Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I qualify?
A: You may be eligible if your total household income meets the program's income guidelines of 150% or less of Average Median Income (AMI) or if you are receiving government assistance such as HEAP, SNAP, or public assistance. Review the eligibility webpage for more information.
Q: Is over 80% of AMI considered moderate income?
A: For purposes of the Inflation Reduction Act programs, moderate income is defined as 81% to 150% AMI.
Q: Does Penn Energy Savers provide services to renters?
A: Yes—Penn Energy Savers offers energy services to anyone who owns or rents a home and meets the eligibility criteria. Some energy improvements may require landlord approval.
Q: What information do I need to provide to show my income?
A: Customers can refer to the Income Qualifications Checklist to determine what documentation they will need to submit when applying.
Q: Can I also receive utility rebates and discounts for these same upgrades?
A: Maybe. The Penn Energy Savers program allows the “stacking” or combining of rebates and other discounts on the same measures. So, depending on the rules and availability for relevant utility rebates, you may be eligible for utility rebates. Please visit your utility’s website for more information. Please note that total rebates and discounts should not exceed the total project cost.
Q: Does the program provide rebates or tax credits?
A: The program provides rebates that enable a point-of-sale discount to reduce the out-of-pocket cost as much as possible.
Q: Does my landlord have to pay anything?
A: A contribution by you or your landlord may be required if the project exceeds program funding caps or for certain measures, such as heating replacements.
Q: What is available through Penn Energy Savers?
A: Penn Energy Savers provides low-to-moderate-income households with access to no to low-cost energy efficiency measures and home energy assessments to identify the opportunities for improvement.
Q: What are some energy efficiency improvements that are available through Penn Energy Savers?
A: Penn Energy Savers provides incentives for High-Efficiency Appliances including Heat Pumps (HVAC & Water Heaters), Stoves, Clothes Dryers, etc. and Building Upgrades/Materials: Electric Load Service Center, Insulation, Air-Sealing, Ventilation, Wiring, etc.
Q: Are heat pumps available through Penn Energy Savers?
A: Yes, heat pumps can be an affordable option for eligible low- and moderate-income households. Certain minimum requirements must be met for installation.
Q: What services does Penn Energy Savers not provide?
A: Penn Energy Savers does not provide Roof replacements, Boiler replacements, Heat pump for heat pump replacements, Refrigerators, microwaves, and countertop appliances, Whole house window or door replacements, or Extensive repairs for water damage or other health and safety issues.
Q: What are the efficiency requirements for eligible products?
A: Requirements:
Heat Pump for Space Heating & Cooling
ENERGY STAR Certification
SEER2: ≥ 15.2
EER2: ≥ 11.7
HSPF2: ≥ 7.8
Heat Pump Water Heater
ENERGY STAR Certification
UEF: > 0.80
Electric Stove, Cooktop, Range, or Oven
ENERGY STAR Certification
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer or Heat Pump Washer/Dryer Combo
ENERGY STAR Certification
Insulation, Air Sealing, & Ventilation
ENERGY STAR Certification
Follow guidelines for IECC climate zones 4–6
Example: Attics should be insulated to the ENERGY STAR recommended levels.
If no insulation is present, R-60 insulation should be added.
If insulation is present, additional insulation should be added until R-60 insulation levels are achieved.
Q: Can I get incentives for replacing an existing heat pump with a new heat pump?
A: No, like for like replacements are not eligible for incentives through the HEAR program.
Q: Are window replacements included in the HEAR program?
A: No, windows are not currently incentivized through the Penn Energy Savers Program.
Q: Who will be working on my Penn Energy Savers project?
A: A team of case managers, energy auditors, and contractors will help ensure that you receive the best services possible. The program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with implementation contractors and approved local contractors providing the necessary work. Quality assurance is handled to ensure the energy upgrades are installed properly.
Q: Can I hire my own contractor?
A: No, you must select a contractor from the approved list provided by the program. These contractors are qualified to meet the program's standards for energy-efficient building improvements.
Q: Do contractors perform code inspections?
A: No, contractors under Penn Energy Savers are not code inspectors.
Q: My preferred contractor isn't an approved contractor. What information can I share with them so they can consider joining the network?
A: Any contractors interested in learning more about the program or potentially joining the network can visit PennEnergySavers.com/Contractors.
Q: Can I purchase insulation materials at a retail store and receive incentives through the program?
A: DIY installs will not be incentivized in the early stages of the program, though the program may offer this option for insulation later in the life of the program.
Q: Can I get paid back for work I have already performed or equipment that was recently purchased?
A: No—Penn Energy Savers cannot fund work that has already been completed or equipment that has been purchased prior to application approval.
Q: Will I owe anything if I move or my income changes?
A: There is no cost or obligation when you participate in Penn Energy Savers. You are not required to pay the program back if you move or experience changes in your income.
Q: How will homeowners apply for the HEAR rebates?
A: You can submit applications through an online application available on www.pennenergysavers.com. Please note that the application is not open yet.
Q: What happens if I’ve financed part of my project and I sell my home?
A: If you've financed your energy efficiency project, you may either pay off the balance before selling or transfer the loan to the buyer, with proper notice. Details of the loan terms must be disclosed to the buyer.
Q: I am a contractor. How can I participate?
A: 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. Submit your information in the Stay Informed link to be included in the latest updates and training sessions.
Q: I would like to get a job offering these services. What training and certifications do I need?
A: The energy transition provides an opportunity to create more high-paying jobs for Pennsylvania’s current and prospective workforce. For Pennsylvanian’s 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. We hope to launch the TREC program in mid to late 2025. Check back here for updates or consider signing up for our newsletter here. For further information, individuals can reach out to existing training facilities, such as the Pennsylvania College of Technology Clean Energy Center, which provide certification programs. You may qualify to receive access to free tuition as well as supplementary support services.
Q: Are tenant protections enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection?
A: The Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection enforces these tenant protections. To contact the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General's consumer protection hotline, you can call 866-PACOMPLAINT (866-722-6675) or email consumer@pa.gov.
Q: Is PA considering funding for other building types such as commercial, municipal, etc.?
A: The Penn Energy Savers Program is only available for residential properties per legislation. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers other grants for different types of building typologies. For example, the RISE program offers decarbonization grants are for industrial buildings and the MORE program is available for municipal buildings.
Q: What is an "eligible entity representative"?
A: An eligible entity representative is a governmental, commercial, or nonprofit entity carrying out a qualified electrification project on behalf of an eligible entity.
Q: What's the best way to stay up to date when the HEAR program is approved and open to applications?
A: Sign up for more information here.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions?
A: Please contact us at RA-EPHomeEngRebates@pa.gov for more information. For updates, check back on this website or consider signing up for our mailing list here.