North Carolina Energy Saver NC Program
Qualified North Carolina households can receive no-cost home energy upgrades — no upfront cost, no payments during installation, and nothing owed afterward. 100% covered through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. The program is open and accepting applications now.
Program Is Open — Apply Today. North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program is currently accepting applications. Eligible households can receive no-cost home energy upgrades right now through the HOMES and HEAR programs, funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Contact us today and we'll guide you through every step.
What Is North Carolina's Energy Saver NC Program?
North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program provides no-cost home energy upgrades to eligible North Carolina households — no payment before, during, or after. There is no loan, no lien on your home, and nothing to pay back. Ever.
USA Smart Home Solutions helps NC residents navigate the process from start to finish. We handle eligibility checks, guide you through the application, coordinate energy audits, and connect you with registered, licensed contractors — all at zero cost to you.
Who Runs This Program?
The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) administers the program using Inflation Reduction Act funding. You can learn more about the official program at energysavernc.org. USA Smart Home Solutions is an independent home energy services company — not a government agency — that helps qualifying households access every benefit available to them.
No cost to you, ever. This is not a loan or a deferred-payment plan. All eligible upgrades are provided at absolutely zero cost — before, during, and after installation — through direct federal program funding.
Program Quick Facts
HOMES vs. HEAR — Understanding Your Options
Energy Saver NC offers two distinct programs. Many households qualify for both — and combining them can maximize the upgrades you receive. Our team helps you take advantage of every dollar available.
HOMES Program
Whole-home energy efficiency upgrades based on measured energy savings — available to everyone.
Up to $4,000 for all other households
- Who qualifies: All NC households
- Income requirement: None — open to everyone
- Requirement: Minimum 20% whole-home energy savings
- Renters eligible: Yes, with landlord consent
- Covers: Insulation, HVAC, water heaters, duct sealing & more
HEAR Program
Point-of-sale rebates on individual appliances for income-qualified households — no energy audit needed.
100% for <80% AMI · 50% for 80–150% AMI
- Who qualifies: Households under 150% Area Median Income
- Income requirement: Under 150% AMI (varies by county & household size)
- No energy audit required — point-of-sale rebate at installation
- Renters eligible: Yes, primary residence required
- Covers: Heat pumps, water heaters, stoves, dryers, electrical panel & wiring
You may qualify for both programs. If your household is under 150% AMI, you could receive HEAR rebates on individual appliances AND HOMES rebates for whole-home efficiency improvements — potentially exceeding $18,000 in total no-cost upgrades. Our team will help you maximize every dollar available.
What Can I Get at No Cost?
Both programs cover a wide range of home energy upgrades. Your specific eligibility depends on your income tier and program qualification.
Heat Pump HVAC
Central heating & cooling. Up to $8,000 via HEAR or included in HOMES whole-home savings.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Energy-efficient hot water. Up to $1,750 via HEAR; also covered under HOMES efficiency savings.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Attic, wall, and crawlspace insulation. Up to $1,600 via HEAR; key driver of HOMES energy savings.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Up to $4,000 via HEAR for households switching from gas or upgrading older panels to support electric appliances.
Electric Stove & Cooktop
Replace gas ranges with modern induction or electric models. Up to $840 via HEAR for qualified households.
Heat Pump Dryer & Wiring
Up to $840 for a heat pump clothes dryer and up to $2,500 for electrical wiring upgrades via HEAR.
Quick Eligibility Check
North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program is open to a wide range of households. Most NC residents are surprised to learn they qualify. Here's what generally matters:
North Carolina Primary Residence
Your home must be in North Carolina and your primary place of residence.
Homeowners & Renters Welcome
Both programs allow renters to participate (with landlord approval for some upgrades).
Income Guidelines (HEAR only)
Household income must be under 150% of your county's Area Median Income. HOMES has no income limit.
Find out in minutes which programs you qualify for and how much you could receive through North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program.
Check Eligibility NowNo cost, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program.
Any North Carolina resident living in their primary residence can apply. Homeowners and renters are both eligible. For the HEAR program, your household income must be under 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. The HOMES program is available to all income levels as long as the upgrades result in at least 20% whole-home energy savings.
Yes — North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program is open and accepting applications now. Contact us today and we will guide you through the eligibility check, documentation, and application process. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive your no-cost home upgrades.
Based on the federal program structure, the amounts are:
- HEAR Program: Up to $14,000 for all eligible households (100% of costs for under 80% AMI; 50% of costs for 80–150% AMI).
- HOMES Program: Up to $8,000 for households under 80% AMI; up to $4,000 for all other households, based on energy savings achieved.
- If you qualify for both, total benefits can exceed $18,000.
No. Both the HOMES and HEAR programs allow renters to participate, as long as the property is your primary residence. However, some upgrades (like insulation or HVAC replacements) require your landlord's written consent before they can be performed. Our team will help you navigate this process.
HOMES provides whole-home efficiency rebates based on measured energy savings — available to all NC households regardless of income. Requires a free home energy assessment and at least 20% energy savings.
HEAR provides point-of-sale rebates on individual appliances and electrification upgrades. It's income-limited (under 150% AMI) but doesn't require an energy audit or minimum savings target. It covers specific equipment like heat pumps, water heaters, stoves, and electrical panels.
Yes! If you qualify for both programs, you can pursue both simultaneously to maximize your upgrades. Our team will assess your full eligibility and create a plan that combines both programs to get you the most comprehensive — and no-cost — home improvement package possible.