Boulder County Income-Qualified Rebates
Funded by the County’s Sustainability Tax
EnergySmart Income-Qualified rebates are available for Boulder County residents whose household earns 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Qualifying Boulder County residents can receive 70% of project costs for home energy efficiency or electrification upgrades, up to $4,000 per year.
Getting Started
Step One: Check the Area Median Income chart to make sure that your household earns 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less.
| Household Size | 80% AMI* | 100% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $81,760 | $102,200 |
| 2 | $93,440 | $116,800 |
| 3 | $105,120 | $131,400 |
| 4 | $116,800 | $146,000 |
| 5 | $126,160 | $157,700 |
| 6 | $135,520 | $169,400 |
| 7 | 144,880 | $181,100 |
| 8 | $154,240 | $192,800 |
- If your household income is at or below 80% AMI for your household size, you may be eligible for more substantial financial assistance with home upgrades through Energy Outreach Colorado’s CARE Program. Visit our Income Qualified Services page to view other programs and incentives exclusive to 80% Area Median Income and below.
- If your household income is above 100% AMI for your household size, see if your project is covered under our standard rebates for Boulder County residents. Standard Boulder County rebates can also be paired with rebates for City of Louisville or City of Boulder residents.
Step Two: Review our available rebates and rules below to make sure that your project is covered under our program.
Step Three: Complete our preapproval application form. Residents MUST pre-qualify using our preapproval application form before making a purchase or beginning a project. You will then be paired with an EnergySmart advisor who can help you through the rest of the rebate process!
Important Note: EnergySmart Income-Qualified rebates can be combined with certain rebates from utilities and other entities, but cannot be combined with EnergySmart Standard rebates. Your EnergySmart advisor can help you determine which rebates can be combined.
Rebate Eligible Measures – Site-Built Homes
The following rebates are for site-built homes. Click here for rebates for manufactured homes.
Certain rebates for site-built homes may be subject to the following restrictions:
- If Xcel is your utility, a contractor on the relevant Xcel Energy contractor list may be required.
- If Longmont Power (City of Longmont) is your utility, a contractor on the relevant Efficiency Works contractor list may be required.
- Your EnergySmart advisor will help you determine which projects require an approved contractor.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Bonus rebate of $300 available for completing exterior top plate air sealing in conjunction with attic insulation and air sealing!
Bonus rebate for exterior top plate sealing not subject to the $4,000 cap.
Requirements & Other Details
- Blower door testing required
- CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) testing required if gas combustion appliances present after insulation/air sealing project(s)
| Project Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Wall Insulation | R-19 minimum; fill wall cavity where R-19 is not possible. For solid walls such as brick or concrete, exterior rigid insulation must be added to a level of ≥ R-10. |
| Attic Insulation with Air Sealing | R-60 minimum required in open attic; cathedral ceilings will vary with rafter depth but must meet requirements of 2012 IECC. Must perform air sealing in attics prior to adding insulation. |
| Foundation (Basement or Crawl Space) Insulation and Air Sealing | Crawlspace as outlined in the 2012 IECC. R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity insulation with a vapor-permeable air barrier over insulation. Crawlspaces must have sealed vapor barrier over dirt crawl space floor and ventilation, per 2012 IECC. |
| Sub-Floor or Frame Floor Insulation & Air Sealing | R-30 minimum, over unconditioned space only (i.e., cantilevers, floors over unconditioned crawl, over garage, etc.). Fill enclosed floor cavities when R-30 is not possible. |
| Professionally Applied Air Sealing (No Do-It-Yourself!) | Air infiltration levels must be measured by a blower door before & after improvement. Mechanical ventilation recommended if air changes/hour are below 0.35 NACH. Air sealing must be separate from one of the above listed projects. |
Electrification
| Project Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Ducted Air Source Heat Pump | • HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 • Must be ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified OR COP ≥ 1.75@5°F OR capacity @ 5°F at least 70% of BTU @ 47°F highly recommended |
| Ductless Air Source Heat Pump | • HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 • Must be ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified OR COP ≥ 1.75@5°F OR capacity @ 5°F at least 70% of BTU @ 47°F highly recommended |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | • 5.5 tons or smaller, 14.1 EER • Must be ENERGY STAR certified |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | Must have a COP of 1.75 or higher |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Must be ENERGY STAR certified with a minimum Energy Factor of 2.0 |
| Electric Resistance Water Heater | Must be replacing gas water heater |
| Induction or Electric Stove | • Electric resistance stove must be replacing gas stove • Portable stoves not eligible • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Heat Pump Dryer | • Must be ENERGY STAR certified • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Electric Panel Upgrade | • Must be increasing capacity to 200 amps • Or 150 amps if going from 100 amp panel • A licensed electrician must be used • Must be completed in conjunction with heat pump, induction, solar, or EV charger upgrades • Proof of other upgrades required |
Rebate Eligible Measures – Manufactured Homes
The following rebates are for manufactured homes. Click here for rebates for site-built homes.
The use of an Xcel Energy or Efficiency Works registered contractor for projects on manufactured homes is not required but is highly encouraged.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Rebate Details
- Blower door testing highly recommended
- CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) testing highly recommended if gas combustion appliances present after insulation/air sealing project(s)
| Project Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Underbelly and Behind Exterior Skirting “Burrito” Insulation | ≥ R-19 or insulate underbelly or behind exterior skirting to the maximum extent where it’s not possible to reach R-19. |
| Professionally Applied Air Sealing (no DIY) | Must be completed by licensed contractor and separate from ceiling/roof, wall, or belly insulation projects. |
| Duct Sealing | Must be sealing ducts located outside the thermal boundary of the home. |
| Custom Insulation/Air Sealing Project | Can include roof, wall, or other insulation or air sealing projects. Must be reviewed & approved by EnergySmart advisor. |
Home Electrification
| Project Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Ducted Air Source Heat Pump | • HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 • Must be ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified OR COP ≥ 1.75@5°F OR capacity @ 5°F at least 70% of BTU @ 47°F highly recommended |
| Ductless Air Source Heat Pump | • HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 • Must be ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified OR COP ≥ 1.75@5°F OR capacity @ 5°F at least 70% of BTU @ 47°F highly recommended |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | Must have a COP of 1.75 or higher |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Must be ENERGY STAR certified with a minimum Energy Factor of 2.0 |
| Electric Resistance Water Heater | Must be replacing gas water heater |
| Induction or Electric Stove | • Electric resistance stove must be replacing gas stove • Portable stoves not eligible • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Heat Pump Dryer | • Must be ENERGY STAR certified • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Electric Panel Upgrade | • Must be increasing capacity to 200 amps • Or 150 amps if going from 100 amp panel • A licensed electrician must be used • Must be completed in conjunction with heat pump, induction, solar, or EV charger upgrades • Proof of other upgrades required |
Rules & Requirements
- Rebates are for existing homes only
- Rebate cannot exceed 70% of project cost after other rebates/incentives are applied
- Income verification and approval are required prior to project completion
- Income verification valid for one year from the date of approval
- Projects must meet the required project specific requirements as outlined in this document
- All work must meet all applicable building or energy codes, and all required permits must be obtained
- The applicant must complete a rebate claim form; completion of a rebate reservation form is highly encouraged
- The applicant or their selected contractor must provide Boulder County with the required documentation like invoices, photos, spec sheets, AHRI certificates, and Energy Star documentation
- If the applicant is a renter, applicant must attest that they have the property owner’s authorization to have the project work completed and seek the rebates
- Projects must be completed and invoiced between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 to qualify for this rebate.
- Rebates will be issued after project completion and rebate claim form submission; checks will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after the rebate claim form as been approved; Boulder County is not liable for any interest or penalties accrued from outside financing while consumers are awaiting rebate checks
- The applicant may assign the rebate to the contractor completing the project. If contractor is claiming the rebate, the rebate credit must be shown on the final invoice
- Rebates may require utilization of registered contractor if Xcel Energy or Longmont Power (City of Longmont/Efficiency Works) is your utility. Refer to the eligible measures list for more details
- Boulder County reserves the right to inspect the project after completion
- Boulder County is not liable for any act or omission of any party, consumer, or contractor whatsoever
- Boulder County is not liable for rebates promised to consumers by a contractor misrepresenting program
- Rebates are subject to change, rebate funding is limited
- Rebates cannot be combined with the standard, non-income qualified, EnergySmart rebates
- Rebates can be combined with other available rebates/incentives (Utility rebates, tax credits, etc.)
- Boulder County reserves the right to refuse payment if the consumer/contractor violates program rules
