Your electric utility
Austin Energy
Austin Energy rebates may apply
Heating, cooling and water care across Austin neighborhoods.
Austin Energy rebates, Austin Water numbers and houses from 1890 to now.
What's different about Austin houses.
Water hardness
5.4 gpg
Softener optional. Flush your water heater yearly.
Permit and inspection
City of Austin Development Services
AC, furnace and heat pump swaps need a mechanical change-out permit and inspection. Austin Energy rebates require it.
Water heater rebate, worked out
- Heat pump water heater
- 40+ gal
- Old heater
- 10+ years
- Apply within
- 90 days
- Austin Energy pays
- $1,000
Where we work in Austin.
| 5.4 gpg | Average hardness, Austin Water 2025 Austin Water |
|---|---|
| 2.3 ppm | Chloramine, Austin Water 2025 Austin Water |
| Austin Energy | Electric utility Austin Energy |
| City permit | Required to replace AC or a water heater City of Austin |
Hyde Park
1890s to 1930s
Queen Anne homes and 1920s bungalows. Many lack attic room for ducts, so ductless mini-splits often fit.
Travis Heights
1920s craftsman
Hilly lots and older ductwork in small closets, where careful sizing and duct sealing decide comfort.
Mueller
Green-built
Every home was built to at least a 3-star Austin Energy Green Building rating, so systems start efficient.
Circle C
1986 to 2008
Over 5,600 homes, many on original or second systems now due, on Austin Energy, where rebates may apply.
Does Austin Energy still pay AC rebates in 2026?
Yes, for Austin Energy customers who qualify. Its residential rebates for high-efficiency AC and heat pump replacements are still listed in 2026, in tiers by efficiency. The home and the old system must be at least 10 years old, and the job needs City permits and an Austin Energy participating contractor.
Why does Austin tap water taste like chlorine?
Austin Water disinfects with chloramine, about 2.3 ppm on average in its 2025 report, within EPA limits. A softener won't change the taste. A carbon filter rated for chloramine, or reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink, will.
Who pulls the AC permit in Austin?
Your HVAC contractor does. The City's permit request asks for the licensed master responsible for the job. If a contractor asks you to pull it yourself as a homeowner, or to skip it, treat that as a red flag.