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Your Gateway to NJCEP Rebates
The HPwES assessment is a comprehensive 4-6 hour energy audit by a BPI-certified professional. It is the required first step to unlock NJCEP insulation rebates (up to 50% off, max $4,000). During the visit, you receive free installations worth $75-$175.
Updated February 2026
The HPwES assessment covers every major system in your home. Here is exactly what they inspect and how.
Attic, walls, basement, crawlspace
Thermal camera imaging identifies missing or thin insulation. Measure existing R-values in all accessible areas.
Blower door test (calibrated fan)
Depressurize the home to measure total air leakage in CFM50. Identify specific leak locations with smoke pencils and thermal cameras.
Furnace, boiler, AC, heat pump age and condition
Check efficiency ratings, age, and condition. Combustion safety test for gas/oil systems. Evaluate heat pump candidacy.
Water heater type, temperature, pipe insulation
Check temperature setting (120F recommended), pipe insulation, age, and efficiency. Evaluate HPWH candidacy.
Condition, sealing, storm windows
Check for drafts, broken seals, missing weather stripping. Note window condition for potential upgrade recommendations.
LED upgrades, appliance efficiency
Identify remaining non-LED lighting. Check appliance efficiency ratings and age.
Programmable or smart thermostat evaluation
Assess current thermostat and recommend smart thermostat upgrade if beneficial.
Duct leakage, insulation, connections
Visual inspection for disconnected, crushed, or leaky ducts. Test duct leakage if applicable.
The BPI auditor installs these items during the assessment at no additional cost. Total value: $75-$175.
Replacement of remaining incandescent and CFL bulbs throughout the home
WaterSense certified, 2.0 GPM or less. Same water pressure, less water.
Kitchen and bathroom faucets — reduces water flow without losing pressure
Pre-slit foam on exposed hot water pipes in basement/utility areas
Set to recommended 120F if currently higher — reduces standby losses
Bottom line: The $150 copay gets you $75-$175 in free installations during the visit plus a professional energy diagnostic that would cost $400-$600 on the open market. And the $150 is credited toward any follow-up work, making it effectively free if you proceed with improvements.
From your assessment to completed improvements and rebates -- here is exactly how the HPwES process works.
Detailed energy report within 7-10 business days with prioritized recommendations ranked by energy savings impact and cost-effectiveness.
Report includes specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement — insulation, air sealing, equipment upgrades. Up to 50% off (max $4,000).
Choose from NJCEP participating contractors. BPI certification required. Get 2-3 quotes for any recommended work.
Proposed work must achieve minimum 10% energy savings per BPI modeling to qualify for rebates.
Insulation work typically starts within 2-4 weeks. Contractor handles rebate paperwork.
$150 copay applied as credit. Insulation rebate processed within 8-12 weeks after inspection and documentation.
A BPI-certified energy auditor spends 4-6 hours conducting a comprehensive evaluation of your home. They perform a blower door test (calibrated fan to measure air leakage in CFM50), use thermal cameras to identify missing insulation, check your heating/cooling systems, inspect windows and doors, evaluate ductwork, and test combustion safety on gas/oil equipment. During the visit, they install free items like LEDs, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and hot water pipe insulation.
The $150 copay is applied as a credit toward any improvements you complete through the HPwES pathway. If you do the recommended insulation, air sealing, or other work, the $150 is effectively free. If you choose not to do any work, the $150 is non-refundable. The actual value of the assessment is significantly higher -- you are getting professional diagnostic testing that would cost $400-$600 on the open market.
Yes. The HPwES assessment is required before you can receive NJCEP insulation and air sealing rebates (up to 50% off, max $4,000). The assessment identifies what measures your home needs and determines specific rebate amounts based on BPI modeling. Without a completed HPwES on file, you cannot access insulation rebates through NJCEP.
You will receive a detailed energy report within 7-10 business days after your assessment. The report includes prioritized recommendations ranked by energy savings impact and cost-effectiveness, along with specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement. The report is valid for 1 year -- you must complete work within that window to qualify for rebates.
A blower door test uses a calibrated fan mounted in an exterior door to depressurize your home. This reveals where air leaks are -- around windows, plumbing penetrations, attic bypasses, recessed lights, and other openings. The result is measured in CFM50 (cubic feet per minute at 50 pascals of pressure). A typical NJ home might measure 2,000-4,000 CFM50. Lower is better -- fewer leaks mean less energy waste and more comfort.
You must use a NJCEP participating contractor with BPI certification for insulation and air sealing work to qualify for rebates. The HPwES program maintains a network of approved contractors. You are encouraged to get 2-3 quotes from different participating contractors. The contractor handles all NJCEP rebate paperwork on your behalf.
If your household income is at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (or you are enrolled in LIHEAP, USF, SNAP, etc.), you may qualify for Comfort Partners -- which provides a free assessment and 100% free improvements. Comfort Partners is essentially the income-eligible version of HPwES with deeper benefits. Call 800-915-8309 to check eligibility.
No. The Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and provides $0 in 2026. The NJCEP rebates (50% off insulation, $150 copay credit) are state-funded direct rebates and are unaffected by the federal expiration.
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource to help NJ homeowners understand the HPwES assessment process. Program details and rebate amounts are sourced from njcleanenergy.com. Verify current availability by calling NJCEP at 866-657-6278.
50% off insulation through HPwES pathway. Attic, wall, basement, and air sealing details.
FREE assessment and improvements for households at 225% FPL or enrolled in qualifying programs.
$500 NJCEP base + $200 PSE&G adder for ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters.
Up to $7,500 for whole-home electrification through NJ Whole Home program.
BPI certification, NJ licensing, and what to look for in quotes.
Complete overview of all NJ Clean Energy programs for homeowners.
$150 copay (credited toward work). Get a professional energy diagnostic, free installations, and unlock 50% off insulation rebates. Income-eligible? Comfort Partners is completely free.