Program Overview
Federal rebates are now available to income-eligible New Mexico residents to help make energy-saving home improvement projects more affordable. Take advantage of rebates to support qualifying energy efficiency projects, such as upgrading to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, adding insulation, or installing efficient heating and cooling equipment.
Please note: This program is being launched in phases, and not all products are currently available. Be sure to come back to this website for the latest information on rebates and offerings.
Let’s get started by discovering the energy-efficient product rebates you qualify for!
With up to $14,000 in savings available through the HEAR program, you can upgrade your home easily. Don’t miss out—find out what you’re eligible for and start your journey to a more energy-efficient home today!
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Income Eligibility: You need to earn less than 80% of your county’s Area Median Income (AMI) or participate in specific state or federal benefit programs.
- Property Requirement: You must own and live in a single-family home, duplex, triplex, quadplex, or townhome.
What is offered?
The program offers rebates for qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified electric appliances and energy-efficient upgrades. You can purchase multiple items at different times, with a maximum rebate of $14,000 per address. Please note, the program is being launched in phases, so not all products are available yet.
What forms are necessary to apply?
Proof of identity, address and income or qualifying program participation must be provided in the application. Visit clean.energy.nm.gov/get-started to apply today.
How do I know if I am financially eligible for the HEAR program?
To be eligible for the HEAR program, you need to earn less than 80% of your county’s Area Median Income (AMI) or participate in specific state or federal benefit programs.
AMI Guidelines
Area Median Income (AMI) is a measure used to determine the median, or middle, income for households in a specific geographic area, such as a county or metropolitan region. It is often used to assess eligibility for various housing and financial assistance programs.
The example below is based on the NM State Area Median Income: $78,000 (See the AMI of Your County)
# in Household | Income Level |
---|---|
1 | $44,200 or less |
2 | $50,500 or less |
3 | $56,800 or less |
4 | $63,100 or less |
5 | $68,150 or less |
6 | $73,200 or less |
7 | $78,250 or less |
8 | $83,300 or less |
Eligible State or Federal Benefit Programs
If you participate in one of these eligible state or federal benefit programs, you may qualify for rebates on energy-efficient products.
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Head Start
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Housing Improvement Program (HIP)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
Is it clear as mud? That's ok, it's complicated.
If you’re still unsure about your eligibility, don’t worry—we’re here to help! Click below to quickly see which energy-efficient rebates you qualify for and start saving today.
What rebates are offered as part of the HEAR program?
The program offers rebates for certain qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified electric appliances and energy-efficient technologies and upgrades. You can purchase more than one appliance or technology, at separate times. The maximum rebate total per address is $14,000. Please note, this program is being launched in phases, and not all products are currently available. Please return to this webpage for the latest information on rebates and offerings or sign up here to receive updates.
Appliances | ||
---|---|---|
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Must be ENERGY STAR® certified. May be DIY-installed if upgrading an existing electric dryer. |
Up to $840 (Limit one per household) |
Coming Soon |
Electric or Induction Cooktop, Stove, Range or Oven Must be ENERGY STAR certified. Must replace a non-electric model or be purchased for new construction to be eligible. Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $840 (Limit one per household) |
Coming Soon |
Heat Pump Water Heater Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $1,750 | Coming Soon |
Insulation, Air Sealing and Ventilation | ||
Wall, Ceiling/Attic, Floor and Foundation Insulation Must be ENERGY STAR certified blanket (roll or batt), or rigid board insulation. |
Up to $1,600 | Apply Now |
Air Sealing Upgrades Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. May include insulation duct sealing, windows, kitchen and bathroom vent fans, caulking and weatherstripping. |
Up to $1,600 | Coming Soon |
Heating and Cooling | ||
Central (Ducted) or Un-Ducted (Mini-Split) Air Source Heat Pump Systems Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $8,000 | Coming Soon |
Un-Ducted (Mini-Split) Air Source Heat Pumps Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $8,000 | Coming Soon |
Electric Upgrades | ||
Electric Service Panel Load Upgrade Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $4,000 | Coming Soon |
Electric Wiring Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $2,500 | Coming Soon |
Ready to Claim Your Product Rebate?
Curious about which energy-saving products and rebates you can take advantage of? Try our Eligibility Wizard to quickly see what’s available for your home or business. It’s a simple way to unlock potential savings and start making your space more energy-efficient today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Home Energy Rebates?
On Aug. 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides nearly $400 billion to support clean energy and address climate change, including $8.8 billion for the Home Energy Rebates.
These rebates — which include the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) — will put money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates can help you save money on select home improvement projects, which can also lower your energy bills.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates these rebates will save households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs.
Are rebates available yet?
Each state is launching the program at different times. In New Mexico, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program will launch September 3, 2024. This program is being launched in phases, and not all products are currently available. Be sure to come back to this website or sign up for updates here for the latest information on rebates and offerings.
In New Mexico, the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will be available later in 2024.
Who is eligible for the rebates?
Eligible participants must be New Mexicans who:
- A) Earn below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or B) participate in certain state or federal benefit programs. See further explanation below.
- Own and live in a single-family detached home, duplex, triplex, quadplex or townhome.
——————————–
A) Earn below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
AMI is based on the income level of the county in which you live and the number of people in your household. Therefore, proof of address and income must be provided at the time of application.
B) Participate in certain state or federal benefit programs
Eligible State Programs inlcude:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Head Start
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Housing Improvement Program (HIP)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
View the complete federal list here
Please note: Renters with landlord permission and landlords/owners of multi-unit properties or multi-story building with shared walls may also be eligible and can participate by the end of 2024. Please return to this webpage for the latest eligibility information or sign up here to receive updates.
What does this program cover?
Appliances | ||
---|---|---|
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Must be ENERGY STAR® certified. May be DIY-installed if upgrading an existing electric dryer. |
Up to $840 (Limit one per household) |
Coming Soon |
Electric or Induction Cooktop, Stove, Range or Oven Must be ENERGY STAR certified. Must replace a non-electric model or be purchased for new construction to be eligible. Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $840 (Limit one per household) |
Coming Soon |
Heat Pump Water Heater Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $1,750 | Coming Soon |
Insulation, Air Sealing and Ventilation | ||
Wall, Ceiling/Attic, Floor and Foundation Insulation Must be ENERGY STAR certified blanket (roll or batt), or rigid board insulation. |
Up to $1,600 | Apply Now |
Air Sealing Upgrades Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. May include insulation duct sealing, windows, kitchen and bathroom vent fans, caulking and weatherstripping. |
Up to $1,600 | Coming Soon |
Heating and Cooling | ||
Central (Ducted) or Un-Ducted (Mini-Split) Air Source Heat Pump Systems Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $8,000 | Coming Soon |
Un-Ducted (Mini-Split) Air Source Heat Pumps Must be ENERGY STAR certified and installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $8,000 | Coming Soon |
Electric Upgrades | ||
Electric Service Panel Load Upgrade Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $4,000 | Coming Soon |
Electric Wiring Must be installed by an Authorized Program Contractor. |
Up to $2,500 | Coming Soon |
When does this program end?
The programs will end four years after launch, approximately summer of 2028 or when the funding has been exhausted, whichever comes first.
Can I also receive utility rebates and discounts for these same upgrades?
Probably. Both the HER and HEAR program allow the “stacking” or combining of rebates and other discounts on the same measures. So, depending on the rules regarding your utility rebates, you may be eligible for utility rebates in addition to these Home Rebates. Please visit your utility’s website for more information.
You may also be eligible for certain state and federal tax incentives towards these same measures, on top of the HER or HEAR Rebates. You can learn about New Mexico tax credits here and federal tax credits here. Some of these tax credits apply even if you don’t owe enough in taxes, i.e., they offer a “cash” refund from the government.
I am interested in purchasing and having a heat pump or other energy-efficient appliance installed in my home. If I do so, will I be eligible for a rebate under this program?
To be eligible for HEAR program rebates, you must meet the housing and income eligibility requirements, and apply through the HEAR program prior to purchase. If eligible, you will be able to apply for rebates to make the purchase and installation of qualifying, energy-efficient appliances, including heat pumps, more affordable.
To be eligible for certain rebates, you must use an Authorized Program Contractor for installation services. However, select rebates are available if you choose to complete the installation yourself. For product specifications and installation requirements, see “Requirements” in the table under “4. What rebates are offered as part of the HEAR program?” prior to purchase and installation.
Where do I find a list of authorized program contractors for New Mexico?
An Authorized Contractor list will be available in the fall of 2024. Sign up here to receive updates.
What forms are necessary to apply? And where do I find these forms?
Visit clean.energy.nm.gov/get-started to apply today. Proof of identity, address and income or qualifying program participation must be provided in the application. Check back here for updates or subscribe to our newsletter here.
Do I pay full price for the energy efficiency measure (heat pump, insulation, etc.) and then have the State reimburse me the amount of my rebate?
No. Once your eligibility has been determined through the online application process, you will receive a rebate coupon that you can use at a participating retailer when purchasing your items. The rebate coupon will be presented at the register, and the rebate amount applied to the sale. You will be responsible for any amount that exceeds your designated rebate. Rebate funds can be used to pay state sales tax.
If you are completing a project using an Authorized Contractor, the rebate funds will be reserved. The Authorized Contractor will deduct the rebate amount from the final invoice. You will be responsible for any amount that exceeds the designated rebate.
Can the coupon also cover installation costs?
Yes. If using an Authorized Contractor to complete your project, the rebate amount may be used to cover both equipment and labor (and state sales tax). Please note, however, that those combined costs may exceed the amount of the rebate. Any costs above the amount of the rebate, whether for purchase or installation—or a combination of the two—is the participant’s responsibility.
Do self-installation projects qualify for the rebates?
Yes. Certain products and upgrades may be self-installed (or “DIY-installed”) and qualify for rebates, including insulation and a heat pump clothes dryer. See the table under the FAQ, “What does this program cover?”
I plan to complete multiple qualifying upgrades and purchases. What is the maximum rebate amount allowed per household?
The maximum allowable rebate per household is $14,000 for the HEAR program. You do not have to make all the purchases at once.
Which products, technologies or upgrades has the U.S. Department of Energy approved to qualify for rebates?
Select ENERGY STAR certified appliances and energy-efficient technologies qualify for program rebates. For a partial list, click here. You can also access the EPA’s fact sheet on ENERGY STAR certifications that are relevant to the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program here.
Because states will design programs to meet their local needs, there is not a national list of technologies that are eligible for Home Energy Rebates. See the table above for qualifying products.
I need assistance. Where can I get answers to further questions?
For more questions, visit our Contact Us page or call 888-290-9337. You can also visit the DOE’s Home Energy Rebates FAQ page here. For updates, check back on this website or consider signing up for our newsletter here.
I do not meet the income eligibility requirements. Is there anything available for me?
Yes! You may be eligible for other various state and federal tax credits. You can learn about New Mexico tax credits here and federal tax credits here. Some of these tax credits apply even if you don’t owe enough in taxes, i.e., they offer a “cash” refund from the government.
You may also be eligible for rebates from your utility.
I am a contractor. How can I participate?
Contractors must apply and be registered and approved by the Program Administrator to participate in the IRA Rebate Programs. The Program Administrator will review and approve the application if the program requirements are met. Mandatory training on how to participate in the IRA Rebate Programs is required before the Contractor is eligible to begin work on the Programs. Contractors interested in installing heat pumps under this program must also be certified by EPA and the NM Construction Industries Division. Contractor participation is anticipated to open by the end of 2024.
Contact the Program Administrator at ddegroft@franklinenergy.com to get started.
I would like to get a job offering these services. What training and certifications do I need?
The energy transition provides an opportunity to create more high-paying jobs for New Mexico’s current and prospective workforce. For New Mexicans interested in becoming first-time contractors, community colleges, unions, vendors, and apprenticeship programs are available to provide training.
A few upcoming programs, including Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC), will offer entry-level training. TREC’s objectives include lowering training expenses for both new and existing home energy contractors, increasing the availability of training opportunities for underrepresented populations, and offering testing and certifications for contractors specializing in the installation of home energy efficiency and electrification technologies. We hope to launch the TREC program in the fall of 2024. Check back here for updates or consider signing up for the newsletter here.
For further information, individuals can reach out to existing training facilities, such as EnergySmart Academy at Santa Fe Community College, which provide certification programs. You may qualify to receive access to free tuition as well as supplementary support services.