Washington Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives (2026)
Federal tax credits are gone, but Washington has more active incentive layers than most states. Utility rebates from PSE reach up to $5,000 income-qualified, a state-funded HEAR program backed by $103.6 million in Climate Commitment Act revenue is open and paying rebates, and federal HARP rebates (up to $8,000) remain unlaunched after DOE revised its program guidelines on June 1, 2026. Seattle's Clean Heat program offers $2,000 for oil-to-heat-pump conversions at any income — up to $6,000 with the moderate-income bonus (installations by September 30, 2026). This guide covers all major Washington heat pump incentives available in 2026, including PSE, Seattle City Light, Snohomish PUD, Avista, the state HEAR program, and the pending federal HARP/HOMES programs. Here's what's actually available.
Updated July 10, 2026 — verified against official program sources
Rates and program availability may change after this date.
Washington
Open
Washington has two rebate tracks plus utility programs. The state HEAR program (Climate Commitment Act, ~$103.6M) is open and paying rebates for households ≤150% AMI. The federal HARP/HOMES rebates (up to $8,000, Guidehouse administering) have no launch date — DOE issued revised program guidelines June 1, 2026 and Commerce is reassessing. PSE utility rebates run up to $5,000 (income-qualified) and require a PSE Trade Ally or REP contractor. Seattle's Clean Heat program pays $2,000 for oil-to-heat-pump conversions at any income, up to $6,000 with the moderate-income bonus (installations by September 30, 2026). Federal tax credits (25C/25D) ended December 31, 2025.
Sources:
The Short Version
✓ State HEAR — Active Now
~$103.6M from Climate Commitment Act. For households ≤150% AMI. Apply through local community administrators. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR or AHRI certified (some administrators require cold-climate models).
✓ Utility Rebates — Active
PSE: $1,500–$5,000. Seattle City Light/Clean Heat: $300–$6,000. Snohomish PUD: $1,800–$2,500. Tacoma Power: $1,000–$2,000. No income restrictions for standard tiers.
✓ Total Potential Savings
$1,500–$2,000 (above 150% AMI) from utility rebates alone — the largest amounts (PSE's $5,000 Pierce County HEAR, Seattle's $6,000 Clean Heat total) are income-qualified. Income-qualified households can stack state HEAR + utility for substantially more. Full electrification packages could reach near-zero out-of-pocket if HARP launches.
✗ Federal Tax Credits Expired
Section 25C ($2,000 for heat pumps) and Section 25D (30% for geothermal) both ended December 31, 2025. No replacement exists in 2026.
⚠ Federal HARP/HOMES — Not Yet Launched
Washington's federal HARP/HOMES programs (over $165M applied for, per Commerce) have no launch date. DOE issued revised program guidelines on June 1, 2026 and Commerce is reworking next steps with Guidehouse, its statewide administrator. Rebates will not be retroactive — do not count on these when budgeting a 2026 installation.
Federal Tax Credits Have Ended
Section 25C is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, and Section 25D is not available for expenditures made after December 31, 2025. Both were terminated early by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025). For Washington homeowners, that means no federal residential heat pump tax credit is available for 2026 installations. If you completed a heat pump installation by December 31, 2025, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return using IRS Form 5695.
For full details on what changed, see our Federal Heat Pump Tax Credits Ended guide.
State HEAR Program — Active Now
Washington's state-funded HEAR program is separate from the federal IRA programs, and Commerce confirms it is open and paying rebates. It draws on roughly $103.6 million in Climate Commitment Act cap-and-invest revenue — about $73.5 million already invested across 55 rebate and incentive programs in 2024–2025, plus a further $30.1 million anticipated to continue existing programs and establish new ones — and serves households at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI). The program covers heat pumps (ducted, ductless, air-source, ground-source), heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, induction cooking, and electric panel and wiring upgrades needed to install the new equipment. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR or AHRI certified; some administrators require cold-climate rated models.
Rebate levels are set by each administrator. United Hub, the largest, funds 50% of qualified equipment purchase and installation costs for homeowners below 150% AMI, and 100% for homeowners below 80% AMI, in its five counties.
Known Active Administrators
| Administrator | Counties Served | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| United Hub | Clark, King, Pierce, Thurston, Yakima | wahear.com |
| Spokane County HCD | Spokane County | spokanecounty.gov |
| Other counties | Email HomeRebates@commerce.wa.gov to find your local administrator | |
What is AMI and do I qualify?
AMI stands for Area Median Income — the midpoint household income for your county. Most high-value rebates (state HEAR and future HARP) are limited to households earning ≤150% AMI. Lower-income households (≤80% AMI) qualify for the largest incentives. Use the Rewiring America Savings Calculator to check your eligibility by zip code.
⚠ Common Mistake: Confusing State HEAR with Federal HARP
Washington has two separate HEAR-type programs with different funding sources. The state HEAR (Climate Commitment Act) is active now. The federal HARP (IRA-funded) has not launched. Don't assume you're covered by one when you've applied to the other — they are administered independently.
Federal HARP & HOMES Rebates — Not Yet Launched
Washington applied for over $165 million in federal HARP and HOMES funding (per Commerce), with Guidehouse as the statewide administrator. The program was in late-stage launch preparation through early 2026, but on June 1, 2026 the U.S. Department of Energy issued revised program guidelines (program notices 26-1 and 26-2). Commerce says it is evaluating how those changes affect the program and working with its administrator to determine next steps. No launch date has been announced. Rebates will not be retroactive — nothing purchased or installed before approval can be reimbursed. Commerce's own advice in the meantime is to check the state HEAR program, which is already running.
HARP Rebate Structure (When Launched)
| Income Level | Heat Pump Rebate | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 80% AMI | Up to $8,000 | 100% of costs (up to cap) |
| 80–150% AMI | Up to $4,000 | 50% of costs (up to cap) |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | — |
Under the federal framework, a $14,000 per household cap applies across all HARP measures combined, with heat pump rebates capped at $8,000. HOMES provides performance-based rebates of roughly $2,000–$8,000 for whole-home retrofits achieving 20–35%+ energy savings — available at all income levels, with the largest amounts reserved for lower-income households. Washington's final program design may differ.
Utility Rebate Programs
Washington's utility rebates are the most accessible incentive for most homeowners — no income restrictions for standard tiers. What you can get depends on which utility serves your home.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) — Largest Utility
| Conversion Type | Standard | Income-Qualified |
|---|---|---|
| Electric resistance → air-source HP | $1,500 | $2,400 |
| Gas → heat pump (full conversion) | Not offered — income-qualified only | $4,000 |
| Hybrid heat pump + gas furnace | $1,500 | $2,400 |
| Pierce County HEAR (cold-climate HP) | — | $5,000 |
PSE requires all heat pump rebate installations to use a PSE Trade Ally or Recommended Energy Professional — out-of-network contractors and DIY installs do not qualify. PSE describes the Pierce County HEAR rebate as a limited-time offer. Separately, the City of Lacey matches PSE rebates for residents inside city limits: a 100% match on income-qualified rebates (a second $4,000 on the gas-to-heat-pump rebate) and a 50% match on standard rebates, while funding lasts.
Seattle City Light
Standard rebates of $300–$600, with a $2,000 instant rebate at any income for oil-to-heat-pump conversions under the city's Clean Heat program (targeting oil-free Seattle by 2030). Moderate-income households (81–150% AMI) get a $4,000 bonus on top — up to $6,000 total — for installations completed by September 30, 2026; the bonus is funded by the state HEAR program. Clean Heat currently applies to qualifying Mitsubishi heat pumps installed by participating contractors, and lower-income households may qualify for a free conversion through the Office of Housing. The HomeWise Program provides free heat pump installations for income-eligible Seattle households. The Energy Smart Eastside collaborative (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, Sammamish) offers a Boost Program that fully covers heat pump costs for households at ≤80% AMI, stackable with PSE utility incentives.
Other Utilities
| Utility | Heat Pump Rebate | Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Power | $1,000–$2,000 | Tacoma |
| Clark Public Utilities | $500–$1,250 | Clark County |
| Snohomish County PUD | $1,800–$2,500 | Snohomish County |
| Avista | $500–$1,000 | Eastern WA (Spokane area) |
All utility rebate amounts are subject to change and should be confirmed before purchasing. Avista amounts may change — verify at 1-800-227-9187 or rebates@myavista.com.
Initiative 2066 & What It Means for Rebates
Initiative 2066 was a voter-approved measure in November 2024 that aimed to prevent limits on natural gas — blocking building codes from discouraging gas, stopping PSE's gas transition plan, and restricting municipal energy standards. In March 2025, a King County judge struck I-2066 down as unconstitutional. The Building Industry Association of Washington appealed directly to the Washington Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on January 22, 2026 and is reviewing the case de novo. As of July 2026 the court has not ruled and has given no timeline. I-2066's legal status remains unresolved while the appeal is pending, and the state Building Code Council has kept the existing 2021 energy codes in place while it investigates changes.
What this means for heat pump rebates:
Nothing has changed for existing programs. All utility rebates, the state HEAR program, and the upcoming federal HARP/HOMES programs are unaffected by I-2066 regardless of the Supreme Court outcome. The initiative targets building codes and utility planning — not incentive programs.
How Programs Stack
Washington has two separate HEAR-type programs plus utility rebates. State HEAR and utility rebates can stack. Federal HARP (when launched) is expected to stack with utility rebates and, under the federal framework, cannot combine with HOMES for the same measure. Total incentives cannot exceed project cost.
Above 150% AMI — PSE Territory
- PSE electric resistance → HP (or hybrid): $1,500
- State HEAR: Not eligible (income-restricted)
- Federal HARP: Not eligible (income-restricted)
- Federal tax credit: $0 (expired)
Realistic maximum: ~$1,500
80–150% AMI — PSE Territory (Current)
- PSE income-qualified (electric resistance → HP): $2,400
- State HEAR (through local administrator): varies — United Hub pays 50% of qualified project costs in its five counties
- Federal HARP: $0 (not launched)
Realistic maximum: ~$2,400 + state HEAR
Below 80% AMI — PSE Territory (If HARP Launches)
- PSE income-qualified (gas → HP): $4,000
- State HEAR: varies by administrator — United Hub funds 100% of qualified costs below 80% AMI in its five counties
- Federal HARP: up to $8,000
Some households could see near-zero out-of-pocket costs
What You'll Actually Pay
On a typical $8,000–$15,000 heat pump installation, most Washington homeowners above 150% AMI will pay $6,000–$13,500 out of pocket after utility rebates ($1,500–$2,000 depending on utility). Income-qualified households in PSE territory with active state HEAR can cut that significantly. If federal HARP launches, the best-case scenario for ≤80% AMI households could approach near-zero out of pocket — but confirm stacking eligibility with each program before relying on combined amounts.
Weatherization Assistance
Washington's Weatherization Assistance Program provides free energy efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households. Contact the Washington Department of Commerce at commerce.wa.gov/weatherization for more information.
The City of Seattle's HomeWise Program and Energy Smart Eastside's Boost Program both provide no-cost heat pump installations for income-eligible households, effectively serving as enhanced weatherization pathways.
✓ Best Candidates for Washington Heat Pump Incentives
Income-qualified PSE customers replacing electric resistance heating — $2,400 utility rebate plus state HEAR. Seattle residents heating with oil — $2,000 Clean Heat rebate at any income, up to $6,000 for moderate-income households (installations by September 30, 2026). Eastside residents (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, etc.) at ≤80% AMI — Energy Smart Eastside Boost covers full cost plus PSE stacks. Pierce County households at ≤150% AMI — $5,000 Pierce County HEAR through PSE. Any household at ≤150% AMI — apply to state HEAR through your local administrator now while federal HARP is pending.
Climate Context
Washington's climate varies dramatically between its western and eastern halves. This split affects both equipment selection and available rebates.
| Region | IECC Zone | Winter Design Temp | Cold-Climate HP Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle / Puget Sound | 4C (Marine) | ~24–28°F | No — standard HP works well |
| Olympia / SW Washington | 4C (Marine) | ~20–24°F | Standard HP fine |
| Spokane | 5B (Cold-Dry) | ~0–5°F | Essential — CCHP required |
| Pullman / Wenatchee | 5B–6B | Below 0°F | Essential |
Western Washington's mild maritime climate makes standard heat pumps efficient year-round. Oil-to-heat-pump conversion programs are particularly active in Seattle. Eastern Washington requires cold-climate models rated to 0°F or below, and building code allows backup gas systems for extreme cold. Most utility programs now require minimum HSPF2 ratings of 7.5–8.5. State HEAR equipment must be ENERGY STAR or AHRI certified; PSE's Pierce County HEAR program requires cold-climate rated systems. For more on battery storage and time-of-use strategies, see our home battery guide.
Avista customers in Eastern WA — federal HARP will be especially important
Avista rebates are more modest ($500–$1,000) than western Washington utilities. When the federal HARP program launches, it will be a critical funding source for Eastern Washington households replacing gas or electric resistance heating with cold-climate heat pumps.
How to Apply
For utility rebates (PSE, SCL, Tacoma Power, etc.)
Apply through your utility's rebate portal after installation. PSE requires Trade Ally or REP contractors for rebate eligibility. Check your utility's website for current application forms.
For state HEAR (CCA-funded, active now)
Contact your local administrator. Email HomeRebates@commerce.wa.gov to find yours, or visit wahear.com for Clark, King, Pierce, Thurston, and Yakima counties.
For federal HARP/HOMES (when live)
No application portal yet. Guidehouse will administer statewide. Sign up for updates at WA Commerce IRA page.
Check your AMI (income eligibility)
Use the Rewiring America Savings Calculator to check your AMI percentage. Washington Commerce also provides an AMI threshold table on their IRA Home Energy Rebates page.
What to Watch
IRA Funding Runway
Washington's IRA-funded HARP/HOMES rebates remain in preparation, but federal guidance changes have already delayed the launch once and future federal budget actions could affect the program. Check Commerce's IRA Home Energy Rebates page for status.
Federal HARP Launch Date
Guidehouse is the selected administrator, but DOE's June 1, 2026 program notices (26-1 and 26-2) sent Commerce back to reassess program design, and no launch date has been announced. When live, HARP could add $4,000–$8,000 for income-qualified households; stacking rules with utility and state HEAR rebates will be set at launch.
I-2066 Supreme Court Ruling
Argued January 22, 2026; no decision as of July 2026, and the court set no timeline. The state Building Code Council has kept the existing 2021 energy codes in place while it investigates changes. A ruling does not affect existing rebate programs but would shape future building code and utility electrification planning.
PSE Trade Ally Requirement (in effect)
All PSE heat pump installations must use a PSE Trade Ally or Recommended Energy Professional to qualify for rebates. Confirm your contractor is in the network before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heat pump rebates are available in Washington in 2026?
Washington heat pump rebates come from three layers: utility rebates (PSE up to $5,000 income-qualified, Seattle City Light/Clean Heat $300–$6,000, Snohomish PUD $1,800–$2,500), the active state-funded HEAR program ($103.6M from Climate Commitment Act for households ≤150% AMI), and the upcoming federal HARP program (up to $8,000, not yet launched). Federal 25C and 25D tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
What is the difference between the state HEAR program and the federal HARP?
Washington has two separate programs. The state HEAR program is funded by the Climate Commitment Act (cap-and-invest auction revenue), is open now, and serves households at or below 150% AMI. The federal HARP is IRA-funded and has not launched: on June 1, 2026 the U.S. Department of Energy issued revised program guidelines (notices 26-1 and 26-2), and Commerce is evaluating how those changes affect the program before setting next steps with its administrator. Both offer heat pump rebates but through different funding sources and administrators.
How do I apply for Washington’s state HEAR program?
The state HEAR program operates through local community administrators, not a single statewide portal. Email HomeRebates@commerce.wa.gov to find your local administrator. Known administrators include United Hub (wahear.com) serving Clark, King, Pierce, Thurston, and Yakima counties, and Spokane County Housing and Community Development.
What PSE rebates are available for heat pumps?
Puget Sound Energy offers $1,500 for converting from electric resistance to an air-source heat pump ($2,400 for income-qualified). Gas-to-heat-pump full conversion is a $4,000 income-qualified rebate; the standard-tier option for gas customers is a hybrid heat pump paired with a gas furnace ($1,500, or $2,400 income-qualified). The separate Pierce County HEAR program offers $5,000 for income-qualified cold-climate heat pump installations. PSE requires all rebate installations to use a PSE Trade Ally or Recommended Energy Professional — out-of-network contractors and DIY installs do not qualify.
What is Initiative 2066 and does it affect heat pump rebates?
Initiative 2066 was a voter-approved measure in November 2024 that aimed to prevent limits on natural gas. A King County judge struck it down as unconstitutional in March 2025 for violating the state constitution’s single-subject rule and related requirements for initiatives. The Building Industry Association of Washington appealed directly to the Washington Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on January 22, 2026 and is reviewing the case de novo. As of July 2026 the court has not issued a decision and gave no timeline for one. I-2066’s legal status remains unresolved while the appeal is pending. Existing heat pump rebate programs have not been affected by I-2066 either way.
Do I need a cold-climate heat pump in Washington?
It depends on where you live. Western Washington’s mild maritime climate works well with standard heat pumps. Eastern Washington (Spokane, Pullman) requires cold-climate models rated to 0°F or below. Most utility programs now require minimum HSPF2 ratings of 7.5–8.5. State HEAR-funded equipment must be ENERGY STAR or AHRI certified, and some administrators — like PSE’s Pierce County HEAR program — require cold-climate rated models.
Sources
- Puget Sound Energy — Home Heating Rebates
- PSE — Pierce County HEAR ($5,000 cold-climate, income-qualified)
- Seattle Clean Heat Program (oil-to-heat-pump rebates)
- PSE — Doubled rebates for City of Lacey residents
- WA Commerce — State HEAR Program (open)
- WA Commerce — IRA Home Energy Rebates (HARP/HOMES)
- United Hub — WA HEAR administrator (Clark, King, Pierce, Thurston, Yakima)
- IRS 25C (expired)
Disclaimer: This page covers the main statewide, utility, and IRA heat pump incentives available to Washington homeowners in 2026. It does not calculate savings, guarantee eligibility, or represent any incentive program. Washington's federal HARP and HOMES programs have not yet launched and rebate amounts shown for those programs are based on the federal framework — actual program details may differ. The state HEAR program is administered through local community organizations and availability may vary by county. We verify status regularly but programs can change without notice. Always confirm current amounts and eligibility with your utility, WA Commerce, and your contractor before making decisions.
See how this state compares → Heat Pump Rebates by State (2026)