North Dakota HEAR Program

Overview

• What it is – A rebate program focused on electrification and efficiency upgrades for low- to moderate-income households. It covers insulation, air sealing, ventilation, electric appliances (like heat pumps), and electrical upgrades.
• Provider – Administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, in partnership with Franklin Energy.
• Eligible areas – Statewide across North Dakota (no ZIP restrictions listed; available to qualifying residents throughout the state).
• Key details – Up to $1,600 specifically for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation (part of a total household cap of up to $14,000 for all qualifying upgrades). Rebates are often applied as point-of-sale discounts.
• Expiration – Funds available until expended (generally through 2031 under IRA guidelines), though program launch timing and availability should be confirmed on the official site.

How It Helps You

Adding insulation through the HEAR program can cut your heating and cooling costs significantly – often by 10-30% or more depending on your home’s current setup and North Dakota’s cold climate. Better insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, improves comfort, reduces drafts, and lowers your carbon footprint by decreasing energy use.

Pros

• Direct cash rebates or point-of-sale discounts reduce upfront costs dramatically.
• Can often stack with the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (up to $1,200 for insulation).
• Long-term savings on utility bills – many homeowners recoup costs quickly.

Cons

• Income eligibility required (generally households ≤150% of area median income, with maximum rebates for ≤80%).
• Program is still rolling out – not all rebates may be active yet (check status regularly).
• Requires working with approved contractors and may involve paperwork or energy assessments.

Eligibility and Application

• Who qualifies – North Dakota homeowners or renters (with landlord approval) whose household income is typically at or below 150% of the area median income (higher rebates for lower incomes).
• Required improvements – Eligible insulation types include attic, walls, floor/basement, whole-home, plus air sealing and ventilation. Often paired with other upgrades like heat pumps.
• Step-by-step application process
  1. Visit the official North Dakota Department of Commerce Home Energy Rebates page to check current status and eligibility.
  2. Confirm your household income qualifies (use HUD area median income tables).
  3. Get a home energy assessment or work with an approved contractor (often required).
  4. Complete eligible upgrades (insulation, air sealing, etc.) through a participating provider.
  5. Submit documentation for rebate approval – many are applied directly at point-of-sale or post-installation.
  6. Receive your rebate (check or discount) and enjoy lower energy bills!

Real-World Examples

• A North Dakota family in a drafty older home adds attic and wall insulation plus air sealing. They could receive up to $1,600 back, cut their annual heating bills by $400–$700 in the state’s cold winters, and stack this with federal tax credits for even more savings.
• A moderate-income homeowner upgrades insulation alongside a heat pump system, qualifying for a combined rebate of several thousand dollars – turning a major efficiency project into an affordable way to slash energy costs year-round.

FAQs