Quick answer
Wisconsin's HEAR rebate pays up to $8,000 toward a heat pump for income-qualified homes that heat with electric resistance; since September 1, 2026 it can't be used to switch from gas or propane. Focus on Energy's instant discounts take $400 to $900 off a qualifying heat pump for most other homes.
Wisconsin homeowners can get help with a heat pump from two places: the federally funded HEAR rebate and Focus on Energy’s regular instant discounts. Both are offered through Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency program. Since September 1, 2026, which one you can use depends mostly on how your home is heated today. This guide covers who qualifies, how much each pays, and the steps to apply. For how rebates work across the country, see our heat pump rebates guide.
The short answer
- HEAR pays up to $8,000 toward a heat pump, for households earning less than 150% of area median income: 100% of project costs below 80%, and 50% from 80% to 150% (Focus on Energy).
- The heat pump has to replace electric-resistance heat, such as baseboards or an electric furnace. Focus on Energy says “Fuel switching is not allowed,” and a HEAR heat pump “may not replace existing heat pump style equipment.”
- Focus on Energy’s instant discounts take $400 to $900 off a qualifying heat pump, depending on efficiency and income. Lower amounts are listed for propane replacement.
- You need the right contractor. HEAR heat pumps must be installed by an IRA Registered Contractor; the instant discounts go through a Focus on Energy Trade Ally.
- Check income first. Focus on Energy’s income approval is good for one year.
What changed on September 1, 2026
Focus on Energy’s HEAR page notes that “program changes for qualifying equipment go into effect September 1, 2026.” This follows DOE’s May 2026 notice that ended federal rebates for fuel switching. In practice:
- A HEAR heat pump must now replace electric-resistance equipment. Gas, propane and oil homes can’t use HEAR to switch to a heat pump.
- Retail rebates and instant-discount coupons are no longer accepted for equipment replacing fossil fuel appliances. Lowe’s coupons received before September 1 can still be used until they expire.
Which path fits your home
| Your home heats with | HEAR heat pump rebate | Focus on Energy instant discount |
|---|---|---|
| Electric baseboards or an electric furnace | Yes, if income qualifies | Yes; Focus says HEAR projects may also qualify for its rebates |
| An older heat pump | No: HEAR “may not replace existing heat pump style equipment” | Yes |
| Natural gas | No: fuel switching isn’t allowed | Yes |
| Propane | No: fuel switching isn’t allowed | Yes, at the lower propane-replacement amounts |
| New construction | Yes: Focus lists heat pumps as eligible for new construction | No: new construction isn’t eligible for these rebates |
Sources: Focus on Energy HEAR page and FAQs; Focus on Energy Heating & Cooling and 2026 program requirements. Confirm your project with your contractor and Focus on Energy before you sign.
If your home heats with baseboards, our heat pump vs baseboard heat guide shows what you could save. Gas and propane homes keeping their furnace may want to read about dual fuel systems.
How much HEAR pays
HEAR pays a share of your project cost based on income, up to a maximum per item and $14,000 per household in total.
| Household income | HEAR pays |
|---|---|
| Below 80% of area median income | 100% of project costs, up to the item limits |
| 80% to 150% of area median income | 50% of project costs, up to the item limits |
| Above 150% | Not eligible |
| Upgrade | HEAR maximum | Installed by |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR heat pump (heating and cooling) | $8,000 | IRA Registered Contractor |
| Electrical panel | $4,000 | IRA Registered Contractor |
| Electrical wiring | $2,500 | IRA Registered Contractor |
| Insulation, air sealing, ventilation | $1,600 | IRA Registered Contractor |
| ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater | $1,750 | Contractor or store purchase |
Source: Focus on Energy HEAR page, October 2026.
Two examples (illustrations, not quotes). Both homes heat with electric baseboards and get a $12,000 heat pump installation:
- A household at 60% of area median income: HEAR covers 100% up to the $8,000 heat pump limit, so it pays $8,000.
- A household at 120% of area median income: HEAR covers 50% of $12,000, which is $6,000, under the $8,000 limit.
Focus on Energy’s instant discount may come on top, depending on the heat pump’s efficiency tier. For what a full installation costs, see our heat pump installation cost guide.
Focus on Energy instant discounts
These are open to customers of participating utilities, with a higher income-qualified level. The discount comes off your contractor’s invoice.
| Heat pump tier (minimum SEER2 / HSPF2) | Standard discount | Income-qualified discount |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (15.2 / 8.1) | $400 | $600 |
| Tier 2 (15.2 / 8.5) | $500 | $700 |
| Tier 3 (16.0 / 9.0) | $600 | $800 |
| Tier 4 (16.0 / 10.0) | $700 | $900 |
For propane replacement, Focus lists lower amounts: $100 to $150 standard and $300 to $350 income-qualified. Source: Focus on Energy Heating & Cooling page. If you claim a Focus rebate by application instead, the equipment must be bought and installed in 2026 and the application is due within 60 days of installation (program requirements). Our SEER2, HSPF2 and COP guide explains the ratings.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your income. Apply online with Focus on Energy, using its income qualification checklist to gather documents. Approval is good for one year. If you’re approved for HOMES, you’re automatically approved for HEAR.
- Pick the right contractor. For a HEAR heat pump, choose an IRA Registered Contractor that participates as an IRA HEAR Installer. For instant discounts, use a Focus on Energy Trade Ally.
- Get the limited home assessment. Focus explains that the contractor “will perform a manual J calculation” to size the system, then a Utility Bill Impact Estimate of how your bills may change. A full energy assessment isn’t required for HEAR. Our sizing guide explains Manual J.
- Install and get paid. The rebate comes as a discount on your invoice or a check. Keep proof of purchase and installation.
Emergency replacements can qualify, but Focus notes rebates “are still only paid if income and equipment eligibility apply,” so check before a rushed install.
Good to know
- Dual fuel: in a heat pump plus new gas furnace setup, “only the cost of the heat pump equipment can be included in HEAR project costs.”
- HOMES vs HEAR: one address can’t get both for the same upgrade. HOMES is Focus on Energy’s whole-home savings program; Focus suggests talking to your contractor about which suits you.
- Insulation: HEAR covers insulation and air sealing up to $1,600, and DOE’s May 2026 notice asks for insulation before heating upgrades unless the home already meets the state’s level.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Wisconsin heat pump rebate?
Through HEAR, up to $8,000 for a heat pump if your household earns less than 150% of area median income: 100% of costs below 80%, and 50% between 80% and 150%. Focus on Energy’s instant discounts add $400 to $900 depending on efficiency and income.
Can I get a Wisconsin rebate to replace my gas furnace with a heat pump?
Not through HEAR. Since September 1, 2026, Focus on Energy says “fuel switching is not allowed,” and a HEAR heat pump must replace electric-resistance equipment. Focus on Energy’s instant discounts may still apply.
Do I need a special contractor?
Yes for HEAR heat pumps: an IRA Registered Contractor that participates as an IRA HEAR Installer. Focus on Energy instant discounts go through a Trade Ally contractor.
Is an energy audit required?
Not a full one for HEAR. Heat pumps need a limited home assessment: a Manual J sizing calculation and a Utility Bill Impact Estimate from your contractor.
Does an emergency replacement qualify?
It can, but only if your income and the equipment meet the rules, so check with Focus on Energy before you sign.
Official links
- Focus on Energy: Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR), with the income application
- Focus on Energy: Heating & Cooling discounts
- Focus on Energy: IRA Home Energy Rebates overview (HOMES and HEAR)
- Questions: Focus on Energy, 800.762.7077
Keep reading
- Heat pump rebates and incentives (2026)
- Heat pumps: the complete homeowner’s guide
- Heat pump vs electric baseboard heat
- Heat pump vs propane furnace
- Dual fuel heat pump systems
- What size heat pump do I need?
Sources & references
