Denver Climate Action Rebates Program

Denver Heat Pump Rebates are part of the Denver Climate Action Rebates (CARe) program, which aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by encouraging homeowners to install energy-efficient heat pump systems. The rebates, which can be up to $8,000 for air source heat pumps and mini-split systems, help offset the upfront costs of installation, making it more affordable for homeowners to transition away from gas-powered heating and cooling systems. To qualify, homeowners must work with a participating contractor, such as UniColorado, who can guide them through the application process and ensure that the installed system meets all eligibility requirements.

The Denver Climate Action Rebate (CARe) Program is an initiative launched by the City and County of Denver in 2021 to encourage residents to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. The program is funded by a 0.25% sales tax increase approved by Denver voters in 2020, which is dedicated to financing climate action projects.

CARe offers rebates for various home improvements, including insulation, air sealing, electric water heaters, solar panels, and heat pump systems. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and help homeowners save money on utility bills.

Since its inception, the CARe program has helped numerous Denver residents make their homes more sustainable and energy-efficient. The program has been successful in promoting the adoption of clean energy solutions and contributing to Denver’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

However, the CARe program is scheduled to end in 2024, so homeowners interested in taking advantage of these rebates should act soon. By working with a participating contractor like UniColorado, homeowners can navigate the rebate application process and ensure they receive the maximum available incentives before the program expires.

Denver CARe Rebates are available to homeowners and property owners within the City and County of Denver. To be eligible for the rebates, the following criteria must be met:

1. Property Location: The property must be located within the City and County of Denver boundaries.

2. Property Type: The property can be a single-family home, duplex, townhome, or multi-family building (up to 4 units).

3. Homeownership: The applicant must be the property owner or have the property owner’s permission to make the upgrades. Renters may be eligible if they have the property owner’s consent.

4. Contractor Selection: The upgrades must be completed by a participating contractor, such as UniColorado, who is registered with the CARe program.

5. Equipment Eligibility: The installed equipment, such as heat pumps, insulation, or solar panels, must meet the program’s efficiency and eligibility requirements.

6. Application Timeframe: The rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of the installation completion date.

Income-qualified homeowners may be eligible for additional rebates and assistance through the Denver Homes Renewable Rebates (DHRR) program, which is designed to help lower-income households access the benefits of energy-efficient upgrades.

It’s important to note that rebate funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners should work with their participating contractor to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications in a timely manner.

The Denver Climate Action Rebate (CARe) Program is currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2024. This means that homeowners and property owners in Denver have until the end of 2024 to complete eligible energy-efficient upgrades and apply for the available rebates.

It’s crucial for homeowners who are considering making energy-efficient improvements to their homes to start planning and taking action soon to ensure they can take full advantage of the CARe program before it expires. The process of selecting a contractor, obtaining necessary permits, and completing the upgrades can take some time, so it’s advisable not to wait until the last minute.

Additionally, rebate funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. As the program deadline approaches, there may be an increased demand for rebates, which could lead to funds being depleted more quickly.

To ensure a smooth process and secure the maximum available rebates, homeowners should work closely with a participating contractor like UniColorado. These contractors are well-versed in the CARe program requirements and can help guide homeowners through the application process, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met and the necessary documentation is submitted in a timely manner.

While there is a possibility that the CARe program could be extended or renewed beyond 2024, homeowners should not rely on this possibility and should instead focus on taking advantage of the current program before its scheduled end date.

The Denver mini-split heat pump rebate offers an upfront discount of either $1,500 or $3,500, depending on the system’s efficiency rating. To qualify for the $1,500 rebate, the mini-split must have a SEER rating of at least 16 and an HSPF rating of at least 9.0. For the $3,500 rebate, the system must have a SEER rating of at least 18 and an HSPF rating of at least 10.0. The rebate is applied directly to the installation cost by the participating contractor, such as UniColorado.

Yes, it is possible that you may not receive the Denver CARe rebate, even if you have completed eligible upgrades. Reasons for this include:

1. Funds being exhausted before your application is processed
2. Not meeting all eligibility criteria
3. Errors or omissions in your application
4. Missing the 90-day deadline for submitting the application after installation
5. Potential program changes or cancellation

To minimize the risk of not receiving the rebate, work with an experienced contractor like UniColorado, who can help ensure you meet all requirements and submit a complete, accurate, and timely application.

If you planned on upgrading your HVAC system to something more efficient and comfortable, heat pumps are a great choice. Heat pump units will increase your comfort due to the way they’re designed and reduce your bills over time. Heat pumps can also bring certain features like invert-driven compressors that reduce noise in the outdoor unit.

Based of our empirical & anecdotal findings in the field, most heat pumps systems typically reduce energy use by around 10-15% over time when compared to a conventional system. In the lab settings, efficiency gains may be as high as 30%.

We’re happy to provide a free estimate to see if heat pumps are a good fit for your project and budget. Click here to schedule.