How To Take Advantage of Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebates for Your Home Remodel

You’ve probably heard about how switching to energy-efficient windows, doors, and appliances in your home can lead to significant utility savings. Now, you can save even more with federal rebates and local incentives that allow homeowners incredible opportunities to update their homes while cutting costs.

If you’re getting ready to remodel one or more of your home’s rooms or planning a whole-house remodel, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of these incentives by installing energy-efficient home appliances alongside design updates. By doing so, you’ll not only reduce your environmental footprint, but you’ll also pocket substantial savings.

What Federal Programs Are There for Home Energy Rebates?

While the best remodeling return on investment comes from upgrading kitchen and laundry room appliances, other upgrades also qualify. This means you can replace insulation, doors, water heaters, and more and still reap the benefits of increased energy efficiency, improved comfort, and potentially higher property value.

North Carolina is currently applying for home energy rebates funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, but funding should be available to homeowners in late 2024 or 2025. And though you can’t combine multiple federal rebates for the same upgrades, you can stack rebates if you make multiple qualifying equipment investments.

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)

Formerly known as the Zero-Emission Homes Act, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act provides point-of-sale rebates for electric stoves and cooktops or heat pump clothes dryers, but not both. 

Low-income residents can receive a 100% rebate for the cost of either appliance up to $840, while moderate-income residents can receive a 50%  rebate.

Other qualifying upgrades can include:

• Air-source heat pumps
• Heat pump water heaters
• Breaker boxes
• Electrical wiring
• Weatherization, like insulation, air sealing, and ventilation

Accessing savings upfront rather than submitting a rebate application after purchase is a complete game-changer that eases financial barriers. As a bonus, you also enjoy 20% and 50% off your utility costs for years to come!

The Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates Program

One of two IRA rebate programs that help low-to-moderate-income homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades, the Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates Program provides $208 million to be overseen and administered by the State of North Carolina. Funding should be available to homeowners in late 2024 or 2025.

Factors determining which households qualify and for which services and appliances include:

• What technologies are being installed
• The household’s area median income
• The total project cost

More information will be available as the state finalizes its rebate program.

The Home Efficiency Rebates Program

The Home Efficiency Rebates Program provides rebates for energy-efficient product installations and building materials designed to reduce 20% or more of a household’s total energy use. While there are no income requirements, the products must be ENERGY STAR® certified and installed by a program-approved contractor to qualify.

Homeowners can participate in both IRA rebate programs if they meet all income requirements for each program and any other state requirements. Neither program’s rebates can be combined with other federal rebates for the same equipment upgrade.

Qualifying Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen remodeling projects that include ENERGY STAR-certified electric cooking products qualify for savings under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act. When choosing electric cooking products, keep these considerations in mind:

• Electric stoves: These units combine an oven and cooktop to seamlessly integrate into most kitchen layouts and are typically installed under the counter and between cabinets. The oven portion provides a sleek built-in look, while the cooktop blends into the countertop for a cohesive design.
• Electric cooktops: Offering flexibility in kitchen design, electric cooktops are integrated into a countertop or island, creating a flush and modern look. Their easy-to-clean surfaces make them a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen remodel.

Other ENERGY-STAR appliances that can contribute to energy savings and rebates under the Home Efficiency Rebates Program include dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators.

Qualifying Laundry Appliances

Laundry and mudroom remodeling projects that include the installation of ENERGY STAR-certified clothes dryers and washers also qualify for Home Efficiency Rebates Program savings. When buying an electric clothes dryer, look for models with energy-efficient features like moisture sensors and automatic cycle adjustments to prevent over-drying.

You might also want to consider investing in a heat pump clothes dryer, which qualifies for a rebate under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act. This appliance has a more efficient drying process, circulating hot air through the appliance’s drum while removing clothing moisture.

The moisture is then condensed and drained rather than vented away. Because heat pump clothes dryers don’t need to be vented, they can be a terrific option for compact spaces or locations where venting isn’t possible.

Local Incentives for Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, also known as DSIRE, is the country’s most comprehensive source of incentive information for energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and operated by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at NC State University, the site makes it easy to find local incentives on:

• Home appliances like washers, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and dehumidifiers
• HVAC systems, including AC units, furnaces, boilers, and programmable thermostats
• Building envelopes such as weatherstripping, insulation, doors, windows, roofs, and siding
• Lighting, including LEDs, sensors, and controls

Remodel Your Charlotte Home With DiFabion Remodeling

There are many ways to save money when remodeling your home, including energy-efficiency rebates. The award-winning team at DiFabion Remodeling makes a custom remodel for your kitchen, laundry room, or entire house as easy and enjoyable as possible. We’ll help you choose energy-efficient appliances that look great, meet your needs, and qualify for incentive programs.

Request a consultation by calling (704) 882-7738 today. We can discuss the goals for your remodel and the rebate programs available for your project.