Ultimate Guide to the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)

The HEEHRA rebate program became active in January of 2023 and will be available through point-of-sale, meaning that homeowners will be able to receive the discount upon purchasing the qualifying electric products.

HEEHRA is a point-of-sale rebate, which means that you do not have to apply for it separately. Instead, you can receive the rebate at the time of purchase when you buy a qualifying electric product from a participating vendor. The vendor will be responsible for processing the rebate for you.

The amount of money you can save with the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) for air conditioners and furnaces varies depending on your location, income, and the type of system you choose to install. However, on average, households can save up to $500 a year on monthly utility bills by switching from an electric furnace and You can save up to 100% on upfront costs to switch your systems. Contact your local utility company or state energy office for more information on potential savings in your area.

A rebate received from HEEHRA will cover up to 100% of the costs required to switch to electric appliances and systems in homes that are low-income (under 80% of area median income) and 50% of costs in homes that are moderate-income (80% to 150% of Average median income), up to a maximum of $14,000. However, it is important to note that the rebate may not cover the full cost of installation for all eligible appliances and systems. It is recommended that you check the program guidelines and consult with a qualified contractor to determine the actual costs and rebate amounts for your specific project.

The HEEHRA rebate program covers the costs required to switch to electric appliances and systems in low to moderate-income households.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Electric Furnaces
• Heat Pumps
• Electric Water Heaters
• Other Energy-Efficient Home Appliances.

HEEHRA does not impose any restrictions on the types of contractors or service providers that can be hired to install the eligible upgrades. However, it is recommended that homeowners choose contractors who are licensed, insured, and experienced in performing the specific upgrades covered under the program. CastleWorks is a participant in HEEHRA, with high-efficiency products from top brands that are eligible for rebates. Also, it may be beneficial to select a contractor familiar with the HEEHRA rebate program and can assist in completing the necessary paperwork and documentation to ensure a smooth application process.

CastleWorks can help you comply with HEEHRA rules by ensuring that the upgrades or installations you plan to make are eligible for the rebate program. They can also assist you in selecting high-efficiency appliances and systems that both meet the required energy efficiency standards and are a best fit for your home’s needs. Additionally, a contractor can help with the verification and inspection process, ensuring that the upgrades are professionally installed and meet the program’s requirements. It is important to choose a licensed and qualified contractor like CastleWorks who is familiar with the HEEHRA rebate program and can guide you through the process.

Yes, you can receive the HEEHRA rebate for upgrading your electric water heater to a high-efficiency model. The program covers various appliances and systems, including electric water heaters, if they meet the eligibility criteria. The rebate amount may vary depending on the type and efficiency of the water heater you choose.

Yes, you can receive the HEEHRA rebate for upgrading multiple appliances and systems in your home if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Keep in mind that the rebate is only available for eligible products purchased and installed after the program’s start date and before the funding is exhausted.

HEEHRA offers rebates for installing eligible electric appliances and systems in your home. While the rebate covers a portion of the cost of purchasing these appliances and systems, it typically does not cover the cost of labor for installation.

To determine if you qualify for the HEEHRA you must:

• Meet the eligibility criteria, which includes being a low to moderate income household.
• The specific income requirements may vary based on location, so it’s recommended to check with your local government or utility company to determine the exact income thresholds for your area.
• The HEEHRA rebate is only available for those who switch from an electric furnace and water heater to an energy-efficient heat pump system. The program is set to become active in 2023, so be sure to check with your local government or utility company for more information on how to apply for the rebate.

If you do not qualify for a HEEHRA rebate, there may still be other rebate or incentive programs available to you. You can check with your local government or utility company to see if they offer any rebates or incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades. Additionally, CastleWorks can help you identify other rebates and programs to save you money.

The HEEHRA rebate program is a federal program and is therefore available to eligible participants in California. If you do not qualify for rebates, contact CastleWorks for a consultation today to discuss energy-efficient upgrade options for your home. This can yield cost savings in a reduction in your monthly utility bills.

It depends on the specific rebates and incentives. Some may allow for stacking or combining with the HEEHRA rebate program, while others may not. It is best to check with the specific program or incentive to see if they allow for combining with the HEEHRA rebate.

Yes, you can combine a HEEHRA rebate with financing options to cover the cost of upgrades that exceed the rebate amount. In fact, some financing options specifically target energy-efficient upgrades and may offer favorable terms and interest rates.

Renters may be eligible for a HEEHRA rebate if they are responsible for paying their own utility bills and meet the income requirements. However, in most cases, it is the responsibility of the property owner to make energy-efficient upgrades to rental properties. Therefore, it is recommended that renters check with their property owner to see if they plan to take advantage of the HEEHRA rebate program or other energy efficiency programs.

HEEHRA will have a positive impact on carbon emissions. HVAC systems and water heaters contribute to nearly half of residential building carbon emissions. Replacing these systems with electric heat pump systems could help to decrease carbon emissions by 46% to 54%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Natural Resources Defense Council. By switching from natural gas to electric water heaters, you can reduce carbon emissions by 50% to 70%.

Another benefit is improved air quality for everyone. Outdated appliances coupled with limited living spaces can lead to poor indoor and outdoor air quality. A goal of HEERA is to improve air quality for these households by encouraging the use of electric appliances like furnaces and stoves.

HEERA is designed to promote the use of high-efficiency electric appliances and systems in homes, particularly those occupied by low to moderate-income households. By incentivizing the adoption of energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating systems, the program aims to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems and water heaters account for a significant portion of residential building carbon emissions. By encouraging households to upgrade their appliances and systems to more energy-efficient alternatives, HEEHRA can greatly reduce carbon emissions in the long term.

The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act promotes Job Growth and Economic Prosperity. The Bluegreen Alliance estimates that HEEHRA will create over 170,000 jobs in the United States, with the Inflation Reduction Act aiding in creating over 400,000 jobs over the next ten years. This will help to promote economic growth and reduce inflation in the U.S. economy.

The process for verification and inspection of the upgrades to qualify for the HEEHRA rebate program may vary depending on the specific program offered by your state or utility company. In general, after you have completed the upgrades, you will need to submit an application for the rebate along with any required documentation, such as receipts or proof of purchase.

After receiving your application, the program administrator will schedule an inspection of the upgraded appliances and systems in your home to verify that they meet the program’s energy efficiency requirements. The inspector may check the model numbers and specifications of the appliances, examine the installation, and perform any necessary tests to ensure that the upgrades meet the program’s standards.

Once the inspection is complete and the upgrades have been verified, you will typically receive the rebate within a specified timeframe, which may also vary depending on the program. Be sure to carefully review the specific requirements and procedures of the program you are applying for to ensure that you are following all necessary steps to qualify for the rebate.