Program update (August 2026): The Georgia HEAR program closed to new applications on August 10, 2026 while the state prepares to relaunch it with new eligibility rules. No reopening date has been announced, and final rebate amounts haven't been published. We'll update this guide as the state releases details. In the meantime: our team can pre-qualify you now so your application files the day HEAR reopens, and Georgia's other rebate program, Home Efficiency Rebates (HER), is open right now at every income level. Check your rebate tier or call (404) 798-9672.
The Georgia HEAR program, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, is a statewide initiative that uses funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help Georgia homeowners afford energy efficient electric appliances.
Under the program's previous rules, qualifying households could receive rebates of up to $14,000. That's a lot of savings, and it's why the relaunch is worth getting ready for now.
The goal of the HEAR program is to help low and moderate-income households use less energy while improving indoor comfort and safety. Energy saving appliances aren't always the most affordable options, and HEAR exists to change that for eligible Georgians.
Let's take a closer look at where the program stands, what we know about eligibility, and how to be first in line when it reopens.
Georgia HEAR program eligibility and requirements
Here's where things stand: the state closed HEAR to new applications on August 10, 2026 and is preparing a relaunch with new eligibility rules. The new version's final criteria and rebate amounts haven't been published yet, though the program is expected to remain income-based, and funds will be first come, first served when it reopens.
Income eligibility
Under the previous rules, eligibility was limited to households earning less than 150% of the area median income (AMI) for their community as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with the largest rebates, up to 100% of project cost, reserved for households at or below 80% of AMI, and up to 50% for households between 80% and 150% of AMI.
The relaunched program is expected to remain income-based, and income verification will almost certainly remain part of the process. That's one reason pre-qualifying now saves you time later: we gather your household details ahead of the announcement, so there's nothing to scramble for on day one.
Wondering where your household stands? PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has created a Customer Advocate Center for exactly this. Get in touch now to pre-qualify, or check your rebate tier in about 10 seconds.
Appliance requirements
The state hasn't published the relaunched program's eligibility rules yet, so we won't guess at them here. What we can tell you is what's carried through every version of the program so far: qualifying equipment must be ENERGY STAR-certified, and the work must be performed according to program standards.
The moment the state announces the new rules, we'll know exactly which upgrades and equipment qualify, and our pre-qualified customers will be the first to hear how the rules apply to their homes.
Installation and contractor requirements
Not just anyone can install your new, energy efficient appliances if you want to qualify for HEAR funds. The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) requires you to work with an approved HEAR contractor, and approved contractors must follow specific protocols, including:
- Performing a Manual J load calculation prior to any heat pump installation
- Performing a blower door test prior to performing building envelope upgrades, such as air sealing, new insulation, or ventilation improvements
PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been an approved Georgia HEAR contractor since the pilot program launched in 2024. Not only that, our team is BPI-certified and has even advised GEFA on building the program! As veteran home performance and HVAC pros, Manual J load calculations and blower door tests are already part of our service suite. We're ready to help you get positioned for the relaunch and maximize your savings!
Home electrification rebates: Which appliances and services qualify?
Under the program's previous rules, many appliance upgrades and services qualified for rebates in Georgia under the HEAR program (Source: GEFA), including:
- Heat pump systems for heating and cooling
- Insulation and air sealing
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, and ovens
- Electric load service center (panel) upgrades
- Electric wiring upgrades
Under those prior rules, individual rebates ranged from $840 for appliances up to $8,000 for heat pump systems, and households could combine upgrades for a maximum of $14,000 in total savings. Final categories and amounts for the relaunched program haven't been published, and we'll update this guide the moment they are. Either way, the long-term energy savings from ultra-efficient new appliances are yours to keep.
Determine your Georgia HEAR program eligibility
At PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we've created a Customer Advocate Center to help you get ready for the HEAR relaunch and maximize your rebate. We're a HEAR-approved contractor with deep expertise in energy savings projects for Atlanta-area homeowners, we've helped more than 700 Georgia homeowners capture state Home Energy Rebates, more than any contractor in the state, and we're a Georgia Power HEIP Affiliated Installer.
Here's how to be first in line: contact our Customer Advocate Center to pre-qualify, get your project scoped with a free consultation, and we'll file your application the day the state opens the new program. And while you wait, remember that the HER program is open right now at every income level. Check your rebate tier to see what you qualify for today.
As an HVAC and plumbing contractor serving the Metro Atlanta area since 2008, we do things a whole lot differently than the legacy HVAC companies.
Our team always performs significant pre-installation legwork for every HVAC installation to ensure you get the right system for your home. We also conduct a rigorous quality control audit when the installation is complete to ensure you're 100% comfortable in your home.
With these differences, considered alongside our comprehensive 10-year warranty on new equipment, it's no wonder we've got a 4.9/5 rating on Google with over 1,400 5-star reviews!
Claim your rebate savings today
Our Customer Advocate Center is ready to help you determine your program eligibility, find the best upgrades for your home, and maximize your rebates.
Please note: We currently serve homeowners in the Metro Atlanta area only.
To see where you stand, check your rebate tier on our Georgia rebates page, or call a PV customer advocate at (404) 798-9672 today!
