If you want to stay comfortable in your home throughout the year, but the energy costs keep piling up, you’re not alone. Between sticky Triangle summers and the kind of winter nights that make your system work harder than you’d expect, heating and cooling prices add up fast.
That’s why we’re excited to share some good news: Boer Brothers is now an Energy Saver North Carolina Registered Contractor, which means we can help eligible homeowners and renters in the Triangle use state-supported rebates to lower the upfront cost of certain energy-saving home improvements.
Below is a straightforward overview of how the program works, what types of HVAC upgrades may qualify, and how to get started with our heating & cooling services.
What is Energy Saver North Carolina?
Energy Saver North Carolina is a statewide rebate program designed to help income-eligible households reduce energy use, improve comfort, and lower monthly utility bills through approved home upgrades and high-efficiency electric equipment.
The program includes two rebate “paths,” depending on what you’re upgrading and how you want to approach the project:
- HOMES (Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings) – rebates for whole-home efficiency improvements (often bundled upgrades like air sealing + insulation + HVAC improvements).
- HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) – rebates for specific high-efficiency electric equipment (like qualifying heat pumps), plus certain supporting upgrades.
Quick comparison: HOMES vs. HEAR (which is better?)
HEAR: Instant discounts for qualifying electric upgrades
HEAR is designed to help households install eligible, efficient electric equipment and supporting upgrades; often as an instant discount when the work is completed by a registered contractor.
HEAR rebate examples can include:
- Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR® certified electric heat pump
- Up to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR® heat pump water heater
- Up to $1,600 for qualifying insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Up to $4,000 for certain electrical panel work
- Up to $2,500 for certain electrical wiring work
Income eligibility matters. In general, the program is for households at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI). Households under 80% AMI may qualify for a higher level of support than those between 80%–150% AMI.
HEAR is often a great fit when you already know the upgrade you want (for example: replacing a furnace with a qualifying heat pump), and you’d like to move forward on your timeline.
HOMES: Whole-home efficiency
HOMES is focused on improving your home’s overall efficiency, typically with a plan based on an assessment/model that identifies a package of upgrades designed to reach a minimum energy savings threshold.
HOMES can offer up to $16,000 for eligible households, depending on project results and eligibility.
HOMES is often a great fit if your home needs more than one improvement (think: leaky ducts + weak insulation + aging HVAC), and you want the upgrades to work together for comfort and lower bills.
What HVAC upgrades might qualify in the Triangle?
Every home is different, and eligibility depends on the equipment you have now and what you’re installing. But for many Triangle homeowners, the most relevant opportunities tend to be:
1) Heat pump upgrades (heating + cooling)
Heat pumps are one of the biggest comfort upgrades you can make in our climate: efficient cooling in summer, reliable heating in winter, and often steadier temperatures room-to-room.
HEAR may offer rebates for a qualifying heat pump. In some cases, this is specifically targeted when switching from non-electric heating (like gas/propane/oil) or for first-time primary heat pump installation, based on program rules.
2) Air sealing + insulation improvements that support HVAC performance
If your home leaks air, your system has to run longer to keep up, especially during humidity spikes and temperature swings.
The program can support air sealing/insulation/ventilation measures in eligible scenarios, which can also help right-size a new system and improve comfort.
3) Supporting electrical work
Some upgrades require electrical improvements (like panel capacity or wiring updates). The program includes rebate categories for certain supporting electrical work, when it’s needed for qualifying upgrades.
Good to know: The program generally requires installation by a participating/registered contractor. DIY installs typically don’t qualify.
How to get started with Boer Brothers
We’re a service first company. Our job is to help you make smart decisions that fit your home and budget, without any pressure.
Here’s the simplest way to approach Energy Saver NC:
- Check eligibility and apply through the program
Start with the program’s eligibility/application steps so you know which path (HOMES or HEAR) fits best. - Decide whether you’re doing a whole-home plan (HOMES) or a specific upgrade (HEAR)
- HOMES: typically starts with a home assessment/plan.
- HEAR: typically starts with choosing the upgrade and working with a registered contractor.
- Schedule an estimate with Boer Brothers
We’ll evaluate your current system, talk through comfort issues, and provide straightforward options, then help align the scope with the program requirements where applicable. - Complete the work and apply the rebate correctly
Program rules and documentation are important. We’ll help keep the process clean and transparent so your rebate is handled the right way.
A few tips before you start
- Have your current equipment info handy (approximate age, fuel type, what’s not working well).
- Know your pain points (hot rooms, humidity, high bills, uneven airflow).
- If you’re a renter, you’ll typically need landlord approval for improvements.
- If you’re in a hurry due to a breakdown, ask us about the fastest rebate-friendly options for your situation.
- Check out our Specials page for current promotional offers
FAQs
Is Energy Saver NC only for homeowners?
No—renters may qualify, but landlord approval is typically required.
How much can I save?
It depends on the program path, your income eligibility, and the measures installed. HEAR can provide rebates up to $14,000 total per household, and HOMES can offer up to $16,000 for eligible whole-home upgrades.
Can I combine this with other incentives?
In some cases, households can use Energy Saver NC rebates alongside other incentives, as long as the combined incentives don’t exceed the cost of the upgrade and program rules are followed.
If I already have a heat pump, can I get a rebate to replace it?
Eligibility depends on program rules and your current setup. The safest approach is to let us review your existing equipment and confirm what applies for your specific home and upgrade plan.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Boer Brothers has been serving Chapel Hill and the Triangle with a relationship-first, service-over-sales approach since 2007. We’d love to help you take advantage of this program if you’re eligible.
Reach out today to schedule an estimate and we’ll walk you through next steps.
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