Last updated: · Sources verified
Illinois’ federal rebates aren’t open yet. HOMES funding has been awarded and a pilot will launch once DOE approves it, while the HEAR application hasn’t been processed by DOE. For now, the practical option is your utility: ComEd, for example, offers instant discounts on heat pumps through participating contractors.
HEAR and HOMES in Illinois
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) | Not launched yet | Illinois EPA says its HEAR application hasn’t been processed by DOE yet. When it launches, Illinois plans to give 100% of HEAR funds to households below 80% of AMI (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Not launched yet | HOMES funding has been awarded; a pilot with two local agencies will launch once DOE approves it. No retroactive rebates (source) |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in Illinois
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ComEd Home Heating & Cooling instant discounts Open (source) | Instant discounts on ducted, ductless mini-split and geothermal heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Check current amounts with ComEd | ComEd residential customers | Buy and install through a participating contractor; program details can change with funding |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: a ComEd customer in the Chicago area replaces an old AC and gas furnace with a ducted heat pump. The ComEd discount is taken off the price by a participating contractor, so ask for it on the quote. If HEAR launches as planned, it will focus on households below 80% of AMI and can cover up to $8,000 of a heat pump, but 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.
How to apply, step by step
- Start with your utility. ComEd and other Illinois utilities run their own efficiency programs; check what applies to your address.
- Use a participating contractor so the utility discount is applied at purchase.
- If your income is below 80% of AMI, sign up for Illinois EPA’s rebate updates so you hear when HEAR and the HOMES pilot open.
- Don’t install early for HEAR or HOMES. Illinois says only projects approved after launch will get rebates.
Choosing a heat pump for Illinois’s climate
Illinois has cold winters and hot, humid summers, so you need a heat pump that does both well. In northern Illinois, ask for a cold-climate model and check its heating capacity at low temperatures.
Many Illinois homes already have ducts and central AC, which makes a ducted heat pump a straightforward swap when the AC or furnace needs replacing. Keeping the furnace as backup for the coldest days is a common setup.
Illinois heat pump rebate FAQ
Are HEAR and HOMES rebates available in Illinois?
Not yet. HOMES funding has been awarded and a pilot will launch after DOE approval. Illinois EPA says its HEAR application hasn’t been processed by DOE yet.
Who will qualify for HEAR in Illinois?
Illinois plans to give 100% of HEAR funds to low-income households, meaning below 80% of Area Median Income, with at least 10% going to low-income multifamily buildings. The state may adjust this later.
Does ComEd offer heat pump rebates?
Yes. ComEd offers instant discounts on ducted, ductless and geothermal heat pumps and heat pump water heaters through participating contractors. Check ComEd for current amounts.
Rebates in nearby states
- Heat pump rebates in Wisconsin
- Heat pump rebates in Indiana
- All states: heat pump tax credit and rebates guide
Sources
Programs change often. We verify every figure against the official source listed above; if something looks out of date, let us know.