Indiana Energy Rebates Are Open — Here's How to Get Yours

If you've been wondering how to apply for energy rebates in Indiana, the short answer is: start at www.IndianaEnergySaver.com, where applications are currently open for two separate programs — the Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) and the Home Appliance Rebate (HEAR) — through a single application process.

Quick steps to apply for Indiana energy rebates:

Visit IndianaEnergySaver.com and create an account
Check your eligibility (income, residency, and property type)
Gather required documents (proof of ownership or lease, utility bills, income verification)
Submit your application through the online portal
Schedule an energy checkup with a program representative
Work with an approved contractor for installation
Receive your rebate as an upfront discount at the point of installation

Indiana has received roughly $182 million in federal funding to make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable for Hoosiers. Whether you own your home or rent, there may be a rebate available for upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, water heaters, and more. On top of the state program, utility companies like NIPSCO and Duke Energy also offer their own rebates — meaning there's real potential to stack savings if you plan it right.

This guide walks you through every step, so you don't leave money on the table.

How to Apply for Energy Rebates in Indiana: Start With the Right Program

Before you fill out any form, the first job is figuring out which rebate program fits your project. In Indiana, that usually means looking at two buckets:

State rebates through the Indiana Energy Saver Program
Utility rebates offered by your electric or gas provider

The Indiana Energy Saver Program combines HOMES and HEAR into one application. That is helpful because you do not have to play "guess which program I need" before you begin.

State rebates vs utility rebates

The state program is designed for larger energy-saving improvements.

HOMES focuses on whole-home efficiency upgrades
HEAR focuses on qualifying appliances and electrification upgrades for income-qualified households

Under the Indiana Energy Saver Program, rebates are meant to show up as an upfront discount on eligible equipment and installation completed by qualified contractors. That is a big deal because saving money later is nice, but saving it now is nicer.

Utility rebates are separate. Depending on your provider and service area, these may include offers for:

Smart thermostats
HVAC tune-ups
Furnaces and boilers
Central air conditioners
Heat pumps
Appliances
Manufactured homes

For example, NIPSCO's 2026 rebate materials show offers on items like smart thermostats, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, tune-ups, appliances, and qualifying manufactured homes. Utility programs also tend to have their own timing rules, product rules, and submission deadlines.

How to apply for energy rebates in Indiana if you want the biggest savings

If your goal is maximum savings, do these four things before buying anything:

Check state program eligibility first
Confirm whether your utility also offers a rebate
Make sure the equipment meets required efficiency standards, such as ENERGY STAR or program-specific specs
Use a qualified contractor and keep all paperwork

This matters because rebate eligibility often depends on details homeowners do not see until it is too late, such as:

Installation date
Whether the old equipment is being replaced
Whether the product appears on a qualified product list
Whether modeled energy savings hit the required threshold
Whether the contractor is in the program network

If you are planning an HVAC upgrade, our guides on HVAC rebates and heat pumps can help you understand what usually qualifies.

Check Eligibility Before You Apply

A rebate is only exciting if you can actually get it. So before uploading documents or choosing equipment, make sure you meet the rules.

Who qualifies for Indiana Energy Saver rebates

The Indiana Energy Saver Program is designed for Indiana households, including:

Single-family homes
Multifamily properties
Homeowners
Renters
Landlords
Building owners or organizations applying on behalf of residents in some cases

HOMES is broadly available to Hoosiers, while HEAR is limited to low- and moderate-income households.

In general:

Homeowners may apply for eligible upgrades in their primary residence
Renters may qualify in some situations, usually with lease or residency documentation and property approval where needed
Landlords may qualify for eligible projects in rental properties, especially multifamily settings, subject to program rules

How to apply for energy rebates in Indiana with income verification

Income matters most for HEAR and for higher rebate levels under HOMES.

Key income rules from the Indiana program include:

HEAR is for households under 150% of Area Median Income, or AMI
Households under 80% of AMI may qualify for stronger support under parts of the program
AMI varies by county and household size

Indiana also allows categorical eligibility in some cases. That means if your household already participates in approved assistance programs, you may be able to verify eligibility without submitting the full stack of income paperwork.

Examples may include participation in programs such as:

SNAP
Medicaid
LIHEAP
SSI
Head Start
Other approved federal or state programs

If you do need standard income verification, acceptable documents may include:

Recent pay stubs
W-2 forms
Tax returns
Benefit award letters
Profit and loss statements for self-employment
Other program-approved income documents

And yes, you can usually redact sensitive information like Social Security numbers. That is one bit of paperwork advice we fully support.

Homes and projects that do not qualify

Not every project makes the cut. Based on current Indiana guidance, common limits include:

New construction is not eligible through the Indiana Energy Saver Program
Work that does not meet program standards may not qualify
HEAR does not allow retroactive rebates
Already completed work may not qualify unless it meets the retroactive HOMES rules
Projects outside the official program process may be denied

Retroactive HOMES rebates are only available for certain eligible retrofits completed between August 16, 2022, and May 14, 2025. If the work happened outside that window, or if it was a HEAR-eligible appliance project instead, do not count on a retroactive rebate.

Also important: some utility rebates for 2026 are first come, first served and only apply to equipment purchased and installed within stated date ranges. Waiting too long can turn "approved in theory" into "sorry, funds are gone."

What Upgrades and Documents You Need

Indiana rebate paperwork and home upgrades

Eligible upgrades under HOMES and HEAR

HOMES is built around whole-home energy savings. In Indiana, that generally means a retrofit package predicted to reduce energy use by at least 20%.

Eligible improvements may include:

Insulation
Air sealing
Mechanical ventilation
ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment
Water heaters
Other whole-home efficiency measures tied to modeled savings

HEAR focuses on high-efficiency appliances and electrification improvements for income-qualified households. Eligible upgrades may include:

Heat pump HVAC systems
Heat pump water heaters
Electric clothes dryers
Electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, or ovens
Electric load service centers
Electric wiring
Insulation
Air sealing
Mechanical ventilation

For many homeowners in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence, Noblesville, and Zionsville, heat pumps are getting a lot of attention because they can qualify for multiple types of incentives while improving year-round comfort. If you want the basics first, read How Heat Pumps and Energy Efficiency Work.

Utility rebate upgrades to look for

Utility rebates vary by provider, but common categories in Indiana include:

Smart Wi-Fi thermostats
Furnace and boiler upgrades
Air conditioners
Heat pumps
HVAC tune-ups
ENERGY STAR appliances
Manufactured home efficiency incentives

NIPSCO's 2026 rebate guidance, for example, notes that certain residential gas and electric customers may qualify for rebates on replacement equipment and ENERGY STAR appliances, with applications generally due within 60 days of installation. Some HVAC applications also require an AHRI certificate.

One important catch: utility rebates often exclude products bought through specific sales channels, so always check the current rules before purchase.

If you want a homeowner-friendly overview of what these offers can look like, see Save Your Money: Know Your HVAC Rebates.

Documents to gather before submitting an application

Whether you apply for state rebates, utility rebates, or both, having your paperwork ready makes the process much smoother.

Common documents include:

Proof of ownership, such as a deed, property tax record, or homeowners insurance document
Lease or proof of residency for renters
Recent utility bill for each utility serving the home
Up to 13 months of utility usage history if requested
Income verification documents
Proof of participation in a qualifying assistance program, if using categorical eligibility
Delivered fuel records, if applicable
Product specifications or certificates
Contractor invoices and installation receipts

For HVAC-related utility rebates, you may also need:

AHRI certificate
Model and serial numbers
Tune-up checklist for maintenance rebates

Try to submit everything the first time. Indiana program guidance says missing documents may need to be provided within 30 calendar days, or the application can be denied.

Rebate amounts and how they vary

Rebate amounts depend on the program, income level, energy savings, and project type. Here is the simple version:

Program	Who it is for	What affects rebate amount	General rebate structure
HOMES	Broadly available to Indiana households	Predicted energy savings and household income	Higher savings can qualify for larger rebates; low-income households may receive a higher share of project cost covered
HEAR	Households under 150% of AMI	Income eligibility and appliance or upgrade category	Category-based limits for qualifying electrification and appliance upgrades
Utility rebates	Customers of participating utilities	Utility territory, equipment type, efficiency rating, install date	Fixed rebates by product or service category

Indiana's published FAQ notes that HOMES rebates can increase significantly for low-income households and for projects with deeper energy savings. HEAR also has category caps for certain upgrades, including heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, electrical work, and wiring.

Because program rules can change, the smartest move is to confirm amounts inside the official portal before you commit to equipment.

Step-by-Step: Submit Your Indiana Rebate Application

Apply through the Indiana Energy Saver portal

For the state program, the main application hub is www.IndianaEnergySaver.com.

Here is the typical process:

Create an online account
Enter household information
Add property details
Provide utility account information
Complete income screening, if required
Upload documents
Submit the application for review

The portal is built to route applicants through a single process for both HOMES and HEAR. That is helpful if you are not sure which side of the program fits your project best.

What happens after you apply

After submission, the process usually looks something like this:

Application review
Request for missing documents, if needed
Eligibility confirmation
Energy checkup or assessment
Personalized upgrade plan
Installation by a qualified contractor
Quality assurance or final verification
Rebate applied as an upfront discount on approved work

Indiana guidance says applicants generally have 30 calendar days to provide any missing documentation. Miss that window and the application may be denied.

The energy assessment step is especially important for HOMES because whole-home savings must be modeled according to program standards. In plain English: the state wants evidence that the upgrades actually improve efficiency, not just your confidence level after watching three home improvement videos.

How contractors and inspections work

For the Indiana Energy Saver Program, contractors are expected to meet program requirements and work within the approved network. Energy audits must also follow recognized standards.

What that means for homeowners:

You may need to choose from participating or qualified contractors
The contractor may need to submit technical information
The project may need a pre- or post-installation inspection
The rebate is designed to be applied as a discount rather than a mail-in check later

This is one reason planning ahead matters. If you install equipment outside the program process or use someone who does not meet requirements, you could lose the rebate.

If you are considering a heat pump upgrade, our article on energy-efficient heat pumps explains why this equipment is often central to rebate strategies.

Deadlines, retroactive rebates, and common application mistakes

Deadlines are where good rebate plans go to panic.

Keep these rules in mind:

Retroactive rebates are only available through HOMES
Eligible retroactive HOMES projects must fall between August 16, 2022, and May 14, 2025
HEAR does not offer retroactive rebates
Some utility programs require submission within 60 days of installation
Some 2026 utility rebates are first come, first served and only for qualifying installation dates

Common mistakes we see homeowners make:

Buying equipment before checking eligibility
Assuming every heat pump or appliance qualifies
Forgetting to keep receipts and certificates
Missing the deadline after installation
Uploading incomplete income documents
Using a contractor outside the required network
Assuming new construction is eligible when it is not

Can You Combine Indiana Rebates With Other Incentives?

Often, yes - but you need to verify the rules for each program.

Rebates you may be able to stack

Indiana's state guidance says the rebate program may potentially be used alongside federal tax credits, though homeowners should confirm tax treatment with the IRS or a tax professional.

Other incentives that may be available depending on your project include:

Federal energy efficiency tax credits
Utility rebates
Weatherization Assistance Program
Energy Assistance Program, or EAP
Indiana property tax deductions for certain projects
Manufacturer or ENERGY STAR partner offers located through the rebate finder

If you are looking into federal tax credits for HVAC equipment, start with Tax Credits Are Back for High Efficient HVAC Equipment.

For tax credits, homeowners commonly use IRS Form 5695 when claiming qualifying home energy improvements. Just remember: a rebate and a tax credit are not the same thing, and the paperwork definitely enjoys reminding us of that.

How to choose qualifying equipment without missing savings

To avoid losing incentives, confirm all of the following before installation:

The product meets ENERGY STAR or other required efficiency levels
The model appears on any required qualified product list
The installation date falls within the program window
You have the documentation needed for submission
Your contractor can provide the right certificates, including AHRI documentation when required
The equipment is eligible for both the state and utility program, if stacking

Helpful resources include:

You can also use the ENERGY STAR rebate finder to spot product-related offers near you, but always verify final eligibility with the actual Indiana or utility program rules.

Where to Get Help and Stay Updated

Best places to get application help in Indiana

If you need help with the Indiana Energy Saver Program, start with the official support channels:

Website: www.IndianaEnergySaver.com
Phone: 855-446-7283
Email: rebates@oed.in.gov
Contact page for status questions: https://indianaenergysaver.com/contact-us/

If your question is about tax deductions tied to property matters, your County Auditor's Office may also help.

For utility-specific rebates, check your own utility account portal or rebate center so you are using the current forms and deadlines.

Quick FAQ before you apply

Here are a few fast answers to common questions:

Can renters apply?
- In some cases, yes. Renters may qualify depending on the program and property setup.
Do I need all my utility history?
- Usually a recent utility bill is enough to start, but you may be asked for up to 13 months of usage.
Can I hide sensitive personal information?
- Yes, Indiana guidance says you should redact Social Security numbers when possible.
How do I check my application status?
- Use the program contact options listed above.
Will there be an inspection?
- Possibly. Energy assessments, quality checks, or final verification may be part of the process.
Can I get a rebate for work already completed?
- Only certain HOMES projects completed during the approved retroactive period may qualify.
Does new construction count?
- No, not under the Indiana Energy Saver Program.

Next steps for Indianapolis-area homeowners

If you live in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence, Noblesville, or Zionsville, the best next step is to plan your upgrade before you purchase equipment. That gives you the best shot at combining eligible rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives without getting tripped up by paperwork.

At LCS Heating and Cooling, we help homeowners think through efficient HVAC upgrades with clear communication and a streamlined process that fits our 7-Star Concierge Service approach. If you are exploring a heat pump, high-efficiency system, or other comfort upgrade, we can help you prepare for the equipment side of the rebate conversation and avoid common mistakes before installation.

For current offers and more information, visit our promotions page.

In short, how to apply for energy rebates in Indiana comes down to four moves: