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Low-income Maine households can receive up to $9,000 from Efficiency Maine alone. Mobile homes and affordable multifamily may add up to $8,000 from HEAR for a total stack of $17,000.
*$17,000 stack only available for mobile homes and affordable multifamily (HEAR-eligible housing types)
Efficiency Maine uses Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds to determine rebate levels. All tiers allow a maximum of 3 indoor units per household. Rebates are applied at point of purchase through your Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor.
AMI varies by county. Area Median Income thresholds differ across Maine counties. A household at 80% AMI in Cumberland County (Portland) has a different dollar threshold than one in Aroostook County (Presque Isle). Contact your local Community Action Agency or Efficiency Maine at 866-376-2463 for your specific threshold.
Why is HEAR limited in Maine? Maine chose to deploy its HEAR funding ($89M allocated) in phases, starting with the most energy-burdened housing types: mobile homes and affordable multifamily. These housing types have the highest energy costs per square foot and the lowest ability to pay. Expansion to single-family homes has not been announced as of February 2026.
Maximum stack for HEAR-eligible homes: A mobile home occupied by a low-income household could receive $9,000 from Efficiency Maine (3 units x $3,000) plus $8,000 from HEAR = $17,000 in total rebates. This can cover the entire cost of a heat pump system in many cases.
The total rebate you receive depends on your income level, housing type, and system size. Here are the most common scenarios for Maine homeowners.
Annual savings vs oil: ~$1,200 (CMP). Payback: ~10 years. Annual savings vs propane: ~$1,400 (CMP). Payback: ~8.6 years.
Annual savings vs propane: ~$1,400 (CMP). Payback: ~6.4 years. Income verification required (≤ 150% AMI).
Annual savings vs propane: ~$1,400 (CMP). Payback: ~4.3 years. Income verification required (≤ 80% AMI).
*HEAR caps at remaining project cost after other rebates. Total incentives cannot exceed project cost. This scenario results in a fully covered installation with immediate savings from day one.
Income verification can be done through Efficiency Maine directly or through your local Community Action Agency. Several pathways exist.
Participation in these programs may automatically qualify you:
Low-income households in Maine have access to additional programs that complement heat pump rebates. These programs can reduce your energy burden and improve your home's efficiency before and after heat pump installation.
Helps pay heating bills for low-income households. Maine distributes funds through Community Action Agencies. Apply each fall for the upcoming heating season.
Free home weatherization for income-qualified households. Includes insulation, air sealing, and efficiency upgrades. Completing weatherization before a heat pump installation reduces the system size needed.
Community Action Agencies help with income verification, LIHEAP applications, and weatherization referrals. Contact the agency serving your county.
Aroostook County (Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton)
(207) 764-3721
Oxford & Androscoggin Counties (Lewiston, Auburn, South Paris)
(207) 795-4065
Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties (Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft)
(207) 973-3500
Franklin & Somerset Counties (Farmington, Skowhegan)
(207) 645-3764
Waldo County (Belfast)
(207) 338-6809
Kennebec & Somerset Counties (Augusta, Waterville)
(207) 859-1500
Mid-Coast (Brunswick, Bath, Rockland)
(207) 882-7552
York County (Biddeford, Sanford, Kittery)
(207) 324-5762
Cumberland County (Portland, South Portland, Westbrook)
(207) 553-5800
The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit (up to $2,000 for heat pumps) and Section 25D residential clean energy credit both expired on December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA. Neither is available for 2026 purchases. Efficiency Maine rebates and HEAR (for qualifying housing types) are the active incentive programs.
Efficiency Maine offers three tiers: Standard ($1,000/unit, no income requirement), Moderate Income ($2,000/unit for households at or below 150% AMI), and Low Income ($3,000/unit for households at or below 80% AMI). Maximum 3 indoor units per household.
A low-income household (at or below 80% AMI) can receive $3,000 per indoor unit from Efficiency Maine, for a maximum of $9,000 (3 units). If the home is a mobile home or affordable multifamily unit, HEAR rebates of up to $8,000 may stack on top, for a potential total of $17,000.
No. As of 2026, Maine's HEAR program is only partially active. It is available for mobile homes (manufactured housing) and affordable multifamily properties. Standard single-family homes are NOT eligible for HEAR in Maine, regardless of income level. Efficiency Maine rebates are the primary incentive for single-family homes.
Income verification is handled through Efficiency Maine or Maine's Community Action Agencies. Documentation typically includes recent tax returns, pay stubs, or proof of participation in other income-qualified programs like MaineCare, SNAP, or LIHEAP. Your Registered Vendor can guide you through the process.
Yes, if your home qualifies for HEAR (mobile home or affordable multifamily only). The Efficiency Maine rebate ($1,000-$3,000/unit) and HEAR rebate (up to $8,000) come from different funding sources and can be combined. However, total incentives cannot exceed the project cost.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps low-income households pay heating bills. While it does not directly fund heat pump installation, LIHEAP participants may automatically qualify for income-eligible Efficiency Maine rebates. Contact your local Community Action Agency.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired on December 31, 2025. It is no longer available for any heat pump purchases. Efficiency Maine rebates and (for qualifying housing types) HEAR rebates are the available incentives in 2026.
Income verification typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on the documentation provided. Having tax returns and proof of income ready before starting the process can speed this up. Your Community Action Agency or Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor can guide you.
Complete guide to all Efficiency Maine rebate tiers.
What Maine homeowners pay after all rebates by system type.
Cost comparison for oil-heated homes (60%+ of Maine).
Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor requirement and checklist.
Income-eligible Maine households can receive $6,000-$9,000 from Efficiency Maine. Mobile homes may add $8,000 from HEAR. Let us check your eligibility and maximize your savings.