Last updated: April 26, 2026
The $840 HEAR rebate for electric stoves and induction ranges is the most frequently misunderstood appliance rebate in the program — primarily because of state variation on the induction vs. resistance electric question, and because the "replacing fossil fuel" requirement catches contractors and clients off guard. This guide covers the rules, equipment requirements, and installation considerations for electrification practitioners adding kitchen appliances to whole-home projects.
| Technology | How It Heats | Efficiency | HEAR Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction | Electromagnetic field heats ferrous cookware directly; cooktop surface stays cool | ~90% efficient; no wasted heat to surroundings | QUALIFIES everywhere |
| Resistance electric (smooth-top) | Coil heating element heats glass surface, which heats cookware | ~75–80% efficient; significant heat loss to air | STATE-SPECIFIC — check program rules |
| Resistance electric (coil burner) | Exposed heating coil heats cookware directly | ~70–75% efficient; heat loss varies | STATE-SPECIFIC — many programs exclude |
| Gas range (any type) | Fossil fuel combustion | ~40% useful efficiency | NOT eligible — being replaced |
Induction cooking offers several advantages over resistance electric that state programs prioritize:
| State | Induction Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | YES — Induction Only | MassSave requires induction cooktop or range; resistance electric excluded |
| New York | YES — Induction Only | NYSERDA Clean Heat requires induction; smooth-top resistance excluded |
| Maryland | CHECK | MEA — verify current approved equipment list; induction preferred |
| Michigan | CHECK | MiHER — verify with EGLE; check approved product list |
| Wisconsin | CHECK | Focus on Energy — verify current equipment spec |
| Illinois | CHECK | IHDA — verify with program administrator |
| Colorado | CHECK | CEO — verify current approved measure list |
| New Mexico | CHECK | Franklin Energy POS — verify approved product list |
| North Carolina | CHECK | Energy Saver NC — verify with NC DEQ |
| Appliance Type | HEAR Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding induction range (range + oven combo) | YES | Most common install; replaces gas freestanding range |
| Induction cooktop (standalone, no oven) | YES | Installed in countertop cutout; requires separate oven if client wants one |
| Built-in electric wall oven (induction or resistance) | YES | Standalone oven, not range; $840 applies per unit |
| Slide-in induction range | YES | Flush-mount design for seamless countertop look; same rebate |
| Double oven induction range | YES | Two ovens + induction cooktop; counts as one unit ($840 max) |
| Portable/countertop induction cooktop | CHECK | Not permanently installed — most programs require permanent installation |
| Microwave with induction cooktop combo | CHECK | Unusual; verify with state if the induction element qualifies |
| Gas range (any type) | NO | Fossil fuel — not eligible |
Most HEAR programs require the new electric appliance to replace an existing fossil fuel appliance. This is the rule that surprises practitioners most often — because it means upgrading from an old electric coil range to a new induction range may not qualify.
| Being Replaced | New Appliance | Qualifies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas range | Induction range | YES | Classic gas-to-electric; qualifies universally |
| Propane range | Induction range | YES | Fuel switch qualifies; document propane fuel type on application |
| Gas range | Resistance electric smooth-top | STATE-SPECIFIC | Gas-to-electric fuel switch, but check if state requires induction |
| Electric resistance range (old) | Induction range | STATE-SPECIFIC | No fuel switch; some states allow efficiency upgrade, others don't |
| Electric resistance range (old) | New resistance electric | NO | Same fuel type, no meaningful efficiency upgrade — not eligible |
| No range (new installation) | Induction range | STATE-SPECIFIC | New construction or addition; many programs exclude new installation without replacement |
Induction ranges require a 240V electrical circuit, just like electric resistance ranges. Most homes that previously had a gas range will have a 120V outlet in the kitchen and a gas line — but no 240V receptacle for an electric range.
| Electrical Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Circuit voltage | 240V single-phase |
| Circuit amperage | 40A typical (some large ranges require 50A) |
| Wire gauge | 8 AWG for 40A; 6 AWG for 50A |
| Outlet type | NEMA 14-30 (30A) or NEMA 14-50 (50A) |
| Distance from range | Outlet must be accessible from behind range; typically in cabinet or floor |
In homes that have never had an electric range, running a new 240V circuit from the electrical panel to the kitchen is required. This adds $300–$700 to the project cost depending on distance from the panel. This electrical work can potentially be included in the HEAR electric wiring rebate category ($2,500 maximum) as infrastructure supporting an eligible electrification measure. Verify with your state program whether the dedicated kitchen circuit is eligible under the wiring rebate.
When a gas range is removed, the gas line supplying it should be properly capped by a licensed plumber or gas fitter. This is not just best practice — it's required in most jurisdictions for any gas line that is taken out of service. Include this cost in the project estimate. The gas line cap-off cost is typically $150–$400 and is generally not eligible for HEAR reimbursement (it's decommissioning existing infrastructure, not installing efficient equipment). Budget for it but don't include it in the HEAR application.
Induction cooktops only work with ferrous (iron-containing) cookware. Cast iron, carbon steel, and most stainless steel pots and pans are compatible. Aluminum, glass, and pure copper cookware is not. This is the most common objection clients raise when you propose an induction range.
How to handle it:
| Measure | HEAR Rebate | Add to Electric Range Project? |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump (space heating) | up to $8,000 | YES — same project, same application |
| Heat pump water heater | up to $1,750 | YES |
| Electrical panel upgrade | up to $4,000 | YES — if new 240V range circuit requires panel work |
| Electric clothes dryer | up to $840 | YES — separate rebate, separate line item |
| Utility appliance rebate | varies ($50–$200) | YES — stackable; many utilities have induction range rebates |
Several utilities have their own induction range rebate programs — MassSave ($200–$500), National Grid NY ($100–$200), ComEd IL ($50–$150), and others. These stack with HEAR because they come from separate funding sources. Submit the HEAR application to the state program and the utility application to the utility separately.
Major brands with ENERGY STAR certified induction range product lines:
Free weekly for whole-home electrification contractors. HEAR equipment updates, state program changes, invoice requirements — every Tuesday.