First, please understand that DOE does not provide tax advice. The Federal personal income tax credit for energy efficiency installations is administered by the Internal Revenue Service. Should you have further questions after reviewing this email, please contact the IRS or a qualified tax advisor.
Congress did extend the Federal personal income tax credit for high efficiency HVAC equipment through 2016, and also retroactively for 2015.
Link to IRS form 5695.https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf
Instructions for form 5695. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5695.pdf
The CEE efficiency tier required for heat pumps and air conditioners is here:https://library.cee1.org/sites/default/files/library/12087/CEE_ResHVAC_specification2009.pdf
Please see the DSIRE database for energy efficiency or renewable energy incentives that may be available at the Federal, state, local, or utility level.
Please also see the Energy Star manufacturer rebates webpage.