Nicor Gas Attic Insulation Rebate

Overview

The Nicor Gas Attic Insulation Rebate provides $400 per home to qualifying residential customers who upgrade their attic insulation. Offered by Nicor Gas (a natural gas utility in northern Illinois), this incentive encourages weatherization to lower heating costs.

Key details:

• Rebate amount: $400 flat per home (limited to one per household).
• Types covered: Attic insulation.
• Requirements: Must follow air sealing (separate $500 rebate available), start with existing R-value of R20 or less, and achieve final R-value of R49 or greater.
• Eligible area: Northern Illinois (all current Nicor Gas residential customers).
• Expiration: Installations qualify through December 31, 2026.

How It Helps You

Adding attic insulation can reduce energy bills by 10-30% depending on your home’s size, current setup, and climate – especially valuable in Illinois winters. You’ll enjoy a warmer home in winter, cooler in summer, fewer drafts, and better comfort year-round.

This rebate lowers upfront costs, and it stacks nicely with the federal Inflation Reduction Act’s energy efficient home improvement credit (up to 30% of costs, potentially thousands more). Environmentally, you’ll reduce natural gas use and your carbon footprint.

Pros: Significant upfront savings, quick payback through lower bills, improved home value. Cons: Requires paperwork, pre/post photos, and using an approved contractor; air sealing must come first.

Eligibility and Application

• Homeowners must be active residential Nicor Gas customers.
• Attic must have existing insulation R20 or less; upgrade to R49+.
• If vermiculite/perlite is present, consult a certified professional first.
• Work must be done by a program-approved contractor (find via Nicor Gas tool).
• Air sealing must be completed before insulation qualifies.

Step-by-step application:

1. Use the Nicor Gas Find a Contractor tool (enter ZIP, select “Air sealing and insulation”).
2. Get air sealing done first if needed.
3. Have approved contractor install attic insulation to meet R-value requirements.
4. Collect pre- and post-installation photos (including R-value measurement stick).
5. Apply online within 90 days of installation (or by January 31, 2027) at apply.nicorgasrebates.com, or call 877-886-4239 for paper form.
6. Submit invoice, photos, and details; track status online.

Real-World Examples

• A Chicago-area homeowner with low attic insulation upgrades to R49 after air sealing. They get $400 back from Nicor Gas, plus ongoing savings of $300-600/year on heating bills, and may claim federal tax credits too.
• A suburban family in Nicor Gas territory adds insulation during a home remodel, reducing drafts and energy use by 20%, with the $400 rebate covering a big chunk of costs and faster payback.

Frequently Asked Questions