If you own or manage a commercial building in New Hampshire, 2026 NHSaves incentives could help reduce the cost of replacing or upgrading your HVAC equipment.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical, we help Southern New Hampshire businesses evaluate and install commercial HVAC systems, including high-efficiency equipment that may qualify for these incentives.
NHSaves offers incentives for qualifying air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, HVAC controls, and more. Some electric HVAC incentives can reach $250 per ton, while certain natural gas boiler rebates can reach $10,000.
The key is to plan ahead: Some commercial projects require approval before installation begins. In this article, we’ll explain what incentives are available in 2026, who qualifies, and what you should do before starting your project.
Commercial HVAC equipment can be expensive, so it makes sense to look for ways to lower your upfront costs.
NHSaves is supported by New Hampshire's electric and natural gas utilities and offers commercial programs that help businesses offset the cost of energy-efficient equipment.
In 2026, incentives are available for several types of commercial heating and cooling equipment, including:
The amount you receive depends on what you install and whether it meets the program's efficiency requirements.
Air-source and water-source VRF systems that meet the required size and efficiency standards can also qualify for $250 per ton, while some water-source heat pumps can qualify for $80 per ton.
In HVAC, tonnage measures cooling capacity, not equipment weight. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs of cooling per hour.
For example, a qualifying 10-ton heat pump at $250 per ton could provide a $2,500 incentive.
Not every heat pump qualifies, so confirm that the equipment meets the program's efficiency requirements before purchasing it.
Yes. Qualifying commercial air conditioners can receive incentives of $50 or $70 per ton in 2026.
Systems smaller than 5.4 tons can qualify for $70 per ton when they meet the required efficiency levels. Larger qualifying systems can receive $50 per ton.
For example, a qualifying 20-ton commercial air conditioner at $50 per ton could receive a $1,000 incentive.
While the rebate may cover only a portion of the project, it can still reduce your upfront cost.
If your business is served by Liberty or Unitil natural gas, you may also qualify for commercial heating rebates.
Some of the largest 2026 rebates are available for high-efficiency condensing boilers. Depending on boiler size and efficiency, rebates include:
Qualifying natural gas furnaces can receive $300 or $450, while low-intensity infrared heaters and qualifying condensing unit heaters can receive $750.
All equipment must meet the program's listed efficiency standards to qualify.
For natural gas systems, 2026 incentives include $225 for qualifying aftermarket boiler reset controls, $25 for certain programmable thermostats, and $85 for qualifying wireless thermostats.
Electric HVAC projects may also qualify for control incentives, including demand control ventilation and dual enthalpy economizer controls.
Demand control ventilation adjusts how much outside air enters a building based on demand, while economizer controls can use cool outdoor air instead of mechanical cooling when conditions allow.
These controls can help reduce both project costs and future energy use.
Eligibility depends on your utility provider and the type of project.
NHSaves programs are delivered through participating New Hampshire utilities, including Eversource, Liberty, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, and Unitil.
Before choosing equipment, answer three questions:
Programs differ by utility and fuel type. For example, the 2026 commercial natural gas heating rebate application applies to Liberty and Unitil natural gas business and municipal customers.
NHSaves states that written pre-approval is required before installation begins for applicable commercial and industrial electric projects. Incentives are also subject to available funding, caps, and other restrictions.
Some instant HVAC incentives work differently and may be applied by a participating distributor when the equipment is purchased. Sales of 10 or more units or projects with $8,000 or more in instant incentives require pre-approval to guarantee the incentive.
Starting your project before confirming the requirements could mean losing an incentive you otherwise would have received.
The process varies by project, but generally you should:
Some projects may also qualify for technical assistance, energy assessments, project reviews, and financing options.
In many cases, yes.
If your HVAC system is already near the end of its life, an incentive can reduce the cost of upgrading to more efficient equipment. A more efficient system may also lower your operating costs over time.
But do not choose equipment just because it has the largest rebate.
Your contractor should consider your building size, use, comfort problems, energy costs, and long-term plans. The best system is one that fits your building while providing a reasonable total cost of ownership.
If you are planning a commercial HVAC project in New Hampshire in 2026, check available incentives before you buy equipment or begin installation. Eligibility depends on your utility, equipment, and project, and some programs require pre-approval.
At Harold Brothers, we work with commercial business owners throughout Southern New Hampshire and can help you understand your HVAC options, equipment requirements, and the steps involved in planning a replacement.
Your next step is to read our “2026 Guide to Commercial HVAC Energy Efficiency Upgrades.” It will help you understand which HVAC upgrades can improve your building’s energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and potentially qualify for available incentives.