Home Energy Rebate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the rebate program?
2. What’s the difference between the Home Energy Rebate program and the Weatherization program?
3. Can I participate in both the Home Energy Rebate program and the Weatherization program?
4. Do I have to be a homeowner to apply for a rebate?
5. Will the Home Energy Rebate program be available for rentals or businesses?
6. Are mobile homes eligible for a rebate?
7. Are condos eligible for the Home Energy Rebate program?
8. How much time do I have to apply for the rebate program?
9. How do I get a Home Energy Rebate?
10. Where can I get a homeowner Home Energy Rebate application?
11. Who pays for the energy ratings for the Home Energy Rebate program?
12. Who pays the up front cost for the energy-efficiency improvements in the Home Energy Rebate program?
13. What if I don’t have the money up front to pay for the energy improvements in the Home Energy Rebate?
14. Where do I get more information on how to make energy efficiency improvements?
15. Should I get an energy rating on my home now so I can participate in the Home Energy Rebate program?
16. If I start working now on my house to make it more energy efficient, will I get a Home Energy Rebate?
17. How long will it take to get my Home Energy Rebate after I submit an application to AHFC?
18. I heard there will be a rebate for buying a new 5 Star Plus home. How do I apply?
19. Are energy-efficient appliances and lighting eligible for the rebate program?
20. I want to become an energy rater for the Home Energy Rebate program. Who do I contact?
21. What is the difference between and "As-Is" rating and a "Post" rating?

Q1. What is the rebate program?

The rebate program assists homeowners in making the best energy-efficiency improvements for their home. The program requires a certified home energy rater to evaluate homes before and after the improvements. The more a home’s energy efficiency improves, the greater the possible rebate.

Q2. What’s the difference between the Home Energy Rebate program and the Weatherization program?

The Home Energy Rebate program has no income requirements and focuses on owner-occupied homes. Homeowners pay for certain energy-efficiency improvements and are rebated a portion of the cost for doing so. The Weatherization program has income requirements, and the weatherization work is provided for free by specific weatherization agencies and housing authorities.

Q3. Can I participate in both the Home Energy Rebate program and the Weatherization program?

No.  You may participate in one or the other program, but not both.

Q4. Do I have to be a homeowner to apply for a rebate?

Yes. The rebate program is only for owner-occupied housing.

Q5. Will the Home Energy Rebate program be available for rentals or businesses?

The Home Energy Rebate program is focused on owner-occupied homes. AHFC intends to make the rebate program available to as wide a range of housing as practical.  Condos may qualify. Currently the rebate program does not include rentals or businesses (such as a Bed and Breakfast).

Q6. Are mobile homes eligible for a rebate?

Yes.

Q7. Are condos eligible for the Home Energy Rebate program?

Yes. Click here for the Condo Factsheet for details. New!

Q8. How much time do I have to apply for the rebate program?

The time limit to apply for the rebate has been extended to 18 months from the date of the initial As-Is energy rating.

Q9. How do I get a Home Energy Rebate?

You can sign up for a rater for the energy rebate program via this site or by calling the rebate call center at 1-877-AKRebate (1-877-257-3228). You will be assigned to a certified energy rater who will follow up with you directly and perform your initial As-Is energy rating. The rater will provide you with a list of possible energy improvements, choose from that list the improvements you want to make, do the improvements yourself or hire a contractor, have the rater return to verify the work and provide a new rating showing how much the home's energy efficiency has improved, and apply for the rebate. For more details about the program, rebate amounts, and requirements,  click here for the home energy rebate program guidelines.

Q10. Where can I get a homeowner Home Energy Rebate application?

An application is not needed until after you have the required initial energy rating performed and received copies of the recommended energy improvements, which will be provided by the rater.  Click here for application form.

Q11. Who pays for the energy ratings for the Home Energy Rebate program?

The homeowner will be reimbursed directly by AHFC a total of $500 for the combined ratings: Up to $325 is allowed for the initial As-Is rating and up to $175 for the Post Improvement rating. Any rating costs over these amounts are the responsibility of the homeowner. The actual cost of ratings may vary by rater and individual house characteristics. We recommend that you ask for price quote before your rater begins work on your As-Is or Post-improvement rating. If you would like a different rater, contact the AKRebate call center and you will be put back at the top of the list.

Q12. Who pays the up front cost for the energy-efficiency improvements in the Home Energy Rebate program?

The homeowner. However, AHFC is offering loans to qualified borrowers up to $30,000 through the Second Mortgage for Energy Conservation.   Click here for details.

Q13. What if I don’t have the money up front to pay for the energy improvements in the Home Energy Rebate?

AHFC is offering loans to qualified borrowers up to $30,000 through the Second Mortgage for Energy Conservation.    Click here for details.

Q14. Where do I get more information on how to make energy efficiency improvements?

Visit the AHFC Research Information Center web page.  Please note: only items listed in the AkWarm® Improvement Options Report following your home energy rating will be eligible for the Home Energy Rebate. Talking with your energy rater about the best improvements and what you should do is critical.

Q15. Should I get an energy rating on my home now so I can participate in the Home Energy Rebate program?

An "As-Is" energy rating performed between April 5, 2008, and May 15, 2008, will be accepted as the initial rating for the Home Energy Rebate Program.  However, the costs of these ratings are paid by the homeowner and will not be reimbursed by AHFC.  The cost of ratings done after May 15, 2008, will be reimbursed by AHFC directly to the homeowner, up to $325 for the As-Is rating and $175 for the Post-improvement rating. You will have 18 months from the date of the As-Is rating to make improvements, have the Post-improvement rating completed, and submit your application to AHFC for a rebate.

Q16. If I start working now on my house to make it more energy efficient, will I get a Home Energy Rebate?

The Home Energy Rebate program requires an AkWarm® energy rating prior to any work. Only items listed in the AkWarm® Improvement Options Report will be eligible for the program.

Q17. How long will it take to get my Home Energy Rebate after I submit an application to AHFC?

It's estimated that there will be a 60-day turnaround time.

Q18. I heard there will be a rebate for buying a new 5 Star Plus home. How do I apply?

There will be a $7,500 rebate available for home buyers purchasing certain 5 Star Plus homes.  Click here for the application and guidelines.

Q19. Are energy-efficient appliances and lighting eligible for the rebate program?

Energy Star appliances and lighting are a great idea when upgrading your home and can help reduce your energy bills. However, appliances and lighting are not eligible for a rebate at the present time.

Q20. I want to become an energy rater for the Home Energy Rebate program. Who do I contact?

AHFC trains raters through contracts with other training entities. There have been more than 1,000 requests, and more than 400 applications from people wishing to become energy raters. We anticipate the need at about 50 to 60, most of whom will be trained by the end of July.   We have two additional rater training classes scheduled for September and October, although those are wait listed. Unless the legislature allocates additional money, we anticipate that the ratings for the rebate program will be completed in Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Fairbanks by November.

Q21. What is the difference between an "As-Is" and a "Post" rating?

The As-Is rating is the initial rating of your home. The Post-improvement rating is the second rating of your home after you have made some or all of the recommended improvements. You can sign up for both ratings here or call 1-877-akrebate (1-877-257-3228).