Southwest Washington consumers have access to a variety of incentives for installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, including programs from the Energy Trust of Oregon and Clark Public Utilities. These programs are designed to reduce upfront costs, lower energy bills, and improve home comfort.
Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives
Despite the name, the Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for residents in Southwest Washington who are customers of participating utilities like NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, or Avista. Incentives are paid directly to your participating contractor, who then deducts the amount from your invoice.
General Residential Incentives
- High-Efficiency Gas Furnace: Washington homeowners may be eligible for a base incentive of $550 for a gas furnace with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of 95% or greater.
- Heat Pumps: Incentives are available for heat pumps and ductless heat pumps when replacing electric resistance heat or an electric furnace. Specific amounts depend on the system type and efficiency ratings (HSPF2, SEER2).
- Smart Thermostats: Customers with a primary gas furnace heating source may qualify for a smart thermostat rebate through their contractor.
“Savings Within Reach” for Income-Qualified Consumers
Income-qualified households can access enhanced incentives through the Savings Within Reach program. As of June 1, 2025, enhanced incentives for Washington customers of NW Natural include:
- High-Efficiency Gas Furnace: Up to $1,600 cash incentive for a 95% AFUE or greater furnace.
- Insulation: Incentives are also available for attic, wall, and floor insulation.
You can check your eligibility and find a participating contractor on the Energy Trust of Oregon website or by calling 1.866.368.7878.
Local Incentives: Clark Public Utilities (CPU)
For Clark Public Utilities electric customers, a separate set of rebates is available for upgrading to energy-efficient electric heating and cooling systems.
- Heat Pumps:$1,000 – $1,200 rebate for converting an electric forced air furnace to a central heat pump or variable speed heat pump.
- $200 for replacing an existing heat pump or electric zonal with a variable speed model.
- Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $800 in rebates for installing a new ductless system in homes heated with an electric furnace or electric zonal heat.
- Smart Thermostats: A $140 rebate is available for qualifying smart thermostat models if your home is primarily heated with an electric furnace or heat pump.
These CPU incentives require installation by an approved contractor within their network. You can find more information on the Clark Public Utilities website.
Note that requirements for Energy Trust/CPU incentives may differ, there are annual caps on the total amount of credits you can claim, also the incentives change over time .Consult a tax professional and the programs web site for the most current information.
By combining these local programs Southwest Washington consumers can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading to a more efficient home heating and cooling system.