When I replaced my old HVAC system, I wanted to know: “Will my new Goodman 13.5 SEER2 system qualify for rebates or tax credits?”
If you’ve shopped for HVAC recently, you know rebates and credits can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars. But not every system qualifies—especially those rated just above the minimum efficiency standards.
So let’s break down exactly what homeowners in the Northeast need to know about rebates, tax credits, and Goodman’s 13.5 SEER2 systems in 2025.
❄️ Quick Refresher: What Is SEER2?
Before diving into rebates, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
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SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) is the updated standard for cooling efficiency, replacing SEER in 2023.
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It accounts for real-world ductwork resistance and is more accurate than the old SEER scale
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For the Northeast region, the minimum requirement is 13.4 SEER2 for central air conditioners
👉 That means a Goodman 13.5 SEER2 system just clears the legal minimum.
🏠 Why Rebates & Tax Credits Matter
Replacing an HVAC system is a big investment. My Goodman 4 Ton 13.5 SEER2 + 100,000 BTU furnace combo cost nearly $12,500 installed. Without rebates, that’s a huge out-of-pocket expense.
In 2025, rebates and credits come from three main sources:
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Federal tax credits → Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
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State programs → Example: Massachusetts Mass Save or NYSERDA in New York.
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Utility company rebates → Offered by PSEG, Con Edison, Eversource, and others.
Each program has different rules and efficiency thresholds.
💵 Federal Tax Credits (IRA, Section 25C)
Let’s start with the big one: the federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements.
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Known as the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
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Available from 2023 through 2032.
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Covers 30% of installation cost up to $600 for qualifying central ACs
But here’s the catch:
👉 To qualify, your system must be Energy Star certified.
According to Energy Star, that means:
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Split central ACs must be ≥15.2 SEER2 (12.0 EER2)
📌 Since Goodman’s 13.5 SEER2 systems fall below this threshold, they do NOT qualify for the federal 25C tax credit.
⚡ State Programs in the Northeast
State programs vary widely, but most also follow Energy Star minimums.
Massachusetts – Mass Save
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Requires ≥15.2 SEER2 for rebates
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Rebates: $250–$500 for central ACs.
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13.5 SEER2 systems ❌ not eligible.
New York – NYSERDA
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Rebates based on performance tiers.
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Standard efficiency (below Energy Star) usually excluded.
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13.5 SEER2 systems ❌ not eligible.
New Jersey – Clean Energy Program
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Rebates require 14.3+ SEER2 for AC systems
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Goodman 13.5 SEER2 ✅ may qualify for $200–$300 rebates.
🔌 Utility Rebates
This is where Goodman 13.5 SEER2 systems sometimes sneak through.
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Con Edison (NYC) → Rebates start at 15.2 SEER2 ❌ not eligible.
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PSEG Long Island → Rebates for 14.3 SEER2 and above ✅ eligible ($200–$350).
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Eversource (CT & MA) → Requires Energy Star ❌ not eligible.
👉 Translation: Check your utility company first. In New Jersey, parts of Pennsylvania, and some Mid-Atlantic utilities, Goodman 13.5 SEER2 units can qualify for small rebates.
📊 Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re a homeowner in New Jersey replacing your old 10 SEER system with a Goodman 13.5 SEER2.
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Federal Tax Credit: ❌ Not eligible.
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NJ Clean Energy Program: ✅ $200 rebate.
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PSEG Utility Rebate: ✅ $300 rebate.
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Total Incentives: ~$500.
Not bad, but compare that to a 15.2 SEER2 system that might earn:
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$600 federal tax credit.
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$200–$500 state/utility rebates.
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Total: $800–$1,100+.
⚖️ Cost vs. Rebate Trade-Offs
Here’s the balancing act I faced:
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13.5 SEER2 Goodman system
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Lower upfront cost (~$1,500–$2,000 less).
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Fewer rebate options.
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15.2+ SEER2 system
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Higher upfront cost.
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Eligible for more rebates + long-term savings.
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📌 According to HomeAdvisor, higher-efficiency systems can pay back in 7–10 years if you run AC heavily. But in the Northeast, where we only use AC for 3–4 months, the math often favors a lower upfront system.
📝 Samantha’s Advice
Here’s what I tell friends and neighbors:
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If you’re budget-focused and need a reliable replacement, Goodman 13.5 SEER2 is a smart choice. You may not qualify for big rebates, but your upfront cost is lower.
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If you want maximum rebates and plan to stay in your home long-term, go with 15.2 SEER2 or higher.
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Always check:
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Your state’s energy program
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Your utility company rebate portal
✅ Samantha’s Takeaway
After going through this myself, here’s the bottom line:
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Goodman 13.5 SEER2 systems DO NOT qualify for federal tax credits.
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They may qualify for small state or utility rebates ($200–$500).
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Higher efficiency (15.2+ SEER2) systems unlock more incentives but cost more upfront.
For me, the math made sense to stick with 13.5 SEER2. I saved upfront, and while I missed out on bigger rebates, my total project cost was still lower.
In the next topic we will know more about: Gas Furnace + AC vs. Heat Pump: What’s Better for Northeast Homes?
