The HOMES program is for energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits to residential buildings. A qualifying project can include a combination of energy-efficient products, such as Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment and water heaters, and building improvements, which together must save at least 20% of a home’s energy usage.

This program involves a whole-home energy assessment with targeted recommendations for efficiency improvements. Low-income households may qualify for a rebate of up to $18,000 for achieving energy savings of 35% or more.

The HEAR program helps low- and moderate-income households purchase energy-efficient equipment. Residents can qualify for funding to offset the cost of heat pump HVAC systems, water heaters, and clothes dryers; Energy Star-certified cooktops and stoves; electrical panel and wiring upgrades; and insulation, air sealing, and mechanical ventilation projects. The maximum total rebate for all qualified projects is $14,000.

State rebate amounts depend on household income and project type. Indiana home energy rebates will be applied automatically as a discount at the point of sale during the contractor transaction.

The HOMES or HEAR rebates can be combined with the Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program (BGHIP) rebate as long as the combined rebate total does not exceed the total project cost, the press release said. Once a resident applies through the Indiana rebate program website and is paired with an approved contractor, they should then apply for BGHIP after their state rebate has been quoted.

“When residents stack incentives from the Office of Energy Development, the City of Bloomington, Duke Energy, and federal tax credits, the savings are quite substantial,” said Shawn Miya, Bloomington’s assistant director of sustainability. “Now is the best time to make these upgrades while funding lasts. When we increase energy efficiency, it not only saves us money, but also helps us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve our air quality."