State begins accepting applications for income-based rebates on appliances and HVAC systems

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is accepting applications for rebates of up to $14,000 to help eligible households replace aging appliances and heating and cooling systems with energy-efficient alternatives.

The rebates are available to New Mexico homeowners and renters who earn less than 80% of the area median income or who participate in certain federal benefit programs, according to the department.

Once the agency certifies eligibility, applicants receive coupons that can be converted into instant rebates when purchasing qualifying energy-saving products.

The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Efficiency Assistance Rebate program, known as HEAR.

Rebecca “Puck” Stair, director of the department’s Energy Conservation and Management Division, said the rebates are intended to make energy-efficiency upgrades more accessible.

“Every family deserves access to appliances and technology that saves money and keeps their homes comfortable year-round,” Stair said. “These rebates make energy-efficiency upgrades easier and more affordable. A heat pump, for instance, is a dual-purpose appliance, offering an efficient way to both heat and cool a home.”

The department said early participant Billy Martin of Portales used the coupons to install insulation, replace his HVAC system with a heat pump and purchase new energy-efficient appliances.

“If not for this program, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in my home,” Martin said. “The electricity bill would have run me out. Now, I can stay in my home and remain independent.”

Program details, including eligibility requirements and qualifying products, are available at clean.energy.nm.gov/programs/hear.