Rules and incentives tracker
Where each federal rule or credit stands on the date we last checked it, and what it means for a homeowner. Each topic links to a page that quotes the rule itself.
| Rule or program | Status | What it means for a homeowner | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA limit for new home AC and heat pump systems (R-410A) | New systems need a refrigerant below GWP 700, except systems built entirely from components made or imported before January 1, 2025, which have no install deadline since July 27, 2026 (91 FR 31284). | Existing R-410A systems can be used and repaired, including a new outdoor unit. The 2026 rule treats a later indoor coil replacement as a new system. EPA says R-410A prices may rise. | Oct 13, 2026 |
| New York, 6 NYCRR Part 494 | New field-charged home AC and heat pump systems with these refrigerants prohibited after January 1, 2026; above a GWP20 of 10, after January 1, 2034. | DEC says consumers are not regulated and legally installed systems may be serviced. By our reading, EPA's 2026 exception for pre-2025 R-410A stock does not apply in New York. | Oct 13, 2026 |
| DOE consumer water heater standard (89 FR 37778) | Final rule in effect since July 5, 2024; compliance required for water heaters made or imported from May 6, 2029. No document delaying or withdrawing it found. | Electric tanks of 20 to 120 gallons, outside the small electric storage class, will need heat pump technology (DOE). Gas tanks of 20 to 55 gallons get a higher minimum, set below condensing levels. | Oct 13, 2026 |
| DOE gas tankless water heater standard (89 FR 105188) | Disapproved by Congress (Pub. L. 119-6, approved May 9, 2025); DOE withdrew it as of May 20, 2025 (90 FR 21390). The rule has no force or effect. | The condensing-level tankless standard planned from December 26, 2029 will not apply. The standard for gas tankless units made from May 6, 2029 is not stated. | Oct 13, 2026 |
| DOE commercial water heater standard (88 FR 69686) | Compliance date October 6, 2026, unchanged in 10 CFR 431.110. DOE will not seek civil penalties for gas-fired models made from October 6, 2026 to before October 6, 2027 (enforcement policy, not a final agency action). | Covers commercial equipment, including residential-duty commercial gas storage models under the May 5, 2026 policy. Consumer models fall under the 2024 rule. | Oct 13, 2026 |
| 25C energy efficient home improvement credit | Ended. Not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21, sec. 70505; IRS FS-2025-05). | Heat pumps, central AC, water heaters and furnaces placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify. For earlier property, the credit is claimed for the year of installation and cannot be carried forward. | Oct 19, 2026 |
| 25D residential clean energy credit | Ended. Not allowed for expenditures made after December 31, 2025: when installation is completed, or for a new or rebuilt home, when you begin using it (sec. 70506; IRS FS-2025-05, Q7). | Systems paid for in 2025 but finished in 2026 do not qualify. Unused credit from earlier years can still be carried forward. | Oct 19, 2026 |
| 30C refueling property credit (home EV chargers) | Ended. Not allowed for property placed in service after June 30, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-21, sec. 70504; IRS FS-2025-05). | A home charger placed in service after June 30, 2026 does not qualify. Earlier ones qualified only at a main home in an eligible census tract. | Oct 19, 2026 |
| DOE Home Energy Rebates (HOMES and HEEHR) | Available in select states, according to DOE. Program Notices 26-1, 26-2 and 26-3 (effective May 29, 2026) changed the rules; HEEHR no longer funds replacing non-electric equipment. | Ask your state or territory energy office whether a program is open and what it covers. DOE's page lists no states. | Oct 19, 2026 |
Rules change. Each page shows the date it was checked against the primary documents, and these pages are rechecked every month. If you find a newer document, write to us; fixes are listed on thecorrections page.