How the Colorado HEAR Program Works and How Homeowners Can Use It to Save Thousands

Colorado homeowners are starting to hear more about the Colorado HEAR Program, and for good reason. With energy costs rising and many homes needing energy efficiency upgrades, this Colorado program is designed to lower the upfront cost of home improvements that make homes more comfortable, safer, and more energy efficient.

Even so, many homeowners are still unsure how the HEAR Program actually works, who qualifies, and what types of upgrades are covered. Keep reading as we explain the program in clear terms so you can understand your options before deciding what makes sense for your Denver or Colorado home.

What is the Colorado HEAR program? How can Colorado Home Services help?

What Is the Colorado HEAR Program?

The Colorado HEAR Program, short for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program, is a statewide energy rebate initiative administered by the Colorado Energy Office and funded through the U.S. Department of Energy.

The program is part of Colorado’s broader home energy rebates initiative and is designed to help households reduce the upfront cost of qualifying energy upgrades that improve comfort, safety, and long-term energy performance.

Homeowners looking for a complete overview of eligibility, covered upgrades, and how the process works with a local contractor can explore Colorado HEAR Program rebates in more detail to decide if they want to take the next step.

How HEAR Rebates Are Different From Traditional Energy Rebates

One of the biggest differences between the HEAR Program and traditional energy rebates is how the savings are applied, both before and after work has been done.

With many rebate programs, homeowners pay the full project cost upfront and apply for reimbursement later. Under the HEAR Program, registered contractors apply for eligible rebates before work begins, which helps reduce the project cost from the start! This truly can save you thousands of dollars on eligible HEAR upgrades!

This structure helps homeowners avoid large out-of-pocket expenses and reduces uncertainty around timing and paperwork. For homeowners comparing multiple programs, understanding how HEAR fits alongside other home energy rebates and incentives can make planning upgrades more straightforward.

Who Qualifies for HEAR Rebates in Colorado?

HEAR rebate eligibility is based primarily on household income and home type.

The program applies to existing homes, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, manufactured or mobile homes, apartments, and small multifamily buildings. Income eligibility is determined using your county’s Area Median Income, often referred to as AMI.

Households earning less than 80 percent of AMI may qualify for rebates covering up to 100 percent of eligible project costs, subject to program caps. Households earning between 81 and 150 percent of AMI may qualify for rebates covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, also subject to caps.

Eligibility requirements and rebate availability depend on final program rules and available funding published by the Colorado Energy Office.

What Types of Upgrades Can HEAR Rebates Cover?

The HEAR Program supports upgrades that improve energy performance and help homes transition to more efficient electric systems. Not every upgrade qualifies, and not every home requires the same improvements. But we can help you sort through that!

These upgrades often prepare homes for modern electric appliances such as electric ranges, heat pump water heaters, and EV chargers when electrical capacity or safety improvements are required to power everything in your home.

Some of the most common HEAR-eligible upgrades include the following:

Insulation and Air Sealing

Insulation and air sealing are often the foundation of energy efficiency. Many Colorado homes lose energy through poorly insulated attics, walls, and air leaks. This is especially noticeable when it is very cold (or very hot) outside.

Upgrading your insulation with home insulation services and completing targeted air sealing services can reduce heating and cooling costs, eliminate drafts, and improve comfort throughout the home. These improvements are frequently part of broader energy-efficient home upgrades that help systems work together more effectively.

Electrical Panel and Wiring Upgrades

Many older homes were not built to support today’s electrical demands. Electrical upgrades are often required before adding modern appliances such as EV chargers, electric ranges, or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

Homeowners often begin by reviewing available electrical services and evaluating whether electrical panel upgrades are needed to improve safety, capacity, and future readiness. You can get an idea on costs and long-term considerations that are outlined in our guide to Colorado electrical panel upgrade costs and ROI.

Upgrading your electrical panel is a game changer for your home, allowing you to power modern appliances, hot tubs, heat pumps, EV chargers, and more.

Why Planning Upgrades Together Matters

One common mistake homeowners make is tackling upgrades one at a time without a coordinated plan. The HEAR Program works best when improvements are evaluated together from both a cost standpoint, but also ease of installation.

Insulation and air sealing can reduce your home's overall energy demand, while electrical panel and wiring upgrades make sure your Colorado home can safely support modern systems. Planning these improvements together can reduce repeat work, minimize disruption, and help maximize the value of available rebates.

This approach is especially important in older Colorado homes, where insulation gaps and outdated electrical systems often overlap, causing loss of heated or cooled air, as well as inefficient heating and cooling system outputs.

How Colorado Home Services Helps Homeowners Use the HEAR Program

Colorado Home Services has been serving homeowners across Denver and the Front Range since 2003. As a locally owned and veteran-owned company, we focus on practical improvements that make sense for real homes. We live where we work, and we know the demands that homes just like ours face every day in beautiful Colorado.

Our team helps homeowners understand how the HEAR Program works, identify eligible upgrades that make sense, and plan improvements that align with the HEAR program guidelines. Because we use our own in-house technicians for insulation, air sealing, and electrical work, projects can be coordinated all under one roof!

For homeowners looking to better understand their eligibility, covered upgrades, and next steps in the process, vist our Colorado HEAR Program with Colorado Home Services page to see how rebates fit into broader energy-saving opportunities.

Colorado Home Services has been locally owned and operated since 2003.

When Will the Colorado HEAR Program Be Available?

The Colorado Energy Office and their HEAR Program is available now. Rebates are expected to be available through 2029 or until allocated funds are fully used.

Because funding is limited, homeowners who plan ahead and understand their options may be better positioned to take advantage of the program, and we can help you every step of the way. Don't hesitate as the HEAR program can save you thousands if you qualify.

Common Questions Homeowners Have About HEAR Rebates (FAQ)

Do homeowners apply for the rebate themselves? No. Registered contractors apply for eligible rebates before work begins on your home.

Can HEAR rebates be combined with other incentives? In some cases, HEAR rebates may be combined with utility incentives or federal tax credits. Eligibility depends on the project and program rules, but we can help you sort through the requirements.

What if I do not qualify based on income? Even if you do not qualify for HEAR rebates, many of the same upgrades can still improve comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Homeowners may also benefit from reviewing other available home energy rebates for home improvement projects for additional savings opportunities.

Learn More About HEAR-Eligible Upgrades

If you are a homeowner interested in understanding how the Colorado HEAR Program may apply to your home can explore eligibility, eligible upgrades, and next steps by contacting us for assistance.

You can also visit the Colorado HEAR Program page to learn more about HEAR-eligible insulation, air sealing, and electrical improvements and how to get started.

We look forward to helping you save money, save energy, and improve your home!

Contact Us For HEAR Program Assistance