Northern Virginia Heat Pump Rebates
Heads up, checked November 7, 2026: Dominion Energy says the current versions of its Home Energy Evaluation and Water Energy Rebates programs end December 31, with "a new and improved energy saving program" coming in January. Dominion doesn't say how projects already underway will be handled, so get that in writing from your contractor, and expect the rules to change in 2027.

Assessments take a few hours, but contractors' calendars can fill up before a deadline. Book early.

Heat pump rebates in Northern Virginia

Virginia's programs work differently from Maryland's and DC's. Here's exactly what's available, from each program's own page, and where to start.

Your first step with Dominion: a home energy evaluation.

Dominion's heat pump rebates run through its Home Energy Evaluation program, which starts with an assessment by a participating contractor. How it works →

MBRACE checked these pages so you don't have to. He's the DMV's curious koala. He goes to the official source, writes down the date, and shows you where every number came from.

Which company delivers your power? In Northern Virginia, most homes are served by Dominion Energy or NOVEC, an electric cooperative. Check the top of your bill. Some areas, like the City of Manassas, have their own utility.

Dominion Energy customers

Home Energy Evaluation: where heat pump rebates live

Source: Dominion Home Energy Evaluation · checked November 7, 2026

The current version of this program ends December 31. Dominion says a new program is coming in January.

How it works, in Dominion's steps:

  1. Find a participating contractor.
  2. Schedule an evaluation. Choose an Introductory Energy Check-Up (30–60 minutes) or a Comprehensive Home Energy Audit (2–4 hours).
  3. Choose the improvements you want to make.
  4. The contractor submits the rebate application for you. Dominion says to allow up to 90 days for processing. Payment goes to the account holder unless you authorize it to go to the contractor.

Upgrades it can cover include a heat pump or mini-split upgrade, ductless unit upgrades, a heat pump or central AC tune-up, air sealing, duct sealing and insulation, attic and wall insulation, smart thermostats, and replacing an electric water heater with a heat pump water heater.

Which evaluation unlocks what: the check-up opens rebates for smaller upgrades, including heat pump tune-ups and upgrades. The comprehensive audit opens rebates for larger ones like insulation, duct sealing and air sealing.

Who qualifies: you must be the Dominion customer responsible for the electric bill, own the home or have permission, and live in a single-family detached or attached home.

What it pays for a heat pump, from Dominion's measures chart (version dated July 29, 2026):

UpgradeRebate
Heat pump upgrade, 15.2 SEER2 & 7.4 HSPF2$156
Heat pump upgrade, 16.2 SEER2 & 7.8 HSPF2$195
Heat pump upgrade, 17.1 SEER2 & 7.8 HSPF2$234
Heat pump upgrade, 18.1 SEER2 & 8.5 HSPF2$273
Heat pump upgrade, 20 SEER2 & 8.9 HSPF2$312
Mini-split heat pump upgrade, 19 SEER2 & 9 HSPF2$195
Heat pump water heater replacement$234
Tune-up on a heat pump system$39
Smart thermostat on a heat pump system$90

Switching from gas or oil doesn't qualify here. The chart says "Fuel switching is not permitted within the rebate program." It also lists air sealing, duct sealing and insulation amounts, says air sealing must come before insulation, and says amounts can change without notice while the program is "available until fully subscribed."

Who handles the paperwork: your participating contractor submits the rebate application with you. Dominion says it's still the customer's responsibility to make sure every requirement is met. Confirm before you sign: the contractor participates, the model's SEER2 and HSPF2 and which row it meets, the rebate in writing, and whether the work and application will be finished before the program changes on December 31.

Heat pump water heater: $250 or $400

Source: Dominion Water Energy Rebates · checked November 7, 2026

Dominion's rebate measure chart lists $250 for an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater of 40–59 gallons and $400 for 60 gallons or more, one per account. It must replace an electric water heater. You can get an instant rebate on select models bought at water.domsavings.com, or buy elsewhere and apply after it's installed; the check goes to the address on your Dominion account. This program's current version also ends December 31.

Dominion's main save-energy page says "up to $500" for heat pump water heaters, but the program page and its chart say up to $400. Ask Dominion (888-366-8280) which applies before you buy.

Dominion also lists a smart thermostat rebate and other home programs on its My Home page and rebate finder. Those amounts weren't checked for this page.

Could you get free weatherization? (Dominion customers)

Dominion's Income & Age Qualifying Energy Savings Program gives qualifying Virginia customers a free in-home energy assessment and free energy-saving upgrades, installed by local weatherization providers who work with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Free upgrades it can include (Dominion's list; "restrictions apply"): air sealing, duct sealing, attic and floor insulation, heat pump and AC tune-ups, a heat pump water heater, water heater tank wrap, pipe insulation, LED bulbs, and low-flow showerheads and aerators. Dominion also says upgrades may include electric HVAC systems.

How to start: call Dominion at 888-366-8280 to reach your local weatherization provider and confirm eligibility. The provider assesses your home, writes a custom report, and installs the upgrades you approve, at no cost.

Protect yourself: Dominion says to ask any provider for their weatherization service provider ID and look for printed materials with the Dominion Energy logo. If you're unsure, call 888-366-8280 before letting anyone in.

Source: Dominion Energy: Income & Age Qualifying Energy Savings Programs · checked November 7, 2026

NOVEC customers

NOVEC's Ways to Save page lists energy-saving tips and a load management program, but no heat pump rebate as of November 7, 2026. Call NOVEC to ask whether anything is available for your home.

State and federal programs

Virginia's federally funded home energy rebates (HEAR and HOMES) are still closed. Virginia Energy's Home Energy Rebates FAQ says the programs are awaiting federal approval and gives no launch date. Don't count on them for a project you're signing now. Checked November 7, 2026.

The federal 25C tax credit has ended. It doesn't cover heat pumps placed in service after December 31, 2025.

Do I need a new system?

Eight quick questions. We'll show you which answers matter and why. This helps you decide what to ask. It isn't an inspection: only a technician who sees your equipment can diagnose it.

The road, in order

  1. 1

    Know who delivers your power

    Dominion or NOVEC. It decides which programs you can use.

  2. 2

    Book an evaluation (Dominion)

    If your income qualifies, start with the free weatherization program instead. Otherwise, A check-up or a full audit with a participating contractor. It's how you reach Dominion's heat pump rebates, and the current program ends December 31.

  3. 3

    Check your current system

    Use the eight questions above.

  4. 4

    Seal and insulate

    A tighter house needs a smaller heat pump. Dominion's audit opens rebates for air sealing, duct sealing and insulation.

  5. 5

    Size it right

    Ask for a Manual J load calculation before choosing a size.

  6. 6

    Get every rebate in writing

    Dominion's amounts are in its measures chart, not on the main page, and they depend on the exact model. Get each one on the contractor's report or quote before you sign.

Five questions to ask every contractor
  1. Are you a participating contractor in Dominion's Home Energy Evaluation program?
  2. Should I start with the check-up or the full audit for what I want to do?
  3. What is the exact rebate for each upgrade, in writing?
  4. Can the work and the application be done before the program changes on December 31?
  5. Will you do a Manual J load calculation before you quote a size?

Sources, checked November 7, 2026

Not rechecked on Nov 7: the federal 25C end date (from IRS guidance, checked Oct 15, 2026). Each program's own page is the final word.

Corrections and updates

DateChange
Nov 7, 2026Rechecked against official pages. Added Dominion's heat pump amounts from its measures chart ($156 to $312, mini-split $195) and its rule that fuel switching isn't permitted. Our Oct 31 page said Dominion published no amounts.
Nov 7, 2026Made the water heater rebate specific: $250 (40–59 gallons) or $400 (60+ gallons), and it must replace an electric water heater. Noted Dominion's main page says "up to $500." Noted Dominion doesn't say how projects underway on December 31 will be handled.
Nov 7, 2026Said plainly that HEAR and HOMES are still closed, per Virginia Energy's FAQ.
Oct 31, 2026Added Dominion's free Income & Age Qualifying weatherization program, with its income limits.
Oct 31, 2026Page first published. Facts checked against the official pages listed in Sources.