What insulation rebates pay in Philadelphia
We read PGW's EnergySense page, PECO's rebate index, the state weatherization page and the IRS page on October 5, 2026. PECO's rebates page lists appliance, heating and cooling, new homes, water heating and solar. Insulation is not on that list, so we show no PECO insulation amount.
PGW roof insulation, R-49 with air sealing
$0.95 per sq ft on the Affordable tier. $0.60 or $0.90 if you skip the air sealing.
PGW roof insulation, R-38 with air sealing
$0.50 per sq ft on the Affordable tier. $0.30 or $0.40 without air sealing.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Air sealing, attic, wall and basement insulation and heating repairs for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
PEA Built to Last
The Philadelphia Energy Authority lines up home repair and energy programs in one process for homeowners who need help.
Federal 25C tax credit
It covered insulation installed through December 31, 2025. Nothing for 2026 work.
Working it out
Say your roof space is 800 square feet. Insulated to R-49 with air sealing, PGW's standard rebate is 800 x $0.65 = $520. On the Affordable tier it is 800 x $0.95 = $760. Your contractor's quote will give your real square footage.
Philadelphia homes are rowhouses
The US Census Bureau's survey (2020 to 2024) counts 748,270 homes in Philadelphia. About 56% are single-family attached homes, the rowhouses Philadelphia is known for. Only about 9% are detached. In a rowhouse, the side walls are shared with your neighbours, so most heat escapes through the roof and the front and back walls. That's why PGW's rebate focuses on roof insulation.
Philadelphia's housing is old. About 83% of homes were built before 1980, and about 40% before 1940. Many older roofs have little or no insulation.
Gas homes and electric homes
About 70% of Philadelphia households heat with utility gas and about 25% with electricity. PGW's rebate is only for PGW customers who heat with natural gas. If your home heats with electricity, PECO is the electric company, but PECO's rebate list has no insulation item, so the state's weatherization program is the better place to start if money is tight.
Who gets the higher PGW rate
PGW pays its Affordable tier to customers who, in the past year, enrolled in PGW's Customer Responsibility Program (CRP), got a Hardship Fund grant, or gave PGW a LIHEAP grant. That tier pays up to $0.95 per square foot instead of $0.65.
Rules that catch people out
PGW only pays for retrofits. Gut rehabs and new construction don't qualify. The installer must be certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), and you need photos from before and after. You don't have to use a PGW participating contractor, but those contractors can take the rebate off your bill right away. PGW also says rebate cheques are slower than usual right now, and the money is first come, first served. The program runs to August 31, 2027.
Free help if money is tight
Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program is free for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Older residents, people with disabilities, families with children and high energy users get priority. The state says it spends an average of $8,547 per home, on things like blower-door air sealing, insulation and heating repairs. Philadelphia homeowners who need repairs before insulation can go in can also ask the Philadelphia Energy Authority about Built to Last at 215-686-4483.
Winter in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's average January low is about -2.7°C, and the coldest reading in our ten years of data was -21.9°C. That's milder than New England, but a leaky rowhouse roof still costs you every winter.
How to get insulation rebates in Philadelphia
- Check your heat. Gas from PGW? Use PGW EnergySense. Electric heat? PECO has no insulation rebate, so look at free weatherization first.
- If your household income is low, apply for weatherization first. It can be free.
- Hire a BPI-certified contractor and take photos of the roof space before work starts.
- Ask for air sealing with the insulation. It raises the PGW rebate.
- Apply online or on paper, or let a PGW participating contractor take the rebate off up front. Questions: 855-749-7658.
Common questions
Is there an insulation rebate in Philadelphia?
Yes, for gas-heated PGW customers. PGW pays $0.30 to $0.95 per square foot for roof insulation, depending on the R-value, air sealing and whether you qualify for its Affordable tier.
Does PECO pay for insulation?
Not that we can find. PECO's rebates page lists appliance, heating and cooling, new home, water heating and solar rebates, and no insulation. If your home is heated by PGW gas, PGW's roof insulation rebate is the one to use.
Can I get free insulation in Philadelphia?
If your household earns at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program can insulate and air seal your home for free.
Can I still claim the federal tax credit for insulation?
No. The IRS says the 25C credit covered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Do I have to use a PGW contractor?
No. Any BPI-certified contractor works. A PGW participating contractor can just take the rebate off your bill instead of you waiting for a cheque.
What to do next
Find out how your home is heated, then pick the right program above. See every rebate in Philadelphia, or read about heat pump rebates in Philadelphia.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 5, 2026: PGW EnergySense: roof insulation and air sealing, Pennsylvania DCED: Weatherization Assistance Program, Philadelphia Energy Authority: Built to Last, IRS: energy efficient home improvement credit, PECO rebates and discounts. All Philadelphia rebates → Every PECO rebate →