You need to guarantee your window replacements in North Carolina meet strict energy efficiency criteria—specifically, a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.21 or less and a U-Factor of 0.27 or less—to qualify for rebates through the state’s program. This rebate offers $4 per square foot up to $800, but approval requires completing a Home Energy Check and submitting proper documentation via the HEI Rebate Portal. Understanding these requirements is vital before scheduling installation with approved contractors—otherwise, you risk missing valuable incentives.
Key Takeaways
- The North Carolina Window Replacement Program offers a $4 per square foot rebate for energy-efficient window replacements, capped at $800 per home.
- Eligible participants must complete a Home Energy Check within 24 months before applying for the rebate.
- Only single-family homes qualify, and windows must meet a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ≤ 0.21 and U-Factor ≤ 0.27 standards.
- Installation must be completed by a licensed and insured contractor, with compliance verified by a free post-installation inspection.
- Rebate applications and required documentation are submitted through the HEI Rebate Portal after installation.
Overview of the North Carolina Window Replacement Program
Although the North Carolina Window Replacement Program targets improving home energy efficiency through window upgrades, you must first complete a Home Energy Check to qualify.
This check provides personalized recommendations for window replacements that meet strict energy criteria: a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of ≤ 0.21 and a U-Factor of ≤ 0.27.
The rebate covers $4 per square foot of window area, capped at $800, incentivizing efficient window upgrades.
After installation by a licensed, insured contractor, you must submit all documentation via the HEI Rebate Portal to receive your rebate.
Compliance with these steps guarantees program eligibility.
Eligibility Requirements for Window Rebates
To be eligible for window rebates under the North Carolina program, you must have completed a Home Energy Check within the past 24 months that includes recommendations for window replacements meeting the program’s energy criteria.
Your windows must have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.21 or less and a U-Factor no higher than 0.27.
You’ll need to hire a licensed and insured window contractor to qualify.
The rebate offers $4 per square foot up to $800 for single-family homes only.
Multi-family and manufactured homes don’t qualify for the window rebates.
Energy Efficiency Standards for Window Replacements
To qualify for rebates, your window replacements must meet strict energy efficiency standards with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.21 or less and a U-Factor of 0.27 or less.
These performance standards guarantee your new windows minimize heat gain while maximizing insulation to improve energy efficiency.
Meeting these criteria is essential for compliance with the program and to secure the rebate incentive.
Window Performance Standards
When replacing windows under the North Carolina Window Replacement Program, you must verify the new windows meet strict energy efficiency standards: a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.21 or lower and a U-Factor of 0.27 or lower.
These requirements ascertain your windows reduce solar heat gain and provide effective insulation, leading to improved comfort and lower energy bills.
To qualify for rebates of $4 per square foot (capped at $800), you must receive window replacement recommendations from a completed Home Energy Check.
Meeting these standards is essential for rebate eligibility and enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.
Solar Heat Gain Limits
| Energy Efficiency Metric | Maximum Allowed Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) | 0.21 |
| U-Factor | 0.27 |
| Eligible Homes | Single-family only |
Meeting these standards qualifies you for program rebates while maximizing energy savings and comfort.
Rebate Amounts and Calculation Method
A North Carolina homeowner can earn a rebate of $4 per square foot of energy-efficient window area replaced, up to a maximum of $800.
To qualify, the windows must have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.21 or less and a U-Factor of 0.27 or less.
You must have completed a Home Energy Check within the last 24 months, which includes recommendations for window replacements.
The replacement work must be scheduled with a licensed, insured contractor.
After completion, submit your rebate paperwork online through the HEI Rebate Portal with the required form to receive your rebate.
Participating Contractor Guidelines and Scheduling
You must hire a licensed and insured contractor who complies with North Carolina’s regulatory requirements to perform your window replacement.
Scheduling inspections and ensuring contractor adherence to program standards are essential to qualify for rebates.
Contractors should provide thorough recommendations based on a recent Home Energy Check and complete all work to code before you submit your rebate paperwork.
Licensed Contractor Requirements
Three key requirements govern scheduling window replacements under the North Carolina Window Replacement Program:
your contractor must be licensed and insured, provide recommendations based on a Home Energy Check completed within the past 24 months, and guarantee installed windows meet the specified performance criteria of SHGC ≤ 0.21 and U-Factor ≤ 0.27.
- Choose a licensed, insured contractor for eligibility.
- Ascertain the contractor bases recommendations on a recent Home Energy Check.
- Confirm windows meet SHGC and U-Factor standards.
- Maintain documentation for rebate submission.
- Submit completed paperwork via the HEI Rebate Portal after installation.
Scheduling and Inspections
Although scheduling window replacements is your responsibility, ensuring the contractor you select is licensed and insured is critical for eligibility in the North Carolina Window Replacement Program.
After your licensed contractor completes the work, you must submit the required window rebate form and installation documentation online via the HEI Rebate Portal to qualify for rebates.
A free compliance inspection is available to verify the installation meets program standards. You can schedule this inspection by contacting [email protected] or calling 888.245.1862, ensuring your project complies and your rebate is secured.
Steps to Apply for Your Window Replacement Rebate
Before submitting your window replacement rebate application, complete a free Home Energy Check within the past 24 months to verify your eligibility and receive specific window replacement recommendations.
Then follow these steps for your window replacement rebate:
- Verify new windows meet SHGC ≤ 0.21 and U-Factor ≤ 0.27 requirements.
- Have a licensed and insured contractor install the windows.
- Submit rebate paperwork online via the HEI Rebate Portal with the completed window rebate form.
- Rebate offers $4 per square foot, max $800 for single-family homes.
- Schedule a free post-installation compliance inspection by contacting [email protected] or calling 888.245.1862.
Benefits of Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows
When you install energy-efficient windows meeting specific standards like an SHGC of ≤ 0.21 and a U-Factor of ≤ 0.27, you’ll improve your home’s comfort while significantly lowering your energy bills by minimizing heat transfer and solar heat gain.
These windows reduce cooling and heating demands year-round, enhancing sustainability. They also block outside noise, creating a quieter indoor environment.
Additionally, these windows prevent UV rays from fading your furniture and flooring, preserving your home’s aesthetic value.
You may also qualify for rebates up to $800 for eligible single-family homes, offsetting installation costs and encouraging energy-efficient upgrades.
Relation to the Weatherization Assistance Program and Other Support
Since both the North Carolina Window Replacement Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) aim to boost home energy efficiency, they often work in tandem to support eligible households. You start with a Home Energy Check to assess your needs and eligibility. Both programs focus on income qualifications, with WAP serving families below 200% of federal poverty guidelines and the Window Replacement Program limited to single-family homes.
- WAP provides free weatherization services targeting cost-effective energy-saving measures.
- Window Replacement offers rebates up to $800 for qualifying windows.
- Both reduce energy costs by improving comfort and reducing solar heat gain.
- Eligibility requires income verification and home evaluation.
- These programs complement each other to maximize energy performance improvements.
Additional Energy Savings Incentives Starting 2025
Although the rebate amount remains capped at $800 per household, starting May 7, 2025, North Carolina will improve energy savings incentives specifically for energy-efficient window replacements.
To qualify, you must complete a Home Energy Check, ensuring your home’s energy performance is assessed before applying.
These rebates offer $4 per square foot of window area, focusing on minimizing solar heat gain to boost your home’s comfort while cutting energy costs.
This initiative targets single-family homes, promoting efficient upgrades that contribute to reduced energy consumption and improved homes energy sustainability across the state.
Compliance with eligibility criteria is essential.
Local Service Providers and Inspection Process
You’ll work with licensed and insured local contractors who are vetted to meet the North Carolina Window Replacement Program’s rebate requirements.
After your window replacement, a post-upgrade compliance inspection confirms that installation meets energy efficiency standards.
You’ll then submit required paperwork, including a rebate form, via the HEI Rebate Portal to complete the process.
Licensed Contractors Network
- Work must be completed by a licensed, insured contractor.
- Submit rebate paperwork online via the HEI Rebate Portal after installation.
- Make certain you have completed a free Home Energy Check within the past 24 months.
- A free compliance inspection verifies the installation meets program criteria.
- Licensed contractors follow strict program guidelines to maintain eligibility.
Post-Upgrade Inspections
Once your window upgrades are complete, you can schedule a free compliance inspection with a licensed professional to confirm the installation meets required standards, including Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Factor specifications. This post-upgrade inspection guarantees the work matches the Home Energy Check recommendations and is essential for rebate eligibility. Contact [email protected] or call 888.245.1862 to arrange your inspection. Successful completion allows you to submit your rebate paperwork online via the HEI Rebate Portal.
| Peace of Mind | Energy Savings | Rebate Success |
|---|---|---|
| Verified quality | Lower bills | Secure your rebate |
| Expert inspector | Improved comfort | Seamless submission |
| Compliance checked | Environmental impact | Boost home value |
| Confidence in work | Efficient performance | Support program goals |
Window Replacement Programs by State
Click on the state you’re interested in for a complete guide to its window replacement program—covering eligibility rules, rebates, weatherization assistance, required documents, and how to apply. If you notice any errors or missing information, please let us know through our contact page.
| State Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama guide to eligibility, rebates, WAP, and utility programs for window upgrades. |
| Alaska | How to get Alaska energy-efficiency grants, weatherization help, and application steps. |
| Arizona | Arizona assistance options: income limits, rebates, WAP, and required documents to apply. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas programs covering low-income weatherization, utility incentives, and application process. |
| California | California rebates, CARE/ESA, local grants, and step-by-step window replacement guidance. |
| Colorado | Colorado statewide and utility incentives, WAP benefits, and how to qualify and apply. |
| Connecticut | CT energy efficiency programs, income guidelines, rebates, and contractor selection tips. |
| Delaware | Delaware grants, weatherization services, utility discounts, and documentation checklist. |
| Florida | Florida hurricane-rated window aid, rebates, WAP, and timelines to get approved. |
| Georgia | Georgia assistance: eligibility, priority groups, contractor rules, and utility rebates overview. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii island-specific incentives, efficiency standards, and how to submit applications online. |
| Idaho | Idaho weatherization options, utility rebates, income limits, and approved products list. |
| Illinois | Illinois WAP benefits, state rebates, proof of income, and post-install inspections explained. |
| Indiana | Indiana programs for seniors, veterans, and low-income households, plus application tips. |
| Iowa | Iowa funding sources, utility partnerships, appointment scheduling, and verification steps. |
| Kansas | Kansas eligibility tiers, weatherization scope, contractor bids, and typical timelines. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky energy-savings aid, prioritization rules, paperwork, and inspection requirements. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana storm resilience incentives, WAP services, and how to find certified contractors. |
| Maine | Maine Efficiency Maine Trust rebates, weatherization grants, and qualifying product criteria. |
| Maryland | Maryland EmPOWER rebates, WAP assistance, income guidelines, and audit process overview. |
| Massachusetts | Mass Save offers, WAP, zero-interest loans, and scheduling a home energy assessment. |
| Michigan | Michigan heat-loss reduction help, income thresholds, utility rebates, and application portal. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota energy assistance, WAP services, program caps, and post-installation verification. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi programs for low-income families, seniors, and weatherization support steps. |
| Missouri | Missouri WAP eligibility, utility incentives, documentation, and contractor compliance rules. |
| Montana | Montana rural and tribal access, energy audits, grant amounts, and timelines to expect. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska program overview: income limits, landlord/tenant rules, and utility coordination. |
| Nevada | Nevada energy credits, weatherization priorities, proof of residence, and permitted upgrades. |
| New Hampshire | NH rebates, Home Energy Assistance, contractor selection, and inspection checkpoints. |
| New Jersey | NJ Clean Energy links, WAP support, income docs, and program sequencing tips. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico assistance for desert climates, rebate catalogs, and application forms. |
| New York | NY HEAP/WAP tie-ins, EmPower+ offers, rent vs. own rules, and eligibility checklist. |
| North Dakota | North Dakota weatherization priorities, extreme-cold measures, and post-work inspections. |
| Ohio | Ohio WAP funding, utility partnerships, application timeline, and materials standards guide. |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma assistance pathways, documentation list, contractor rules, and verification steps. |
| Oregon | Oregon efficiency rebates, equity eligibility, coastal concerns, and contractor vetting tips. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania WAP, utility On-Bill programs, inspection stages, and required paperwork. |
| Rhode Island | RI small-state resources, utility rebates, income proofs, and energy audit scheduling. |
| South Carolina | SC programs for seniors and families, rebate steps, and contractor quality checks. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota WAP scope, tribal access, cold-weather upgrades, and how to apply fast. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee rebates, weatherization assistance, prioritization matrix, and document checklist. |
| Texas | Texas programs, utility territory differences, heat mitigation, and contractor requirements. |
| Utah | Utah income tiers, multi-unit rules, approved products, and inspection milestones. |
| Vermont | Vermont Efficiency VT offers, weatherization grants, and tenant/landlord coordination tips. |
| Virginia | Virginia WAP, utility rebates, documentation, and protections for vulnerable households. |
| Washington | Washington state and utility incentives, equity criteria, and how inspections work. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia weatherization resources, contractor selection, and proof-of-income steps. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Focus on Energy rebates, WAP options, and application sequencing tips. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming rural access, income verification, permitted measures, and contractor requirements. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Eligible for Home Window Replacement Program in NC?
You’re eligible for the Home Window Replacement Program in NC if you own a single-family home, completed a free Home Energy Check within the past 24 months, and install windows meeting strict quality standards: SHGC ≤ 0.21 and U-Factor ≤ 0.27.
Is There a Way to Get Windows Replaced for Free?
You generally can’t get windows fully replaced for free, but some income-qualified homeowners may access free window replacements through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which improves energy efficiency at no cost to you. For most, Free Window Options include rebates, not full coverage, like North Carolina’s program offering up to $800 rebates for energy-efficient window upgrades.
Who Is Eligible for the NC Energy Rebate Program?
You’re eligible for the NC Energy Rebate Program if you own a single-family home, completed a free Home Energy Check within the past 24 months, and use windows meeting required energy efficiency standards (SHGC ≤ 0.21, U-Factor ≤ 0.27). The rebate is $4 per square foot, max $800. Income eligibility may also apply for broader Energy Saver NC rebates, targeting households under 150% of area median income with priority to those under 80% AMI.
What Is the Government Program to Replace Windows for Seniors?
If you’re a senior, the North Carolina Window Replacement Program offers you up to $800 in Window Benefits to boost energy efficiency. But first, you must complete a free Home Energy Check and select licensed contractors before submitting paperwork online for your rebate. Your new windows must meet strict SHGC and U-Factor standards to qualify. This lets you improve comfort and save on energy bills with compliance and care.
Conclusion
You’re steering your home’s energy future toward smoother sailing by participating in the North Carolina Window Replacement Program. By meeting stringent SHGC and U-Factor standards and submitting your documentation through the HEI Rebate Portal, you release up to $800 in rebates calculated at $4 per square foot. This guarantees compliance while maximizing efficiency and savings. Think of it as tuning your ship’s sails perfectly—positioned to catch every bit of energy-saving wind while staying firmly on course.
