2026 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, based on total income. Qualifying Boulder County residents can receive 50% of project costs for home energy efficiency or electrification upgrades, up to $2,000 per year.
Rebates are distributed on a first-come first-served basis while funding is available. All work must be completed and invoiced between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 to qualify for these rebates.
Pre-approval is required for these rebates. Please see Step Three below.
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 | $84,400 | $105,500 |
| 2 | $96,400 | $120,500 |
| 3 | $108,480 | $135,600 |
| 4 | $120,480 | $150,600 |
| 5 | $130,160 | $162,700 |
| 6 | $139,760 | $174,700 |
| 7 | $149,440 | $186,800 |
| 8 | $159,040 | $198,800 |
- 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, visit our Other Rebates page to see if area municipalities or utilities have rebates available for your project.
- EnergySmart uses total income to determine eligibility.
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. Your EnergySmart advisor can help you determine which rebates can be combined.
Questions? Check out our Rebate FAQs.
Rebate Eligible Measures – Site-Built Homes
The following rebates are for site-built homes. Click here for rebates for manufactured homes.
Insulation, Air Sealing, and Cellular Shades
Bonus rebate of $150 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 $3,000 cap.
Requirements and Other Details
- Pre-approval is required for all EnergySmart rebates.
- Blower door testing required
- CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) testing required if gas combustion appliances present after insulation/air sealing project(s)
- Cellular shades rebates are exempt from the CAZ and Blower Door requirements
- Xcel Customers: A contractor on the relevant Xcel Energy contractor list is required to access these rebates
- Longmont Power (City of Longmont) Customers: A contractor on the relevant Efficiency Works contractor list is required to access these rebates
| 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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 IECC. |
| Sub-Floor or Frame Floor Insulation and 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 and 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. |
| Cellular Shades | Must have a cell structure of either cell-in-cell or double-cell. Post installation photo(s) and photo(s) showing the cell structure from the side required. |
Electrification
Contractor Requirements
- Xcel Customers: An * indicates a contractor on the relevant Xcel Energy contractor list is required
- Longmont Power (City of Longmont) Customers: A ^ indicates a contractor on the relevant Efficiency Works contractor list is required
Pre-approval is required for all EnergySmart rebates.
| 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 and after installation photos required |
| Heat Pump Dryer | • Must be ENERGY STAR certified • Proof of purchase, plus before and 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.
Insulation, Air Sealing, and Cellular Shades
- Pre-approval is required for all EnergySmart rebates.
- Blower door testing highly recommended after insulation/air sealing project(s)
- CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) testing highly recommended if gas combustion appliances present after insulation/air sealing project(s)
- The use of an Xcel Energy or Efficiency Works registered contractor for insulation and air sealing projects on manufactured homes is not required but is highly encouraged.
| 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 and approved by EnergySmart advisor. |
| Cellular Shades | Must have a cell structure of either cell-in-cell or double-cell. Post installation photo(s) and photo(s) showing the cell structure from the side required. |
Home Electrification
The use of an Xcel Energy or Efficiency Works registered contractor for projects on manufactured homes is not required but is highly encouraged.
Pre-approval is required for all EnergySmart rebates.
| 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 and after installation photos required |
| Heat Pump Dryer | • Must be ENERGY STAR certified • Proof of purchase, plus before and 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 and Requirements
- Income verification and preapproval are required prior to project completion
- Rebates are available for existing residential and manufactured homes in Boulder County, new construction is not eligible
- Rebate cannot exceed 50% of project cost after other rebates/incentives are applied
- Income verification valid for one year from the date of approval
- Projects must meet the 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
- Applicants must complete a rebate claim form to receive rebate; a 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 Jan. 1, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2026 to qualify
- Rebates are issued after project completion and rebate claim form approval; checks are mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after the rebate approval; 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 the contractor is claiming the rebate, the rebate credit must be shown on the final invoice
- Rebates may require utilization of registered contractor depending on your utility provider. 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 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
Check out EnergySmart’s rebate FAQ to find answers to commonly asked questions.
