HOMES Program
Whole-home energy efficiency rebates available to all Indiana households — regardless of income. Get up to $8,000 in free upgrades, or up to $16,000 if your income is under 80% AMI.
What Is the HOMES Program?
The Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program is a federally funded initiative that provides cash rebates to Indiana households for making energy-efficient improvements to their homes. Unlike the HEAR program, HOMES is open to all income levels — any Indiana homeowner or renter can participate.
Rebates are calculated based on the percentage of whole-home energy savings achieved after the upgrades are completed. An energy auditor measures your home's energy use before and after improvements, and your rebate is determined by how much energy your home saves.
Who Is Eligible?
Any Indiana household where the property is a primary residence can apply for HOMES. This includes:
- Homeowners at any income level
- Renters (with landlord consent for structural changes)
- Owners of multifamily buildings (rebates per unit)
- Single-family and multifamily residential properties
HOMES at a Glance
Eligible Home Improvements
HOMES covers a wide range of improvements — the key is that together they must achieve at least 20% whole-home energy savings, as measured by a certified energy auditor.
Heat Pump HVAC Systems
High-efficiency heat pump systems for heating and cooling, replacing older gas or electric resistance systems.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Energy-efficient water heating that uses ambient air instead of burning gas — dramatically lowers water heating costs.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Attic, wall, floor, and crawlspace insulation combined with air sealing — often the highest-impact upgrade for energy savings.
Duct Sealing & Insulation
Sealing leaky ductwork stops conditioned air from escaping into attics and crawlspaces — one of the most cost-effective efficiency improvements.
ENERGY STAR Appliances
Qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers, when they contribute to overall savings.
Smart Thermostats & Controls
Programmable and smart thermostats that optimize heating and cooling schedules, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.
How Much Can I Receive?
Your HOMES rebate is based on two factors: how much energy your home saves (as a percentage of your total energy use before upgrades), and your household income level.
| Energy Savings Achieved | Standard Rebate | Low-Income (<80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 20–34% savings | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| 35–49% savings | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| 50% or more savings | $8,000 | $16,000 |
| Multifamily (per unit) | Up to $400 | Up to $800 |
Energy savings are calculated by a certified energy auditor using modeled energy use before and after improvements.
How Energy Savings Are Calculated
A certified energy auditor visits your home and creates a detailed energy model measuring current energy consumption. They then model the projected savings from each proposed upgrade.
The auditor calculates what percentage of total home energy use would be reduced by the proposed improvements. If your projected savings hit a qualifying threshold (20%, 35%, or 50%), your rebate is determined accordingly.
After installation, a post-installation audit may verify actual savings. The audit is arranged by our team — there is no cost to you.
The audit is free. We arrange and cover the cost of your energy audit as part of our program administration.
Who Qualifies for HOMES?
HOMES is the most broadly available of the two programs. Here's what's required to participate.
Basic Requirements
- Property must be located in Indiana
- Must be your primary residence
- Applicable to single-family and multifamily residential buildings
- Proposed upgrades must achieve a minimum 20% energy savings
- Work must be performed by a licensed, program-certified contractor
- No income limit — all Indiana households are eligible
Income Tiers (Rebate Level Only)
While all households qualify, your income level determines the maximum rebate you're eligible for:
Common Questions
Yes. Renters can apply for HOMES as long as the property is their primary residence. However, upgrades that are structural (like insulation or HVAC replacement) will require the landlord's written consent. Our team will help facilitate the conversation between you and your landlord.
If HOMES energy savings targets can't be reached, you may still qualify for the HEAR program (if income-eligible) for individual appliance upgrades. Our energy auditors will assess what's possible for your specific home and recommend the best approach.
Work must be performed by a contractor certified to participate in the IESP program. We maintain a network of qualified, licensed contractors across Indiana and will match you with one near your home. You do not need to find your own contractor.
Yes! If you qualify for both, combining HOMES and HEAR is a great strategy. HEAR can cover specific appliances (like a heat pump water heater) and HOMES can cover whole-home efficiency work (like insulation and HVAC), maximizing the total value of upgrades you receive at no cost.