Get up to $200 for a water heater upgrade

Natural gas water heaters may provide a lower cost of operations, reduced CO2 emissions and faster water heating. Plus, some operate during power outages.
Source: aga.org/efficient-natural-gas/

Water Heater Type UEF Rating Rebate Amount
Natural Gas Storage Water Heater 0.67 and higher $75
Natural Gas Condensing Storage Water Heater 0.80 and higher $200
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater 0.81 to 0.91 $150
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater 0.92 and higher $200

Learn more about the federal tax credit for water heaters.

How do I apply for a rebate?

Before you start your project, make sure your project meets the eligibility requirements for the rebate and that you have a qualified contractor who can do the work.

As you complete your qualified upgrades, make sure you obtain proof of installation that you can provide when you apply for your rebate. After the work is finished, you can complete and submit your application online or by mail at the following address:

Piedmont Natural Gas
Attn: NC Rebate Form
P.O. Box 33068
Charlotte, NC 28233

For faster rebate processing, select the Online Application button below.

When should I upgrade my water heater?

Knowing when to replace your water heater is important. There are many signs to look for to determine if maintenance or replacement is your best option.

Repairs Keep Adding Up
Are you calling for repairs to your water heater more than twice a year? If so, start planning for a water heater replacement now to help avoid the hassle of an emergency replacement later.

Water Heater is Over 10 Years Old
ENERGY STAR® recommends replacing your storage water heater after 10 years. If your unit is aging, be proactive and replace it before it fails.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a plumber to see if your water heater needs maintenance or replacement. If a replacement is in order, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-certified natural gas storage or tankless water heater.

Get up to $325 when you upgrade your gas furnace

Upgrading your furnace to a more energy efficient model can help save you money and reduce the odds of failure during cold weather when you need it most.. Plus, if your new furnace has an AFUE rating of 90 percent or higher, your upgrade can qualify for a rebate.

AFUE Rating for Gas Furnace Rebate Amount
90 to 94.9 percent $175
95 to 97.9 percent $225
98 percent and higher $325

Learn more about the federal tax credit for furnaces.

How do I apply for a rebate?

Before you start your project, make sure your project meets the eligibility requirements for the rebate and that you have a qualified contractor who can do the work.

As you complete your qualified upgrades, make sure you obtain proof of installation that you can provide when you apply for your rebate. After the work is finished, you can complete and submit your application online or by mail at the following address:

Piedmont Natural Gas
Attn: NC Rebate Form
P.O. Box 33068
Charlotte, NC 28233

For faster rebate processing, select the Online Application button below.

Here are ways to help prepare your house and furnace before cold weather hits:

Schedule your Annual Furnace Exam: Have a trained professional perform a check-up on your furnace once a year before it starts getting cold, so you have time to make any necessary repairs or replacements.

Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Model: The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, so you may want to consider a replacement if your furnace is over 15 years old. Today’s high-efficiency natural gas furnaces operate at up to 98% efficiency, far better than older models.

Practice Safety First: Test your carbon monoxide detector and replace the batteries at least twice per year.

Get $50 when you upgrade to a smart thermostat

(Must use natural gas for heating to be eligible)

Reducing your energy use and saving energy can be easy with an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat. During cold winter weather, smart thermostats can help save money on your heating bills by allowing you to program it to work harder only when someone is at home.

How do I apply for a rebate?

Before you start your project, make sure your project meets the eligibility requirements for the rebate and that you have a qualified contractor who can do the work.

As you complete your qualified upgrades, make sure you obtain proof of installation that you can provide when you apply for your rebate. After the work is finished, you can complete and submit your application online or by mail at the following address:

Piedmont Natural Gas
Attn: NC Rebate Form
P.O. Box 33068
Charlotte, NC 28233

For faster rebate processing, select the Online Application button below.

Energy Savings

A smart thermostat alone does not use a lot of energy but the heating and cooling devices it controls do use a lot of energy. To meet ENERGY STAR’s requirements for smart thermostat energy savings, manufacturers must show how their model reduces the HVAC system’s use in different climates across the country. Additionally, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are required to be able to enter a low-power standby mode when inactive, which helps save even more energy.

Cost Savings
Controlling your temperature settings with a smart thermostat will help you save money while staying comfortable in your home, year-round. Homes with high heating and cooling bills could save up to $100 a year.

Saving Energy Protects the Environment
In addition to saving money, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If everyone used an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, our annual savings would grow to 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million per year, while offsetting 13 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Rebates available only to Piedmont Natural Gas residential customers in North Carolina.

  • Residential rebates only apply to existing residential customers that are served under the Residential Service Rate Schedule 101.

  • Rebates are only available for the replacement of existing natural gas equipment with new qualifying high-efficiency equipment.

  • Rebates are not available for the equipment replacement of an alternative fuel source such as electricity and propane.

  • Equipment must be installed at the house where the gas account is located.

  • A natural gas furnace is required for the smart thermostat rebate.

  • Applications must be submitted within 120 days after equipment installation.

Before You Start Your Rebate Application

Congratulations on making your home more energy efficient! Before you start your rebate application, we want to make sure you understand the eligibility requirements so that your application can be accepted, and your rebate processed. Here are the requirements:


  • Rebates available only to Piedmont Natural Gas residential customers in North Carolina.

  • Residential rebates only apply to existing residential customers that are served under the Residential Service Rate Schedule 101.

  • Rebates are only available for the replacement of existing natural gas equipment with new qualifying high-efficiency equipment.

  • Rebates are not available for the equipment replacement of an alternative fuel source such as electricity and propane.

  • Equipment must be installed at the house where the gas account is located.

  • A natural gas furnace is required for the smart thermostat rebate.

  • Applications must be submitted within 120 days after equipment installation.

Are you a Builder?

Learn more about the new North Carolina Residential New Construction program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This program is only available to current Piedmont residential customers in North Carolina who are replacing existing natural gas equipment with qualifying high-efficiency natural gas equipment. The N.C. Residential Rebate Program applies to customers served by the Residential Rate Schedule 101.
  • Eligible high-efficiency equipment must be installed by a licensed contractor. This helps to ensure safety and proper installation.
  • Piedmont offers a list of qualified contractors who provide services within our service territories. You may use any licensed contractor of your choice and you are responsible for verifying any applicable certifications and licensing of each contractor.
  • UEF and AFUE are both terms defined by the Department of Energy. UEF stands for Uniform Energy Factor and AFUE stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. These are both industry standard terms to identify and compare the energy efficiency of the equipment. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater. For natural gas furnaces, the same is true: the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace operates. Your installing contractor can provide you with the efficiency rating of your high-efficiency equipment.
  • You will need to complete the rebate application truthfully and legibly in its entirety. A detailed document showing proof of installation must accompany the application. Examples of proof of installation include, but are not limited to, installation receipts, invoices, contracts and sales receipts. Proof of installation documents can be submitted online through the Piedmont Rebate Portal or by mail.
  • Applications must be received within 120 days after the equipment installation.
  • Checks are generally mailed within six weeks. Additional time may be needed during periods of high application volume or for applications that are submitted with incomplete information.
  • If your rebate application was submitted online, you will receive an email providing you with a status update along the way. Regardless of whether you submit your rebate application online or by mail, you can call 800.951.9923 for any rebate program questions or to track your rebate status.
  • For more information or questions, please email us at: save-energy@piedmontng.com.