2026 Boulder County Income-Qualified Rebates
Funded by the County’s Sustainability Tax
Save Big on Home Energy Upgrades!
Get up to $2,000 in rebates for heat pumps, electric water heaters, insulation, induction stoves, and more.
EnergySmart Income-Qualified rebates are available to low- and middle-income Boulder County residents.
Upgrade your home and start saving today!
What is the Income-Qualified Rebate Program?
Boulder County’s income-qualified rebates are for residents with a household income at or below 100% of area median income (AMI). 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.
EnergySmart Income-Qualified rebates can be combined with rebates from utilities and other entities, as long as the total combined rebate amount is not more than 50% of the total project cost. Your EnergySmart advisor can help you determine which rebates can be combined.
Questions? Check out our Rebate FAQs.
Ready to apply? Review our application process.
Important Note
EnergySmart income-qualified rebates require preapproval. Please carefully read the section labeled Step One: Complete the Preapproval Process section below and review the pre-approval form for more information.
Does your household qualify?
Check the Area Median Income chart below to make sure that your household’s total income is 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less or check to see if you or someone in your household participates in one of the qualifying assistance programs.
Remember that before you begin your project you must also complete our preapproval process.
Boulder County AMI Chart
| 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 |
Qualifying Assistance Programs
- Aid to the Blind (AB)
- Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
- LEAP (Utility Bill Assistance)
- Old Age Pension (OAP)
- Section 8 Housing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
- Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
Important Notes:
- 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. If you are participating in one of the qualifying assistance programs listed above, you should automatically qualify for the 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. You can also connect with an advisor who can help you find incentives.
Does your project qualify?
Before you apply for EnergySmart Rebates, you must ensure that your project is eligible. Review the current rebate-eligible projects list and the rules and requirements below to make sure your project is covered under our program.
Important Information
- Rebates are only available for projects completed in the current calendar year, EnergySmart cannot retroactively rebate projects completed in previous years
- Rebates are awarded on a first-come first-served basis while funding is available
- Each project needs to meet the equipment and/or scope of work requirements as laid out in the eligible measures
Contractor Requirements
Certain projects may require that the contractor used must be on your primary electric utility’s registered installers list. Before moving on to step three, check contractor requirements based on your utility.
Contractor must be listed on eligible installer list for insulation/air sealing, ducted (included partially ducted) air source or mini-split heat pump, and ground source heat pump projects.
Note: Ductless (fully non-ducted) mini-split heat pumps do not have a contractor requirement.
Contractor must be listed on eligible installer list for insulation/air sealing, air source heat pump, mini-split heat pump, and ground source heat pump projects.
Open to any licensed contractor.
Open to any licensed contractor.
Open to any licensed contractor.
2026 Rebate-Eligible Projects
Site-Built Homes
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 $2,000 cap.
Requirements and Other Details
- 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, blower door, and contractor 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
Reminder: Preapproval is required for all EnergySmart 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. |
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
Reminder: 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 |
Manufactured Homes
- 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.
Reminder: Preapproval is required for all EnergySmart rebates.
| 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. |
The use of an Xcel Energy or Efficiency Works registered contractor for projects on manufactured homes is not required but is highly encouraged.
Reminder: 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 |
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps.
Step One: Complete the Preapproval Process
You must complete the preapproval process before making a purchase or beginning a project.
There are two parts to the preapproval process.
First, you must complete our preapproval application form. After you complete this form, you will be paired with an EnergySmart advisor who can help you through the rest of the rebate process!
Next, EnergySmart will confirm that you qualify for these rebates by income verification or by confirming your participation in one of the qualifying assistance programs.
Once both these parts are complete, your EnergySmart advisor will let you know that you can begin your project.
Step Two: Complete Your Project and Gather Required Documents
Once you have received notification from EnergySmart that you have been preapproved, you may complete your project! Remember that some projects may have specific contractor requirements – your advisor can help you determine if you need a contractor for your project.
In order to submit the application for your rebate, you will need to gather project documentation to submit to EnergySmart. So make sure that you review the requirements below and keep all documentation in a safe place while your project is ongoing.
Including air source heat pumps, mini-split heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, ground source heat pumps
- Detailed invoices required
- Invoices should note the project completion date, the equipment installed, AHRI reference number, and note the fuel source of the appliance being replaced
- Proof of purchase including model number of unit
- Before and after photos showing:
- The previous appliance before being removed
- Proof the removed appliance was gas-fueled, if applicable
- The new induction cooktop or heat pump dryer installed
- Itemized invoice from an electrician that clearly states “panel replacement,” “panel upgrade,” or “new subpanel added”
- Proof of one of the completed eligible upgrades
- Air source heat pump
- Mini-split heat pump
- Heat pump water heater
- Ground source heat pump
- Induction cooktop
- EV charger
- Solar
Detailed invoice(s) detailing completion date and the scope of work completed, including the completion of required testing and air sealing as applicable.
Proof of purchase, post-installation photos, and side-view photos of shade structure. If multiple models are installed, provide a side-view photo of each model.
Step Three: Apply for your Rebate
After your project has been completed and you have your supporting documents ready, you can fill out and submit the rebate claim form. Your advisor will help you will this process and send you a link to the form when you’re ready.
Once you submit your claim form, our team will review it to make sure you’ve completed all the required fields and submitted the necessary documentation. Then your advisor will be in touch confirming the rebate approval, rebate amount, and other final details.
My rebate was approved, now what?
Once your rebate is approved, it will be submitted for processing.
- Rebates typically take around 8-10 weeks to arrive in the mail after submittal, but the timing can vary.
- If your rebates have not arrived after 10 weeks from the submission date, please reach out to the EnergySmart team at info@energysmartyes.com to initiate a status inquiry on your rebate check.
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.
