To the untrained ear, SMUD sounds like a weird dish your relatives bring to parties, or an acronym used by teens.
Those near the Sacramento area know it far better, though, as a utilities organization focusing on applications of electrical energy.
As part of ongoing Green initiatives, SMUD offers a host of rebates for electrical upgrades and installations.
As a SMUD Participating Contractor, CABS has helped thousands of customers with installations and rebates on electric installations of HVAC systems, EV Chargers and more. If you’re looking for guidance on options that will reduce your energy consumption, we’re here to help.
Below we’ve summarized SMUD’s current rebates and initiatives for your convenience. We’ll update this periodically as SMUD’s offerings change, but be sure to check with the SMUD website for details that may change seasonally or yearly, for the most up-to-date information.
What Is SMUD? Sacramento Municipal Utility District
SMUD stands for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
SMUD is a community-owned utility company that serves both Sacramento County and Placer County. It is governed by a seven-person Board of Directors.
Notably, as of the writing of this article, SMUD is the sixth largest publicly owned utility company in the U.S., and has been listed in the top 10 for several years.
SMUD’s facility assets include numerous dams, reservoirs, canals and powerplants. As of 2020, SMUD’s renewable energy output was estimated at 33.8%.
A large glass mosaic mural was created by artist Wayne Thiebaud in 1959 at the SMUD headquarters in Sacramento, CA. It is considered a notable work by the artist and remains his largest commission. The mural is open to the public.
SMUD Rebates
Below we’ve covered the most prominent rebates offered by SMUD and how you may qualify for them.
HVAC Rebates Through SMUD
You can qualify for up to $3,000 in SMUD rebates for qualifying HVAC equipment. However, there are guidelines on what does and doesn’t qualify.
HEAT PUMPS
Heat Pumps come in single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed, which refers to the speeds at which their compressor can operate. To qualify for SMUD rebates, you’ll be looking only at two-stage or variable-speed units.
If it’s a split or mini-split system, only variable stage units can qualify, and they must be connected to a qualifying Wi-Fi enabled thermostat and meet certain insulation requirements.
Package systems can qualify if they’re either two-stage or variable-speed, and at present must be at or above 15 SEER2, a measure of efficiency. Most two-stage and variable-speed equipment will surpass this requirement, but it’s best to check with your contractor to confirm.
Heat pumps can provide air conditioning or heating, acting as a cooling system or heating system, and thus can be active year-round. Ensuring they’re energy-efficient is an important part in reducing your overall energy costs, even outside of rebates and incentives.
TAX CREDITS
Tax credits can be claimed for qualifying equipment, up to $2,000! The current credit program began in 2023 and is currently slated to expire in 2032.
Much like the heat pump requirements, there are efficiency ratings that must be met in order to qualify. This puts an emphasis on higher-end equipment that will be more energy efficient compared to entry-level, single-stage equipment.
Importantly, it may not be possible to qualify for both a rebate AND tax credit for an installation. Understanding which makes better financial sense can help you make your decision.Additionally, the installation must be in your existing home, not a new construction or rental.
EV (Electric Vehicle) Rebates and Incentives Through SMUD
Your total rebate for EV chargers can be as high as $2,500! However, several conditions can apply to an EV charger installation or its use.
Types of EV Chargers
Broadly speaking, there are three levels of EV chargers, each corresponding to a different charging rate. Depending on your usage of an electric vehicle, any of the three might make the most sense:
- Level 1 Charger – best for short-range commutes and occasional use of an electric vehicle.
- Level 2 Charger – best for more frequent use. Charging with a level 2 charger can result in up to a 25-mile increase per charge, and also charges more quickly.
- DC Fast Charger – best for those who travel long distances in an electric vehicle and may need a full charge in a shorter time period.
SMUD rebate levels for electric vehicles and chargers can vary based on charger type, financial need, and compliance with DMV and SMUD registration regulations.
Charging Map
SMUD’s website also includes a charging station map, which is connected to a larger, nationwide reporting network for EV charging stations.
Some stations only support Level 1-2 electric vehicles, while others are specifically modified to allow fast charging with a DC Fast Charger.
Understanding your potential use and how you can charge up in your community is crucial to determining if an EV purchase is right for you.
Appliance Rebates and SMUD
Various household appliances and systems can qualify for SMUD rebates when you upgrade them. These rebates range from as little as $50 to as much as $3,000, depending on the details.
Here are some of the upgrades that may qualify:
- Induction cooktops
- Washing machines
- Smart thermostats
- Heat pump water heater units
- Refrigerators
Naturally, with each of those, it’s the more energy-efficient models that will qualify for rebates or other incentives.
While here at CABS, we don’t specialize in things like cooktops or clothes washers, we do install heat pump water heaters and smart thermostats and have helped thousands with SMUD rebates to maximize their cost savings on these energy-efficient products.
Sealing & Insulation Tax Benefits
This is often overlooked, but your ductwork and home insulation can cost you thousands of dollars every year if they are not maintained or installed properly.
This is why SMUD offers substantial rebates for these products.
Both rebates and tax incentives exist through SMUD for sealing and insulation upgrades. This is also why CABS has specialized experts in ductwork installation and sealing, to ensure that any work you have on your HVAC ducts qualifies for as many discounts as possible.
Recycling Through SMUD
You can recycle light bulbs, solar panels, refrigerators, thermostats and more through SMUD!
It can be difficult to find ways to responsibly dispose of these items otherwise, and many people don’t want to simply throw them away.
The list of recyclable items has increased in the past decade, so always be sure to check the latest list of recyclable items to see what you can do to responsibly dispose of household items.
HVAC Installation Services with SMUD Rebates
Knowing these rebates and tax incentives exist is the first step, but acting on them is the next step.
At CABS, we’ll submit your rebate application for you, to remove any confusion or worry over getting the biggest benefit for your HVAC installation or upgrade.
Further, we’ll help to ensure that your equipment meets all SMUD guidelines, including those for installation, efficiency level, thermostat compatibility, and registration.
EV Charging Installation Services
CABS is part of the SMUD contractor network and employs licensed electricians to install EV chargers to fit any lifestyle.
As with our HVAC services, we’ll help you submit any rebate applications, to give you peace of mind that you’re getting the best discounts available on your installation or upgrade.
Energy Efficiency Savings
SMUD is committed to saving energy (want even more energy-saving tips? Check out these suggestions), and so are we.
Energy-efficient HVAC and electrical equipment is a win/win for all involved. You get efficient equipment that will save you money over the life of its use, less energy is used, making these efforts eco-friendly. As an additional incentive, you can qualify for rebates and tax incentives that make them an even smarter decision for your next home upgrade.
If you’re ready to take the next step and get a free, no-obligation quote on an energy-efficient upgrade for your home, call CABS today!
