Last updated: · Sources verified
Wisconsin’s federal rebates are open through Focus on Energy: HEAR for heat pumps and other electric equipment, and HOMES for whole-home upgrades, for households under 150% of Area Median Income. Since September 1, 2026, HEAR retail rebates can’t be used for equipment that replaces fossil-fuel appliances.
HEAR and HOMES in Wisconsin
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 | Delivered by Focus on Energy for households under 150% of AMI. Since September 1, 2026, retail rebates and instant-discount coupons can’t be used for equipment replacing fossil-fuel appliances (source) |
| HOMES (whole-home efficiency rebates) | Open | Delivered by Focus on Energy; households approved for HOMES are automatically approved for HEAR (source) |
Heat pump rebates and incentives in Wisconsin
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin HEAR (Focus on Energy) Open (source) | Rebates for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical upgrades, insulation and air sealing, and appliances (federal HEAR caps apply). Check current amounts with Focus on Energy | Gross household income under 150% of Area Median Income | Verify income first. Most HEAR rebates, including heat pumps, require an IRA Registered Contractor who participates as a HEAR installer. Since September 1, 2026, retail rebates can’t be used for equipment replacing fossil-fuel appliances |
Example: what a typical household could get
Example: a household at 110% of AMI heating with electric baseboards verifies its income with Focus on Energy, then hires an IRA Registered Contractor that installs HEAR heat pumps. Under the federal caps, HEAR can cover up to 50% of the heat pump’s cost, up to $8,000. A household below 80% of AMI could get up to 100% of the cost, with the same cap. A home heated with gas would look at the HOMES whole-home pathway instead, since 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
- Verify your income with Focus on Energy (under 150% of AMI); the online application is fastest.
- Choose an IRA Registered Contractor who participates as a HEAR installer and offers the equipment you want.
- Get the work done; the contractor guides you through the program.
- Kitchen or laundry equipment, or a self-installed heat pump water heater? You can buy those at participating stores. Take photos of the old equipment before it’s hauled away.
Choosing a heat pump for Wisconsin’s climate
Wisconsin winters are long and cold, so choose a cold-climate heat pump and check its capacity at low temperatures. HEAR also funds insulation and air sealing, which help a heat pump keep up on the coldest days.
Wisconsin heat pump rebate FAQ
Are HEAR and HOMES open in Wisconsin?
Yes. Focus on Energy delivers both for households under 150% of Area Median Income. If you’re approved for HOMES, you’re automatically approved for HEAR.
What changed on September 1, 2026?
Focus on Energy can no longer accept retail post-purchase or instant-discount coupon requests for equipment replacing fossil-fuel appliances, following DOE’s updated HEAR guidance.
Do I need a contractor for a heat pump?
Yes. Most HEAR rebates, including heat pumps for heating and cooling, require an IRA Registered Contractor.
Rebates in nearby states
- Heat pump rebates in Illinois
- Heat pump rebates in Michigan
- 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.