Central Air Conditioning Duct Sealing Incentives

Please note this program is closing as of June 30, 2011. No new applications will be accepted after this date.

Central air conditioning duct sealing incentives are available for existing small businesses. Incentives vary based on the cost to seal the ducts and whether the central air conditioning equipment is existing or a new high efficiency unit is being installed as a replacement in your business. The incentives are paid only when ducts are sealed. Only existing PG&E business customers with an active electric meter serviced by PG&E are eligible to participate.

Why is duct testing important?

The ducts that are part of central heating and cooling systems offer one of the best opportunities to:

  • increase your energy efficiency
  • increase your comfort
  • manage your energy bills

Studies indicate that 10%-30% of the heated or cooled air is lost - along with the money spent to heat or cool that air - through leaky ducts. Properly sized, installed, and sealed ductwork will make your heating and cooling systems significantly more efficient. For more detailed information, download Why is Duct Testing Important? (PDF, 413 KB)

When to Test

Duct testing is highly recommended by PG&E when a new air conditioning unit is being installed, or when you are having an existing system serviced. If the existing duct system is leaky and inefficient before the new unit is installed, it will still be leaky and inefficient after the new unit is installed-unless the ducts are tested and sealed by a qualified contractor. It does not make sense to install a new, energy-efficient air conditioning unit unless the duct system is also energy efficient.

Rebate Level

The table below can help you and your contractor determine which rebate you qualify for and your contractor can advise you on which duct sealing product and service is best suited for your business.

Duct SealingIncentive
Existing central air conditioning duct systems; all Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) levelsMaximum of $200*
New Air ConditioningIncentive
New air conditioning equipment installation (including duct sealing) must be a minimum of 13 SEERMaximum of $200*
*Incentive amount paid will not exceed the actual cost of duct sealing work. Only single family and small commercial customers are eligible for a rebate. However, multifamily customers may participate in the program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be an existing PG&E electric customer.
  • You must have an existing central air conditioning or heat pump or replacing an old air conditioning or heat pump system with a new replacement system.
    Note: New system installed when no prior equipment was present will not qualify; California building code already requires a duct test on these systems.
  • Individual systems must be between 1.5 and 7 tons cooling capacity.
  • Air conditioning systems with multiple compressors and economizers are not eligible.
  • Multiple systems at the same address are eligible.
  • All climate zones are eligible.
  • You must hire a licensed HVAC contractor who is qualified to perform a comprehensive duct sealing test.
    • This test includes an analysis to determine the level of leakage or need for other repairs in your system.
    • If your contractor finds that your duct leakage is less than 15% of fan flow (fan flow is the volume of heated or cooled air that comes out of the registers), no repairs are required and no incentive will be provided. However, you will have the confidence that you are not losing energy from your ducting.
    • If leakage exceeds the 15% of fan flow, you should have your duct system sealed to ensure that your system performs to its designed air distribution capacity.
  • A CF-6R Form is the incentive application document. The qualified, licensed HVAC contractor you have perform the duct sealing work will need complete and submit a CF-6R Form indicating the results of work performed in order to receive the incentive.
  • All duct sealing work and testing must be completed prior to submitting the
    CF-6R Form.

Note: To be eligible for PG&E’s Duct Sealing incentive, your system must not have had previous duct test and seal work completed on your business within the past six years funded under a Utility administered program.

How to Participate

All duct sealing work and testing must be completed by a qualified C-20 contractor that is participating in the program.

PG&E uses Verification Service Providers (VSPs) to ensure participating contractors are trained and qualified to participate in the PG&E Duct Test and Seal Program. To participate in this program, contact the following VSPs to get started:

  • Enalasys 1-877-411-8378
  • Proctor Engineering Group 1-877-422-2432
  • Verified 1-877-838-4343

Helpful information:

For information about duct sealing go to the California Energy Commission Web site and download videos on topics such as HVAC, energy-efficient windows, insulation and more. Note: In order to view videos on this site, a current version of RealPlayer or Quick Time Player is required.
Funding is limited. This offering shall at all times be subject to change or termination without prior notice. This offering is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

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