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Students interested in completing HVAC training programs will be interested to learn more about Arizona’s HEAR program. This program will help increase the need for highly trained HVAC technicians and increase the number of HVAC jobs.
What is Arizona’s HEAR Program?
Arizona’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program was created to provide lower- and middle-income homeowners and renters with up to $14,000 in rebates to upgrade equipment and appliances1. Funded through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act2, the HEAR program works to reduce energy costs, enhance home energy efficiency, and support the transition to cleaner energy solutions.
What Does the HEAR Program Do?
The HEAR program offers both point-of-sale rebates and financial assistance based on household income.
Point-of-Sale Rebates
● Installation of ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump air conditioners and heaters.
● Upgrades to ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters.
● Replacement of traditional appliances with ENERGY STAR-efficient electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, ovens, and clothes dryers.
● Enhancements to electrical panels, breaker boxes, and wiring.
● Weatherization improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.
Financial Assistance
● Low-income households (earning below 80% of the area median income) are eligible for rebates covering 100% of electrification project costs, up to a maximum of $14,000.
● Moderate-income households (earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income) can receive rebates covering 50% of project costs, also up to $14,000.
● Additionally, contractors participating in the program receive a $500 incentive per completed electrification project.
When does the HEAR program take effect?
The HEAR program is being rolled out in multiple phases3:
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Phase I: Launched on August 29, 2024This initial phase focuses on replacing air conditioning units for Arizonans facing financial hardship. Eligibility is determined by various factors, including household income, and homes with existing heat pumps are not eligible for this rebate.
Phase II: Scheduled for the first quarter of 2025
This phase will introduce a home retrofit program offering energy efficiency rebates statewide.
Phase III: Expected in the second quarter of 2025
This phase will pilot a multifamily program to extend benefits to a broader range of housing situations.
How Will the HEAR Program Increase HVAC Jobs?
The HEAR program’s emphasis on electrification and energy efficiency will significantly increase the demand for HVAC professionals, creating jobs in installation, maintenance, retrofitting, and system design. Some of the specific initiatives in the program that will help increase HVAC jobs include:
Rising Demand for Heat Pump Installations
The HEAR program prioritizes the installation of energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps for both heating and cooling. Heat pump technology differs from traditional HVAC systems, requiring HVAC technicians with specialized training. This demand will drive the need for more skilled HVAC workers. Plus, many households will need retrofitting to replace outdated systems with modern, efficient heat pumps, creating additional jobs for HVAC professionals.
Incentives for Contractors
The HEAR program provides a $500 incentive for contractors to complete electrification projects, encouraging HVAC businesses to hire highly trained technicians to meet demand. With rebates and incentives reducing costs for customers, HVAC companies are likely to see a surge in business, prompting them to expand their teams.
Increased Training and Certification Needs
The emphasis on ENERGY STAR-certified and heat pump systems will require HVAC technicians to acquire specific certifications, such as EPA Section 608, something that all RSI graduates prepare for during training in our HVAC program.
Support for Low-Income and Moderate-Income Homes
By making HVAC system upgrades affordable for Arizona households, the HEAR program ensures consistent work for HVAC professionals in urban and rural areas. Outreach programs targeting underserved communities may lead to the creation of additional HVAC jobs in these regions.
Sustainability and Green Energy Initiatives
As the HEAR program aligns with Arizona’s green energy goals, it promotes the installation of systems that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The emphasis on environmentally friendly HVAC solutions may lead to new roles in energy auditing and sustainable system design.
Want To Learn More About HVAC Jobs?
Because HVAC is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. It is important for you to invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills you need to be safe and effective as an HVAC/R professional.
To learn more about our HVAC program, contact us at The Refrigeration School by calling 1-888-671-5803.
1) https://www.achrnews.com/articles/155133-arizona-launches-rebate-program-for-hvac-efficiency
2) https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act
3) https://efficiencyarizona.com/
