Incentive status checked . What changed for 2026

For US homeowners · updated for 2026

Lower your home energy bills with guidance you can check

Plain-English guides to heat pumps, insulation, windows, water heaters and thermostats, plus the rebates and bill help that still exist in 2026. Every fact is sourced and dated.

Incentive status board

What applies right now, in one place. Last checked .

Federal 25C credit (insulation, heat pumps, windows)

Ended Dec 31, 2025

No credit for upgrades placed in service after December 31, 2025. 2025 work is claimed on the 2025 return. What changed

Federal 25D credit (solar, geothermal, batteries)

Ended Dec 31, 2025

Installations completed after December 31, 2025 do not qualify, even if paid for in 2025. IRS FAQ

Home Energy Rebates (HOMES and HEEHR)

Live in 13 states + DC

State-run rebates up to $8,000 (HOMES) and $14,000 (HEEHR). New DOE rules since May 29, 2026. Rebates by state

Weatherization Assistance Program

Funded for FY2026

Free upgrades for income-eligible households, generally up to 200% of the poverty guidelines. Bill help guide

LIHEAP bill assistance

Funded for FY2026

Help paying heating and cooling bills through your state or local agency. Check your income in our calculator. Income check

Latest guides

All guides →

Check your state in 10 seconds

Federal Home Energy Rebates are run by each state, and only some have launched. Pick your state to see what is live and where to apply.

Read the full state-by-state rebate guide

Are home energy rebates live in my state?

Rules changed under DOE Program Notice 26-2 (May 29, 2026). Confirm amounts and eligibility on the official page.

How we keep this trustworthy

How we research →
  • Primary sources onlyWe build every guide from DOE, ENERGY STAR, IRS, EIA, state energy offices and official program pages.
  • Dated, not timelessIncentives change. Each guide shows when it was updated and reviewed, and when each source was checked.
  • No sales pitchWe do not sell equipment or take payment to recommend contractors or products.
  • Corrections in the openSpot a mistake? Tell us. We fix it and note significant changes on our corrections page.

Common questions

What is the fastest way to lower my energy bill?

Start with no-cost changes: adjust the thermostat a few degrees, lower the water heater to about 120°F, and cut standby power. Then seal air leaks and add attic insulation, which are usually the cheapest upgrades with lasting savings. Our ranked guide to lowering energy bills orders the steps by cost and payback.

Can I still get a federal tax credit for a heat pump in 2026?

No. The federal 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, under the law signed July 4, 2025. If your heat pump was installed in 2025, you claim it on your 2025 tax return. For 2026 projects, look at state rebates, utility rebates and local programs instead.

Are the federal home energy rebates available everywhere?

No. The HOMES and HEEHR rebates are funded federally but run by states. As of the NASEO tracker update of September 30, 2026, 13 states and the District of Columbia had launched at least one program. Use the state checker on this page or our state-by-state guide to see yours.

Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas furnace?

It depends on your local electricity and gas prices and your climate. Heat pumps almost always beat propane, heating oil and electric resistance heat. Against cheap natural gas, savings can be small or negative. Our heat pump savings calculator compares the two with your own prices.

Who can get free weatherization?

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program serves income-eligible households, generally at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, with priority for older adults, people with disabilities and families with children. Local agencies run it and may have waiting lists, so apply early.

Do I need a home energy audit before upgrading?

It is not required, but an audit with a blower door test shows where your house actually loses energy, so you spend money in the right order. Many utilities offer free or discounted audits, and some state rebate programs require an assessment before a whole-home project.

Is this site connected to any contractor or manufacturer?

No. Home Energy Guide Hub is an independent educational publication. We do not sell products or leads, and no company pays to be mentioned. Our advertising disclosure explains how we would label any paid relationship if that ever changes.

How often is the incentive information updated?

We re-check federal and state incentive status regularly and whenever a law, IRS notice or DOE guidance changes. The date at the top of every page and on the status board shows the last check. If you spot something out of date, please contact us.

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