HEAR Program
Point-of-sale rebates on individual appliances and electrification upgrades for income-qualified Indiana households. No energy audit required — just swap eligible equipment and save.
What Is the HEAR Program?
The Home Appliance & Electrification Rebates (HEAR) program provides direct, point-of-sale rebates on specific appliances and electrification upgrades for income-qualified Indiana households. Unlike the HOMES program, HEAR doesn't require a whole-home energy audit or a minimum energy savings percentage — it's based on the specific equipment you're replacing or installing.
HEAR is designed to help low-to-moderate income households electrify their homes — replacing old gas-burning or inefficient electric equipment with modern, energy-efficient alternatives — at zero cost.
How HEAR Rebates Work
Rebates are applied at the point of sale or installation. This means the cost reduction happens when the equipment is installed — you never pay and wait for a reimbursement. There are two rebate tiers based on your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county:
- Under 80% AMI — receive the full maximum rebate for each equipment type
- 80–150% AMI — receive 50% of the full maximum rebate (still 100% free to you)
HEAR at a Glance
Eligible Appliances & Rebate Amounts
HEAR covers seven categories of equipment. Rebate amounts vary by your income tier. All installations are performed by licensed contractors at no cost to you.
Multiple upgrades are allowed. You can receive rebates on multiple equipment types in a single application, up to the household maximum ($14,000 or $7,000 depending on your income tier). Our team will help you build the most comprehensive package possible.
HEAR Rebate Amounts by Equipment & Income
| Equipment Type | Under 80% AMI (Full) | 80–150% AMI (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC System | $8,000 | $4,000 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $1,750 | $875 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| Electrical Wiring | $2,500 | $1,250 |
| Insulation & Air Sealing | $1,600 | $800 |
| Electric Stove / Oven / Cooktop | $840 | $420 |
| Heat Pump Clothes Dryer | $840 | $420 |
| Household Maximum (all equipment) | $14,000 | $7,000 |
Rebate amounts are per household, per program year. AMI varies by county and household size. Contact us to confirm your household's specific AMI tier.
Key Restrictions to Know
HEAR is designed for households making the transition to electric — there are a few important rules to understand before applying.
First-time upgrades only. HEAR covers the installation of equipment you don't already have electric versions of. For example, if you already have an electric stove, you cannot receive a HEAR rebate for a new electric stove. This rule encourages electrification of gas-burning or no-appliance households.
Primary residence required. The property must be your primary home — not a vacation home, investment property, or secondary residence.
Licensed contractor required. All work must be installed by a program-certified, licensed contractor. You cannot use HEAR rebates for DIY installation or non-certified contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you already have an electric stove, you cannot receive a HEAR rebate for a new one. HEAR is designed to help households make the switch from gas to electric, or to add electric appliances for the first time. However, you may still qualify for rebates on other equipment categories — like a heat pump water heater or electrical panel upgrade.
Yes! You can receive rebates on multiple equipment types as part of the same application, subject to the household maximum ($14,000 or $7,000 based on income tier). Our team will help you identify all the upgrades you're eligible for and build the maximum package for your home.
Income can be verified in two ways:
- Categorical Eligibility: If you currently receive benefits from programs like Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, SSI, or WIC, you automatically qualify for the under-80% AMI tier — no income documents needed, just proof of program participation.
- Income Documentation: Provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, or other income records. Our team will help you gather and prepare the right documents for your situation.
HEAR rebates are applied at the point of sale or installation — meaning the cost is deducted before any payment is due. You do not pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. The program funding flows directly to the contractor, so you experience the upgrade as completely free from start to finish.
Yes. Renters can apply for HEAR as long as the property is their primary residence. For upgrades that are part of the building structure (like HVAC systems or electrical panels), landlord consent will be required. Our team can help facilitate landlord communication and documentation.
Absolutely. HEAR and HOMES are complementary programs. HEAR covers specific appliance upgrades (no energy audit required), while HOMES covers whole-home efficiency improvements based on measured energy savings. If you qualify for both, our team can help you build a combined plan to maximize the total upgrades you receive.
Understanding the Income Requirement
HEAR uses Area Median Income (AMI) to determine eligibility. AMI varies by county and household size — which means the income limits are different depending on where you live and how many people are in your home.
What is AMI? Area Median Income is the middle income for your geographic area, calculated annually by HUD. For example, if your county's AMI for a 4-person household is $85,000, then 150% AMI would be $127,500. Most Indiana households earning under $80,000–$130,000 (depending on county and family size) will qualify for HEAR.
Two Ways to Verify Income Eligibility
Option A — Categorical Eligibility
If you currently receive benefits from any of these federal assistance programs, you automatically qualify for HEAR at the highest rebate level (under 80% AMI) — no income documents needed.
- Medicaid / Indiana Medicaid
- SNAP (food assistance)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
- Free or reduced school lunch program
Option B — Income Documentation
If you don't receive categorical benefits, you'll verify income with documents. We'll help you gather exactly what's needed based on your income sources.
- Employment: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) or W-2
- Self-employment: Most recent tax return or bank statements
- Social Security: Award letter or benefit statement
- Child support / Alimony: Court order and payment records
- Retirement / Pension: Award letter or most recent statement