy customers who receive residential electric service from us in Minnesota.

1. Read through our program materials. You can find links to these materials under Additional Information.
   • Program Details
   • Proper Sizing and Airflow Brochure
   • What You Should Know Q&A
2. Select an Xcel Energy registered contractor. Visit the Additional Information section on this page to find the contractor list. Only contractors from this list are authorized to participate in the cooling rebate program.
3. Purchase a new high efficiency cooling unit
4. Verify the installing contractor tests the unit by starting it up and submits the paperwork to Xcel Energy

As part of the our Quality Installation requirements, contractors will need to start-up your new unit to verify that is working properly. This is only possible if the outside temperature is 55 degrees or higher for an AC unit, and 20 degrees or higher for air source heat pumps. Rebates will not be paid until contractors have tested the the unit. Please keep in mind that you may not receive your rebate until spring if you have your unit installed in the late fall or winter.

You can learn more about the elements of a quality installation at the ENERGY STAR® website: proper sizing, airflow and refrigerant charge and duct sealing.

If you have any questions, call us at 1-800-895-4999.