The Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program provides up to $8,000 for whole-home energy efficiency improvements. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and administered state-by-state, this program rewards homeowners who reduce their energy consumption by 20% or more. Here's everything you need to know.
| Income Level | 20-34% Savings | 35%+ Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Below 80% AMI | Up to $4,000 | Up to $8,000 |
| 80-150% AMI | Up to $2,000 | Up to $4,000 |
| Above 150% AMI | Up to $2,000 | Up to $4,000 |
AMI = Area Median Income. Your local AMI varies by location. Check your AMI on energy.gov
The HOMES program is administered state-by-state. Each state received federal funding and is rolling out at its own pace. Here is the current status for the states we track:
| State | Status | Administering Agency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Open | SECO | View guide |
| Florida | Open | FDACS | View guide |
| Colorado | Open | CEO | View guide |
| New York | Open | NYSERDA | View guide |
| Pennsylvania | Open | DEP | View guide |
| Illinois | Open | DCEO | View guide |
| Georgia | Open | GEFA | View guide |
| North Carolina | Open | DEQ | View guide |
| California | Waitlist | CEC | View guide |
| Ohio | Coming Soon | DSA | View guide |
Unlike HEAR (which covers specific appliances), HOMES is based on total energy savings. Any combination of improvements that reduces your home's energy use by 20% or more can qualify. Common qualifying improvements include:
Attic insulation, wall insulation, air sealing, weatherstripping. Often the highest-impact and lowest-cost upgrades.
High-efficiency furnaces, central AC, ductless mini-splits. Upgrading to a heat pump can count toward both HOMES and HEAR.
Energy Star certified windows and exterior doors. Impact is especially high in extreme climates.
Heat pump water heaters, solar water heating, tankless systems. Must show measurable energy reduction.
Sealing and insulating ductwork to prevent conditioned air loss. Often overlooked but highly cost-effective.
Programmable and smart thermostats that demonstrate energy savings over time.
HOMES + HEAR can be combined
If you install a heat pump (HEAR-eligible) as part of a whole-home efficiency project (HOMES-eligible), you can potentially claim both rebates — up to $22,000 in combined savings.
The application process varies by state, but the general steps are consistent:
Not all states have launched. Use our state guides to find your state's administering agency and current status.
Most states require a certified energy audit to establish your baseline energy use. Some states cover audit costs for income-qualifying households.
Work with your energy auditor to identify improvements that will achieve 20%+ energy savings (or 35%+ for maximum rebates).
Most states require work to be done by contractors enrolled in the program. Check your state portal for approved contractor lists.
File through your state's designated portal with documentation of completed work and energy savings verification.
Processing times vary by state. Some states offer point-of-sale discounts; others issue rebate checks after verification.
We monitor HOMES and HEAR program status in all 50 states. When a program opens or a waitlist moves, you'll be the first to know.
No spam. Just alerts when programs change in your state.
HOMES is just one piece of the puzzle. Take our free 2-minute quiz to see your complete savings potential — including HEAR, solar credits, homestead exemptions, and family tax credits.
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