The first phase of a new federal rebate program was announced earlier this month, designed to help San Joaquin County families save up to 65 percent on their energy bills. The new Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. This rebate will make it cheaper for families in California to install cost-saving heat pump units that improve energy efficiency. Heat pumps can replace water heaters and HVAC systems for heating and cooling.

“PG&E bills are out of control and our families can’t afford it. They need relief,” said area Congressman Josh Harder. “That’s why I’m so excited about this new rebate program. It will help families make their homes more energy efficient and lower utility bills by up to 65 percent. I encourage all our San Joaquin County residents to apply for this important rebate.”

California’s HEAR program federal rebates will expand state programs to provide additional support to low- and moderate-income households. Soon, eligible owners of single-family homes will be able to save up to the following amounts on ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump HVAC units:

$8,000 for low-income households (i.e., those earning less than 80 percent of their area’s median income).

$4,000 for middle-income households (i.e., those earning between 80 to 150 percent of their area’s median income).

Heat pumps can be used for heating, air conditioning, and water heating and give homeowners more control than conventional heating and cooling systems. There also is a second Home Energy Rebates program that California will launch in 2025.