HOMES Act – A New Incentive for Energy Upgrades

When the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, it created a provision known as the HOMES Act. This home efficiency rebate program provides individual states with funding to provide rebates to homeowners and landlords who make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties.

As a result, Wisconsin will receive $74,904,830 to help provide free upgrades to many Wisconsin residents and low-cost upgrades throughout the state. Rebate amounts of $2,000 to $10,000 will be provided based on the amount of energy usage that the energy upgrades offer and household income.

Benefits of the HOMES Act

Making energy improvements requires a financial investment. In response, the HOMES Act makes energy upgrades more accessible to a larger population.

Homeowners can expect rebates of $2,000 to $10,000, which can significantly offset the cost of housing upgrades, including installing new insulation, air sealing, and more. That means you can save money now on the improvements you need. Even better, you will save money in the long term, as your home uses energy more efficiently leading to reduced utility bills and substantial energy savings.

Qualify for Free Housing Upgrades

Free energy audits and energy upgrades are the cornerstone of enhancing home efficiency throughout the state. Free and low-cost upgrades make these improvements more accessible than ever before. That’s one of the most significant benefits the HOMES Act offers.

The state of Wisconsin will base its rebates on the percentage of energy the project will save. In the past, it could take up to a year to calculate the savings. However, today, homeowners no longer have to wait this long.

Wisconsin Home Improvement uses modeled energy savings to determine what the rebate will be —the more energy efficiency the upgrades offer, the larger the rebate. Best of all, with modeled energy savings, you can expect to receive your rebate within four to eight weeks of the work’s completion.

Energy Efficient Solutions for Homeowners and Renters

Saving money, helping you live more comfortably, and putting energy efficient solutions within reach are all elements at the heart of what Wisconsin Home Improvement does. Energy research reveals that insulation, box sills, and air sealing are whole-home energy upgrades that can save 15% or more on heating and cooling costs.

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program

Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR) will provide discounts to households installing heat pumps and other efficient electric equipment to help further electrify their homes and promote the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. Additional qualified improvements include insulation, air sealing, and upgraded electrical panels. This program will be available to Wisconsin residents in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, earning 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less.

The HOMES Act came into effect as of August 1, 2024, adding to the roster of already available incentives.

• The 25C tax credit, which is available now, provides a value of up to $1,200 per year on qualifying energy upgrades.
• The Focus on Energy Rebate, also available now, offers various options for rebates, including $1,200 to $1,800 for the average attic.
• Wisconsin Home Improvement Incentives are available now to match Focus on Energy Insulation Rebates for a value of $275.
• The HOMES Act provides rebates of $2,000 to $10,000.

Learn More About the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program

Your Next Steps to Receive Free Upgrades

With all available incentives combined, you could qualify for free energy upgrades or savings of up to 50% to 100% off. Wisconsin Home Improvement is the only Pearl certified contractor in the state, a perk that gives you access to exclusive tools and the ability to increase your home’s value.

We are the Greater Milwaukee area’s go-to contractor for energy efficient solutions and Inflation Reduction Act incentives. We will help assess your home’s current energy use and design projects to maximize all available incentives. With the various tax credits and rebate programs available, now is the time to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Contact Wisconsin Home Improvement Today

Are you ready to take the next step in upgrading your home’s energy efficiency or do you have questions about the HOMES Act? We can help guide you through the process and connect you with available energy efficient solutions. Contact us at 262-229-4170 or click the button below to get started.