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FeaturedHVAC Installation & ReplacementHome Efficiency & ImprovementMarch 09, 2026
2026 North Carolina Rebates for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Making your home more energy efficient lowers your monthly bills and improves indoor comfort. Cost is often the biggest barrier to making these upgrades. Fortunately, income-eligible homeowners and renters in North Carolina can access meaningful assistance through Energy Saver NC programs. While federal tax credits for home energy efficiency expired in 2025, state-run rebate programs continue to serve households across North Carolina.
HEAR supports a variety of high-efficiency upgrades, including:
The HEAR program is income-dependent:
Qualifying new or existing single-family homes are welcome to participate.
Eligible upgrades include things like:
Rebates are tied to household income and estimated energy savings. For a project to qualify, it must show energy savings of at least 20%, and the household income must be no higher than 150% AMI. The highest rebate amounts are granted to low-income households (less than 80% AMI) that can demonstrate modeled energy savings of 35% or more.
This flexibility makes the program a solid option for low- to moderate-income families planning broader upgrades rather than a single system replacement.
If you’re ready to improve comfort, lower energy use, and take advantage of available rebates, contact us today to request a quote.
Not in North Carolina, but want to figure out how you can save? Find a location near you to get started.
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program focuses on replacing older gas systems with modern electric equipment. The goal of this program is to help lower-income households afford home energy improvements.HEAR supports a variety of high-efficiency upgrades, including:
• Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
• Heat pump water heaters
• Heat pump clothes dryers and combo washer/dryers
• Improved insulation, air sealing, and/or ventilation
The HEAR program is income-dependent:
• Low-income households up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) may qualify for 100% of the project cost up to $14,000.
• Moderate-income households between 80% and 150% AMI may qualify for 50% of the project cost up to $14,000.
• Households with income greater than 150% AMI are not eligible for this program.
Qualifying new or existing single-family homes are welcome to participate.
Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) Program
The Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings program takes a whole-home approach to efficiency. Instead of focusing on individual appliances, HOMES rewards improvements that reduce overall energy use.Eligible upgrades include things like:
• Insulation
• Air sealing
• HVAC improvements
• Other measures that work together to lower energy consumption
Rebates are tied to household income and estimated energy savings. For a project to qualify, it must show energy savings of at least 20%, and the household income must be no higher than 150% AMI. The highest rebate amounts are granted to low-income households (less than 80% AMI) that can demonstrate modeled energy savings of 35% or more.
This flexibility makes the program a solid option for low- to moderate-income families planning broader upgrades rather than a single system replacement.
How To Qualify for Rebates
Energy Saver NC rebates are not automatic. Qualifying for and earning this energy efficiency incentive requires income verification and paperwork. Still, the savings are well worth the effort. Here’s what to do:• Work with a registered contractor: Rebates are only available through participating contractors.
• Meet income requirements: Low-income households currently enrolled in SNAP, LIHEAP, or Section 8 automatically qualify for the highest rebate caps. Moderate-income households may still qualify for reduced rebate amounts.
• Achieve the required energy savings for HOMES rebates: HOMES projects must deliver measurable improvements. An energy assessment, available at no cost through the HOMES program, is needed to establish modeled energy savings. You and your energy assessor can use the results to create a custom action plan and help you qualify for a rebate.
• Choose eligible upgrades: New insulation, air sealing, HVAC system upgrades, electrical panel improvements, and efficient electric appliances may all qualify for a rebate. Check the HEAR or HOMES program rules to confirm whether your project qualifies before work begins.
Upgrade Your Home Systems with Ace Hardware Home Services
The certified technicians at Ace Hardware Home Services provide HVAC upgrades that may qualify for home energy rebates in North Carolina, depending on your income. Our mission is to be the best, most trusted provider of home preservation services for our neighbors in Hickory, Denver, and the surrounding area.If you’re ready to improve comfort, lower energy use, and take advantage of available rebates, contact us today to request a quote.
Not in North Carolina, but want to figure out how you can save? Find a location near you to get started.
