How Multifamily HVAC Rebates Differ from Single Family Rebates in Austin

If you own or manage property in Austin, you may already know that Austin Energy offers HVAC rebates. What many property owners discover too late is that the programs for single-family homes and multifamily properties are not the same. They run on different rules, different timelines, and different application processes. Understanding these differences before you start a project can save you time, avoid denied applications, and help you capture the maximum rebate dollars available.

This guide breaks down the key differences between Austin Energy's single-family and multifamily HVAC rebate programs, walks through each process step by step, and helps you determine which program applies to your property. Whether you own one home or a portfolio of apartment communities, knowing the rules upfront makes all the difference.

Key Differences at a Glance

Austin Energy designed these programs to serve different audiences. Single-family rebates target homeowners replacing one system in one house. Multifamily rebates target property owners and managers upgrading dozens or hundreds of units across a community. That fundamental difference drives everything else: who applies, how the application works, what documentation is required, and how rebates are structured.

The table above summarizes the structural differences. Below we walk through each program in detail so you know exactly what to expect.

The Single-Family Process

For homeowners within Austin Energy's service territory, the single-family HVAC rebate process is relatively straightforward. You replace your old system with qualifying equipment, your participating contractor installs it, and you submit the rebate application within 90 days of installation.

How It Works

1. Verify eligibility. Your home must be at least 10 years old, and the system you are replacing must be at least 10 years old. You must be an active Austin Energy residential customer.

2. Choose a participating contractor. Austin Energy requires that all work be performed by a contractor registered in their program. Non-participating contractors mean your rebate application will be denied, regardless of the equipment you install.

3. Complete the installation. Your contractor installs the new system, ensures proper sizing via ACCA Manual J, and documents the installation. All components (outdoor unit, indoor coil, air handler or furnace) must be replaced as a matched system.

4. Post-installation inspection. Austin Energy or their designated inspector verifies the installation meets program requirements.

5. Submit within 90 days. Your rebate application and supporting documentation must be submitted within 90 days of the installation date. This deadline is firm. Miss it and you lose the rebate.

Rebate amounts for single-family HVAC range from $350 to $750 depending on equipment type and efficiency tier. Heat pumps typically qualify for higher amounts than air conditioners. For full details on current amounts and tiers, see our residential rebates page.

Pro Tip: If you are on the fence between a standard AC and a heat pump, run the numbers with your contractor. Heat pumps qualify for higher Austin Energy rebates and often stack with larger federal tax credits. For most Austin homeowners, a heat pump ends up being the better long-term investment.

The Multifamily Process

Multifamily HVAC rebates follow a different path. Austin Energy treats apartment communities and multifamily properties as distinct from single-family homes, with their own eligibility rules, application steps, and rebate structures.

Letter of Intent and Pre-Approval

Unlike the single-family program, the multifamily program typically requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) or similar pre-approval before you begin work. This step confirms your property is eligible and reserves your place in the program. Skipping it can mean your project does not qualify, even if the equipment and installation meet technical requirements.

Property-Wide Assessment

Multifamily projects often start with a property-wide assessment. Austin Energy wants to understand the scope of your community: how many units, what systems are in place, what upgrades you plan, and over what timeline. This assessment informs your rebate eligibility and helps structure phased installations.

Phased Installation and Documentation

Because multifamily properties may have dozens or hundreds of units, installations are often phased. You might upgrade one building at a time, or prioritize units with the oldest equipment. Each phase may have its own documentation requirements and rebate submission timeline. The documentation is more extensive than single-family: property data, unit counts, ECAD (Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure) information where applicable, and detailed records of what was installed where.

Rebate Structures

Multifamily rebates are structured differently. Instead of a single per-system amount, you may earn:

• HVAC tune-ups: Up to $360 per system serviced
• Smart thermostats: Up to $180 per eligible thermostat
• HVAC replacement: Varies by equipment and project scope
• Duct improvements, insulation, lighting: Per-unit or per-item amounts

The total rebate potential across a large property can be substantial, but it requires careful planning and coordination with Austin Energy and your contractor from the start. In many cases, rebates cover the full cost of installation, making upgrades effectively free for the property. That outcome depends on starting the process correctly: LOI first, then assessment, then phased installation with proper documentation at each step.

Which Program Is Right for Your Property?

The answer depends on how your property is classified and served.

• Single-family home: You use the residential program. One homeowner, one application, one system.

• Multifamily property (apartments, condos, townhomes): You use the multifamily program. Property owner or manager applies, often with an LOI first, then phased installations and more detailed documentation.

• Mixed portfolio: If you own both single-family rentals and multifamily communities, each property type uses its own program. A single-family rental still goes through the residential program (the owner applies). A 50-unit apartment community uses the multifamily program. There is no crossover. Plan and budget separately for each. The good news is that a contractor experienced in both programs can manage the different workflows for you, so you are not juggling two entirely separate processes on your own.

Tips for Property Owners with Mixed Portfolios

If you manage both single-family and multifamily properties, a few practices can help you capture rebates efficiently:

1. Track programs separately. Keep a simple spreadsheet or checklist for each property type. Single-family has the 90-day deadline; multifamily has LOI and phased requirements. Mixing them up leads to missed deadlines.

2. Use a contractor who does both. A contractor experienced in both programs understands the different paperwork, timelines, and inspection requirements. That reduces errors and speeds up approvals.

3. Plan multifamily projects early. The LOI and property assessment add lead time. Start the conversation with Austin Energy and your contractor well before you want to break ground.

4. Bundle where possible. On multifamily properties, HVAC upgrades often pair well with lighting, insulation, or duct improvements. A coordinated plan can increase total rebates and improve resident comfort.

CG Service Pros Experience with Both Programs

At CG Service Pros, we work in both worlds every day. We are a participating Austin Energy contractor for residential rebates and were named Austin Energy's 2024 Contractor of the Year for our work in the multifamily program. We have completed more than 4,500 multifamily units in Austin Energy's program, and we handle single-family rebate applications routinely for homeowners across the Austin metro area.

That dual experience matters. We know the 90-day single-family deadline and make sure applications go in on time. We know the multifamily LOI process, property assessments, and phased documentation. We can walk you through which program applies to your property and what to expect from start to finish.

We serve Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, San Marcos, and surrounding Central Texas communities. Whether you own one home or a portfolio of apartment communities, we can help you navigate the right Austin Energy rebate program and capture every dollar you qualify for.

For a full overview of all Austin Energy rebate programs, visit our rebates page. For residential specifics, see Austin residential rebates. For multifamily specifics, see Austin multifamily rebates.

Schedule Your Free Rebate Consultation

Have questions about which program applies to your property? Call us at (512) 766-5079 or visit our contact page to schedule service.