Are Home Energy Rebates (HOMES, HEAR) Still Available?

Short answerOnly in some states, and it changes often. The U.S. Department of Energy says rebates are available in select states. On May 29, 2026, it renamed HEAR as HEEHR and removed rebates for replacing non-electric appliances. In our sample of state pages, California's first phase is fully reserved and Oregon hasn't launched, so ask your state energy office before buying.

What this costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Replace	Heat Pump Installation	$4,450	$11,600

What changed, when and who changed it

The Department of Energy issued Program Notice 26-2, effective May 29, 2026. It changed the name from Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) to High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebates (HEEHR). The other program is still HOMES, Home Owner Managing Energy Savings. DOE lists caps of up to $8,000 for HOMES and up to $14,000 for HEEHR, and states run the programs.

No more fuel switching: rebates for replacing non-electric appliances were removed for existing homes. Upgrades from electric equipment to more efficient electric equipment remain.
Insulation first: homes must use rebates for insulation and air sealing before heating and cooling upgrades, unless they already meet a state level approved by DOE.
Timing: programs already running had three months to change. Already approved reservations may go ahead.

Examples from state energy offices

These are samples we read in early November 2026, not a full list, and they can change quickly.

California: Phase I was fully reserved as of August 31, 2026. Phase II availability is to be announced. California says DOE hasn't yet approved it to offer HOMES rebates.
North Carolina: says that from September 1, 2026, applications that haven't reached reservation must follow the new guidance. It tells people to keep applying even with a fossil fuel system at home, and says its team and your contractor will explain which upgrades are possible.
Oregon: no rebates yet and no launch date. Contractor enrollment opened October 12, 2026.
Hawaii: launch is waiting on DOE approval, and rebates won't cover upgrades installed before launch.

What this means for you

Don't assume a rebate when you budget for a heat pump. Get the current rules from your state before you sign, because Hawaii, for example, says upgrades installed before launch don't qualify. Ask your contractor if they are enrolled in the state program, and ask whether your home needs insulation or air sealing first.

What isn't settled

We didn't find a current list of every state from DOE. Its page says more details are coming. North Carolina's page also doesn't say how its HOMES program changes under Notice 26-1, and income limits and amounts depend on your state.

Common questions

Can I get a rebate to replace a gas furnace with a heat pump?

Under Notice 26-2, not through HEEHR in an existing home, because DOE removed rebates for replacing non-electric appliances. New construction is treated differently. Ask your state, since other local or utility programs may exist.

Is HEAR the same as HEEHR?

Yes. DOE changed the name from HEAR to HEEHR in Program Notice 26-2 to match the statute's name. Some state and contractor pages may still use the old name.

Who do I ask?

DOE sends people to their state or territory energy office. A contractor can help, but we recommend relying on the state program's own page.