Energy Efficiency Rebates 2026: How to Find Utility Rebates

Updated Oct 13, 2026 · Facts checked against IRS, DOE, ENERGY STAR and state energy office pages · Part of our Home Energy Rebate Finder guides

Disclosure: 1-800Deals is a contractor directory. We don't run any rebate program, and listings never change the facts on this page.

Short answer: Most energy efficiency rebates in 2026 come from your electric or gas utility, plus your state's HOMES and HEAR programs and some cities and counties. The fastest way to find them is to search your ZIP in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder, check DSIRE for your state, and read your utility's rebate page. Utility rebates usually have no income limit, but most need a qualifying model or a participating contractor.

See what applies at your address. Enter your ZIP and the finder shows your state's rebate status and your local utility rebate lookups.

Find rebates by ZIP code

Five places to look, in order

#	Where	What you'll find
1	ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder	Utility rebates on certified products by ZIP: heat pumps, water heaters, thermostats, appliances
2	Your utility's website	The full program list, forms, contractor lists and instant discounts
3	DSIRE	State, utility and local incentives, run by NC State University
4	Your state energy office	HOMES and HEAR status. See our state status table.
5	City or county	Local programs, sometimes for low-income or older residents

Our home energy rebate finder runs steps 1, 3 and 4 for your ZIP in one go.

What utilities typically rebate

Upgrade	Common requirement	Our guide
Heat pumps and mini-splits	Efficiency tier, participating contractor	Heat pump rebates
Heat pump water heaters	ENERGY STAR model	HPWH rebates
Smart thermostats	ENERGY STAR model, sometimes demand response	Thermostat rebates
Insulation and air sealing	Starting and target R-values, contractor	Insulation rebates
Windows	Less common; ENERGY STAR or a U-factor	Window rebates
Appliances (fridges, washers, dryers)	ENERGY STAR, sometimes recycling the old one	Check your utility
Solar	Rare as a rebate; export credit rules matter more	Solar after the tax credit

We don't publish utility dollar amounts because each utility sets its own and changes them during the year. Always use the amount on your utility's current page.

Rebate types and how they pay

Instant (point of sale): off the price at the store, a utility marketplace or the contractor's invoice.
Mail-in or online: you pay full price, then submit a receipt. Often paid as a check or bill credit weeks later.
Midstream: paid to the distributor, so the discount is built into your contractor's price. Ask whether it's included.
Income-qualified: higher amounts, or free equipment, for customers under an income limit.

Seven ways people lose a rebate

Installing before getting pre-approval when the program requires it.
Buying a model that isn't on the qualified list.
Using a contractor who isn't enrolled.
Missing the submission deadline.
Losing the itemized invoice or model and serial numbers.
Assuming a federal tax credit still applies. The 25C and 25D credits ended for work finished after 2025; see our 25C explainer.
Not checking both the electric and gas utility.

Free help if money is tight

If your income is limited, ask your utility about income-qualified programs and look into the free Weatherization Assistance Program. Many utilities also offer free or low-cost home energy assessments that point you to the rebates that fit your house.

Most rebates need a contractor's itemized quote. Our directory lists local HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing pros. Ask each one which rebate programs they're enrolled in.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be any energy efficiency tax credits in 2026?

Not the main federal homeowner credits. 25C and 25D ended for work finished after Dec 31, 2025. Rebates from utilities and state HOMES and HEAR programs are the main source in 2026.

What are ENERGY STAR rebates?

ENERGY STAR doesn't pay rebates itself. Its Rebate Finder lists rebates that utilities and others offer on ENERGY STAR certified products, searchable by ZIP code.

Is there a rebate for tankless water heaters?

Some gas utilities rebate high-efficiency tankless gas water heaters. Electric utilities and HEAR focus on heat pump water heaters. Check your gas and electric utility separately.

Do energy efficiency rebates count as taxable income?

Utility rebates for energy conservation on your home are generally excluded from income under federal tax law, but rules vary by case. Ask a tax professional about your situation.

What is DSIRE?

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, run by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center at NC State University. It lists state, utility and local incentives by state.

Sources

Amounts and statuses were checked Oct 13, 2026. Programs change often, so confirm with the program before you sign a contract. Where we couldn't verify a figure, we say so instead of guessing.

Energy Efficiency Rebates: How to Find Every Rebate Your Utility Offers