What is the Xcel Whole Home Efficiency Program?

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.

Who is eligible for this program?

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.

Is an energy audit required?

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.

How do I schedule the energy audit?

Call 303-446-7910 and press 2 when the menu starts. That's Xcel's Home Energy Squad, run by CLEAResult. Ask for the 'Home Energy Squad Plus' visit for a full energy audit. CLEAResult's audit is $100; other companies typically charge $150–350. Xcel rebates a portion of the cost, up to $200.

What counts as a 'qualifying measure' for the three upgrades?

Qualifying measures include insulation upgrades (attic or wall), air sealing, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems like heat pumps or efficient furnaces, efficient water heaters (heat pump water heaters), and ENERGY STAR appliances. Any improvement listed in Xcel's residential rebate programs (except windows) can count.

Do I have to install all three upgrades at once?

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.

Can I use any contractor for the improvements?

You should use Xcel Energy participating contractors who are familiar with the Whole Home Efficiency requirements. Using experienced contractors (like UniColorado for heat pump installs) ensures the projects meet Xcel's standards and that your rebate paperwork will be handled correctly.

What if I only do one or two upgrades?

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.

Can I combine these rebates with other incentives?

Yes! The Xcel rebates (and bonus) are independent of other incentives. Your contractor can also apply the Colorado state tax credit, Power Ahead Colorado ($1,500, no income limit), and (for income-qualified customers in Region 2 counties) HEAR (up to $8,000). HEAR Region 1 (Front Range) funding is fully reserved as of April 28, 2026. The federal 25C tax credit for heat pumps ended December 31, 2025.

How long does it take to receive rebates?

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.

Is the Whole Home Efficiency Program time-limited or capped?

The program is ongoing (active for 2026), 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.

What kind of savings will I see on my energy bills?

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.

Can I do the energy audit myself?

No. You must use an Xcel-approved auditor. UniColorado recommends CLEAResult (call 303-446-7910, press 2 when the menu starts). Their audit is $100; other companies charge $150–350. Xcel rebates a portion of the audit cost, up to $200.

Does UniColorado handle the Whole Home Efficiency paperwork?

Yes. UniColorado handles the rebate application for the heat pump portion. We coordinate with your insulation contractor if needed to ensure all three measures are submitted correctly for the 25% bonus.

Available Now

How the Xcel Whole Home Efficiency Program Works (2026 Update)

Name: Xcel Whole Home Efficiency Program
Brand: Xcel Energy
Rating: 5 (1159 reviews)

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. UniColorado is proudly part of the Xcel Whole Home Efficiency Program.

Updated February 27, 2026•By Editorial Staff

Get Free Estimate (303) 250-1000

Blue^TM AI Summary

Energy audit required first; call CLEAResult at 303-446-7910. The $600 heat pump + insulation combo bonus stacks on top of the 25%. UniColorado handles all paperwork.

Status

Available Now

Bonus Amount

25% Extra

Energy Audit

Required First

HP + Insulation Bonus

$600 Extra

Blue can make mistakes. Check important info.

Bonus Rebate

25%

Min Upgrades

3 required

Timeline

2 years to complete

Who Qualifies

Xcel residential customers

Qualifying Measures and Bonus Rebates

Complete three or more of these upgrades to unlock the Whole Home bonus. For insulation, air sealing, and appliances it's 25% of the rebate. For heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, the 25% applies to the standard rebate portion ($750 per heating ton for cold-climate units), not the Clean Heat Plan amount.

Qualifying Measure	Standard Rebate	Whole Home Bonus
Air Sealing & Weather Stripping	30% of cost, up to $400	+ up to $100
Attic Insulation	30% of cost, up to $500	+ up to $125
Wall Insulation	30% of cost, up to $350	+ up to $88
Heat Pump (Standard) - 3 ton	$2,700 ($900/ton)	+$225
Cold Climate Heat Pump - 3 ton	$6,750 ($2,250/ton)	+$563
Heat Pump Water Heater	$2,250	+$188
High-Efficiency Gas Furnace (95% AFUE)	$225	+$56
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer/Dryer	$30 each	+$7.50 each

How to Get Started

A heat pump and condenser installed on stands beside a Denver home — A cold-climate heat pump installed by UniColorado. - Photo: UniColorado

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 holistically 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).

Whole Home Efficiency in 3 Steps

Start with an energy audit

Schedule an Xcel-approved energy audit (required before any upgrades). CLEAResult runs it for $100.

Complete 3+ qualifying upgrades

Install at least three qualifying measures (heat pump, insulation, air sealing, or water heater) within two years.

Collect your 25% bonus

Once three measures are done, Xcel adds the 25% Whole Home bonus to your standard rebate check.

From the energy audit to your bonus check, here is the whole path at a glance.

Step 1: Start with an Energy Audit

A Bosch high-efficiency heating and cooling system installed in a Denver basement — A high-efficiency Bosch system installed by UniColorado. - Photo: UniColorado

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. Xcel rebates a portion of the audit cost (up to $200), which keeps it affordable.

Every Whole Home Efficiency project starts with a home energy audit. 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.

The audit 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. Xcel helps with the cost too, rebating a portion of the audit price up to $200, so the audit ends up being very budget-friendly.

UniColorado Recommends

The official administrator of Xcel's Whole Home Efficiency program. They're the team that runs the required energy audit.

Three ways to book your audit

(303) 446-7910Just press 2 when the menu starts [email protected]Email the Home Energy Squad Schedule onlineBook a Home Energy Squad Plus visit

Why we recommend them

The $100 visit includes a full blower-door test.
No sales pitch. CLEAResult doesn't sell equipment.

Step 2: Complete 3+ Qualifying Upgrades

You qualify if

Air sealing & weather stripping

Attic or wall insulation

Heat pump (standard or cold climate)

Heat pump water heater

High-efficiency gas furnace (95% AFUE)

ENERGY STAR clothes washer/dryer

Not eligible if

Windows (excluded from WHE)

Work by non-participating contractors

Step 3: Get Bonus Rebates

An outdoor condenser unit installed against a brick wall by UniColorado — A completed outdoor unit installation. - Photo: UniColorado

For each qualified upgrade, you'll receive a "Whole Home" bonus on top of the standard Xcel rebate, available once you hit the three-project mark. For insulation, air sealing, and appliances, the bonus is 25% of the rebate. For heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, the 25% is calculated on the standard rebate portion ($750 per heating ton for a cold-climate heat pump), and does not apply to the Clean Heat Plan bonus that makes up the rest of the rebate. The paperwork is typically handled by your contractor, so you get a 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.

The bonus 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, a $400 insulation rebate adds an extra $100 (25%) for a total of $500. A 4-ton cold-climate heat pump earning $9,000 in Xcel rebates gets a $750 Whole Home bonus, which is 25% of its standard portion (4 heating tons × $750), for $9,750 total.

Qualifying Measures and Rebates

What Counts Toward the Three-Upgrade Requirement

Air Sealing & Weather Stripping: 30% of project cost, up to $400. One of the most effective improvements for comfort and efficiency.
Insulation (Attic & Wall): 30% of cost rebated. Up to $500 for attic insulation, up to $350 for wall insulation.
Heat Pump (ASHP or ccASHP): Current Xcel rebate is $900/ton (standard) or $2,250/heating ton (cold-climate). This is the biggest rebate item. The 25% Whole Home bonus is calculated on the $750/heating-ton standard rebate portion, not the Clean Heat Plan amount.
Heat Pump Water Heater: $2,250 current Xcel rebate on a qualifying model. The 25% bonus applies to the $750 standard portion.
High-Efficiency Gas Furnace (95% AFUE): $225 rebate. Xcel is retiring this rebate in 2027. Counts toward the three-upgrade minimum.
ENERGY STAR Appliances: $30 per washer or dryer. Smaller rebate, but useful if you're close to the three-upgrade threshold.

$600 Bonus for Heat Pump + Insulation Combo

Separately from the 25% Whole Home bonus, Xcel is offering a limited-time $600 bonus if you install qualifying insulation and air sealing within 6 months of your heat pump installation. Pairing a tighter, well-insulated home with a new heat pump means maximum energy savings.