If you want to make your house more energy efficient while reducing carbon emissions, electrification upgrades are a great place to start. Electric appliances like heat pumps are energy efficient and don’t burn fossil fuels directly, which makes them integral to California’s decarbonization plans. They also make your house more comfortable and, depending on what type of appliances you’re replacing, can save you money on your energy bills.
Switching from gas to high-efficiency electric appliances can be expensive, but new HEEHRA rebates make electrification improvements like heat pump installation more affordable for Californians.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about HEEHRA rebates, including how to qualify.
What Is the HEEHRA Rebate Program?
The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) is a home energy rebate program that’s funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The program is overseen by the US Department of Energy and managed by the California Energy Commission (CEC). It provides up to $8,000 in rebates to income-qualified households that install high-efficiency, all-electric heat pump HVAC systems.
Who Is Eligible for HEEHRA Rebates in California?
The HEEHRA rebate program was designed to make electrification upgrades more affordable for low and moderate-income households. The rebates are available to income-qualified, single-family households:
- Single-family households with an income below 80% of the area median income are eligible for an $8,000 rebate.
- Single-family households with an income between 80-150% of the area median income are eligible for a $4,000 rebate.
HEEHRA Rebates for Multi-Family Properties
The HEEHRA program also provides rebates to multifamily properties with income-qualified tenants. These rebates are more extensive and can cover 100% of the cost of an electrification upgrade, including related electrical panel and wiring improvements, up to $14,000 per residential unit.
What Equipment Is Eligible for HEEHRA Rebates?
Income-qualified, single-family households in California can receive a rebate for two-speed or variable-speed ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps for space heating and cooling. This includes both ducted heat pumps and ductless mini split heat pumps.
How to Claim HEEHRA Rebates in California
If you live in a single-family home in California and meet income requirements, you are eligible for HEEHRA rebates. You will either receive your rebate upfront as an instant discount on your invoice from your contractor or as a reimbursement check from your contractor after the project is completed.
HEEHRA rebates are only available through HEEHRA-trained, TECH Clean California-certified contractors.
Find a TECH-Certified Contractor with the Clean Energy Connection
The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find a TECH Clean California-certified contractor near you. Our free contractor directory features the best clean energy contractors in California, including TECH-certified heat pump installers who can qualify you for HEEHRA rebates. You can search the directory for free and filter by available rebates, location, and more to find the perfect contractor for your heat pump installation.
The Clean Energy Connection is funded by Efficiency First California (EFCA)— a non-profit that advocates for clean energy contractors in California. The directory is 100% free for both contractors and homeowners. Contractors cannot pay to be featured and are ranked based on their performance and customer satisfaction. It’s a free and non-biased way to find the best home contractor for your heat pump installation.