Ohio Energy Rebates 2026
Ohio participates in both federal HEAR and HOMES rebate programs. With federal 25C and 25D tax credits expired as of December 31, 2025, these rebates and utility programs are the primary incentives for Ohio homeowners making energy improvements in 2026.
HOMES Rebate Program in Ohio
Administered by: Ohio Department of Development
| Income Level | Max Rebate | Cost Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $8,000 | 80% of project cost |
| Moderate income (80-150% AMI) | Up to $4,000 | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | N/A |
HOMES rebates are based on modeled or measured whole-home energy savings. Greater savings = larger rebate. Contact the Ohio Department of Development for current program status and participating contractors.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Ohio
| Equipment | Max Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel | Up to $4,000 |
| Wiring Upgrade | Up to $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 |
| Insulation & Weatherization | Up to $1,600 |
| Electric Stove/Cooktop | Up to $840 |
Maximum total: $14,000 per household (low-income, ≤80% AMI). Moderate income (80-150% AMI) can receive up to $7,000.
Ohio State Incentive Programs
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Free weatherization for income-qualified Ohio households at or below 200% of federal poverty level. Administered through the Ohio Development Services Agency and local Community Action Agencies. Covers insulation, air sealing, furnace tune-ups, and window weatherstripping.
LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program / HEAP)
Ohio's HEAP program helps income-qualified residents pay heating bills and covers emergency furnace repair and replacement. Ohio's HEAP program is one of the most generous in the Midwest.
Utility Rebate Programs in Ohio
Area Median Income (AMI) in Ohio
HOMES and HEAR rebate amounts depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income in your area. AMI varies by county and household size.
| Area | 80% AMI (Family of 4) | 150% AMI (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus (Franklin County) | ||
| Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) | ||
| Cincinnati (Hamilton County) | ||
| Dayton (Montgomery County) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Ohio in 2026?
Ohio homeowners can stack multiple programs: federal HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for heat pumps, income-restricted under 150% AMI), federal HOMES rebates (up to $8,000 for whole-home retrofits), and utility rebates from AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison/CEI/Toledo Edison), AES Ohio, and Duke Energy Ohio. Federal 25C and 25D tax credits expired December 31, 2025 and are no longer available.
How do I qualify for HEAR rebates in Ohio?
HEAR rebates require household income below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Columbus, that's approximately $152,700. Rebates are delivered as point-of-sale discounts on contractor invoices — you do not file a tax return or wait for a refund. Contact the Ohio Department of Development or a participating HEAR contractor to apply.
Are Ohio HEAR rebates still available — have they run out?
HEAR funding is allocated per state, and availability depends on program draw-down. Contact the Ohio Department of Development (development.ohio.gov) for current funding status. Funding is first-come, first-served — if you are income-qualified, apply before signing a contractor agreement.
Can I stack HEAR rebates with utility rebates in Ohio?
Generally yes — federal HEAR rebates and state utility rebates (AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy, AES Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio) are separate programs and can be combined. The total rebate cannot exceed the cost of the equipment. Confirm stacking eligibility with your specific utility and HEAR program contractor.
Are federal tax credits still available in Ohio?
No. Both the Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit expired December 31, 2025, eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Equipment installed in 2026 or later does not qualify for these credits.
Which Ohio utility has the highest HVAC rebate?
FirstEnergy Ohio (Ohio Edison, CEI, Toledo Edison) offers the highest published HVAC rebate at $150–$400 for qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps and A/C systems through their EfficiencySmart program. AEP Ohio and Duke Energy Ohio each offer up to $300. Check current program amounts on your utility's website, as these change periodically.
Does Ohio have a heat pump water heater rebate?
Yes — through the federal HEAR program (income-restricted under 150% AMI), Ohio homeowners can receive up to $1,750 for a qualifying heat pump water heater. Some utilities also offer appliance rebates — check with your specific utility. The federal 25C water heater tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
Which Ohio utility offers the highest combined energy rebate in 2026?
For HVAC upgrades, FirstEnergy Ohio (Ohio Edison, CEI, Toledo Edison) leads with $150–$400 through EfficiencySmart — the highest utility HVAC rebate in Ohio. Duke Energy Ohio offers up to $300; AES Ohio up to $200; AEP Ohio focuses on smart thermostats ($50–$100) and demand response credits. For the highest total Ohio incentive, stack any of these with federal HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for heat pumps, income-restricted under 150% AMI). The combination of FirstEnergy + HEAR can yield over $8,400 for qualifying households.
Can I get an Ohio utility rebate for a heat pump even if I don't qualify for HEAR income limits?
Yes. Ohio utility rebates from FirstEnergy, AES Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, and AEP Ohio have no income restrictions — they are available to all residential customers in each utility's service territory. Utility programs typically require the heat pump to meet a minimum efficiency standard (usually SEER 16 or higher) and installation by a licensed contractor. Check your utility's website for current rebate amounts and eligible equipment lists, as programs update periodically.
How to Claim Your Ohio Rebates
