There are still incentives available for energy efficient central air conditioners in New York. One incentive offered by NYSERDA is the Home Performance with Energy Star Homeowner Financing Incentive, which is designed to cover up to 10 percent of the cost of energy efficiency improvements including HVAC upgrades.

Through 2011, you can take advantage of the federal Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, which will cover 30 percent up to $1,500 of the cost of split system central air conditioners with a SEER of 16 or higher. This tax credit covers both the equipment and installation costs for central air conditioners.