A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOME ELECTRIFICATION AND APPLIANCE REBATES
Unlock substantial savings and elevate your culinary space with the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program, a cornerstone initiative of the Inflation Reduction Act. This program empowers homeowners to embrace energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying significant financial benefits.
SHOULD YOU MAKE THE CHANGE TO ELECTRIC APPLIANCES?
Upgrading to electric appliances through the HEAR program offers several advantages:
Energy efficiency: Electric appliances often consume less energy than their gas counterparts.
Cost savings: The rebates help reduce the price of qualifying electric appliances and associated costs.
Potentially lower utility bills: Reduced energy consumption can lead to significant savings over time.
Reduced carbon footprint: Electric appliances can be powered by renewable energy sources.
However, choosing between gas and electric appliances requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to weigh as you decide whether or not to replace gas appliances with electric:
Installation requirements: Electric appliances may need new wiring or upgraded electrical panels. Gas appliances require proper ventilation and gas line connections.
Performance benefits: Electric cooktops offer effective heat transfer, drier oven heat and easy cleaning. Gas stovetops provide instant, responsive heat and expanded cooking techniques.
Initial costs vs. long-term savings: Electric appliances may have higher upfront costs but lower operating expenses. Gas appliances might have a lower initial purchase price but could cost more to run over time.
Federal government rebate programs like HEAR are designed to help homeowners offset the costs of either purchasing energy-efficient electric appliances for the first time or replacing existing non-electric appliances. HEAR offers upfront rebates that reduce the purchase price of qualifying appliances and can also cover associated installation expenses, making these upgrades more affordable for households.
SHOP KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOPS*
Explore electric cooktops from KitchenAid brand to find the right fit for your culinary needs. Explore select models with Even-Heat™ Technology that ensures consistent heat for exceptional boiling, simmering, melting and more.
*Model eligibility for rebates varies by state
UNDERSTANDING THE HOME ELECTRIFICATION AND APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM
The HEAR program is designed to make energy-efficient appliances more accessible to low- and moderate-income households. With potential savings of up to $14,000 on energy-saving appliances and services, including up to $1,680 for select ENERGY STAR-Certified electric cooking and laundry appliances, this program offers significant benefits for home improvement.
The HEAR rebates for energy efficient appliances have specific eligibility criteria, including household income limits, appliance specifications, and homeownership requirements. While it's a federal government rebate program, it's administered at the state and tribal level, allowing for additional local eligibility conditions. This guide will help you navigate the intricacies of this appliance rebate program, as well as help you determine whether you qualify and which appliances are eligible for rebates.
WHAT IS A POINT-OF-SALE REBATE?
A point of sale rebate provides customers with an immediate discount at the time of purchase. Unlike traditional rebates that require submitting a claim after paying full price, point of sale rebates are applied directly to the transaction, simplifying the process.
The HEAR program offers point of sale rebates that will be applied as a discount when you make a qualifying purchase. Eligibility criteria for both the household and the appliance must be met before a rebate can be applied. The exact process may vary by location so be sure to check with your local state energy office.
ELIGIBLE APPLIANCES AND MAXIMUM REBATES
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program covers a wide range of energy-efficient electric appliances with varying caps on rebate amounts. All appliances must be ENERGY STAR-Certified to qualify and include things like electric cooktops, downdraft cooktops, induction models and heat pump dryers. In addition, the program may cover equipment or services associated with electrifying your home. Note that the maximum accumulative rebate is $14,000 so you may not be able to receive the full rebate for each appliance or service listed below.
| APPLIANCES ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL REBATES UNDER HEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Electric Cooktop, Range or Oven | Up to $840 | |
| Electric Heat Pump Clothes Dryer | Up to $840 | |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 | |
| Heat Pump for Space Heating/Cooling | Up to $8,000 | |
| EQUIPMENT OR PROJECT COSTS ELIGIBLE FOR HEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Load Service Center | Up to $4,000 | |
| Electrical Wiring | Up to $2,500 | |
| Insulation, Air sealing, Ventilation | Up to $1,600 | |
Remember to check all requirements with your state energy office as specifics may vary by location. While funds for the program are provided by the federal government, it is up to states and tribal entities to administer the program.
SHOP KITCHENAID® DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS*
Explore downdraft cooktops from KitchenAid brand for a two-in-one appliance that helps vent air while you’re cooking. Downdraft cooktops allow you to skip an overhead vent and are ideal for open concept kitchens.
*Model eligibility for rebates varies by state
HOUSEHOLD ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To qualify for the HEAR program, you must:
Be a homeowner (including single-family, multi-family, rental properties or new construction)
Have an income less than 150% of your local area median income (AMI)
The rebate amount you're eligible for depends on your income level:
Low income (< 80% AMI): Up to $1,680 for cooking or laundry appliances and 100% of project costs up to $14,000
- Moderate income (< 150% AMI): Up to $840 for cooking or laundry appliances and 50% of project costs up to $14,000
ENERGY STAR REBATE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR HEAR
While the process may vary by state, here's a general guide:
Check your eligibility through your state energy office.
Research eligible appliances and services.
Finalize your checkout by completing any outstanding payment (if applicable) and arranging shipping and delivery details.
Important: Understand your state's process before making any purchases, as retroactive rebates are generally not available.
STATE AVAILABILITY
HEAR rebates are currently available in several states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, New York, D.C., Rhode Island, Maine, Florida and Washington as of December, 2024. Other states have applications in process. South Dakota has opted out of participating in these rebates. Check the energy.gov tracker for the most up-to-date information on availability in your state.
*Model eligibility for rebates varies by state
