If you’ve started looking into energy upgrades for your Wisconsin home, you’ve likely come across two major programs: HOMES and HEAR. They sound similar. They were created under the same federal law. And both can help reduce the cost of improving your home’s energy efficiency.
But they work very differently. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for Wisconsin homeowners.
Why These Programs Exist in the First Place
Both HOMES and HEAR were created through the Inflation Reduction Act to help homeowners:
- Lower energy bills
- Improve comfort
- Reduce energy waste
- Upgrade aging homes
For Wisconsin homeowners, where winters are harsh and summers can be humid and hot, these programs represent a major opportunity to improve home performance while offsetting costs.
What Is the HOMES Program?
The HOMES (Home Efficiency Rebates) program is designed to reward overall energy savings. Instead of focusing on one specific upgrade, HOMES looks at how much energy your home will save after improvements are made.
That means:
- Your project is evaluated as a system
- Savings are modeled before work begins
- The bigger the improvement, the bigger the potential rebate
What qualifies under HOMES?
HOMES typically applies to whole-home performance upgrades, such as:
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation
- Air sealing
- Ventilation improvements
- Combined efficiency upgrades
To qualify, your project generally needs to achieve at least 20% modeled energy savings, with higher rebates available for deeper improvements.
What Is the HEAR Program?
The HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) program focuses on specific eligible upgrades, especially those that support electrification. Unlike HOMES, HEAR is not based on total energy savings. Instead, it provides rebates for approved equipment and improvements.
What qualifies under HEAR?
Eligible upgrades may include:
- Heat pumps (heating and cooling)
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Electrical wiring
- Insulation and air sealing
- Mechanical ventilation improvements
The biggest difference:
HEAR is income-based.
- Households must be at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Households under 80% AMI may receive up to 100% of project costs (within caps)
- Households between 80% and 150% AMI may receive up to 50% of costs
HEAR rebates are also applied upfront, meaning you get savings at the time of the project, not later as a tax credit.
The Core Difference: Whole-Home vs. Product-Based
If you remember one thing, make it this:
- HOMES = based on total energy savings
- HEAR = based on specific upgrades + income eligibility
Think of it this way:
- HOMES asks: “How much better will your home perform?”
- HEAR asks: “What are you installing, and do you qualify?”
Who Qualifies for Each Program?
HEAR Eligibility
HEAR is more restrictive but can offer significant savings.
- Must be under 150% AMI
- Highest benefits go to lower-income households
- Focused on electrification upgrades
This makes HEAR ideal if you:
- Qualify based on income
- Are planning equipment upgrades
- Want to reduce upfront costs significantly
HOMES Eligibility
HOMES is flexible when it comes to income.
- Available to a wider range of homeowners
- Larger rebates for lower-income households
- Still offers incentives for higher-income households
This makes HOMES a strong option if you:
- Don’t qualify for HEAR
- Want a whole-home efficiency plan
- Are focused on long-term performance improvements
What Other Incentives Are Available?
We recently introduced a new, exclusive Home Comfort Credit, designed to replace the 25C Tax Credit that was discontinued in January. Our Home Comfort Credit offers up to $1,200 in immediate savings on qualifying home energy projects over $5,000.
Whether you’re improving your insulation, sealing air leaks, or upgrading ventilation, your discount will apply immediately to your total project cost.
Which Improvements Should Come First?
This is where many homeowners go wrong. It’s tempting to jump straight to upgrading equipment, like installing a heat pump or replacing a system. But if your home is losing energy through poor insulation or air leaks, you may end up:
- Overspending on equipment
- Not solving comfort issues
- Paying higher energy bills than necessary
The smarter approach
Start with the building envelope (air sealing, attic insulation, wall insulation, and box sill insulation), then layer in mechanical upgrades if needed. This approach maximizes rebate value, improves comfort faster, and reduces long-term energy costs.
Can You Combine HOMES and HEAR?
Not typically for the same project. However, homeowners may still be able to:
- Pair these programs with utility rebates
- Use additional state or local incentives
- Take advantage of contractor-specific programs
Which Program Is Better?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
HEAR may be better if you:
- Meet income requirements
- Are planning electrification upgrades
- Want significant upfront savings
HOMES may be better if you:
- Want a comprehensive home upgrade
- Don’t qualify for HEAR
- Are focused on long-term efficiency
For many homeowners, the real answer is: The best program is the one that aligns with what your home actually needs.
Start With the Right Diagnosis
Choosing between HOMES and HEAR shouldn’t come down to guessing. It should start with understanding how your home is performing today. A proper home energy audit looks at:
- Insulation levels
- Air leakage
- Moisture issues
- Ventilation
- Overall efficiency
From there, you can build a plan that solves the real problems, maximizes available rebates, and improves comfort and durability long-term.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We know it can get confusing. That’s exactly why we’re here. At Wisconsin Home Improvement, we help you understand:
- What your home qualifies for
- Which improvements actually make sense
- How to get the most value from available programs
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start solving the problem, we’re here to help. Call (262) 345-9922 to schedule your free home energy audit today and find out exactly where your home is losing energy, and how to fix it for good.
