Save money while upgrading your home with modern, energy-efficient appliances.
The Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program aims to help West Virginia residents lower the cost of purchasing and installing energy-saving appliances and upgrades.
From heat pump water heaters to electric stoves, this program makes it easier to switch to efficient, electric equipment that improves your home’s comfort and performance.
How the Program Works
- Residents apply for household qualification
- Certified energy contractors visit the homes to assess existing appliance infrastructure
- Note: A limited home assessment (performed by a certified energy auditor) is required for the installation of a heat pump for space heating or cooling
- Based on the results, residents receive a customized plan of recommended improvements
- Contractors work to complete the eligible installations
- Rebates are applied directly to the cost of your project, reducing or even eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying households
Eligible Upgrades
The HEAR program covers a wide range of electrification and efficiency upgrades. Rebates vary by project type, and all work must be completed by certified contractors.
Please note: Replacing an existing electric appliance with a new electric appliance is not allowed!
- Replacing an electric kitchen appliance with an induction appliance is not allowed.
- Clothes dryers are eligible for rebates if upgrading an electric clothes dryer to a heat pump clothes dryer.
- Electric tank water heaters are eligible for rebates if upgrading to a heat pump water heater.
Rebate Amounts
Rebates are based on your household income, measured against your county’s Area Median Income (AMI). The U.S. Department of Energy defines low-income as less than 80% AMI, and moderate income as 80-150% AMI. You can look up your county’s AMI on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development database or by downloading our AMI calculator.
Household Participation
Before you begin your project, you’ll need to complete a short household qualifications form to confirm your eligibility for the HEAR program.
You may qualify if you:
- Live in a home in West Virginia
- Want to complete energy-saving upgrades
- Can provide documentation for income, residency, and ownership or rental
Renters are Welcome!
You don’t have to own your home to participate in this program. If you’re a renter in West Virginia, you can still apply, as long as your landlord agrees to the upgrade.
Here’s how it works:
- You apply for household qualification, just like any homeowner
- If you’re approved, your landlord must sign a simple authorization form that allows the installations to happen at your rental unit.
- The upgrades must meet the same eligibility criteria as homeowner projects and be completed by certified contractors.
Landlord Agreement Requirements
To protect renters, landlords must agree to:
- Not raise your rent for two years as a result of the upgrades
- Retain all responsibility for the property and the upgraded equipment
- Allow access for contractors to complete the improvements
Once you’re qualified, your area’s Regional Implementation Partner will guide you through the next steps, including:
- Reviewing eligible upgrades
- Connecting you with a certified contractor
- Helping you submit paperwork for your rebate
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, visit our [Eligibility page] for a breakdown of requirements and documents you may need.
Ready to Get Started?
Complete the household qualification form to begin your application. Your area’s Regional Implementation Partner will support you every step of the way.