An easy-to-understand guide to rebates that can help you save $$$ on comfort and energy upgrades
Hello, Virginian!
Looking for a simple guide that explains what home energy rebates you may be eligible for in your area? (Of course you are—that’s why you ended up here!)
Well, you found the right place. Our experts created this thorough guide for Virginia energy-efficiency rebate programs—just for folks like yourself.
Bonus: We also help homeowners get customized and expertly-installed home energy upgrades. Learn how to get energy energy upgrades at no upfront cost with Sealed.
As a homeowner, you know firsthand how important it is to feel comfortable in your home—you know, one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.
Plus, energy-efficiency improvements are crucial to nipping home energy waste and out-of-control energy bills in the bud.
Energy-efficiency improvements are crucial to nipping home energy waste and out-of-control energy bills in the bud.
And home energy rebates can help make these comfort and energy upgrades happen—plus save you a little money along the way.
So whether your home is steps away from Virginia Beach (lucky you!), you live in gorgeous Appalachian Hills, or you’ve rooted yourself near our nation’s capital, we’re here to help you navigate home energy upgrades in the easiest, most budget-friendly way possible.
Table of contents
Scan the table of contents below to find your local utility’s programs!
- Energy prices in Virginia and how VA energy rebates can help
- Dominion Energy rebates
- Columbia Gas of Virginia rebates
- Virginia Natural Gas rebates
- Washington Gas rebates
- Appalachian Power rebates
- Virginia utilities that do not offer energy rebates
- How to get home energy upgrades at no upfront cost
Energy prices in Virginia: How VA energy rebates can help
If higher natural gas prices aren’t motivating enough to reduce your energy waste as much as possible, try this: Electricity costs in Virginia have risen about 20% in 2022 alone (1).
But, as of December 2022, Virginians pay slightly less on average for electricity per kilowatt hour (kwh) compared to the rest of the country—even with the steady increase in electricity prices.
Virginians pay about $0.15 per kwh—making that about 6% cheaper than the national average price (2).
But as far as natural gas goes? Virginians pay more than the national average, at $1.73 per therm (3).
If you’ve been wondering about your heating bill, you can check out Why is my heating bill so high? to learn why home heating has been more expensive for fossil fuel users in recent years.
So, considering all these statistics, what’s the most effective way to mitigate the rising cost of energy?
Cut your home’s energy waste.
With a few key home energy upgrades, you’ll not only save on your utility bills, but also increase your home’s comfort.
And VA energy-efficiency rebates can help get that work done while saving you some money at the same time!
With a few key home energy upgrades, you’ll not only save on your utility bills, but also increase your home’s comfort.
Dominion Energy rebates Virginia
Dominion Energy is Virginia’s largest electric utility, supporting residents with energy efficient home upgrades through multiple residential rebate programs.
However, some of the rebate programs require an audit and participating contractor. (But if you work with Sealed for your home upgrades, we’ll help you get this all squared away.)
Here’s an overview of the rebates available, but you’ll get a closer look at a few rebates of note below!
- Air source heat pump upgrades
- Smart thermostats
- Heat pump water heaters
- Air sealing
- Duct insulation
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation
- Crawl space insulation
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dehumidifiers
- Dishwashers
And depending on your income level, you may be eligible for income-qualifying increased rebates, too.
Dominion Energy heat pump rebates
Rebates are available to current Dominion Energy customers for air-source heat pump and mini-split heat pump upgrades.
The rebates are offered under the Residential Home Retrofit Program and are based on efficiency of the upgraded system.
To qualify, you must currently heat your home with electric heat and complete an energy audit with a participating contractor. (Again, we can help coordinate all this!)
Sealed will match eligible customers with certified contractors to complete the work, submit all of required paperwork, and will take the rebate off the price of your project as an instant discount.
With Sealed, you can get a heat pump professionally installed (and use your Dominion Energy rebate) with zero upfront cost. Learn more.
Dominion Energy water heater rebates
Dominion Energy also offers rebates for heat pump water heaters under the Residential Water Energy Savings Program.
Rebates are based on the size of the water heater and you must have electric heating and cooling with an air source heat pump to be eligible.
Hybrid heat pump water heaters can be up to 50% more efficient than natural gas water heaters (4).
Ready to learn more about heat pump water heaters? Check out the Ultimate guide to hybrid water heaters for the full scoop.
Hybrid heat pump water heaters can be up to 50% more efficient than natural gas water heaters.
ENERGYSTAR.gov
Dominion Energy weatherization, insulation, and air sealing rebates
The Residential Home Retrofit Program provides incentives for air sealing, duct sealing, and insulation. Rebate amounts are based on your heating equipment and the amount of work installed.
You must complete an energy audit with a certified contractor to be eligible for the weatherization rebates.
You could cut up to 50% of your energy use when getting high-performance insulation, professional air sealing, and heat pump HVAC upgrades with Sealed. And get your rebates, too!
Dominion Energy appliance rebates
As a Dominion Energy customer, you have access to a refrigerator and clothes washer and dryer rebate for an ENERGY STAR certified appliance upgrade.
The utility also offers incentives for properly recycling your old appliance. Homeowners receive $20 for recycling their old freezer or refrigerator, and pickup and disposal is offered at no additional cost.
Three cheers for recycling!
Check out our FREE guide to learn how 3 core upgrades can make your home more comfortable year round.
Columbia Gas of Virginia rebates
Columbia Gas of Virginia provides natural gas services to Middle Virginia.
The utility offers a few rebates to eligible customers, but they’re only for natural-gas-fueled appliances.
They also have an income-based program that covers the costs of air sealing and insulation for qualifying gas customers.
Here’s an overview of the rebates available, but you’ll get a closer look at a few rebates of note below!
- Smart thermostats
- High efficiency natural gas furnaces and boilers
- High efficiency windows, doors, and skylights
- High efficiency natural gas water heaters
Columbia Gas of Virginia thermostat rebates
Columbia Gas of Virginia offers a $50 incentive to homeowners who install an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat in their home.
And a smart thermostat is a smart move. Read all about them in our Guide to smart thermostats.
Columbia Gas of Virginia weatherization, insulation, and air sealing rebates
Columbia Gas of Virginia offers weatherization incentives to low-to-middle income households and age-qualifying customers that heat their home with natural gas.
You could cut up to 45% of your energy waste in your home with the right air sealing and insulation upgrades alone (5).
Once eligibility has been established, the utility will install the measures at no cost if you qualify.
You could cut up to 45% of your energy waste in your home with the right air sealing and insulation upgrades alone.
2022 Insulation Industry Opportunity Study
Virginia Natural Gas rebates
Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas services to Southeast Virginia.
The utility offers rebates to their customers, but they are only for natural-gas-fueled appliances.
They also have an income-qualifying program that covers the costs of air sealing and insulation for eligible gas customers.
Here’s an overview of the rebates available, but a few rebates are covered more closely below.
- Smart thermostats
- High efficiency natural gas furnaces
- High efficiency natural gas water heaters
Virginia Natural Gas thermostat rebates
Virginia Natural Gas offers a $50 incentive to homeowners who install an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat in their home.
Smart thermostats can cut your energy use from 8% up to 15% on average (6, 7).
Washington Gas rebates
To help save energy in Northeastern Virginia, Washington Gas offers rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, thermostats, and water heaters.
They also provide energy-saving upgrades for income qualifying customers at no additional cost.
Here’s an overview of the rebates available, with more info below.
- ENERGY STAR smart thermostats
- ENERGY STAR natural gas furnaces and boilers
- ENERGY STAR water heaters
- Energy efficient natural gas fireplaces
Washington Gas weatherization, insulation, and air sealing rebates
Washington Gas installs weatherization measures at no cost for income-qualifying homeowners who heat their home with natural gas. These incentives are only offered in certain counties/cities, so confirm with your utility if you are eligible!
Appalachian Power rebates
Appalachian Power provides electricity to Western Virginia residents.
The utility has two rebate programs for weatherization and HVAC: the Home Performance Program and the Efficient Products Program.
According to the EIA, 51% of your home’s energy consumption is for heating and cooling alone. Heat pumps can help cut that energy waste (8)!
Appalachian Power also offers an income-qualifying program to cover the costs of energy efficient home upgrades for customers.
According to the EIA, 51% of your home’s energy consumption is for heating and cooling alone. Heat pumps can help cut that energy waste!
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Here’s a quick look at Appalachian Power rebates that are available:
- Attic insulation
- Ductless mini-split heat pumps
- Air sealing
- ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs
- Heat pump water heaters
- Air purifiers
- Clothes washers and dryers (electric)
- Dehumidifiers
- Pool pumps
- Room air conditioners
Appalachian Power heat pump rebates
Rebates are available to current Appalachian Power customers for ductless mini-split heat pumps only.
Both the Efficient Products and Home Performance programs offer these rebates, but you cannot apply for both.
Also, the mini splits must be installed by a certified contractor.
With Sealed, you can get a heat pump professionally installed (and use your Appalachian Power rebate) with zero upfront cost. Learn how.
Appalachian Power water heater rebates
Appalachian Power offers a $400 incentive for homeowners to install an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater.
You can apply for the rebate online and must include a copy of your receipt.
Appalachian Power dehumidifier rebate
Appalachian Power customers also have access to a rebate for ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers.
By the way, if you have a humidity concern in your house, professional air sealing and insulation can restore healthy airflow and reduce excess moisture through your home.
Read How to fix a stuffy house or Why is my house so humid? to learn more!
Appalachian Power weatherization, insulation, and air sealing rebates
The Appalachian Power Home Performance Program offers rebates for air sealing and attic insulation for residential customers.
The rebate amounts are based on home heating equipment and the work must be installed by a certified contractor.
Read our guide to air sealing or attic insulation to learn why these home upgrades are so powerful.
Virginia utilities that don’t offer energy rebates
Our team did some digging across the state, and several Virginia utility companies don’t offer rebates for home energy upgrades at this time.
However, things often change very quickly in the local energy rebate world, so make sure to check with your utility company directly to see if they’ve updated their offerings—just in case! (We will also routinely update this article if a utility expands their rebates program.)
Is your local utility provider listed below? Don’t fret!
If you choose to work with Sealed to get your home energy upgrades, we’ll make sure to look into any federal, state, or local energy rebates or financial incentives you may be eligible for that could apply to your home improvements.
That way, you’re getting all the incentives you may qualify for.
The following utilities do not offer rebates in Virginia at the date of this writing:
- A&N Electric Cooperative
- Appalachian Natural Gas Distribution Company
- Atmos Energy
- BARC Electric Cooperative
- Central Virginia Electric Cooperative Inc.
- Community Electric Cooperative
- Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative
- Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative
- Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)
- Old Dominion Electric Cooperative
- Prince George Electric Cooperative
- Roanoke Natural Gas
- Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
- Southside Electric Cooperative
- Southwestern Virginia Gas Company
You can also check out one of our guides below to see if you could be eligible for financial incentives through other programs:
- Homeowner’s guide to Inflation Reduction Act home energy upgrades
- Heat pump tax credits and rebates (including HVAC and water heater systems)
- Insulation tax credits and rebates
- Weatherization tax credits and rebates
- What home energy audits are available near me?
- What incentives are available from my utility?
Get eligible Virginia energy rebates—plus white-glove service—when you work with Sealed
If your house qualifies to work with Sealed, you can enjoy better efficiency and increased comfort all year long.
(Yes, it’s true. And all with an energy-savings guarantee. Learn more.)
Plus, you can use any rebates you’re eligible for, too. And we’ll even handle the rebate-research process for you thoroughly.
Here’s how to get started: Answer a few quick questions to see if your house qualifies.
If it does, you’ll meet with an expert to talk through next steps to see a custom home upgrade plan.
Hassle-free service. It’s that simple
Ready to crunch the numbers?
Tap here to try the home energy use calculator.