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: Smart thermostat rebates come almost entirely from electric and gas utilities. There's no federal tax credit for thermostats, and the old 25C credit never covered them. Most utilities require an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, and many also pay a bonus if you enroll it in a demand-response program. Search your ZIP in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder or your utility's rebate page to see the current amount.
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 codeWhere thermostat rebates come from
| Type | How it works | Typical rules |
|---|---|---|
| Mail-in or online rebate | Buy, install, then submit a receipt | ENERGY STAR model, utility customer, often one per account |
| Instant discount | Lower price at a utility marketplace or store | Buy through the utility's site or a partner store |
| Demand-response enrollment bonus | Credit for letting the utility adjust your thermostat a little on peak days | Stay enrolled for a set time, can opt out of single events |
| Free thermostat | Some programs give one with an energy assessment or a heat pump install | Varies by utility and income |
We don't list dollar amounts because each utility sets its own and changes them during the year. Find yours by ZIP in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.
Which thermostats qualify
Most utility programs point to ENERGY STAR's list of certified smart thermostats. Models from the big brands are usually on it, but not every version, so check the exact model number before you buy. Some programs also check that your heating and cooling system is compatible, for example a heat pump with backup heat or a system with a C-wire for power.
How to find your rebate in five minutes
- Enter your ZIP in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder and pick "smart thermostats".
- Check both your electric and gas company. They often run separate programs, and some areas let you claim from each.
- Look for a "marketplace" or "store" on the utility site. Instant discounts there sometimes beat mail-in rebates.
- Read the demand-response terms if there's an enrollment bonus.
- Save the receipt and the install date. Most rebates have a submission window.
Our rebate finder by ZIP gathers these lookups with your state's program status. For a wider tour of utility programs, see how to find energy efficiency rebates.
Demand-response programs: what you're agreeing to
Many utilities pay you to let them nudge your thermostat a few degrees during peak demand, usually on hot summer afternoons or cold winter mornings. You'll typically get a notice, and most programs let you override a single event. Before enrolling, read how many events a year are allowed, how long they last, and whether overriding too often cancels your bonus.
Is the thermostat worth it without a rebate?
Savings depend on your habits and your system. If you already set back the temperature at night and when you're away, a smart thermostat may save little. If not, scheduling and away detection help. With a rebate or a free unit, the decision is easier. Pairing it with bigger upgrades helps more: a thermostat matched to a new heat pump is one reason contractors bundle them. See heat pump rebates and heat pump water heater rebates.
Do HEAR or HOMES cover thermostats?
HEAR doesn't list thermostats among its covered upgrades. HOMES pays based on whole-home savings, so a thermostat might count as part of a larger project if your state's program allows it. We couldn't confirm a state that rebates thermostats on their own under HOMES. Low-income households can also ask about the free Weatherization Assistance Program.
Need help wiring it? A local HVAC contractor or electrician can install it, especially if you need a C-wire adapter or have a heat pump.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal tax credit for smart thermostats?
No. Smart thermostats weren't qualifying property under the 25C credit, and that credit ended for installs after Dec 31, 2025 anyway. Rebates come from utilities.
What is the smart thermostat rewards program?
Usually a utility demand-response program. You get a bonus or bill credits for letting the utility adjust your thermostat slightly during peak demand. You can typically override individual events.
What are the downsides of smart thermostats?
They need Wi-Fi and often a C-wire, some features need an app account, and savings are small if you already manage your temperature. Demand-response enrollment means occasional adjustments on peak days.
Can I get a rebate if I install it myself?
Usually yes. Most utility thermostat rebates allow DIY installs. Check whether your program needs a contractor invoice.
Does every utility offer a smart thermostat rebate?
No. Many large utilities do, but some don't, and programs open and close during the year. Check your electric and gas companies separately.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder
- ENERGY STAR: Smart thermostats
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
- DSIRE incentive database
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.
