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California’s main federal heat pump rebate, HEEHRA (the state’s version of HEAR), is fully reserved for single-family homes: since February 24, 2026, new requests go on a waitlist. HOMES isn’t available yet. Multifamily HEEHRA rebates of up to $14,000 per unit are still offered while funds last.
HEAR and HOMES in California
HEAR and HOMES are the federal rebate programs that replaced most of the help from the expired heat pump tax credit. Each state runs its own version. How HEAR and HOMES work nationwide.
| Program | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| HEAR (electrification rebates) | Fully reserved (waitlist) | Single-family HEEHRA (HEAR) rebates fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026; unapproved requests are on a waitlist (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Not launched yet | California Energy Commission: HOMES rebates are not yet available (source) |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in California
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEEHRA single-family heat pump rebate (California’s HEAR) Fully reserved (waitlist): Fully reserved statewide since February 24, 2026; new requests go on a waitlist (source) | Up to $8,000 (income below 80% of AMI); up to $4,000 (80% to 150% of AMI) | Household income below 150% of area median income | Replace an existing non-heat-pump heating system; use a TECH Clean California-certified, HEEHRA-trained contractor; get an approved reservation before work starts |
| HEEHRA multifamily rebates Open: Funds limited; check TECH Clean California’s budget report (source) | Up to $14,000 per unit | Income-qualified multifamily properties | Heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, cooking, heat pump dryers, panels and wiring; funds are limited and vary by region |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: a homeowner at 120% of AMI replaces electric wall heaters with a $16,000 heat pump. If HEEHRA funding reopens and the reservation is approved before work starts, the rebate is up to $4,000, bringing the cost to about $12,000. A household below 80% of AMI could get up to $8,000. Two caveats: new single-family requests only join the waitlist today, and under DOE’s updated guidance (in effect by September 1, 2026), HEAR can no longer pay to replace gas, oil, or propane equipment; it can still help replace existing electric heating. If HEEHRA reopens, confirm how the Energy Commission applies these rules before you plan around a rebate for replacing a gas furnace.
How to apply, step by step
- Check the current status on the California Energy Commission’s rebate page. Single-family requests are waitlisted as of February 24, 2026.
- Verify your income through TECH Clean California’s HEEHRA application, which the Energy Commission links from its page.
- Pick a TECH Clean California-certified, HEEHRA-trained contractor. The Energy Commission points to the Switch Is On Contractor Finder, where these contractors carry a HEEHRA badge.
- Wait for an approved reservation before any work starts. Projects without an approved reservation aren’t funded.
- Watch out for scams. The Energy Commission warns that people are impersonating it. Only your certified contractor handles the rebate, and you should never give your financial information to anyone offering to file it for you.
Choosing a heat pump for California’s climate
Most of California heats only a few months a year, so a single heat pump that replaces both an old heating system and an air conditioner is usually the best fit. HEEHRA’s single-family rebate only applies when you replace an existing heating system that isn’t a heat pump, and under DOE’s updated HEAR rules that existing system may need to be electric (such as wall heaters or baseboards) rather than gas.
In the inland valleys and the desert, cooling drives your bills, so compare cooling efficiency (SEER2) as closely as heating efficiency. In mountain areas with real winters, ask for a cold-climate model and check its heating capacity at low temperatures.
California heat pump rebate FAQ
Is the California heat pump rebate still available in 2026?
Not for new single-family requests. HEEHRA single-family rebates have been fully reserved statewide since February 24, 2026, and new requests go on a waitlist in case funding frees up. Multifamily rebates of up to $14,000 per unit are still offered while funds last.
How much is the HEEHRA rebate for a heat pump?
Up to $8,000 for households below 80% of area median income, and up to $4,000 for households between 80% and 150% of AMI.
Can I get HEEHRA if I already have a heat pump?
No. The single-family rebate is for replacing an existing heating system that isn’t a heat pump with a qualifying heat pump.
Someone called offering to file my rebate. Is that legit?
Be careful. The California Energy Commission warns about scammers claiming to represent it. HEEHRA rebates only go through TECH-certified, HEEHRA-trained contractors, who only need your income verification code or approval PDF. Don’t share financial information with anyone offering to submit rebates for you.
Is the HOMES rebate available in California?
Not yet. The California Energy Commission says HOMES rebates are not yet available.
Can HEEHRA pay to replace a gas furnace with a heat pump?
Under DOE’s updated HEAR guidance, which states must apply by September 1, 2026, HEAR rebates can no longer pay to replace gas or other fossil-fuel appliances. HEEHRA is California’s HEAR program, so check with the Energy Commission how it applies these rules if funding reopens.
Rebates in nearby states
Sources
Programs change often. We verify every figure against the official source listed above; if something looks out of date, let us know.