For commercial and agricultural operations in northern Illinois, energy costs are a significant part of daily expenses. Fortunately, Nicor Gas rebates help lower these costs by encouraging the installation of high-efficiency natural gas systems and equipment. These Nicor business energy rebates are available for heating systems, boilers, steam traps, food service equipment, and even agricultural applications like dairy and greenhouse operations. Here’s how your facility can take full advantage of the Nicor Gas rebates program.

Nicor Gas Rebates Overview

Nicor Gas offers rebates to commercial, public, multi-family (3 units or more), and agricultural customers who install qualifying high-efficiency natural gas equipment between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Rebates are available for products such as boilers, furnaces, infrared heaters, unit heaters, steam traps, and commercial kitchen equipment. Rebates typically range from $25 to over $1,500 per system depending on type and capacity. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation or by January 31, 2026, whichever comes first.

High-Efficiency Heating and Boiler Rebates

For commercial and multi-family buildings, Nicor Gas offers substantial incentives for installing efficient space and water heating systems. Condensing boilers earn $1.50 per MBTUH, while non-condensing boilers qualify for $1.25 per MBTUH, up to a maximum of $1,500 per unit. Boilers must meet minimum efficiency thresholds of 90% TE for condensing and 85% TE for non-condensing systems. Add-on boiler reset controls can earn $1.25 per MBTUH as long as they automatically adjust water temperature based on outdoor air conditions.

Other heating-related incentives include:

• Infrared heaters: $700 per unit when replacing older gas-fired heaters.
• Condensing unit heaters: $325 per unit for thermal efficiency ≥ 90%.
• Direct-fired space heaters: Up to $750 depending on capacity and efficiency.

For facilities with multiple heating systems, such as warehouses, schools, or manufacturing spaces, these Nicor business energy rebates can significantly reduce upfront costs while improving operational efficiency.

Boiler Tune-Up Rebates

Routine boiler maintenance plays a vital role in efficiency and safety. Nicor Gas offers $0.30 per MBTUH (up to $500 per boiler) for qualified boiler tune-ups completed by a professional contractor. The service must include pre- and post-tune-up combustion testing and demonstrate an increase in efficiency. Tune-ups are eligible every three years for space-heating boilers and every two years for process boilers. This rebate ensures that heating systems run at peak performance while cutting unnecessary fuel waste.

Steam Trap Rebates

Steam systems are common in industrial and institutional settings, and failed steam traps can cause major energy losses. Nicor Gas provides $200 per trap for replacements or repairs with a qualifying third-party survey for commercial, industrial, or dry cleaner steam traps. Without a survey, the rebate drops to $25 per trap. Surveys must verify that traps leak or blow through. Facilities such as hospitals, universities, and dry cleaners can benefit most, as steam trap maintenance translates directly to lower operating costs and improved system reliability.

Rebates for Commercial Food Service Equipment

Restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens can take advantage of Nicor Gas rebates on ENERGY STAR certified natural gas cooking appliances. Examples include:

• Conveyor ovens: Up to $1,000 per deck.
• Combination ovens: $900 per deck.
• Convection ovens and fryers: $150–$400 per unit.
• Steamers and rotisserie ovens: $500–$950 depending on model.

These rebates help food service businesses offset the cost of upgrading to energy-efficient, faster-cooking equipment that reduces gas consumption and heat loss. Installing low-flow pre-rinse spray valves can also earn $25 each, saving both water and energy.

Nicor Gas Agriculture Incentives

Agricultural customers are eligible for specialized Nicor Gas agriculture incentives designed to improve energy efficiency in dairies, greenhouses, and grain operations. Key rebates include:

• Dairy water heaters: $50–$100 for ENERGY STAR units depending on capacity and efficiency.
• Grain dryer tune-ups: $0.50 per MBTUH, capped at $500 per dryer.
• Greenhouse boiler tune-ups: $0.50 per MBTUH up to $1,500 per boiler.
• Greenhouse boiler O₂ trim controls: $0.35 per MBTUH, capped at $800.
• Greenhouse linkageless boiler controls: $150 per boiler.

Greenhouses can further benefit from rebates on infrared film and thermal curtain installations, which help retain heat and reduce fuel consumption during colder months. These measures are designed to boost operational savings while maintaining optimal growing conditions.

Rebate programs for Agriculture and Multi-Family properties can be complex, with each utility offering different qualification criteria, submission timelines, and documentation requirements. Navigating these programs alone can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Review Our Process to see how our rebate recovery experts simplify this journey, then schedule a call today to see how we can help your organization save time and maximize every available rebate.