HEAR Rebate for Electric Dryers: $840 Guide (2026)
The IRA Practitioner Brief — Updated April 2026
The HEAR program offers up to $840 for electric dryers — including heat pump dryers and standard resistance electric models — replacing gas or propane units. This guide covers which appliances qualify, how state requirements differ (some require heat pump dryers specifically), electrical and venting considerations, and the pre-submission checklist practitioners need before application.
Electric Dryer Rebate at a Glance
$840
Max rebate (≤80% AMI)
$420
Max rebate (80–150% AMI)
100%
Cost coverage (LMI tier)
50%
Cost coverage (moderate tier)
$14,000
HEAR household cap (all measures)
13+DC
States with HEAR live
State variation alert: The dryer measure is one of the least consistently activated HEAR measures. Several state programs have not yet turned on the electric dryer rebate. Always confirm your specific state program has activated this measure before including it in project proposals or applications.
Heat Pump Dryer vs. Standard Electric Dryer
At the federal level, the HEAR program allows both heat pump dryers and standard resistance electric dryers — as long as they are ENERGY STAR certified. States have latitude to require the higher-efficiency option.
Feature
Heat Pump Dryer
Resistance Electric Dryer
Gas Dryer (comparison)
Energy efficiency
~40-60% less energy than resistance
~70% efficient (thermal)
~60-70% efficient
Voltage
120V (most models) or 240V
240V/30A required
120V (controls) + gas line
Ventless?
Yes — fully ventless
No — requires 4" exterior duct
No — requires exterior duct
Cycle time
75–100 minutes (longer)
45–60 minutes
45–60 minutes
Drying temperature
Low heat (~125°F)
High heat (~135–150°F)
High heat (~135°F)
Fabric impact
Gentler on fabrics
Standard
Standard
Purchase price
$1,000–$2,000
$600–$1,200
$500–$1,100
Condensate drain
Required (or manual reservoir emptying)
Not applicable
Not applicable
ENERGY STAR certified
Yes (required for HEAR)
Only certified models qualify
Not applicable
State-by-State: Heat Pump Dryer Required?
State programs have significant latitude to restrict the HEAR dryer measure to heat pump dryers only, or to require that the appliance specifically replace a fossil fuel dryer.
State
Dryer Measure Active?
Heat Pump Required?
Gas Replacement Required?
Notes
Massachusetts
Yes
Yes — heat pump only
Yes
MassSave requires heat pump dryer specifically; ENERGY STAR HP certification required
New York
Yes
Yes — heat pump only
Yes
NY Homes Clean Energy requires ENERGY STAR HP dryer; replacing electric dryer does not qualify
Maryland
Yes
Recommended but not required
Yes
ENERGY STAR certification required; gas replacement required; heat pump preferred
Colorado
Yes
ENERGY STAR required
Yes
ENERGY STAR any type; gas/propane replacement required
Illinois
Yes
ENERGY STAR required
Yes
ENERGY STAR required; fossil fuel replacement required
Rhode Island
Yes
ENERGY STAR required
Flexible
More flexible replacement rules; verify with RI Energy program
Maine
Yes
ENERGY STAR required
Yes
Gas/propane replacement required; Efficiency Maine administers
Minnesota
Partial
N/A
N/A
Dryer measure not yet fully activated in MN HEAR — verify before quoting
Wisconsin
Partial
N/A
N/A
Focus Energy administers; dryer measure activation varies — verify
Michigan
Pending
N/A
N/A
MiHER program still in rollout; dryer measure timeline unclear
California
Not via HEAR
N/A
N/A
CA has separate TECH program for heat pump dryers; not using federal HEAR dryer measure
Efficiency Vermont has flexible replacement rules; verify current program status
Washington DC
Yes
ENERGY STAR required
Yes
DC DOEE administers; gas replacement required
Eligible Appliance Types
Appliance Type
Qualifies?
Notes
Heat pump dryer (ventless, 120V)
Yes — in all active states
Most versatile; qualifies everywhere the dryer measure is active
Heat pump dryer (240V)
Yes — in all active states
Less common; requires dedicated 240V circuit
ENERGY STAR resistance electric dryer
Only in states that allow it
Not allowed in MA, NY; allowed with ENERGY STAR cert in CO, IL, NM, DC, others
Dryer/washer combo unit (heat pump)
Varies by state
All-in-one heat pump washer/dryer combos may qualify if ENERGY STAR HP dryer certified; verify per state
Standard electric dryer (not ENERGY STAR)
No
ENERGY STAR certification required in all programs
Gas dryer with electric ignition
No
Must be electric-powered dryer, not gas
Propane dryer
No
Not an electric appliance
Electrical Requirements
Electrical requirements for electric dryers vary significantly by dryer type:
Heat Pump Dryer (120V — most common)
Circuit: Standard 120V/15A or 20A household circuit
Outlet: Standard 3-prong NEMA 5-15 or 5-20
New dedicated circuit typically NOT required — can plug into existing outlet
Exception: If existing laundry area only has 240V outlet, an adapter or new 120V outlet may be needed
Load: ~1,000-1,500W (vs. 5,000W for resistance electric)
Resistance Electric Dryer (240V — standard)
Circuit: 240V/30A dedicated circuit required
Outlet: NEMA 14-30 (4-prong, newer code) or NEMA 10-30 (3-prong, older installations)
NEC requirement: New installations require NEMA 14-30 (4-wire); retrofitting older 3-wire outlet to 4-wire may be needed and adds cost
Branch circuit wire size: 10 AWG minimum for 30A circuit
Practitioner tip — 120V heat pump dryer advantage: Homeowners converting from gas dryer often already have the gas duct rough-in and 120V outlet in place. Heat pump dryers can typically use the existing 120V outlet and don't require duct decommissioning — just cap the gas line. This simplifies the installation significantly compared to standard resistance electric dryers, which require a new 240V circuit if one doesn't exist.
Condensate water is either collected in a removable reservoir (user empties periodically) or drained through a condensate hose (to floor drain or laundry sink)
If installing where a gas dryer duct exists: the duct can be left in place or capped — no active exhaust needed
If replacing a vented electric dryer: the existing vent duct can be left, capped, or removed
Standard Electric Dryers (Vented)
Require 4" rigid or semi-rigid metal exhaust duct to exterior
Maximum duct run: varies by number of elbows; consult manufacturer specs (typically 25-35 ft equivalent)
Flexible plastic or foil duct not permitted by most state programs (fire hazard)
If replacing a gas dryer, the existing duct rough-in is often usable
Gas Line Decommissioning
When removing a gas dryer, the gas line must be properly capped. This requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter in most states. Gas line work is not separately reimbursed under HEAR — it's treated as part of the installation cost of the new electric appliance. Document the gas line cap as part of the installation record.
Brand Notes and ENERGY STAR Certification
Heat pump dryers are a relatively new category; not all brands offer them. For resistance electric dryers, the ENERGY STAR list is broader.
Newer Whirlpool HP model; widely available in appliance stores
GE Profile PTDS510EBRS
240V
Yes
GE Profile HP dryer; Smart Home compatible
Electrolux ELFE7637A (HP)
240V
Yes
Electrolux HP dryer; pairs with Electrolux washer
Always verify current ENERGY STAR certification at energystar.gov before quoting a specific model — models are added and removed. For states requiring "ENERGY STAR Heat Pump" certification specifically, only models on the ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Dryer list qualify (not just any ENERGY STAR dryer).
Stacking with 25C Tax Credit and Utility Rebates
Incentive
Amount
Stackable with HEAR?
Notes
HEAR federal rebate
$420–$840
Base program
Income-qualified; up to 100% of cost
25C tax credit (dryers)
None currently
N/A
Electric dryers are NOT a 25C eligible measure — 25C covers HVAC, HPWH, insulation, windows, but not dryers
MassSave utility rebate (MA)
$150–$250
Yes, net-of-rebate basis
Utility rebate reduces cost basis first; HEAR applies to net cost
NY utility rebate (Con Ed, NYSEG)
$50–$150
Yes, net-of-rebate basis
Utility rebate applied first; HEAR on net cost
CA TECH program
Up to $300
CA uses TECH, not HEAR
California uses its own TECH Clean California program for heat pump dryers, not the federal HEAR dryer measure
25C does not cover dryers: This is a frequent misconception. The 25C energy efficiency tax credit covers heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, windows/doors, and energy audits — but NOT electric dryers or induction ranges. The only dryer-related IRA benefit is the HEAR rebate.
Common Denial Reasons for Dryer Applications
Dryer measure not activated in applicant's state. Several state HEAR programs have not turned on the dryer measure. This is the most common reason for rejection — verify before quoting.
Replacing existing electric dryer (not fossil fuel). Most state programs require the new electric dryer to replace a gas or propane unit. Replacing an old electric dryer doesn't qualify in most programs.
Standard electric dryer submitted in state requiring heat pump dryer. MA and NY require heat pump dryers specifically; submitting a resistance electric dryer results in automatic denial.
Model not ENERGY STAR certified (or not ENERGY STAR HP certified). Must verify current certification — not all electric dryers carry ENERGY STAR. In HP-required states, the specific ENERGY STAR Heat Pump designation is required.
Missing original gas appliance documentation. Many programs require documentation of the gas appliance being replaced: the old appliance model/serial, proof it was functioning, and proof of removal (disposal receipt or photo).
Income documentation expired or incorrect format. HEAR income documentation (most recent federal tax return, government benefit letter, or employer letter) must be current-year or prior-year and match program requirements exactly.
Pre-Submission Checklist — Electric Dryer HEAR Application
Confirmed dryer measure is active in applicant's state program
Confirmed applicant income tier (≤80% AMI for 100% coverage; 80–150% AMI for 50% coverage)
New appliance is ENERGY STAR certified (verify at energystar.gov, not just retailer claims)
If state requires heat pump dryer: confirmed model is on ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Dryer list specifically
Replaced appliance was fossil fuel (gas/propane) per state replacement requirement
Old appliance documentation obtained: model/serial number, photo, disposal receipt or removal documentation
Contractor is enrolled in state HEAR program (enrollment required before installation in most states)
Installation invoice includes: contractor license number, appliance make/model/serial, date of installation, itemized labor and materials
Gas line decommissioning documented if applicable (licensed plumber/gas fitter)
Income documentation current: prior-year tax return or qualifying government benefit documentation
If heat pump dryer: ventless installation noted; condensate drain or reservoir documented
Utility rebates (if any) documented separately — HEAR applied to net cost after utility rebate
The IRA Practitioner Brief — Free weekly newsletter for home performance contractors, energy auditors, and housing organizations navigating HEAR and HOMES.