Last updated: · Sources verified
Texas hasn’t launched its federal HEAR or HOMES rebates. As of August 21, 2026, the State Energy Conservation Office says rebates aren’t available and a launch date depends on DOE approval. For now, heat pump incentives in Texas come from local utilities, such as Austin Energy’s rebate averaging $800.
HEAR and HOMES in Texas
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 | Rebates are not currently available; the programs are in planning and design, with a launch date set after DOE approval (update of August 21, 2026) (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Not launched yet | Rebates are not currently available; the programs are in planning and design, with a launch date set after DOE approval (update of August 21, 2026) (source) |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in Texas
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Energy air conditioner and heat pump rebate Open (source) | Averages $800; an extra $200 if you join Home Energy Savings within six months | Austin Energy customers | A participating contractor must install a qualifying system; funding is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed until your application is approved Combine with others: Yes, with Home Energy Savings |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: an Austin Energy customer replaces an old air conditioner with a heat pump installed by a participating contractor. The rebate averages $800, and joining Home Energy Savings within six months can add $200, about $1,000 in total. That’s an average, not a guarantee: the amount depends on the equipment, and funding is first-come, first-served.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your utility first. In Texas, the heat pump rebates available today come from local utilities. If you’re an Austin Energy customer, start with its air conditioning and heat pump rebate.
- Use a participating contractor. Austin Energy only pays when a participating contractor installs a qualifying system.
- Apply and track your rebate with your confirmation (enrollment) number and utility account number. The rebate isn’t guaranteed until Austin Energy approves the application.
- Consider Home Energy Savings. Joining within six months of your AC or heat pump rebate can add $200.
- Get HEAR and HOMES updates by joining the State Energy Conservation Office’s mailing list, so you know when the Texas programs open.
Choosing a heat pump for Texas’s climate
Across most of Texas, cooling drives your energy bills, so a heat pump is first of all an efficient air conditioner. It also heats in winter without a separate furnace, which works well where winters are mild. That’s why Austin Energy handles heat pumps under the same rebate as air conditioners.
In the Panhandle and North Texas, cold snaps are more common. Ask your contractor about heating performance at low temperatures and whether you need backup heat. Either way, insist on a proper load calculation rather than simply matching your old system’s size.
Texas heat pump rebate FAQ
Are HEAR and HOMES rebates available in Texas?
Not yet. As of August 21, 2026, the State Energy Conservation Office says rebates aren’t available. The programs are in planning and design, and a launch date will be set once DOE approves them.
How much will the Texas HEAR and HOMES rebates pay?
According to the State Energy Conservation Office, HEAR rebates can reach up to $14,000 per income-qualified household, and HOMES rebates up to $8,000 based on income and expected energy savings. DOE allocated $690 million to Texas for both programs.
Who offers heat pump rebates in Texas right now?
Local utilities. Austin Energy, for example, offers a rebate averaging $800 when a participating contractor installs a qualifying air conditioner or heat pump. Check your own utility’s website for its current offers.
Is the Austin Energy rebate guaranteed?
No. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served, offers can change, and a rebate isn’t guaranteed until Austin Energy reviews and approves your application.
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.