Washington HEAR Rebate

Overview

The Washington Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, offers incentives to help households switch to high-efficiency electric equipment and make energy-saving home improvements. This state program (funded partly by the federal Inflation Reduction Act and state sources like the Climate Commitment Act) provides rebates for measures including insulation, air sealing, ventilation, electric appliances, heat pumps, and electrical upgrades. It’s designed for low- to moderate-income households across Washington state. Key rebate for insulation-related work reaches up to $1,600 (for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation combined), with total household rebates potentially up to $14,000 depending on measures and income level. The program operates through third-party administrators in various communities. (Image: Attic insulation being installed in a home)

How It Helps You

Adding insulation through this rebate can cut your heating and cooling costs significantly – often by 10-30% depending on your home’s current setup and climate. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable home year-round with fewer drafts and even temperatures. Environmentally, it reduces energy use and lowers your carbon footprint by making electric heating more efficient. A big plus: these rebates can often stack with the federal 25C tax credit for additional savings on insulation projects.

Pros: Upfront cost reduction makes upgrades affordable; long-term bill savings pay back quickly; supports clean energy goals. Cons: Requires income qualification and paperwork; availability depends on local administrators and funding.

Eligibility and Application

• Homeowners or renters in Washington state (some programs include multifamily and small businesses).
• Household income up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) – check your county’s AMI via HUD tools or state resources.
• Focus on low- to moderate-income households; some administrators prioritize under 80% AMI for higher rebates.
• Improvements must involve qualified high-efficiency electric upgrades (insulation often paired with air sealing/ventilation or electrification).
• Not all areas have active administrators yet – availability varies by county/community.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Email [email protected] with “State Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program” in the subject to find a local/third-party administrator serving your area.
2. Check eligibility with the administrator (provide income docs).
3. Get a qualified contractor to assess and install eligible measures (insulation, etc.).
4. Submit project details for approval and receive rebate (often point-of-sale or post-install reimbursement).

Real-World Examples

• A Seattle-area family at moderate income adds attic and wall insulation plus air sealing. They qualify for up to $1,600 back, reduce winter heating bills by $400-600/year, and improve comfort in their older home.
• A Spokane homeowner pairs basement insulation with a heat pump upgrade, accessing the full insulation rebate alongside appliance incentives for total savings over $5,000 upfront and ongoing lower energy costs. (Image: Energy savings chart showing reduced bills after insulation upgrade)(Image: Before and after home energy efficiency upgrade)

FAQs

Ready to lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable? Check your eligibility today by emailing [email protected] or visiting the official site at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/energy-incentives/hear. Start saving – your wallet and the planet will thank you!