Increase Your Sales with Summit Utilities’ Rebate Program

In today’s competitive HVAC market, contractors are looking for ways to close deals, increase margins, and stand out from the competition. Summit Utilities supports those goals with enhanced natural gas rebate offerings, including NEW incentives for 97% AFUE furnaces.

These rebates aren’t just savings for customers—they’re a great sales tool that helps contractors upgrade equipment, offer more value, and boost their bottom line.

Upgrade from Standard to High Efficiency

One of the biggest opportunities for contractors is moving customers from standard 80% furnaces to higher-efficiency systems. Summit Utilities makes that transition easier by offering tiered rebates that increase every step up in efficiency.

Heating System Rebates

• Forced-Air Furnace (90–94.9% AFUE): $400 customer rebate
• Forced-Air Furnace (≥95% AFUE): $800 customer rebate
• Forced-Air Furnace (≥97% AFUE): $1,000 customer rebate (NEW highlight tier)
• Condensing Boiler (≥95% AFUE): $1,500 customer rebate
• ENERGY STAR Certified Thermostat: $60 customer rebate
• Trade Ally Incentive: $100 per furnace install

This tiered structure allows contractors to:

• Start with a baseline option
• Show the incremental cost vs. rebate benefit 
• Help customers compare heating systems and long-term value

Notice What’s New: 97% Efficiency = Maximum Opportunity

97% AFUE Furnaces

The highest efficiency tier also offers the highest customer rebate:

• $1,000 customer rebate
• $100 contractor incentive

This is the sweet spot for:

• Premium replacements
• Energy-conscious homeowners
• Customers planning to stay in their home long-term

How to Sell the Upgrade

Instead of replacing an 80% AFUE furnace with another standard unit, contractors can frame higher-efficiency upgrades like this:

• “For a little more upfront cost, you get a larger rebate and the model can help lower your energy bills each month for quick payback.”
• “At 97%, you’re getting top-tier efficiency plus the highest rebate available.”

This approach turns a basic replacement into a value-driven decision, not just a price comparison.

Why Contractors Should Lead with Rebates

1) It Gives You a Sales Advantage

Rebates help shift the conversation from:

"What's the cheapest option?" to "What's the smartest long-term investment?"

You can:

• Reduce sticker shock
• Justify upgrades
• Help close jobs faster

2) Clear Selling Options for Your Customers

With clear rebate tiers, it's easier to move customers up:

• 80% → 90% (entry efficiency upgrade)
• 90% → 95% (mid-tier sweet spot)
• 95% → 97% (premium upgrade)

Each step increases:

• System value
• Contractor margin
• Customer satisfaction

Don’t Forget About Our Affordable Housing Rebate Offerings

Summit Utilities also offers enhanced rebates for income- or age-qualified customers, helping contractors reach more households:

• 90–94.9% AFUE: $500 customer rebate
• ≥95% AFUE: $1,000 customer rebate
• ≥97% AFUE: $1,200 customer rebate (NEW highlight tier) 
• ≥95% AFUE Condensing Boiler: $1,500
• ENERGY STAR Certified Thermostat: $100
• Trade Ally Incentive: $100 per furnace install

Affordable Housing Qualifications:

Customer must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

Homeowner

• Be 65 years of age or older (applicant or spouse)
• Qualify for LIHEAP energy assistance
• Qualify based on household income (see chart below)
  

Tenant or Property Management Company

• Tenant qualifies for Section 8 housing
• Tenant or tenants’ spouse is 65 years of age or older
• Tenant qualifies for LIHEAP energy assistance
• Tenant qualifies based on household income (see chart below)

With households with more than six people, an additional $13,306 per household member must be added to the minimum household annual income of $106,483. For example, a household of seven people must have a household income of no more than $119,789.

The Affordable Housing offering opens the door to:

• More high-efficiency sales closed
• Larger project opportunities
• Bigger bottom line impact

Stack Your Earnings with Trade Ally Incentives

Remember, every qualifying furnace install includes:

• $100 per install for contractors

Over time, these incentives can become a significant revenue stream that directly helps your business growth.

Equipment Requirements

To qualify:

• Equipment must be listed on AHRI or ENERGY STAR. See ahridirectory.org or energystar.gov/products
• Efficiency ratings must meet program requirements
• Must be installed in eligible natural gas applications (Note: Electric-to-gas conversions are not eligible)

The Bottom Line: Upgrade the System, Upgrade Your Business

Summit Utilities’ rebate program is designed to help contractors:

• Sell higher-efficiency equipment
• Increase average job margins
• Earn additional incentives for installations
• Deliver better solutions and more comfort to customers 
• Grow your bottom line

By leveraging the full rebate tier structure—from 90% all the way to 97% AFUE furnaces—you create a clear path for customers to say “yes” to better equipment and more savings.

Note: Both replacement and new construction applications are eligible, as well as residential and commercial customers.

For more information, visit SummitUtilities.com/Rebates or contact Kirk Pierce directly by phone, 501-412-9610, or email, [email protected].