We get that you’re busy, so in short: You must get an energy audit through an approved Xcel contractor, enroll in the WHE program, then install at least three qualifying measures within 2-years to get 25% bonus rebates.
Xcel Energy’s Whole Home Efficiency Program helps Colorado homeowners save energy and earn rebates by bundling at least three upgrades. This program is intended to incentivize homeowners to hollistically improve energy efficiency in their home. You receive standard rebates for each improvement plus an extra 25% bonus, resulting in greater savings on insulation, heating, and cooling projects for a more efficient home.
UniColorado is proudly part of the Xcel Whole Home Efficiency Program (WHE).
Getting started with Whole Home Efficiency is straightforward. Here’s the big picture:
Begin by scheduling a home energy audit. An audit identifies where your home can improve (think insulation, air leaks, heating/cooling efficiency) and is required by Xcel before you proceed. Don’t worry – Xcel subsidizes most of the cost of the audit (covering 60% of it, up to $200), making it affordable.
A home inspection that identifies where your house is losing energy and recommends improvements.
An energy audit typically takes around 1-3 hours.
Yes. Xcel requires an audit before any Whole Home Efficiency measures are installed.
Typically $100–$300, but Xcel covers 60% (up to $200).
As of April 2025, ClearResult's full energy audit (including a blower door test) costs $100 out-of-pocket.
You may use anyone off the public contractor's list by clicking here. UniColorado recommends that you call CLEAResult at 303-446-7910 (option 2) as in our opinion, they're the best choice for the whole home efficiency program's energy audit requirement.
After the audit, you’ll enroll in the Whole Home Efficiency Program through your energy auditor or your contractor. From the time you sign up, you’ll have up to two years to complete your upgrades, but most homeowners aim to finish within about a year to maximize comfort and savings sooner. To qualify for the bonus rebates, you must implement three or more qualifying energy upgrades—such as sealing air leaks, adding insulation, installing efficient heat pumps, or upgrading your water heater. Each measure comes with its own Xcel rebate, and once you complete three, you unlock an additional 25% bonus rebate on top of the standard amounts.
- Air Sealing & Weather Stripping
- Attic Insulation
- Wall Insulation (above grade)
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) – ducted/non-ducted/mixed
- Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) – ducted/non-ducted/mixed
- Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)
- 95%+ Efficient Gas Furnace
- Tankless Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Premium Evaporative Cooler
- ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer
- ENERGY STAR Clothes Dryer
Completing three qualifying measures triggers a 25% bonus rebate on top of Xcel’s standard rebates. It’s an incentive to tackle multiple projects for maximum energy savings and bigger rebates.
No. You can space them out over up to two years after enrolling. Most homeowners complete them within about a year to start enjoying comfort and savings sooner.
Yes, as long as each contractor is an Xcel-participating provider. For heat pumps, we recommend UniColorado. For insulation or air sealing, you can use another Xcel-approved contractor.
For each qualified upgrade, you’ll receive the standard Xcel rebate plus an extra 25% of that rebate as a “Whole Home” bonus (available once you hit the three-project mark). The paperwork for rebates is typically handled by your contractor, so you get a hassle-free refund check after the work is done. Essentially, Whole Home Efficiency rewards you for tackling multiple projects in a coordinated way, maximizing your rebate dollars.
The whole home efficiency rebate’s 25% bonus rebate is provided as a check to homeowners and cannot be assigned to contractors.
Now, let’s break down each step in a bit more detail:
Every Whole Home Efficiency journey begins with a home energy audit. In fact, Xcel Energy requires an energy audit (such as a blower-door test or Home Energy Squad assessment) before you install any improvements. The audit is like a check-up for your house – a certified energy auditor will inspect your insulation levels, test for air leaks, examine heating and cooling systems, and identify the best opportunities to save energy.
Why an audit? It provides a game plan for upgrades. You’ll learn which improvements will have the biggest impact on comfort and savings. Plus, completing an Xcel-approved audit makes you eligible for rebates on the upgrades to come. Tip: Xcel helps with the cost of the audit: they’ll rebate 60% of the audit price (up to $100–$200 back) depending on the type of audit you choose, so the audit ends up being very budget-friendly.
Scheduling your audit: We recommend using Xcel’s partner CLEAResult for the audit. They run the Home Energy Squad® program and don’t sell any equipment, so their advice is unbiased. To schedule quickly, call 303-446-7910 (option 2) and ask for a Home Energy Squad Plus visit (this is the full energy audit). The auditors from CLEAResult are experienced and will provide a detailed report of recommended upgrades. With your audit report in hand, you’re ready for the next step.
After the audit, it’s time to tackle the upgrades. To unlock the Whole Home Efficiency bonus rebates, you’ll need to complete at least three qualifying energy improvements within 2-years of the energy audit. You can choose the projects that make the most sense for your home and budget – common measures include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and other high-efficiency equipment. All these upgrades not only cut your energy bills and make your home more comfortable, but they also come with generous Xcel rebates.
Eligible upgrades and rebates: Here are some of the qualifying measures that count toward the program, along with the standard rebates you can earn for each (before the bonus). Remember, once you complete three, you get an extra 25% added to each standard rebate as a bonus. (We’ll summarize these in a handy table below.)
Reducing air leaks (drafts) in your home is one of the most effective improvements. Xcel offers a rebate covering 30% of the air sealing project cost, up to $400 back. By tightening up your home’s envelope, you not only save energy but also qualify this as one measure toward your Whole Home bundle.
Upgrading insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Qualifying insulation projects get about 30% of the cost rebated – up to $500 back for attic insulation and up to $350 back for wall insulation. With the bonus, those caps effectively increase (25% more rebate). Better insulation also complements other upgrades (like heat pumps) by reducing overall heating/cooling needs.
Heat pumps are super-efficient systems that provide electric heating and air conditioning in one. Xcel’s standard rebate for a qualifying air source heat pump (ASHP) is $300 per ton of cooling capacity. For example, a typical 3-ton heat pump could earn a $900 rebate normally – and $1,125 with the Whole Home bonus. If it’s a cold-climate heat pump (designed for extra efficiency in freezing temperatures), the standard rebate is higher, around $750 per heating ton (so that same 3-ton cold-climate unit might get $2,250 standard, or $2,812 with bonus). These rebates make switching from a gas furnace or older A/C to a heat pump much more affordable. (At UniColorado, we specialize in heat pump installations and have become one of Xcel’s top rebate-producing contractors – we love helping homeowners switch to efficient heat pumps and claim these rebates!)
If a heat pump isn’t in the cards, upgrading an old furnace can qualify too. Installing a 95% AFUE efficient furnace (replacing a really old unit) yields a $225 rebate. While this won’t save as much energy as a heat pump conversion, it can be one of the three measures if you need it. (Note: the Whole Home bonus would add about $56 extra to this rebate).
Ditching a gas water heater for an electric heat pump water heater can save money and reduce carbon footprint. Xcel offers a hefty $750 rebate on a qualifying heat pump water heater. With the Whole Home bonus, you’d get an additional ~$187 on top. This upgrade counts as another measure toward your three.
Certain efficient appliances count too. For instance, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® clothes washer or dryer earns a $30 rebate per appliance. These rebates are smaller, but if you’re close to three measures, even swapping out an old washer/dryer for efficient models can help you reach the bonus threshold (each appliance counts as one measure with a $30 rebate, plus $7.50 bonus).
Each of these projects is one “measure” toward your three. You can mix and match based on your needs – common combinations might be air sealing + attic insulation + a heat pump, or insulation + heat pump water heater + heat pump HVAC, etc. The key is to hit at least three. Keep in mind that all work must be done by participating contractors approved by Xcel’s program (this ensures the installations meet quality standards and qualify for rebates). For example, your insulation and sealing might be done by an energy efficiency contractor, while a company like UniColorado handles the heat pump install. (We’re an approved Xcel contractor for heat pumps, so our work qualifies for the rebates.) Coordinate the projects in a way – and timeline – that works for you. You don’t necessarily have to do all upgrades on the exact same day; you just need to complete them within the program timeframe (typically within about 12 months of your audit/enrollment) to qualify for the bonus.
Below is a summary of some qualifying measures and their rebates. The “Standard Rebate” is what Xcel normally offers for that upgrade. The “Whole Home Bonus Rebate” is the additional 25% you’d get once you complete three measures (it’s calculated off the standard rebate). Combine the two, and that’s your total rebate per item under the Whole Home Efficiency Program:
(Note: “Bonus Rebate” is 25% of the standard rebate; it’s an extra amount added when you complete 3+ measures in the program. For example, a $300 standard rebate becomes $300 + $75 = $375 total with the bonus.)*
As you can see, the dollars can add up quickly. By bundling improvements, you’re essentially stacking rebates. Many homeowners find that the bonus rebates alone can be worth a few hundred to a few thousand dollars extra in savings, depending on the projects. And of course, you’ll enjoy lower utility bills going forward thanks to the efficiency gains from these upgrades.
Once your upgrades are installed and any required inspections are done, the final step is to collect your rebates. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate the rebate paperwork alone. As your contractor, UniColorado will take care of submitting the rebate application to Xcel Energy on your behalf (for the measures we install). We’ll compile all the needed documentation – invoices, equipment info, etc. – and send it in to Xcel’s rebate processing team. (If multiple contractors are involved for different measures, each can help with the rebate forms for their part of the project.)
Xcel Energy will review the application and then issue your rebates as a check in the mail (or sometimes as bill credits, but usually a check). You can expect to receive the rebate check a few weeks after submission, once Xcel verifies everything. Each measure’s standard rebate will be applied, and if you’ve completed three or more measures, Xcel will include the 25% bonus rebate for each of those measures as well. (Important: the bonus is calculated only on the base rebate amounts – it doesn’t increase other incentives like federal tax credits or separate promotions. It strictly adds 25% of Xcel’s standard rebate for each eligible improvement.)
You don’t need to fill out a separate form to claim the Whole Home bonus. The rebate application will indicate that you’re part of the Whole Home Efficiency Program, and Xcel will automatically add the bonus once they see at least three qualifying upgrades have been completed within the allowed timeframe. Just make sure all your projects are documented and submitted together (or within a close period) under the Whole Home Efficiency rebate form. Our team is familiar with the process and will ensure that everything is in order so you get every dollar you’ve earned. (It’s worth noting that rebate processing can take several weeks; Xcel is handling a lot of applications. By letting experienced contractors handle the paperwork, you minimize the chance of errors or missing info that could delay your check
Once submitted, all you have to do is wait for your rebate check to arrive. If you completed three upgrades, you’ll see that extra 25% bonus reflected in the total. Congratulations – you’ve just made a big improvement to your home and received a well-deserved reward for taking a comprehensive approach to efficiency!
Ready to boost your home’s efficiency and cash in on these rebates? Here’s how to get started:
First, schedule your Xcel Home Energy Audit with CLEAResult by calling 303-446-7910 (opt. 2) – let them know you’re interested in the Whole Home Efficiency Program. They’ll perform the audit and give you a report of recommended improvements. Next, come talk to us at UniColorado about your heating and cooling upgrades. Whether you’re considering a new heat pump system or other efficiency projects, our experts are here to help you plan the right mix of improvements to maximize your comfort and rebates. We’ll coordinate with you (and any other contractors, if needed) to ensure at least three qualifying upgrades are completed and that all the rebate paperwork is handled smoothly.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your home more comfortable while getting money back from Xcel. The Whole Home Efficiency Program is a fantastic way to save energy and get rewarded for it. Call us today to discuss your project wish list – we’ll help you turn that energy audit report into real upgrades and guide you through every step, so you can enjoy a cozier home and a nice stack of rebate checks to boot. Here’s to a more efficient home and lower bills for years to come!
We’ve been designing and installing heat pump systems in Colorado for over a decade—long before they became popular. Unlike many contractors who place rebate risks and waiting periods on homeowners, we immediately apply your Xcel rebate as an upfront discount, saving you money from day one.
With UniColorado, you get the peace of mind that comes from thousands of successful heat pump installations combined with hassle-free, upfront rebate savings.
It’s a rebate program from Xcel Energy (in Colorado) that rewards you for making multiple energy-efficient home upgrades. If you complete three or more qualifying improvements (after an energy audit), Xcel adds a 25% bonus to the standard rebates for each measure.
Any Xcel Energy residential customer in Colorado can participate (whether you have gas service, electric, or both). You just need to be the account holder of an Xcel Energy home, and you must complete the required energy audit first.
Yes – you must get an Xcel-approved home energy audit before installing any upgrades under Whole Home Efficiency. The audit identifies what improvements your home needs and ensures you qualify for the rebates. Xcel also rebates a portion of the audit cost, making it very worthwhile.
Call 303-446-7910 (Option 2) to reach Xcel’s Home Energy Squad (run by CLEAResult) and schedule an audit. Ask for the “Home Energy Squad Plus” visit for a full energy audit. This is the fastest way to get on the schedule. The audit typically costs around $100 (after instant discounts) and you’ll get up to $100 back from Xcel later.
Qualifying measures include insulation upgrades (attic or wall), air sealing (professional sealing of leaks and drafts), high-efficiency heating and cooling systems like heat pumps or efficient furnaces, efficient water heaters (heat pump water heaters), and even things like evaporative coolers or ENERGY STAR appliance replacements. Essentially, any improvement listed in Xcel’s residential rebate programs (except windows, which currently don’t have rebates) can count. Common examples are: air sealing, attic insulation, a heat pump HVAC system, a heat pump water heater, etc.
No, you can phase the projects within the program’s timeframe. You might do one or two upgrades initially and the third a few months later. The key is that you complete at least three eligible upgrades within about a year (the program allows up to two years maximum) of your audit/enrollment to earn the bonus. Many homeowners tackle multiple projects in one go, but it’s fine to spread them out a bit as long as you finish the trio in time.
You should use Xcel Energy participating contractors who are familiar with the Whole Home Efficiency requirements. The work needs to be done, inspected, and verified by approved contractors for the rebates to apply. Using experienced contractors (like UniColorado for heat pump installs, or insulation specialists for insulation work) ensures the projects meet Xcel’s standards and that your rebate paperwork will be handled correctly.
You’ll still receive the standard Xcel rebates for those individual improvements, but you won’t get the 25% bonus. The Whole Home bonus is only triggered once three or more qualifying measures are completed. If you’re not ready for three projects, you can still do upgrades one by one and get normal rebates – you just won’t get the extra bonus rebate.
Yes! The Xcel rebates (and bonus) are independent of other incentives. You can still claim federal tax credits (for things like heat pumps or insulation under the Inflation Reduction Act) and any state or local rebates you qualify for. For example, there’s a 30% federal tax credit for installing heat pump HVAC systems or heat pump water heaters, which you can stack on top of Xcel’s rebates. Some cities/counties in Colorado also have their own rebates for certain upgrades. Just keep in mind that Xcel won’t give multiple rebates for the same equipment – you have to choose Whole Home Efficiency or another Xcel program, not both (but Whole Home Efficiency already maximizes your Xcel rebate anyway).
The bonus 25% is added to your rebate check from Xcel after you’ve completed the three measures. You don’t need to apply separately for it – it will automatically be calculated when your contractor submits the Whole Home Efficiency rebate application. For example, if you had a $400 rebate for insulation, your check would include an extra $100 (25%) for a total of $500. Xcel processes everything together, so you’ll receive one combined rebate payment per measure that reflects the bonus.
Typically, you can expect the rebate check from Xcel in about 6–8 weeks after the final paperwork is submitted. Sometimes it’s faster, but 1–2 months is a good rule of thumb. If there are any mistakes or missing info in the application, it can delay things, which is why we handle the submission for you to make sure it’s correct. Xcel will either mail you a check or, in some cases, apply a credit on your energy bill for the rebate amount.
The program is ongoing for now (currently active for 2025), but Xcel does have limited funding for rebates each year. It’s wise to take advantage sooner rather than later, in case funding or rebate amounts change. Also, the “limited-time bonus” amounts shown in Xcel’s charts (like the heat pump rebates being triple the usual in 2025) are guaranteed only for invoices dated in the program year – so acting within the year can secure the best rebates. Always check Xcel’s latest rebate info or talk to your contractor for any updates.
Savings vary by home and the improvements you make. However, by addressing your home as a whole, you’re attacking energy waste on multiple fronts. Many homeowners see significant reductions in heating costs after sealing and insulation (often 10-20% savings on heating bills) plus additional savings if switching from an old furnace or A/C to a heat pump. Beyond dollars, you’ll likely notice your home is more comfortable – fewer drafts, more even temperatures, and possibly better air quality. The program’s real aim is to make your home efficient and comfortable, with the rebates as a generous reward for taking those steps.
