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New York’s biggest heat pump incentives in 2026 are for low- and moderate-income households. EmPower+ funds efficiency upgrades, the Sustainable Futures Program can add up to $10,000 for an air-source heat pump on top of that, and HEAR money is layered in as well. At any income, you can also check NYS Clean Heat utility rebates, which are higher for weatherized homes.
HEAR and HOMES in New York
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) | Open | Available to income-eligible households as extra incentives through the EmPower+ program (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Check current availability | No standalone HOMES offer listed on NYSERDA’s EmPower+ page. Check with NYSERDA. |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in New York
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| EmPower+ (NYSERDA) Open (source) | Low income: no-cost upgrades up to $12,000 upstate / $14,000 downstate per project. Moderate income: 50% of cost up to $6,000 upstate / $7,000 downstate | Below 80% of State or Area Median Income, or enrolled in a utility payment assistance program | Owners and renters of 1–4 family homes (primary residence); apply on NYSERDA’s MyEnergy portal; work is done by an EmPower+ contractor after a home energy assessment; insulation and air sealing come first Combine with others: Yes: Sustainable Futures and HEAR funding are added on top of the EmPower+ caps |
| Sustainable Futures Program (through EmPower+) Open (source) | Air-source heat pump up to $10,000; ground-source heat pump up to $10,000; heat pump water heater up to $5,000; panel up to $5,000; wiring up to $2,500 | Same as EmPower+ (low and moderate income) | Available in addition to the EmPower+ project caps; delivered through your EmPower+ project Combine with others: Yes, on top of EmPower+ |
| HEAR incentives (through EmPower+) Open (source) | Air sealing, insulation and ventilation: up to $1,600 | Same as EmPower+ | Eligibility depends on the combination of upgrades your EmPower+ contractor proposes Combine with others: Yes, on top of EmPower+ |
| NYS Clean Heat heat pump rebates Open (source) | Varies by utility, equipment and home. Homes that qualify for the Weatherized Tier get a significantly higher heat pump rebate. Check current amounts with Your electric utility | Not income-limited | Enter your address in the NYS Clean Heat rebate finder to see the offers for your home |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: a moderate-income homeowner downstate plans insulation, air sealing, and an air-source heat pump. EmPower+ covers 50% of the efficiency work, up to $7,000. The Sustainable Futures Program can add up to $10,000 for the heat pump, and HEAR can add up to $1,600 for air sealing, insulation, and ventilation. The final amounts are set after the home energy assessment, based on the upgrades your contractor proposes and NYSERDA approves.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your income eligibility by county and household size on NYSERDA’s EmPower+ guidelines. You’re likely eligible if your income is below 80% of the State or Area Median Income, or if you’re in a utility payment assistance program.
- Apply online: create a profile on NYSERDA’s MyEnergy portal and submit the EmPower+ application with your documents. A printable mail-in application also exists.
- Get your contractor. Once approved, the program emails you your EmPower+ contractor’s contact details.
- Home energy assessment. The contractor inspects your home and submits recommended upgrades to EmPower+ for review.
- Approval, then installation. After approval, the contractor shows you the approved incentive amounts and schedules the work.
- Income too high for EmPower+? Enter your address in the NYS Clean Heat rebate finder to see the utility offers for your home.
Choosing a heat pump for New York’s climate
Upstate winters are long and cold, so ask for a cold-climate heat pump and check its heating capacity at low temperatures, not just its rated capacity. Both big programs push you to weatherize first: EmPower+ prioritizes insulation and air sealing, and NYS Clean Heat pays a significantly higher heat pump rebate to homes that qualify for its Weatherized Tier. A tighter house can also get by with smaller, cheaper equipment.
In New York City and older homes with radiators and no ducts, ductless mini-splits are often the simplest way to add a heat pump without major construction.
New York heat pump rebate FAQ
Who qualifies for EmPower+ in New York?
Owners and renters of 1–4 family homes with household income below 80% of the State or Area Median Income, or households in a utility payment assistance program. Limits vary by county and household size.
How much can I get for a heat pump through EmPower+?
Through the Sustainable Futures Program, up to $10,000 for an air-source or ground-source heat pump, on top of the EmPower+ project caps (low income: no-cost work up to $12,000 upstate or $14,000 downstate; moderate income: 50% up to $6,000 upstate or $7,000 downstate).
Can renters get New York heat pump incentives?
Yes. EmPower+ is open to income-eligible renters as well as owners of 1–4 family homes.
What if my income is too high for EmPower+?
Check NYS Clean Heat. It isn’t income-limited, amounts vary by utility and home, and weatherized homes can qualify for a significantly higher rebate.
Rebates in nearby states
- Heat pump rebates in Vermont
- Heat pump rebates in Massachusetts
- 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.