Inflation Reduction Act | Energy Efficiency Experts

The Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is landmark federal legislation that includes the largest investment in clean energy and home efficiency in U.S. history. For New York homeowners, the most important program is the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) — providing up to $14,000 in additional funding that stacks directly on top of the NYSERDA EmPower+ program.

At Energy Efficiency Experts, we help qualifying households access HEAR funding alongside EmPower+ benefits — so you maximize every dollar available to you at no cost.

IRA — Inflation Reduction Act

Home Electrification & Appliance
Rebates (HEAR)

$14,000

Maximum total HEAR rebate per household

Households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). If you already qualify for the NYSERDA EmPower+ program, you very likely qualify for HEAR as well. We confirm your eligibility before any work begins.

Heat Pump

$8,000

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Heat Pump Water Heater

$1,750

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Insulation & Air Sealing

$1,600

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Electrical Panel Upgrade

$4,000

When required for clean energy upgrades

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Wiring Improvements

$2,500

When required for clean energy upgrades

Stack Your Savings — Maximize Every Dollar

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NYSERDA EmPower+

$10,000

Free upgrades for eligible NY households

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IRA HEAR Funding

$14,000

Additional federal funding for qualifying households

Potential Total Assistance

$24,000+

When EmPower+ and HEAR are stacked for qualifying lower-income households. We help you access every dollar you're entitled to.

How We Help You Navigate It All

IRA programs can be complex — we make it simple

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Eligibility Check

We review your income, property, and situation to identify exactly which federal, state, and utility programs you qualify for.

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Application Handling

We file EmPower+ applications, gather HEAR program documentation, and handle the paperwork so you receive every dollar of assistance you're entitled to.

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Certified Installation

All upgrades are performed by our certified technicians using qualifying equipment — ensuring you meet every requirement for credits and rebates.

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Maximize Your Savings

We identify ways to stack multiple programs — IRA + EmPower+ + utility rebates — so you get the highest possible total benefit from every upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HEAR funding be combined with EmPower+?

Yes — this is the most powerful combination available. EmPower+ covers your core upgrade costs, and HEAR provides additional federal funding on top of that. For qualifying lower-income households, the two programs together can cover up to $24,000 in home energy improvements.

Do I need to apply for HEAR separately from EmPower+?

No — we handle everything. When we process your EmPower+ application, we also identify and apply any HEAR funding you're eligible for. You don't need to navigate multiple programs on your own.

Is there an income limit to qualify for HEAR?

Yes. HEAR funding is currently available for households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) — the same income level that qualifies for the NYSERDA EmPower+ program. If you qualify for EmPower+, you almost certainly qualify for HEAR as well.

Can renters access HEAR funding?

Yes — renters of 1–4 unit homes can qualify for both EmPower+ and HEAR. You will need your landlord's written permission for any physical improvements. We provide a simple consent form your landlord can sign.

What utilities are accepted?

EmPower+ and HEAR work with most major New York utilities including Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland, and RG&E. Contact us to confirm your utility qualifies.