CenterPoint Heat Pump Rebates 2026: Houston Metro

CenterPoint Energy offers up to $500 per qualifying heat pump unit through its Standard Offer Program (SOP) for residential customers. Additionally, a $75 smart thermostat rebate is available separately. The total potential CenterPoint rebate is up to $575 for a heat pump system with smart thermostat. The federal Section 25C tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so there is no federal tax credit available in 2026.

SOP stands for Standard Offer Program. It is CenterPoint Energy's residential energy efficiency program that provides rebates for qualifying high-efficiency HVAC equipment, including heat pumps. The program is funded through CenterPoint's energy efficiency budget as required by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. CenterPoint also runs a CoolSaver AC tune-up program, which is a separate service offering and not part of the equipment rebate.

CenterPoint provides the rebate. In Houston's deregulated electricity market, CenterPoint is your TDU (transmission and distribution utility) that delivers power over the grid. Your REP (retail electric provider like Reliant, Direct Energy, or TXU) sells you electricity but does not provide equipment rebates. Your rebate eligibility depends on being in CenterPoint territory, not on which REP you choose. Switching REPs does not affect your rebate eligibility.

SEER2 16 or higher is strongly recommended for Houston. The DOE minimum for the South Region is SEER2 14.3, but this is insufficient for Houston's extreme humidity (80-90% relative humidity in summer). Higher SEER2 ratings with variable-speed compressors run longer at lower capacity, which removes significantly more moisture from indoor air. The Daikin FIT (up to 18 SEER2), Trane XV20i (20+ SEER2), and Carrier Infinity (19+ SEER2) are top choices for Houston humidity control.

A typical 3-ton ducted central heat pump in Houston costs approximately $5,367 installed. Larger 5-ton systems for bigger homes run up to $9,000. After the CenterPoint $500 rebate, the net cost starts around $4,867 for a 3-ton system. High-efficiency variable-speed systems (SEER2 16+) recommended for Houston humidity cost $7,000-$12,000 installed. Mini-split ductless systems for single rooms or additions range from $1,500-$4,500.

Aim for $0.10-$0.12/kWh on a 12-24 month fixed-rate plan. Houston is in a deregulated market where rates range from $0.09 to $0.16/kWh depending on your REP and plan type. At $0.10/kWh, annual heat pump operating cost is approximately $950. At $0.14/kWh (Houston average), it is approximately $1,330. Use PowerToChoose.org (the official PUC of Texas comparison site) to compare REP plans before or right after installation. Lock in your rate before summer when demand drives prices up.

Yes, when HEAR launches in Texas. The HEAR program is designed to be stackable with local utility incentives. A low-income Houston homeowner could theoretically combine $500 from CenterPoint SOP with $8,000 from HEAR for $8,500 in total rebates. However, HEAR has NOT launched in Texas. SECO (State Energy Conservation Office) issued an RFP for a third-party program administrator with proposals due February 5, 2026. Plan your budget based on the CenterPoint rebate available today and treat HEAR as a potential additional benefit.

The Daikin FIT is an excellent choice for Houston. It is literally manufactured locally at the Daikin Texas Technology Park in Waller, TX (just outside Houston). The FIT features a variable-speed compressor that excels at humidity control, a slim profile that fits tight installation spaces common in Houston homes, and ratings up to 18 SEER2. Local manufacturing means parts availability and warranty service are strong. The FIT is typically mid-priced compared to premium options like the Trane XV20i.

Houston's extreme humidity (averaging 80-90% relative humidity in summer) makes heat pump selection uniquely challenging. A correctly sized variable-speed heat pump runs longer at lower capacity, passing more air over the evaporator coil and removing far more moisture than an oversized single-stage unit that short-cycles. Oversizing is the number one mistake in Houston because an oversized system cools the air quickly but shuts off before removing enough humidity, leaving you cold and clammy. A Manual J load calculation is absolutely critical to avoid oversizing.

CoolSaver is CenterPoint Energy's AC and heat pump tune-up program. It offers free or reduced-cost professional tune-ups including refrigerant check, coil cleaning, and system efficiency evaluation. CoolSaver is a separate program from the SOP equipment rebate and cannot be combined or stacked. CoolSaver is best used for maintaining an existing system. If you are replacing your system with a new heat pump, apply for the SOP equipment rebate instead. However, if you have an existing heat pump, CoolSaver can help maintain its efficiency.