High‑Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) & Heat Pump FAQs From Portland Homeowners
You can save money on a heat pump installation with HEEHRA.
In this blog, we’ll answer the 10 most common questions we receive from Portland, OR homeowners regarding the landmark High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and how it affects heat pump installations.
- What is HEEHRA?
- Can HEEHRA help me save money?
- Am I eligible for HEEHRA?
- How much money can HEEHRA save me?
- Can I stack HEEHRA with federal tax credits?
- Can I stack HEEHRA with other incentives?
- What should I do if I’m not eligible for HEEHRA?
- Is HEEHRA available right now in Portland?
- Will HEEHRA apply retroactively to heat pump installations?
- Should I install a heat pump before HEEHRA rolls out?
Discuss Your Heat Pump Installation Options With the Experts at Four Seasons
Homeowners in Portland, OR and the surrounding areas rely on Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning for professional recommendations regarding ducted or ductless heat pump installations and the HEEHRA program.
Call us today at 503-538-1950 to see why we enjoy over a thousand 5-star reviews!
What Is HEEHRA?
The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) is one for the history books, as it’s bundled with the Inflation Reduction Act and will help the U.S. reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 40% over the next 10 years.
HEEHRA makes installing high-efficiency and eco-friendly heat pumps more affordable for homeowners. It will only apply to ENERGY STAR-certified geothermal or air-source heat pump purchases.
Can HEEHRA Help Me Save Money?
Yes! The act covers up to $8,000 in rebates for households that meet eligibility requirements. Since heat pump installations typically cost between $6,000 and $12,000 on average, HEEHRA can essentially cover the entire installation.
Not only will you save on the installation, but you will also save money on energy bills over time because electric heat pumps are more efficient than gas or oil heating systems.
Am I Eligible for HEEHRA?
To be eligible for HEEHRA, you need to currently have a heating system fueled by natural gas, oil, or electric resistance. Households that already have a ducted or ductless heat pump are not eligible.
You must also make below 150% of the area median gross income. According to Portland’s Housing Bureau, the maximum gross income cap eligible for HEEHRA is $191,862. Their minimum gross income cap is $54,150. This range depends on your household size; see the below chart to see where you fall.
| Household Size | Below 80% Area Median Income | Between 80-150% Area Median Income | Above 150% Area Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Less than $54,150 | Between $54,150 and $101,745 | Greater than $101,745 |
2 | Less than $61,900 | Between $61,900 and $116,280 | Greater than $116,280 |
3 | Less than $69,650 | Between $69,650 and $130,815 | Greater than $130,815 |
4 | Less than $77,350 | Between $77,350 and $145,350 | Greater than $145,350 |
5 | Less than $83,550 | Between $83,550 and $156,843 | Greater than $156,843 |
6 | Less than $89,750 | Between $89,750 and $168,606 | Greater than $168,606 |
7 | Less than $95,950 | Between $95,950 and $180,606 | Greater than $180,606 |
8 | Less than $102,150 | Between $102,150 and $191,862 | Greater than $191,862 |
How Much Money Can HEEHRA Save Me?
Rewiring America has a savings calculator for eligible homeowners to use to see how much money they could save with HEEHRA.
You can also use the following chart to determine how much you could save on heat pump installations.
| Where Do You Fall in the Area Median Income Range? | What % of a Heat Pump Installation Cost Will HEEHRA Cover for You? | What’s the Maximum $ Amount HEEHRA Will Cover for a Heat Pump Installation for You? |
|---|---|---|
Below 80% | 100% | $8,000 |
Between 80-150% | 50% | $4,000 |
Can I Stack HEEHRA With Federal Tax Credits?
Yes! The Inflation Reduction Act includes HEEHRA and the 25C Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit Program. The 25C tax program allows homeowners to deduct up to 30% of their costs for any qualifying energy-efficiency project or up to $2,000 for heat pump installations. These credits are available starting January 1, 2023 until 2032. To use both rebates, you must apply them to different projects.
Can I Stack HEEHRA With Other Incentives?
Another part of the Inflation Reduction Act is the Homeowner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) program, which provides homeowners with rebates of up to $8,000 for qualifying whole-house energy-saving projects. Qualifying projects must help a homeowner reduce their energy consumption by at least 20%.
You can stack HEEHRA with HOMES, but you must choose which program you want to use for the heat pump installation. To use both rebates, you must apply them to different projects.
What Should I Do if I’m Not Eligible For HEEHRA?
If your equipment or income level isn’t eligible for HEEHRA, you can still benefit from other programs that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act. For example, 25C Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit Program and the Homeowner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebate Program can help you deduct $2,000 for heat pump installation or receive a rebate of up to $8,000 for energy-saving projects.
You can also use these programs to save money on projects other than heat pump installations.
Is HEEHRA Available Right Now In Portland?
HVAC Industry professionals estimate that Oregon’s State Energy Office and tribes will start rolling out HEEHRA for homeowners in late 2023. Once the funds roll out, they will be available for point-of-sale purchases until September 2031.
Will HEEHRA Apply Retroactively To Heat Pump Installations?
This is up in the air. Once HEEHRA rolls out, the decision to apply the rebate funds to retroactive heat pump installations will depend on Oregon’s State Energy Office.
Should I Install a Heat Pump Before HEEHRA Rolls Out?
It depends. We recommend installing a heat pump now if:
- You want to reap the benefits of lower energy bills as soon as possible
- You want to replace both your air conditioner and furnace with a heat pump
- You need to install an HVAC system to prepare for heatwaves
25C and HOMES can assist you with a heat pump installation’s cost as they will roll out in early 2023. Once HEEHRA rolls out in late 2023, you can use it for electrical panel replacements, wiring upgrades, or other projects.
Learn About Your HEEHRA & Heat Pump Options With Four Seasons
Contact Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about HEEHRA.
Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning is known in the Portland, OR area for our knowledgeable HVAC technicians who all hold NATE certifications. Homeowners trust us to provide them with accurate information about HEEHRA and other Inflation Reduction Act programs.
We’ll discuss your options for a high-efficiency ducted or ductless heat pump installation, help you complete any paperwork, and submit applications to the right federal or state agencies for a stress-free experience. Plus, we provide our customers with a 1-year parts warranty, 30-day labor warranty, 100% satisfaction guarantee, and Best Price Guarantee for their peace of mind.
Call us today at 503-538-1950 to experience a 5-star heat pump installation!