DOE HEAR — Income-Capped · Point-of-Sale
What it is
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program ("HEAR") is a $4.5 billion federal program that gives point-of-sale rebates to income-eligible households (≤150% AMI) for whole-home electrification — heat pumps, induction stoves, electrical panel upgrades, electric wiring, and more.
Income eligibility
| Household AMI | Coverage | Total cap per home |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 80% AMI | 100% of project cost | $14,000 |
| 80%–150% AMI | 50% of project cost | $14,000 |
| > 150% AMI | Not eligible for HEAR | — |
Per-measure caps
| Measure | Cap |
|---|---|
| Heat pump (HVAC) | $8,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | $1,750 |
| Heat pump clothes dryer | $840 |
| Induction or electric stove/cooktop | $840 |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $4,000 |
| Insulation, air sealing, ventilation | $1,600 |
| Electrical wiring | $2,500 |
How to find your AMI
Area Median Income is published by HUD and varies by metropolitan area. Your state energy office's HEAR portal will calculate it for you when you submit your household income. Don't assume — high-cost-of-living metros (NYC, SF, Boston, DC) have AMI thresholds many homeowners are surprised to qualify under.
Point-of-sale model
HEAR rebates are designed to come off the price at purchase — meaning your contractor or retailer applies the rebate, you pay the reduced amount, and the contractor recovers it from the state. This is unlike most rebate programs (where you pay full and submit paperwork later). State rollout of point-of-sale infrastructure is uneven; some states are launching with mail-in rebates first.
Stacking
- Stacks with 25C federal credit ✓ — but the credit is calculated on the AFTER-rebate net cost
- Generally does NOT stack with HOMES on the same equipment ✗
- Stacks with utility rebates ✓ in most states