What insulation rebates pay in Boulder
We read EnergySmart's rebate page on October 5, 2026. Xcel's amounts come from its 2026 rebate summary, last read September 29, 2026, because Xcel's own page would not load for our reader.
EnergySmart income-qualified rebate
For Boulder County households at or below 100% of area median income. Covers insulation and air sealing, heat pumps, water heaters and panels. Work must be finished and invoiced in 2026.
Xcel attic insulation
Gas-heated homes get 1.5 times the standard amounts, which works out to $750 by our math. Applies to homes heated by Xcel gas or electricity.
Xcel wall insulation
Same 30% rule. Gas-heated homes get 1.5 times, or $525 by our math.
Xcel air sealing
Gas-heated homes get 1.5 times, or $600 by our math.
EnergySmart standard rebates
Boulder County retired its standard rebates in late 2025.
State income-based rebates (HEAR)
Up to $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation while it was open. The single-family program is now closed.
Federal tax credit (25C)
The credit for insulation and air sealing ended for spending after December 31, 2025.
Working it out
An income-qualified household pays $3,600 for attic insulation and air sealing together. EnergySmart pays 50%, or $1,800, which is under the $2,000 yearly cap. If the same household also uses Xcel's rebate on the same work, the program says it can combine the two, but your advisor must confirm how. A household above the income line gets Xcel's 30% only: $500 at most for the attic and $400 for air sealing.
What Boulder homes look like
The American Community Survey (2020 to 2024) counts 47,465 homes in Boulder. About 55% were built before 1980, 7% before 1940, and only 18% in 2000 or later. About 53% of households rent, and only 39% of homes are detached houses. About 9% are in buildings of two to four units.
Many Boulder homes are older, so insulation levels are worth checking. But the majority of residents rent, which makes the owner the key person. If you are a tenant, ask an EnergySmart advisor whether you can apply, and expect to need the owner's agreement for work on the building.
EnergySmart is the first stop
EnergySmart is the Boulder County energy advising program. Its advisors can tell you if your household is at or below the 100% area median income line and walk you through the rebate. The rebate covers insulation, air sealing, electrification upgrades, panel upgrades and cellular shades, for site-built and manufactured homes, and is first come, first served until funds run out. Work must be finished and invoiced between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
If your income is above the line
Standard EnergySmart rebates ended in late 2025, so households above the income line use Xcel Energy's 30% rebate. Xcel pays up to $500 for an attic, $350 for walls and $400 for air sealing, with 1.5 times those caps for homes heated with Xcel natural gas. That is a smaller rebate than the income-qualified one, so for many households the order is: check income, then Xcel.
What Boulder heats with
About 63% of Boulder households heat with utility gas and 33% with electricity. For the 33% on electricity, good insulation cuts bills the most. Gas homes get Xcel's higher caps if Xcel supplies the gas.
What changed in 2026
The federal credit for insulation ended after 2025. The Colorado Energy Office closed its single-family income-based program in August 2026, which could pay up to $1,600 for insulation. EnergySmart's own program is the live one for Boulder County households at or below median income.
Top-rated installers in Boulder
Ranked by Google reviews (minimum five). We don't take referral fees or paid placements. Ask each one whether they work with EnergySmart advisors and Xcel.
How to claim Boulder insulation rebates
- Check your household income against 100% of area median income at energysmartyes.com.
- Book an EnergySmart advisor, who can guide you through rebates.
- Get a quote with attic, wall and air sealing work priced separately.
- Finish and invoice the work before December 31, 2026 for the EnergySmart rebate.
- Use an Xcel participating contractor if you want Xcel's rebate too.
Common questions
How much can I get for insulation in Boulder?
Households at or below 100% of area median income get 50% up to $2,000 a year from EnergySmart. Xcel pays 30% of cost, up to $500 for attics, $350 for walls and $400 for air sealing.
Did Boulder County end its rebates?
It retired its standard rebates in late 2025 and kept the income-qualified ones.
Can renters apply?
Its page says site-built and manufactured homes qualify but does not say whether renters can apply, so ask an advisor. Building work needs the owner's agreement.
Is the state's income-based rebate still open?
No. The Colorado Energy Office says the single-family program is closed.
Is there a federal tax credit?
Not for 2026. It ended for spending after December 31, 2025.
What to do next
Start with an income check. Then see our Boulder heat pump rebate page or the Boulder rebate hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 5, 2026: Boulder County EnergySmart rebates, Xcel Energy Colorado residential rebates, Xcel Energy 2026 rebate summary, Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program, IRS residential clean energy credit. All Boulder rebates → Every Xcel Energy Colorado rebate →