Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Residents

Q. What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

A. President Joseph R. Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on Aug. 16, 2022. The law authorizes $391 billion in spending on energy and climate change, including roughly $35 billion clean energy investments managed through DOE. The IRA represents the single largest investment in tackling the climate crisis and investing in clean energy in U.S. history.

Q. What are the home energy rebates?

A. The Energy Saver North Carolina program rebates provide discounts on household upgrades to lower utility bills. These include ENERGY STAR^® appliances, insulation, and more. These rebates are made available through Homeowner Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) or Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR).

Q. Who is eligible for these rebates?

A. Eligibility is based on annual income and household size. North Carolina residents, both owners and renters of single- or multi-family homes, may qualify. Enrollment in federal assistance programs like LIEAP or Medicaid can also make you eligible for greater rebates without additional income verification.

Benefit Type	Income Threshold
Up to 100% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount	Household income less than 80% of AMI
Up to 50% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount	Household income between 80% and 150% of AMI
Not Eligible	Income more than 150% of AMI

Renters need landlord approval. Multifamily building owners can receive the greater rebate level if over 50% of tenants meet the income eligibility requirements. 

Q. Will the Energy Saver North Carolina program integrate with existing home energy benefit programs, e.g., LIEAP or WAP?

A. Yes. Participants in programs like Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) or the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) can participate in the Energy Saver North Carolina program if they meet eligibility criteria. Those on the WAP waitlist can also apply. However, double counting rebates from different federal grants for the same upgrade is not allowed.

Q. What can I get a rebate for, and how much can I save?

A. Energy Saver North Carolina rebates are available through Homeowner Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). HEAR offers various upgrades, including:

• Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR^® certified electric heat pump.
• Up to $4,000 for an electrical panel.
• Up to $2,500 for electrical wiring.
• Up to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR certified electric heat pump water heater.
• Up to $1,600 for ENERGY STAR certified insulation, mechanical ventilation products and air sealing
• Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer or combo washer/dryer.
•  Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR certified electric range or cooktop.

Each Energy Saver North Carolina rebate has certain eligibility requirements for the existing materials/appliances you replace and the materials/appliances you replace them with. See the application or program overview for details.

Q. How do I figure out which upgrades make sense for my home?

A. Once you’re eligible, your next steps depend on the program you choose. For rebates through Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR), use the registered contractor finder, filter for the products you want to install, and get quotes. For rebates through Homeowner Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES), schedule a free home assessment. This will show you potential projects and upgrades that qualify for rebates and federal tax credits. Each Energy Saver North Carolina program rebate has specific requirements for the old materials/appliances you replace and the new ones you install.

Q. What are the rebate limits?

A. The maximum rebate per dwelling is either $14,000 for HEAR or $16,000 for HOMES for whole home energy upgrades, depending on your income and qualified needs. We can help you find the best program for you.

Q. Can households receive home energy rebates for a product as well as utility incentives?

A. Yes, households can receive both home energy rebates and utility incentives for the same product, however, the combined rebates cannot exceed the purchase-price of the product.

Q. Can self-installation projects qualify for home efficiency rebates?

A. No, self-installation projects do not qualify for Energy Saver North Carolina rebates. All installations must be completed by a registered contractor to be eligible for the rebates.

Q. Is the Energy Saver North Carolina program for emergency assistance (e.g., difficulty paying utility bills, hurricane damage)?

A. No, Energy Saver North Carolina program is for proactive home energy upgrades, not emergencies. For emergency assistance, contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you need to replace broken equipment quickly, we recommend HEAR rebates, which don’t require a full home energy assessment but do need installation by a HEAR certified contractor.

Q. What if I want to conduct an energy efficiency or electrification project in my home but am not eligible for this program?

A. If you’re not eligible, other resources may be available. Your utility provider might offer rebates for specific projects or appliances. Contact them for more info. The IRS also offers the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. 

Q. How do I mail my paper eligibility application?
A. We’re accepting paper applications and will start processing them on March 1, 2025. To submit a paper eligibility application, just follow these steps: fill out the application, put it in an envelope, address it to Energy Saver North Carolina, 1613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1613, add a stamp, and mail it.

Q. I’ve already installed my energy efficiency equipment. Can I still apply for a rebate?
A. HEAR retroactive rebates aren’t available. HOMES retroactive rebates are for projects that:

• Meet all DOE requirements in the requirements document. NC is using the modeled approach.
• Started on or after August 16, 2022
• Meet any additional state requirements.

For more details, check out the Home Efficiency Rebates Retroactivity Fact Sheet

Q. Is the Energy Saver North Carolina program for emergency assistance (e.g., difficulty paying utility bills, hurricane damage)?
A. No, Energy Saver North Carolina program is for proactive home energy upgrades, not emergencies. For emergency assistance, contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you need to replace broken equipment quickly, we recommend HEAR rebates, which don’t require a full home energy assessment but do need installation by a HEAR registered contractor.

Q. When will the program be available in my County?
A. Energy Saver North Carolina started in high energy burden, disadvantaged communities. As program qualified contractors become available, including those in storm affected areas the program will expand. Please refer to the Energy Saver NC County Expansion Phases Map. 

Q. Will there be funds available when the program expands to my county?
A. Yes. Funding levels are proportional to the number of eligible households within each region. However, once Energy Saver NC becomes available in a region, the program operates on a first come first serve basis. It is expected to run until 2031 or until all program funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

Q. Should I still apply now even though the program has not expanded to my county yet?
A. The Energy Saver NC program operates on a first come first serve basis. To check your eligibility, we encourage you to start your online application and gather your income documentation as supporting material. This will help us process your application faster when we have qualified contractors in your area.