Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
What are the Home Energy Rebate programs?
The Home Energy Rebate programs provide discounts on household upgrades to lower utility bills. These include ENERGY STAR® appliances, insulation, and more. These rebates are made available through the HOMES and HEAR programs:
|
Where do the rebates come from?
| The rebates are federal funds from the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed 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 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The North Dakota program funding is administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. |
What are the rebate limits?
| 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. A single household may not receive a rebate from both HOMES and HEAR for the same upgrade or equipment. Only one HOME project, per address, is allowed for the life of the program. You may apply for multiple HEAR rebates, but total product quantities are limited per household. |
Can self-installation projects qualify for home efficiency rebates?
| Yes, some self-installation projects qualify for rebates. Please review program specifications for details. |
What if I want to conduct an energy efficiency or electrification project in my home but am not eligible for this program?
| 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. |
Are mobile homes considered single family homes? Can they receive the rebates?
| Mobile homes, also called manufactured homes, are considered single family homes and are eligible for rebates. |
HOMES Program FAQs
Who is eligible for HOMES rebates?
| All North Dakota residents completing qualified energy efficiency upgrades in single family and multifamily buildings are eligible for the Home Optimization and Modernization for Energy Savings program (HOMES). Households below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible for higher rebates. Whole-home energy efficiency improvements must achieve at least 20% energy savings to qualify for the rebates. |
Is the home energy assessment free?
| Yes, the home energy assessment is free of charge. |
My energy assessment report includes a list of upgrades. Do I need to do all of them to qualify for a rebate?
| Possibly. The upgrades collectively need to reach a minimum of 20% in predicted estimated energy savings to qualify for the rebate. If your report indicated that all upgrades would be required to reach that 20% threshold, then yes, you will need to complete them all. |
Do I need to wait for HEAR to replace my kitchen or laundry appliances or can they be included in HOMES projects?
| Some appliances are allowed to be upgraded in your HOMES project. These include ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, electronic cooking appliances, and clothes washers and dryers. We encourage you to work with your assessor to understand how the savings from installing appliances eligible under the HEAR program impact your HOMES savings. If removing a HEAR eligible appliance from your HOMES model doesn’t result in your predicted savings dropping below 20%, it may be more beneficial to have that appliance as a HEAR project. |
What work is generally needed to meet the 20% energy savings limit?
| Every home is different. Saving opportunities vary based on a variety of factors including age of home, square footage, and existing insulation levels. Customers are encouraged to work with their Registered Energy Assessor to determine what improvements are needed to meet the 20% savings requirement. |
What happens when someone moves?
Example: Homeowners do a HOMES project at one address, then move – can they take advantage of HOMES again at the new residence?
| If a homeowner moves, they can take advantage of the program again at their new address. However, the homeowner at the previous address where work was done would not be eligible to participate again. Work can only be done in a home once, regardless of who owned or currently owns the property. |
I received an energy assessment. How long is it good for?
| An assessment is good for up to three years, as long as none of the characteristics of the home have changed. If something did change, ask the assessor to update their report and energy model before work is started done. |
HEAR Program FAQs
Who is eligible for HEAR rebates?
| HEAR program eligibility is based on income and household size. North Dakota residents, both owners and renters of single or multifamily 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% pf project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount | Household income less than 80% of area median income (AMI) |
| Up to 50% pf project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount | Household income between 80% and 150% of AMI |
| Not eligible | Household income more than 150% of AMI |
| Renters need landlord approval. Multifamily building owners can receive a greater rebate level if over 50% of tenants meet the income eligibility requirements. Click here to determine your AMI. |
What can I get a rebate for, and how much can I save?
Rebates are available through HEAR offer various upgrades, including:
|
How is income verified if the home is shared with extended family?
Example: single parent and grandparent (both working) or a family of four and an uncle living with them?
| All incomes from all permanent members of the household that file federal taxes must be included. Permanent members are considered those who live in the home more than half of the year. |
Application Process FAQs
What documentation is required to apply for programs?
|
How long does it take to be approved?
| Once all required documentation is submitted, allow 2-3 weeks for review and approval. |
How can I track the status of my application?
| Please contact us if any questions arise about the status of your application. |