What is the HEAR Program?

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program provides rebates to help homeowners and renters upgrade to energy-efficient, electric appliances, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It is managed by the Colorado Energy Office and is funded under the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

Who is running the HEAR Program?

The HEAR program is managed by the Colorado Energy Office and is funded under the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

When does the HEAR Program start?

A limited rollout began in October 2024 through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The full program launched for income-qualified households in Q2 2025. The portal for income verification is now open.

Who is eligible for HEAR rebates?

Colorado households earning below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) are likely eligible for the highest rebates, covering up to 100% of costs. Households at 80-150% of AMI are likely eligible for rebates covering up to 50% of costs.

What if my income is above 150% of AMI?

Households above 150% of AMI are not eligible for HEAR rebates, as the program prioritizes low- and moderate-income households. Check other programs like Xcel Energy rebates or the Colorado state tax credit that don't have income restrictions.

Can renters get HEAR rebates in Colorado?

Yes, renters qualify for the same rebates as homeowners. You'll need written permission from your landlord through the Landlord Authorization Form in the application portal. Your landlord doesn't pay anything; they just need to approve the installation.

What happens if my HEAR application expires?

Applications expire 90 days after submission if you don't complete all steps, including connecting with a registered contractor and confirming your upgrade plan. If it expires, you'll need to start over with a new application. Avoid this by only applying when you're ready to move forward with installation.

What appliances are eligible for HEAR rebates?

The program covers heat pumps (up to $8,000), heat pump water heaters (up to $1,750), electric stoves and cooktops (up to $840), weatherization measures (up to $1,600), electrical panel upgrades (up to $4,000), and home wiring improvements (up to $2,500). UniColorado offers heat pumps and panel upgrades in conjunction with heat pumps only.

Does UniColorado participate in the HEAR Program?

Yes, UniColorado participates in the HEAR program. We install cold-climate heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and provide electrical panel upgrades when required for a heat pump. As one of the first approved contractors and the most experienced heat pump installer in Colorado, we are ready for HEAR projects.

How long will the HEAR Program last?

The program will run for several years, with exact end dates depending on funding availability and participation rates. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What does HEAR stand for?

HEAR stands for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. It's a federal program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to help low- and moderate-income households upgrade to electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and stoves.

Who qualifies for HEAR rebates in Colorado?

Colorado households at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) qualify. Those at or below 80% AMI get up to 100% coverage (up to $8,000 for heat pumps). Households at 80-150% AMI get up to 50% coverage (up to $8,000).

How much can I get from HEAR rebates?

Up to $8,000 for heat pumps, $1,750 for heat pump water heaters, $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades, $1,600 for insulation/air sealing, and $840 for electric stoves. Total maximum per household is $14,000. UniColorado offers heat pumps, water heaters, and panel upgrades.

How do I apply for HEAR rebates in Colorado?

Start by verifying your income through the Colorado Energy Office portal at portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ENERGYREBATES-CO. Once approved, UniColorado applies the rebate as an upfront discount on your invoice and submits all paperwork to the state.

Is HEAR the same as the Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program?

HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) is one of two programs under Colorado's Home Energy Rebate umbrella. The other is HER (Home Efficiency Rebates), which covers whole-home projects for manufactured homes and large multifamily buildings. When people say 'Colorado home energy rebate program,' they usually mean HEAR for individual appliance upgrades.

Can I combine HEAR rebates with Xcel Energy heat pump rebates?

Yes. HEAR and Xcel Energy rebates stack. A 3-ton cold-climate heat pump could qualify for up to $8,000 from HEAR plus $6,750 from Xcel, plus the Colorado state tax credit. Total incentives cannot exceed the project cost. UniColorado handles the paperwork for both programs.

Available Now

Colorado HEAR Rebates

Colorado's HEAR rebate is live. Income-qualified households get up to $8,000 for heat pumps and $14,000 total for electric upgrades. Verify income in the state portal first.

Updated February 18, 2026•By Editorial Staff

Get Free Estimate (303) 250-1000

Blue^TM

AI Summary

Income-restricted. Upfront discount at point of sale. Verify income in the state portal first; UniColorado applies the rebate for heat pumps, water heaters, and panel upgrades. First-come, first-served. Use the calculator to see if you're eligible.

Status

Available Now

Income Requirement

Under 150% AMI

Who Qualifies

CO Residents Under 150% AMI

Max Heat Pump Rebate

$8,000

What is the HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate) Program?

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate

HEAR lowers the up-front cost of specific electric upgrades in existing Colorado homes. Rebates are taken as a point-of-sale discount through participating contractors. Households at or below 150% AMI qualify (those ≤80% AMI receive higher amounts).

UniColorado is a participant for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical panel upgrades (in conjunction with heat pumps). As one of the first approved contractors and the most experienced heat pump installer in Colorado, we are ready for HEAR projects.

HEAR Appliance Rebate Amounts

Appliance	Max Rebate (≤80% AMI)	Max Rebate (80-150% AMI)
Heat Pump (HVAC)	$8,000	$8,000 (50% of cost)
Heat Pump Water Heater	$1,750	$1,750 (50% of cost)
Electric Stove/Cooktop	$840	$840 (50% of cost)
Electric Clothes Dryer	$840	$840 (50% of cost)
Insulation/Air Sealing	$1,600	$1,600 (50% of cost)
Electrical Panel Upgrade	$4,000	$4,000 (50% of cost)
Home Wiring Improvements	$2,500	$2,500 (50% of cost)

See If YouQualify

HEAR Rebate Calculator

Uses official AMI tables. Answer three quick questions and see if you qualify in seconds.

1County

2Household Size

Based onOfficial HUD AMI tables$14,000 household aggregate cap

Key Difference Between HEAR and HER

HEAR covers individual appliance upgrades (heat pumps, water heaters, panels). Currently active for single-family homes, expanding to condos, apartments, and manufactured homes in 2026.
HER covers whole-home efficiency projects but is only for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings (50,000+ sq ft). Single-family homeowners are not eligible for HER. Learn about HER rebates.

Do I qualify for HEAR rebates?

You qualify if

Households at or below 80% AMI (highest rebates)

Households at 80-150% AMI (50% coverage)

Existing Colorado homes (replacements only)

Equipment meets HEAR efficiency requirements

Not eligible if

Households above 150% AMI

New construction projects

DIY installations (contractor must apply), with the exception of minisplits and HPWH

HEAR Rebate Amount by Income Level

Income Level: Below 80% AMI
HEAR Rebate Amount: 100% of qualified project cost, up to the HEAR maximum rebate amounts

Income Level: 80%-150% AMI
HEAR Rebate Amount: 50% of qualified project cost, up to the HEAR maximum rebate amounts

Income Level	HEAR Rebate Amount
Below 80% AMI	100% of qualified project cost, up to the HEAR maximum rebate amounts
80%-150% AMI	50% of qualified project cost, up to the HEAR maximum rebate amounts

County and Household Income Thresholds

County	2 Person Household	4 Person Household	5 Person Household	6 Person Household
Adams	$83,400 – $168,150	$104,200 – $210,150	$112,550 – $227,000	$120,900 – $243,800
Arapahoe	$83,400 – $168,150	$104,200 – $210,150	$112,550 – $227,000	$120,900 – $243,800
Boulder	$83,400 – $180,750	$104,200 – $225,900	$112,550 – $244,000	$120,900 – $262,050
Broomfield	$83,400 – $168,150	$104,200 – $210,150	$112,550 – $227,000	$120,900 – $243,800
Denver	$83,400 – $168,150	$104,200 – $210,150	$112,550 – $227,000	$120,900 – $243,800
Douglas	$83,400 – $168,150	$104,200 – $210,150	$112,550 – $227,000	$120,900 – $243,800
El Paso	$72,000 – $135,000	$90,000 – $168,750	$97,200 – $182,250	$104,400 – $195,750

How do I get my HEAR rebate?

Verify Your Income

Complete verification in the state portal (2-10 business days)

Get Your Quote

Rebate shown as discount on your estimate

We Install & Apply Rebate

Your invoice reflects the discounted amount

We Handle Paperwork

UniColorado submits all documentation to the state

You don't pay full price and wait for reimbursement. After income verification, UniColorado applies the rebate as an upfront discount on your invoice. We handle all paperwork with the state.

Apply for HEAR Rebates

Start by verifying your income through the Colorado Energy Office portal. You'll need documentation ready before starting. The verification process takes 2-10 business days.

State Portal: portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ENERGYREBATES-CO

Colorado Energy Office HEAR Page: energyoffice.colorado.gov/home-energy-rebates

HEAR Help Center: Phone 866-336-0016 · [email protected] · Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM MT

Your application expires after 90 days if you don't complete all steps. Start when you're ready to move forward with installation.

What won't work: Expired IDs, utility bills older than 90 days, benefit letters for programs not on the approved list, or documents with mismatched names or addresses.

Documents Needed for Income Verification

Document: Photo ID
Details: Driver's license, passport, state ID, or permanent resident card

Document: Proof of Ownership
Details: Deed, mortgage statement, or property tax bill

Document: Proof of Residence
Details: Utility bill from past 90 days (electric, gas, water, or internet)

Document: Proof of Income (Option A)
Details: Benefit letter from LEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, Lifeline, FDPIR, National School Lunch (free), HIP, SSI, Aid to Blind/Needy Disabled/Old Age Pension

Document: Proof of Income (Option B)
Details: IRS Form 1040 (p1-2), W-2s/1099s, pay stubs (2 consecutive), or bank statements (3 months)

Document: Landlord Authorization
Details: Renters only — must complete in the application portal

Document	Details
Photo ID	Driver's license, passport, state ID, or permanent resident card
Proof of Ownership	Deed, mortgage statement, or property tax bill
Proof of Residence	Utility bill from past 90 days (electric, gas, water, or internet)
Proof of Income (Option A)	Benefit letter from LEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, Lifeline, FDPIR, National School Lunch (free), HIP, SSI, Aid to Blind/Needy Disabled/Old Age Pension
Proof of Income (Option B)	IRS Form 1040 (p1-2), W-2s/1099s, pay stubs (2 consecutive), or bank statements (3 months)
Landlord Authorization	Renters only — must complete in the application portal

HEAR Application Step-by-Step

Create Your Portal Account

Submit Income Documentation

Upload proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, or qualifying benefit letter). Names must match your ID exactly.

Wait for Verification

The state reviews your documents (2-10 business days). You'll get an email when approved or if more info is needed.

Connect With UniColorado

Once verified, contact us for a quote. Your HEAR discount appears on the invoice automatically.

Schedule Installation

We install your heat pump and submit all rebate paperwork to the state on your behalf.

The HEAR application has four stages. Most applicants complete income verification in 2-10 business days, but missing documents or name mismatches can delay approval. Have everything ready before you start.

What UniColorado Offers

UniColorado participates in the HEAR program for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical panel upgrades (in conjunction with heat pumps). We do not offer insulation, air sealing, or other HEAR measures at this time.

Eligible Appliances & Max Rebates

Appliance	Max Rebate	UniColorado	Note
Heat Pump (Space Heating/Cooling)	$8,000	We install	Ducted and ductless cold climate
Heat Pump Water Heater	$1,750	We install	-
Electric Stove/Cooktop	$840	Not offered	-
Weatherization (insulation/sealing)	$1,600	through NetZero Insulation	-
Electrical Panel Upgrade	$4,000	We install	In conjunction with heat pump only
Home Wiring Improvements	$2,500	We install	With panel upgrade

RebateStacking

Stack Your Savings by Income Level

Real savings for income-qualified households. HEAR can be combined with Xcel rebates and state tax credits.

Most Common

80-150% AMI, Xcel Customer

Most common scenario for income-qualified households.

HEAR (50%)$8,000

+Xcel Energy$6,750

+CO Tax Credit$1,000

Up to Total Savings

$15,750

Below 80% AMI, Xcel Customer

Lower income households get higher HEAR coverage.

HEAR (100%)$8,000

+Xcel Energy$6,750

+CO Tax Credit$1,000

Up to Total Savings

$15,750

80-150% AMI, Non-Xcel

Income-qualified without Xcel utility service.

HEAR (50%)$8,000

+CO Tax Credit$1,000

Up to Total Savings

$9,000

Based on cold climate heat pumps (ccASHP/ccMSHP) at $2,250/heating ton. HEAR amounts depend on income level and household size.

$8,000Max Heat Pump Rebate

$14,000Max Total Rebate

150%AMI Threshold

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Trusted by neighbors.Loved By Homes

The Best Heat Pump Experience Possible

UniColorado is the most experienced heat pump installer in the Denver metro area. With thousands of heat pump units installed, we know what works, what's high quality, and what's worth your time and money.

Heat Pump Installation

Ducted systems for homes with ductwork

Ductless Mini-Split

No ductwork needed

Cold Climate Heat Pump

Rated for Colorado winters down to -13°F

Was this page helpful?

Colorado HEAR Rebates

What is the HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate) Program?

HEAR Appliance Rebate Amounts

HEAR Rebate Calculator

Key Difference Between HEAR and HER

Do I qualify for HEAR rebates?

HEAR Rebate Amount by Income Level

County and Household Income Thresholds

How do I get my HEAR rebate?

Apply for HEAR Rebates

Documents Needed for Income Verification

HEAR Application Step-by-Step

What UniColorado Offers

Eligible Appliances & Max Rebates

Stack With Other Rebate Programs

Xcel Energy Rebates

Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit

Power Ahead / DRCOG

Stack Your Savings by Income Level

80-150% AMI, Xcel Customer

Below 80% AMI, Xcel Customer

80-150% AMI, Non-Xcel

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Heat Pump Experience Possible

Heat Pump Installation

Ductless Mini-Split

Cold Climate Heat Pump