I’m Yan, and over twenty-plus years doing HVAC Installation Services across Drexel Hill and the surrounding suburbs, the question I get more than almost any other right now is: “Can I really use both PECO and EAP money on the same project?” Short answer — yes, if you do it in the right order. Here’s exactly how it works for homeowners in Drexel Hill and the communities nearby.
What These Two Programs Actually Are
PECO’s Smart Ideas program pays rebates directly to customers who install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a separate, income-qualified benefit that can cover a meaningful portion of equipment and installation costs for eligible households. They come from different funding sources, which is exactly why stacking them is legal — and smart.
If your household income qualifies you for EAP, you could be looking at combined savings of $1,500 to $4,000+ depending on the system type and your income bracket. That’s a number worth paying attention to before you buy anything.
The Stacking Order — This Part Matters
Here’s where most homeowners (and some contractors) get it wrong. You can’t just submit both applications simultaneously and hope for the best. The sequence is:
- Apply for EAP first. Contact the Pennsylvania PUC’s low-income assistance page or your county assistance office to confirm eligibility. Delaware County residents near Drexel Hill can start through the Delaware County Assistance Office on Baltimore Pike in Lansdowne — it’s the right office for this ZIP code area.
- Get a qualifying system selected before purchase. PECO rebates are tied to specific SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings. If you’re unsure what the labels mean, our breakdown of SEER vs. SEER2 ratings clears it up in plain language.
- Have a licensed HVAC contractor complete the install. Both programs require professional installation — no exceptions. An unpermitted install voids both rebates immediately.
- Submit PECO’s rebate application within 90 days of installation (check current program terms; deadlines shift). EAP benefits are typically applied before the project begins if you’re approved.
“The rebate money is real, but it evaporates fast if the paperwork isn’t in order. We handle all of that for our customers so nothing falls through the cracks.”
— Yan, Air Pro HVAC
What HVAC Installation Services Qualifies in 2026
Not every system qualifies, so here’s what’s rebate-eligible under current 2026 PECO Smart Ideas guidelines:
- Central air conditioners meeting SEER2 ≥ 15.2
- Air-source heat pumps meeting SEER2 ≥ 15.2 and HSPF2 ≥ 7.5
- Gas furnaces at AFUE ≥ 97% (when paired with qualifying AC)
- Smart thermostats (smaller rebate, easy win)
Older homes along Burmont Road and Marshall Road in Drexel Hill — most of them built in the 1950s and 60s — often have ductwork that needs attention before a new system performs at rated efficiency. If ducts are leaking, your SEER2 numbers mean nothing in practice. We always check that before we quote. You can also read more about how older homes affect HVAC decisions on our site.
Landlords managing properties in Drexel Hill or nearby Upper Darby — EAP eligibility can sometimes extend to rental units where tenants meet income thresholds. That’s worth a conversation before your next turn-over.
One more thing: the federal 25C tax credit (up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps) sits on top of both programs. If you’re thinking about electrification, our post on heat pump costs in a Philadelphia winter gives you an honest look at whether it pencils out for this climate.
The bottom line: stacking these rebates takes coordination, and the window to do it right is before installation — not after. Call Air Pro HVAC at (215) 240-8466 before you buy anything, and we’ll walk through exactly what you qualify for and make sure the paperwork is airtight from day one.
Some content on this site is AI-assisted and may not reflect exact current details — please verify with Air Pro HVAC at (215) 240-8466. Learn more.