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Inflation Reduction Act appliance rebates

Understanding the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program (HEAR) is a significant component of the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in residential settings. HEAR allows qualifying participants to save up to $14,000 on energy-saving appliances and services, including $1,680 toward select electric cooking and laundry appliances. Delve into the details of the program, its benefits, and how you may be able to take advantage of these rebates to electrify your home while saving money.

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What are the IRA Home Energy Rebates?

The Home Energy Rebates are a set of federal government rebate programs introduced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act that offer savings on appliances and other home improvements that can lower your energy bills. They consist of two main programs:

1. Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR):
  • Covers energy-efficient electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, cooktops, stoves, oven and dryers

  • Offers up to $14,000 in rebates for low and moderate-income households (up to 150% of area median income)

  • Provides point-of-sale discounts at participating retailers or through contractors

2. Home Efficiency Rebates:
  • Focuses on whole-house energy-saving retrofits
  • Available to all income levels, with higher rebates for low-income households

  • Offers up to $4,000 for homes achieving 35% energy reduction, or $8,000 for low-income households

Both programs will be administered at the state level, with implementation timelines and specific details varying by state. This article will help you learn more about the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program (HEAR) and how you may be able to save on select electric cooking and laundry appliances.

Key objectives of the inflation reduction act appliance rebates

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program is part of a broader effort under the Inflation Reduction Act to combat climate change and encourage sustainable energy practices. By making the switch to electric appliances, homeowners not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also potentially lower their energy costs in the long run. Some of the main objectives of this initiative include:

  • Reducing Carbon Emissions: The program aims to decrease reliance on fossil fuels by incentivizing the use of electric appliances.

  • Enhancing Energy Efficiency: By promoting modern electric appliances, the program helps households improve their energy efficiency.

  • Lowering Energy Costs: Homeowners may benefit from lower utility bills by switching to more efficient electric appliances.
A bright kitchen with stainless steel Whirlpool® Appliances A bright kitchen with stainless steel Whirlpool® Appliances

How much is the Home Electrification Appliance Rebate?

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) offers up to $14,000 for low and moderate-income households to upgrade to energy-efficient electric appliances and systems. HEAR covers select ENERGY STAR-Certified heat pumps, water heaters, ranges, cooktops, ovens and dryers, along with certain electrical and home upgrades. The program sets specific rebate caps for various eligible appliances, including:

  • Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $1,750

  • Heat Pump for Space Heating/Cooling: Up to $8,000

  • Electric Cooktop, Range or Oven: Up to $840

  • Electric Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: Up to $840

Additionally, some rebates may be available for qualifying installation services or home modifications such as updated insulation, ventilation and improvements to electrical wiring.

Who can get rebates for energy efficient appliances?

To qualify for the HEAR program, homeowners must meet specific criteria:

  • Homeownership: The program is generally available to those who own a single- or multi-family home, rental properties or new construction.
  • Income Limits: Rebates are targeted towards low- and moderate-income households making less than 150% of their local area median income.

  • Appliance Standards: Appliances must be ENERGY-STAR certified and meet certain energy efficiency standards to qualify for rebates. Qualifying appliances may vary by state.

Make sure to check your state’s energy office for more details or any additional requirements in your area. For more details, visit the Home Energy Rebates frequently asked questions page.

Nachos broiling in an electric oven Nachos broiling in an electric oven

How to apply for electric appliance rebates through HEAR

The exact steps to receive appliance rebates under the Home Electrification Appliance Rebate program may vary by state. You should check your state’s energy office for details. However, there are some steps you can take to get started with the electric appliance rebate in your area:

  1. Pre-qualify: Check your eligibility for rebates via your state’s energy office. General eligibility includes being a homeowner with a household income less than 150% of the median in your local area, but there may be additional requirements or restrictions in your state. Some states may require you to submit an application and be pre-qualified before making any purchases.
  2. Research Eligible Appliances: Homeowners should identify which appliances qualify for rebates. This information can typically be found on state or local energy websites.
  3. Purchase Qualified Appliances: If the rebate is active in your state and you have complied with all local requirements, complete checkout by finalizing the remaining payment (if applicable), shipping and delivery logistics. 

It’s important to verify the rebate availability and process for your area before completing a purchase as it can vary by state or region.

Do I have to buy the appliance first?

No, do not purchase an appliance before ensuring you and the appliance both qualify for rebates. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program offers point-of-sale discounts at participating retailers or through project contractors. This means the rebate amount is deducted from the total cost at the time of purchase or service, reducing the upfront expense for consumers.

A person pulling clothes out of a dryer A person pulling clothes out of a dryer

Which states offer an electric appliance rebate through HEAR?

State energy offices and tribal entities must submit an application to the Federal government in order to receive funds for the Home Energy Rebates program. As of December 2024, the rebate is not currently available in all states. Energy.gov offers a tracker that shows which states and territories have applied for funding and launched programs, or you can check your state energy office for updates.

As of December, 2024, the following states and territories have rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program:

Arizona

California

Colorado

D.C.

Georgia

Maine

Michigan

New Mexico

New York

Rhode Island

Wisconsin

The following states have applications approved:

Florida

Hawaii

Indiana

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

North Carolina

Oregon

Vermont

Washington

The rest have submitted or are preparing applications. South Dakota has declined to participate in the Home Energy Rebates program. Be sure to check energy.gov and your state energy offices for updates.

A person pulling clothes out of a dryer A person pulling clothes out of a dryer

Upgrading to electric appliances

By replacing fossil fuel-powered appliances with electric home appliances with the help of HEAR, you can save energy, lower utility bills and reduce your impact on the environment. However, whether gas or electric appliances are better for you depends on your lifestyle and household needs. Here are some resources to help you decide which is best for you:

Whirlpool Corporation Design for Sustainability

For over 110 years, Whirlpool Corporation has been driven by its mission of improving life at home. Today, helping to protect the planet is an essential part of that commitment. A guiding principle at Whirlpool Corporation is Design for Sustainability, which means developing products to help reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources, lower carbon and water footprints, and maintain standards of excellence for quality and performance. Read more about Whirlpool brand’s sustainable products and pledge to drive to net zero at plants and operations.

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*Model eligibility for rebates varies by state