What changed with EnergySmart rebates in 2026?

The standard rebates that were open to all Boulder County residents ended. The program now focuses exclusively on income-qualified households at or below 100% of Area Median Income. The maximum rebate is $2,000 per year, and the stacking cap dropped from 70% to 50% of project cost. EnergySmart still provides free energy advising to all residents regardless of income.

Who is eligible for EnergySmart rebates in 2026?

Boulder County residents whose household income is at or below 100% of Area Median Income. For a household of four, that's $150,600. You can also qualify automatically if you receive SNAP, Section 8, TANF, WIC, or LEAP benefits. Preapproval with income verification is required before starting any project.

Can I still get EnergySmart rebates if I'm over the income limit?

Not for the rebate itself, but EnergySmart still offers free energy advising to all Boulder County residents. Their advisors can help you navigate other programs you do qualify for, like Xcel Energy rebates, HEAR (if under 150% AMI), and the Colorado state heat pump tax credit.

Can I stack EnergySmart rebates with other programs?

Yes, but the combined total of all incentives (EnergySmart, Xcel, HEAR, state programs) cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. EnergySmart confirms your final rebate amount after reviewing what other incentives you're receiving.

How do I apply for EnergySmart rebates?

Submit the preapproval form on EnergySmart's website or contact them at info@energysmartyes.com / 303-544-1000. You must complete preapproval before starting your project. After your project is finished, your advisor will send you the rebate application. Checks arrive about 8-10 weeks after approval.

What equipment is eligible for EnergySmart rebates?

Heat pumps (ducted, ductless, cold climate), heat pump water heaters (EF ≥ 2.0), induction stoves replacing gas, heat pump dryers, insulation and air sealing, electrical panel upgrades (when paired with other upgrades), and cellular shades. All equipment must meet ENERGY STAR standards where applicable.

What's the deadline for 2026 EnergySmart rebates?

Projects must be completed and invoiced by December 31, 2026. Rebates are first-come, first-served while funding lasts. Submitting a rebate reservation through EnergySmart (after preapproval and a signed contract) is encouraged to help secure funding.

Available (Income-Qualified)

EnergySmart Rebates

Name: Xcel Energy Rebates
Brand: Xcel Energy
Rating: 5 (1074 reviews)

EnergySmart rebates shifted to income-qualified only for 2026. Boulder County households at or below 100% AMI can receive up to $2,000 per year toward heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, and other energy upgrades. Preapproval is required before starting your project.

Updated April 8, 2026•By Editorial Staff

Get Free Estimate (303) 250-1000

Max Rebate

$2,000/yr

Pre-Approval

Required

Stacking Limit

50% Max

Income Limit

≤100% AMI

EnergySmart Income-Qualified Rebates (2026)

EnergySmart shifted its rebate program for 2026. The standard rebates that were open to all Boulder County residents are gone. The program now focuses exclusively on income-qualified households at or below 100% of Area Median Income.

Eligible households can receive up to $2,000 per year toward qualifying home energy upgrades including heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, insulation, and electrical panel upgrades. The rebate can be stacked with Xcel Energy, HEAR, and the Colorado state tax credit, but the combined total cannot exceed 50% of the project cost.

EnergySmart still provides free energy advising to all Boulder County residents regardless of income. The advising team can help you navigate which programs you qualify for even if you fall above the income limit.

2026 Income Limits (Boulder County)

Your household income must be at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Boulder County. These limits are based on household size:

Household Size	Income Limit (100% AMI)
1 person	$105,500
2 people	$120,500
3 people	$135,600
4 people	$150,600
5 people	$162,700
6 people	$174,700
7 people	$186,800
8 people	$198,800

You can also qualify automatically if your household receives SNAP, Section 8, TANF, WIC, or LEAP benefits. Income verification happens during the preapproval step and is valid for one year.

How the Process Works

Apply for Preapproval

Submit the preapproval form with income verification. Valid for one year.

Get Approved

EnergySmart confirms eligibility and connects you with an advisor.

Complete Your Project

Work with a contractor who meets your utility's requirements. Must finish by Dec 31, 2026.

Submit Rebate Claim

Your advisor sends the rebate application after project completion. Check arrives in 8-10 weeks.

Rebate application form with calculator showing tax calculations and pen on grid paper

Preapproval is mandatory. If you complete a project before getting preapproved, EnergySmart cannot issue the rebate retroactively. Start the process before you sign a contract or schedule installation.

Apply for preapproval through the EnergySmart preapproval form or contact their team at [email protected] / 303-544-1000.

What's Covered

You qualify if

Ducted and ductless heat pumps (cold climate and standard)

Heat pump water heaters (EF ≥ 2.0)

Induction or electric stoves (replacing gas)

Heat pump dryers (ENERGY STAR certified)

Insulation and air sealing (attic R-60+, walls R-19+)

Electrical panel upgrades (when paired with other upgrades)

Cellular shades (double-cell or cell-in-cell)

Not eligible if

New construction

Used or refurbished equipment

Projects completed before preapproval

Stacking With Other Programs

EnergySmart rebates stack with utility rebates (Xcel Energy, Efficiency Works) and state programs like HEAR. The combined total of all incentives cannot exceed 50% of the project cost. EnergySmart confirms the final rebate amount after reviewing your other incentives.

For Boulder County homeowners with Xcel gas service, a typical heat pump project can combine: Xcel rebate + EnergySmart + HEAR (if under 150% AMI) + Colorado state tax credit. UniColorado coordinates applications across all programs.

Stack With Other Rebate Programs

Xcel HVAC Rebates

$2,250/ton for cold-climate heat pumps. No income check.

HEAR Rebates

Federal income-qualified rebates up to $8,000 for heat pumps.

Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit

$1,000 state credit for all Colorado residents.

All Colorado Rebates

Complete overview of every HVAC rebate available in Colorado.

Contractor Directory Changes (2026)

EnergySmart is retiring its HVAC, Electrification, and Solar contractor lists later in 2026. Customers looking for HVAC contractors will be directed to Power Ahead Colorado's Contractor Finder. The insulation and air sealing contractor list stays.

The rebate itself still requires meeting your utility's contractor standards. Xcel Energy customers need a registered installer for heat pumps and insulation. Efficiency Works (Longmont) customers need a registered installer as well. United Power and other co-op customers can use any licensed contractor.

UniColorado in Boulder County

UniColorado serves Boulder County and works directly with EnergySmart advisors to coordinate rebate applications. We install cold-climate heat pumps from Mitsubishi, Bosch, and Carrier that meet EnergySmart's ENERGY STAR and efficiency requirements.

We handle the paperwork for each program you qualify for. If you're a Boulder County homeowner considering a heat pump, we can tell you exactly which rebates stack for your situation before you commit to anything.