Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps in South Jersey: Up to $5,000 Back from Atlantic City Electric
Short answer: If you heat with gas and get your electric bill from Atlantic City Electric, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 or 50% of the project cost, whichever is less, when Comfort Now installs a NEEP-listed cold-climate heat pump with a 95%+ gas furnace backup and an ecobee smart thermostat. You may also qualify for 0% APR for 7 years (84 months) through NEIF on the balance, subject to credit approval.
Rebate up to $5,000 or 50%, whichever is less, for eligible Atlantic City Electric customers; 0% APR for 84 months OAC through NEIF. See Offer Terms.
What the Atlantic City Electric dual-fuel rebate is
Atlantic City Electric runs a Residential Electrification Program, administered by CLEAResult, that helps customers move from fossil-fuel heating toward efficient electric heat pumps. Most people hear about the full-conversion track, where the gas furnace comes out entirely. There is a second option many South Jersey homeowners never hear about: partial displacement, or dual fuel.
With dual fuel, you keep a gas furnace, but it becomes the backup. A cold-climate heat pump becomes the main source of heat and air conditioning. For that setup, eligible residential customers may receive up to $5,000 or 50% of the project cost of the largest system, whichever is less. Moderate-income households may be eligible for up to $6,000 or 60%. The program sets these amounts, and they can change with funding. The current program covers installs through June 30, 2027.
How a dual-fuel system works
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel to make it. In summer it works like a central air conditioner. In winter it runs in reverse, pulling heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside. Cold-climate models are built to keep producing useful heat well below freezing.
On the coldest mornings, when the heat pump would have to work hardest, the system switches to the gas furnace. The thermostat and integrated controls make that switch automatically, based on outdoor temperature and the settings your installer programs. You get efficient heating for most of the season and the strong, familiar heat of a gas furnace when it counts.
That’s why dual fuel fits South Jersey so well. Shore towns like Margate, Ocean City and Sea Isle stay a bit milder thanks to the ocean, while inland areas like Hammonton, Mays Landing, Estell Manor and Tuckahoe can drop into the teens. One system handles both.
What equipment qualifies
To qualify for the dual-fuel track, Comfort Now’s installs meet these requirements:
- A NEEP-listed cold-climate air source heat pump. NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) keeps the list of heat pumps tested for cold-weather performance. Ducted units need SEER2 above 14.3, HSPF2 above 7.7 and a COP above 1.75 at 5°F.
- A 95% AFUE or higher gas furnace as the backup heat source.
- Integrated controls with an ecobee smart thermostat, which is required. It handles the heat pump-to-furnace switchover and lets you check your system from your phone, a big plus for shore second homes.
- A independent participating contractor install, with the rebate application filed within 90 days of installation.
How much it may cost after the rebate
Every home is different, so we quote after an in-home assessment. Per program rules, the incentive is up to $5,000 or 50% of the project cost of the largest system, whichever is less, and program rules require it to be shown as a line-item discount on your invoice.
For the balance, financing is offered through the NJ Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF), not Comfort Now: 0% APR for 7 years (84 months), loan amounts $2,500–$25,000 net of the rebate, subject to credit approval. Not all applicants qualify, loan limits depend on credit, and terms and rates are subject to change.
Will a dual-fuel heat pump lower my bills?
It may help lower energy costs, but results are not guaranteed and estimates vary. Your results depend on your home’s insulation and ductwork, how you set your thermostat, and current electric and gas rates. Modern cold-climate heat pumps carry higher efficiency ratings (SEER2/HSPF2) than many older central air conditioners, and a 95%+ AFUE furnace is a high-efficiency backup, but actual results vary. During the assessment we look at your current equipment, ductwork and usage, and talk through realistic expectations.
Shore homes, salt air and second homes
Coastal South Jersey can be hard on HVAC equipment. Salt air corrodes coils, flood zones often require raised platforms, and tight lots in Ventnor, Margate, the Wildwoods and Atlantic City limit where an outdoor unit can go. We plan placement and coastal protection as part of every quote.
Many homes in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Brigantine and Longport sit empty part of the winter. A dual-fuel system with an ecobee thermostat lets owners keep the house at a safe temperature, get alerts and adjust settings remotely, with gas backup as a safety net during a hard freeze.
How the process works with Comfort Now
- Free in-home assessment. We check your gas furnace, central AC, ductwork and electric bill to confirm you’re an Atlantic City Electric customer.
- Quote with the rebate shown. You see the estimated program incentive and the 0% financing option on your proposal.
- Installation. We install the NEEP-listed heat pump, 95%+ furnace and ecobee thermostat, and take pre- and post-install photos for the program.
- We file the paperwork. Comfort Now submits the application with your utility bill, itemized invoice, spec sheets and AHRI/NEEP documentation within 90 days.
- Program inspection. Atlantic City Electric or CLEAResult may inspect the job before the incentive is paid.
Who we servE
Comfort Now has served South Jersey since 1876, from offices in Egg Harbor Township and Cape May Court House. We’re a Carrier dealer with more than 2,800 Google reviews, serving every town in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Find your ZIP code, or start with the dual-fuel rebate overview. Popular town pages: Egg Harbor Township, Ocean City, Cape May Court House, Galloway, Linwood.
Call 609-400-1005 to book a free assessment and find out what your home may be eligible for.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Atlantic City Electric dual-fuel heat pump rebate?
Eligible Atlantic City Electric residential customers may receive up to $5,000 or 50% of the project cost, whichever is less (moderate-income households: lesser of $6,000 or 60%) when a NEEP-listed cold-climate heat pump is installed with gas furnace backup by an independent participating contractor such as Comfort Now. Amounts are set by the program and subject to change and funding.
What is a dual-fuel heat pump system?
A dual-fuel system pairs an electric cold-climate heat pump with a 95%+ efficient gas furnace. The heat pump heats and cools most of the year, and the furnace takes over on the coldest days.
What equipment qualifies?
A heat pump on the NEEP cold-climate air source heat pump list, a 95% AFUE or higher gas furnace, and integrated controls with an ecobee smart thermostat (required).
Is financing available?
Financing is offered through the NJ Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF), not Comfort Now: 0% APR for 7 years (84 months), loan amounts $2,500–$25,000 net of rebate, subject to credit approval. Not all applicants qualify; terms and rates subject to change.
How do I get the rebate?
If approved per program rules, the incentive is shown as a discount on your invoice; Comfort Now files the Atlantic City Electric application within 90 days of installation, including photos and AHRI and NEEP documentation.
How long is the offer available?
The current Atlantic City Electric program covers installs through June 30, 2027, or until funding or program terms change.
Can I get the rebate if I heat with oil or propane?
This rebate is for homes with gas furnace backup. Oil and propane homes may fit other Atlantic City Electric program tracks; ask us during your assessment.
Do I have to replace my gas furnace?
The dual-fuel track pairs the heat pump with a 95%+ AFUE gas furnace. If your current furnace doesn’t meet that, it is replaced as part of the project.
Call 609-400-1005 · www.iWantComfortNow.com · Cooling • Heating • Electrical · Carrier dealer · 2,800+ Google reviews