Be SMART Home Efficiency Rebate Program

October 16, 2014

Summary

Note: This program is expiring. Homeowner rebate applications and contractor energy audit requests for payment must be received by September 1, 2013 to qualify for this program.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers rebates to homeowners for the installation of energy efficiency improvements in single-family and town homes. The program is limited to energy customers that are not eligible to participate in programs offered under the Empower Maryland initiative by the state's investor-owned utilities and the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). This restriction limits eligibility to customers of the state's municipal utilities and remaining cooperative utilities, as well as homeowners with oil and gas heating systems.

In order to qualify for incentives, the home must first undergo a comprehensive home energy audit that identifies proposed energy efficiency improvements. The program incentives include a $300 payment directly to the contractor to defray the cost of the energy audit (the homeowner also pays a $100 fee) and a variety of incentives for building envelope improvements, HVAC improvements, water heaters, and certain appliances. Total incentives are limited to $4,250; however, homeowners may also elect to finance the balance of costs up to $15,000 through the Be SMART Home Efficiency Loan Program. Please see the program web site for additional requirements and application details.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector: State
Category: Financial Incentive
State: Maryland
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Web Site: http://www.mdhousing.org/website/programs/BeSmart/rebate.aspx
Administrator: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:
  • Clothes Washers
  • Refrigerators/Freezers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Water Heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Boilers
  • Heat pumps
  • Air conditioners
  • Duct/Air sealing
  • Building Insulation
  • Other EE
  • Tankless Water Heater
Incentive Amount: Energy Audit: $300 (paid to contractor)
Building Envelope Improvements: 50% of cost
HVAC Equipment: varies by measure, $25 - $500
Water Heating: varies by measure, $25 - $350
Appliances: varies by measure, $75 - $150
Boilers: $500 - $1,750
Maximum Incentive: Total: $4,250
Building Envelope Improvements: $2,000
Equipment Requirements: Vary by measure (see application for details); Energy Star certification required for room AC, dehumidifiers, tankless or heat pump water heaters, refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers
Installation Requirements: Home energy audit required prior to participation; audit and installation must be performed by a program-approved contractor

Contact

Name: Program Administrator - Be SMART Homes Rebate
Organization: Maryland Department of Housing & Community De
Address: 100 Community Place
Crownsville MD 21032
Phone: (410) 514-7618
Email: BeSMARTHome@dhcd.state.md.us

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.