Heat Pump Rebate 2026: How Much Can You Get?
Heat pump rebates in 2026 range from $2,000 to $14,000 depending on your household income and which programs you combine. The federal HEAR program alone offers up to $8,000 for a heat pump if your income falls below 80% of your area median income (AMI). Note: the 25C federal tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installations.
That is the short answer. But claiming the full amount requires understanding which programs stack, what the income thresholds actually look like, and where your state adds extra money on top.
Federal Heat Pump Rebates Available in 2026
Two federal programs still fund heat pump installations in 2026. They work differently, and in many cases you can claim both. Note that the 25C tax credit, which provided up to $2,000 for heat pump installations, expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installations.
| Program | Max Heat Pump Rebate | Income Requirement | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEAR (Home Electrification Rebate) | $8,000 | Under 150% AMI | Point-of-sale discount |
| HOMES (Performance Rebate) | $4,000–$8,000 | Under 150% AMI for max | Performance-based |
| 25C Tax Credit | Expired 12/31/2025 | N/A — not available for 2026 installs | Expired under OBBBA |
The HEAR rebate is the big one for 2026. If your household income is below 80% of AMI, you get the full $8,000 toward a qualifying heat pump. Between 80% and 150% AMI, the rebate covers 50% of costs up to $8,000. Above 150% AMI, HEAR does not apply — and unlike prior years, there is no longer a fallback federal tax credit.
State-Level Heat Pump Rebates (2026)
Many states add their own incentives on top of the federal programs. These vary significantly, and new programs keep launching as IRA funds roll out. Here are the most significant ones currently active:
| State | Additional Rebate | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $3,000–$4,500 | TECH Clean California | Ducted/ductless mini-split |
| New York | $4,900–$19,000 | EmPower+/NYS Clean Heat | Income-qualified; includes weatherization |
| Massachusetts | $1,250–$10,000 | Mass Save | Tiered by income; not federally dependent |
| Colorado | $3,000–$12,000 | CO HEAR + utility | Early HEAR rollout state |
| Maine | $2,000–$4,000 | Efficiency Maine | Plus enhanced amounts for income-eligible |
| Oregon | $3,000 | Energy Trust of Oregon | Covers ducted and ductless |
| Vermont | $4,000+ | Efficiency Vermont + HEAR | Cold-climate models prioritized |
| Connecticut | Up to $15,000 | Energize CT + HEAR | Income-qualified maximum |
Not seeing your state? Use our state rebate finder to check what is available where you live.
What Heat Pumps Qualify for the 2026 Rebate?
Not every heat pump gets you the full rebate. The equipment must meet specific efficiency standards set by the DOE:
- Air-source heat pumps — Must meet ENERGY STAR requirements (SEER2 ≥ 15.2, HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 for split systems)
- Ductless mini-splits — Must be ENERGY STAR certified; qualifies under HEAR
- Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps — Qualify for HEAR rebates up to $8,000 plus state rebates (note: the 30% 25D federal ITC for geothermal also expired December 31, 2025)
- Heat pump water heaters — Separate $1,750 HEAR rebate
Brands that commonly qualify include Mitsubishi, Daikin, Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Bosch. Your installer should confirm AHRI certification before you commit.
Income Limits: Do You Qualify for the Full Rebate?
The income thresholds for HEAR use Area Median Income (AMI), not a fixed national number. That means the cutoff varies by county. A family of four earning $80,000 might qualify for the full $8,000 in one state and only the partial rebate in another.
Here is a rough guide for a household of four:
| AMI Level | Approx. Income (Family of 4) | HEAR Heat Pump Rebate | 25C Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 80% AMI | Under $60,000–$85,000 | $8,000 (100% of cost) | Expired — not available in 2026 |
| 80–150% AMI | $60,000–$160,000 | 50% of cost, up to $8,000 | Expired — not available in 2026 |
| Above 150% AMI | Above $160,000 | Not eligible | Expired — not available in 2026 |
Check your exact AMI threshold using our heat pump rebate calculator — it pulls county-level data so the number is specific to your location.
How to Apply for a Heat Pump Rebate in 2026
The application process depends on which program you use. Here is what to expect:
- Check your eligibility. Use your state's HEAR portal or our calculator to confirm your income tier and available rebates.
- Get quotes from qualified contractors. The installer must be registered with your state's HEAR/HOMES program. Ask for the rebate to be applied as a point-of-sale discount where available.
- Choose a qualifying heat pump. Make sure the model is ENERGY STAR certified and meets DOE efficiency minimums.
- Submit the application. In most states, the contractor handles HEAR paperwork. For HOMES, you may need a pre- and post-installation energy assessment.
- Check state credits. Several states (Colorado, New York, Massachusetts) have their own state-level tax credits or rebates that do not depend on the expired 25C federal credit. File according to your state's requirements.
Timeline: HEAR rebates are typically processed within 4–8 weeks.
Can You Stack Heat Pump Rebates?
Yes — and you should. Federal HEAR and HOMES programs complement each other and state programs add on top. A common stacking scenario for an income-qualified household in Massachusetts in 2026:
- HEAR rebate: $8,000
- State rebate (Mass Save): $1,250
- Utility rebate: $500
- Total: $9,750 toward a $12,000–$18,000 installation
Note: the 25C tax credit is no longer available to add to this stack — it expired December 31, 2025. For households above 150% AMI who no longer qualify for HEAR and have no 25C fallback, state programs become the only federal-adjacent incentive path.
The one rule: the total rebates cannot exceed the project cost. You cannot profit from rebates (though some low-income households get close to $0 out-of-pocket).
Read our full rebate stacking guide for detailed strategies.
Heat Pump Rebate vs. Tax Credit: What Is the Difference?
A rebate reduces your upfront cost — it is applied at the time of purchase or shortly after. A tax credit reduces the tax you owe when you file your return. The HEAR rebate is a true rebate (instant discount). The 25C tax credit, which previously provided up to $2,000 at tax season, expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for new installations. Both programs were non-refundable for most filers.