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North Carolina is one of the states where federal rebates are open. Energy Saver North Carolina offers up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades (HOMES) and up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electric appliances (HEAR). From September 1, 2026, HEAR no longer pays to replace gas or other fossil-fuel appliances.
HEAR and HOMES in North Carolina
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 | Energy Saver NC launched January 16, 2025. HEAR provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electric appliances; under DOE’s updated guidance, from September 1, 2026 it no longer covers replacing gas or other fossil-fuel appliances (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Open | Up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades such as air sealing and efficient HVAC, starting with a free home assessment (source) |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in North Carolina
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Saver North Carolina (HOMES and HEAR) Open (source) | HOMES: up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades. HEAR: up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electric appliances | Income-eligible homeowners and renters | Confirm income, then a free home assessment (HOMES) and a certified contractor. From September 1, 2026, HEAR can’t pay to replace gas or other fossil-fuel appliances, and insulation or air sealing may be required with heat pump projects |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: an income-eligible homeowner with an old electric furnace applies to Energy Saver NC and gets a free home assessment. Under HEAR, the new heat pump can be covered up to the federal cap of $8,000, and the contractor may add insulation or air sealing, which the updated rules can require alongside heat pump projects. A household heating with gas would instead look at the HOMES whole-home pathway.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your income eligibility and start your application at energysavernc.org.
- Schedule the free home assessment (HOMES).
- Work with an Energy Saver NC certified contractor, who explains which upgrades fit your existing systems under the new rules.
- Submit a complete application. NC DEQ says complete applications move faster; applications that hadn’t reached reservation status by September 1, 2026 must follow the new guidance.
Choosing a heat pump for North Carolina’s climate
North Carolina’s hot, humid summers and mostly mild winters suit heat pumps well. Under the new HEAR rules, replacing an old, inefficient heat pump or an electric furnace with a high-efficiency model still qualifies.
In the western mountains, winters are colder; ask for a cold-climate model there.
North Carolina heat pump rebate FAQ
Is Energy Saver NC open?
Yes. NC DEQ launched Energy Saver North Carolina on January 16, 2025, for income-eligible homeowners and renters.
How much can I get from Energy Saver NC?
Up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades through HOMES, and up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electric appliances through HEAR.
Can HEAR replace my gas furnace with a heat pump in North Carolina?
Not anymore. Under DOE’s updated guidance, from September 1, 2026, HEAR can’t pay to replace gas or other fossil-fuel appliances. It can still replace existing electric appliances with more efficient ones.
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.