Pennsylvania · New Jersey · Delaware · Maryland · #9 metro by population

Home energy audits in Philadelphia

Where to get a home energy audit in the Philadelphia area, what it costs, which rebates are open now and where Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland stand on the federal Home Energy Rebates. Every program links to its official page and was checked on October 12, 2026.

Metro area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area.

A red blower-door panel with a large fan fitted into the front doorway of a brick bungalow, a pressure gauge on a stool inside
Start here Free Whole Home Energy Assessment (NJ side)
Rebates and incentives open now 5 of 7 2 unconfirmed or not open yet
Federal Home Energy Rebates Not open yet What that means here

Philadelphia at a glance

Climate zone 4A

IECC 2021 climate zone for Philadelphia County, PA. PNNL ↗

Heating and cooling 4,510 HDD · 1,358 CDD

Heating and cooling degree days, base 65°F, 1991–2020 normals at PHILADELPHIA INTL AP, PA US (USW00013739). NOAA ↗

Homes 1949 median year built

51.8% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. Philadelphia city, Pennsylvania, 2020–2024 ACS 5-year. Census ↗

Radon EPA zone 3

low potential: predicted average below 2 pCi/L (Philadelphia County, PA). EPA says not to use the zone to decide whether to test: high levels turn up in all three zones, so test every home. Radon testing guide · EPA ↗

What energy costs here

State Electricity¢ per kWh · July 2026 Natural gas$ per therm · 2025 average Heating oil$ per gallon · week of Oct 5, 2026 Propane$ per gallon · week of Oct 5, 2026
Pennsylvania 21.7¢ $1.45 $15.04 per thousand cu ft $5.83 $3.15
New Jersey 25.2¢ $1.37 $14.21 per thousand cu ft $6.04 $3.95
Delaware 18.5¢ $1.54 $15.97 per thousand cu ft $6.04 $3.67
Maryland 21.4¢ $1.56* $16.14 per thousand cu ft $6.11 $3.80
  • Electricity: EIA’s average residential price, July 2026 (preliminary; released September 24, 2026). The U.S. average was 18.3¢ per kWh. EIA ↗
  • Natural gas: EIA’s 2025 average residential price per thousand cubic feet, which EIA says includes taxes and delivery, divided by 10.36 therms per thousand cubic feet (EIA’s 2025 average heat content of 1,036 Btu per cubic foot). A full-year average is used because summer months run far higher. EIA ↗ *Maryland: 2024 average; EIA published no 2025 average.
  • Heating oil and propane: EIA’s weekly residential prices, excluding taxes, for the week of October 5, 2026. EIA surveys them only in some states. EIA ↗

Utilities in the Philadelphia area

Utility efficiency programs follow the company that delivers your power or gas, so check your bill before you book anything.

Electric

  • PECO (PECO Energy Company, an Exelon company) Electric distribution for Philadelphia and its Pennsylvania suburbs. PECO's Act 129 Phase V plan counts about 1,400,000 residential customers. PECO's website blocks automated readers, so its own territory description was not checked. Source ↗
  • PSE&G New Jersey side. PSE&G's assessment scheduler includes Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. Source ↗
  • Atlantic City Electric (ACE, an Exelon company) New Jersey side (South Jersey). It is one of the four NJ electric utilities listed by the NJ Board of Public Utilities. Source ↗

Natural gas

  • Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) City of Philadelphia. PGW is 'the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country', with about 500,000 customers. Source ↗
  • PECO Gas Listed by the PA PUC as a natural gas distribution company. It serves suburban Pennsylvania counties, not the City of Philadelphia, but no PECO page confirming the territory could be opened. Source ↗
  • South Jersey Gas, PSE&G (gas), Elizabethtown Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas New Jersey gas utilities as listed by the NJ BPU. South Jersey Gas is the main one on the Camden side. Source ↗

Pennsylvania has electric retail choice: customers can pick a supplier through the PUC's PAPowerSwitch site, and the utility still delivers. PGW runs a 'Gas Choice' program. New Jersey's supply is open to third-party suppliers. Efficiency programs follow the delivery utility. Pennsylvania's electric efficiency programs are mandated by Act 129. Phase V runs five years from June 1, 2026, and the PUC approved PECO's Phase V plan by order entered March 26, 2026. puc.pa.gov ↗ puc.pa.gov ↗ puc.pa.gov ↗

How to get a home energy audit in Philadelphia

4 programs in our research, open ones first. Prices are as each program publishes them. If you want a full diagnostic audit outside these programs, look for a certified auditor: how to find one and what audits cost.

Whole Home Energy Assessment (NJ side)

PSE&G

Open
Free

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
PSE&G residential gas and/or electric customers in a single-family home or a building with fewer than five units. Covers Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. Limited to one per year per account and residence.
What you get
About a one-hour walkthrough, a customized report, and no-cost installs (smart thermostat, LEDs, aerators, door sweeps, attic hatch insulation and similar)
How to book
Online portal, or 1-855-846-2895 for Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties

Whole Home Energy Assessment (NJ side)

Atlantic City Electric

Open
Free

Cost, as published 'At no additional cost to you'

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
Atlantic City Electric residential customers
What you get
A certified Energy Analyst walks through the home (insulation, air leakage, HVAC, windows and doors, lighting, appliances, water heating) and may install energy-saving products at no additional cost
How to book
Request an appointment online or call 1-866-353-0007

PECO In-Home Energy Assessments: Energy Assessment and Energy Assessment Plus

PECO (Act 129 Residential program, delivered by a conservation service provider)

Unconfirmed Phase V began June 1, 2026 (PUC order entered March 26, 2026; revised plan filed May 1, 2026). Whether bookings are currently open, and the customer price, could not be checked: peco.com blocks automated requests and renders client-side.
Not published

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
PECO residential electric customers, both single-family and individually metered multifamily units
What you get
Per PECO's PUC-approved Phase V plan, the Energy Assessment is an in-depth walkthrough with whole-house recommendations and installation of energy-saving products. The Energy Assessment Plus follows BPI standards and adds diagnostics such as building tightness (blower-door) testing and infrared thermography, plus a detailed summary report with available incentives. The plan describes the component as 'no-cost and low-cost in-home energy assessments'.

PECO Free Energy Checkup / Free Energy Check Up Plus (low-income)

PECO (Act 129 Residential Low-Income subprogram)

Unconfirmed Included in the approved Phase V plan from June 1, 2026. Live enrollment details are unverified because PECO's site could not be read.
Free Income-qualified

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
Low-income PECO customers. The BPI-standard 'Check Up Plus' (air-flow diagnostics, infrared, combustion safety) is limited to low-income customers with permanently installed electric systems. All other low-income customers get the standard Free Energy Checkup.
What you get
In-depth home inspection, energy-use analysis, direct-install measures, energy education and a customer report

Rebates and incentives now

7 offers in our research for the Philadelphia metro; 5 are open as of October 12, 2026. Many require the program’s own contractor or an audit first, so read the terms before you buy.

Whole-home upgrades 1 open of 1

Whole Home Energy Solutions (NJ side)

Atlantic City Electric; PSE&G

Open Open. ACE says it is 'actively working on increasing the number of Participating Contractors in this new program'.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount ACE: rebates 'up to $7,500', based on energy savings achieved and not exceeding 50% of project cost, with 0% interest financing. PSE&G: up to $7,500 in rebates plus up to $25,000 in interest-free on-bill repayment. Contractor assessment fees vary.

Who qualifies ACE: active residential account holders in a single-family residence (not a condo or apartment). PSE&G: residential customers using BPI-certified participating contractors.

Insulation and air sealing 1 open of 1

PGW EnergySense residential air sealing and insulation

Philadelphia Gas Works

Open Open through 08/31/2027, subject to funds

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Roof insulation to R-49 or better: $0.65/sq ft with air sealing, $0.60/sq ft without (Affordable tier $0.95 and $0.90). To R-38 or better: $0.35/sq ft with air sealing, $0.30/sq ft without (Affordable $0.50 and $0.40).

Who qualifies PGW residential customers heating with natural gas. Retrofits only (no gut rehabs or new construction). Work must be done by a BPI-certified contractor after 9/1/2024.

Heat pumps 1 open of 2

Building Decarbonization heat pump rebates (NJ side)

PSE&G

Open

Official page ↗ · verified October 19, 2026

Amount PSE&G's current page advertises 'up to $1,050 in instant savings', plus 'an additional $300 per eligible measure' for low- to moderate-income customers. The amounts PSE&G listed in early October 2026 could not be re-confirmed there: full displacement with a cold-climate ASHP, lesser of $10,000 or 50% of project cost (low/moderate income: lesser of $12,000 or 60%), plus up to $2,000 for decommissioning, $2,000 for re-ducting, and $2,000 per additional ccASHP; dual-fuel, lesser of $5,000 or 50% (LMI $6,000 or 60%); interest-free on-bill repayment up to $50,000 for decarbonization.

Who qualifies PSE&G residential electric customers who own 1–4 unit homes, working through a participating contractor

PECO Home Rebates: heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing

PECO (Act 129 Phase V)

Unconfirmed Phase V started June 1, 2026. The plan lists eligible measures, including ASHP, ductless mini-split, HPWH, air sealing and attic, wall, floor and rim-joist insulation, but gives only incentive ranges up to incremental cost (e.g., ASHP '$0.00 - $2,192.34' per unit), not the customer-facing rebate amounts.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Not published

Who qualifies PECO residential customers. Customers or contractors apply, and some HVAC rebates may be paid on invoices through trade allies and distributors. The plan sets a 180-day maximum to submit an application.

Appliances and equipment 2 open of 2

PGW smart thermostat instant rebate

Philadelphia Gas Works

Open

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount $70 instant rebate on PGW Marketplace (limit three per account)

Who qualifies PGW residential customers who heat with PGW natural gas

PGW EnergySense residential equipment rebates

Philadelphia Gas Works

Open · limits apply Open. Rebates run 09/01/2024 to 08/31/2027, first-come first-served and subject to funds. The site notes that 'rebate check processing is currently delayed'.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount First unit (additional units in parentheses): furnace, 95% AFUE, $400 ($250); boiler, 94% AFUE, $1,000 ($700); combi boiler, 94% AFUE, $1,400 ($1,000); ENERGY STAR tankless water heater $400 ($350). 'Affordable EnergySense' first-unit amounts: furnace $800, boiler $1,400, combi $2,000, tankless $700. pgworks.com separately summarizes these as 'up to $500 on furnaces and $1,500 on boilers'.

Who qualifies PGW residential customers who are current on their bills. The Affordable tier requires, within the last year, CRP enrollment, a Hardship Fund grant, or a LIHEAP grant assigned to PGW.

Financing 0 open of 1

Financing referenced by PGW: Keystone HELP and Philadelphia Home Improvement Loan (PHIL)

Third-party lenders, as described by PGW

Unconfirmed Unverified on the lenders' own sites; rates are as quoted on PGW's page

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Per PGW: Keystone HELP loans 'currently starting as low as 0.99% with terms of up to 20 years'. PHIL has 'low fixed rates (3-5%), terms of up to 20 years, no equity or appraisal requirements and no fees'.

Who qualifies Homeowners. Lender criteria apply.

Statewide rebate programs and federal options: rebates and programs.

Heat pumps in Philadelphia → What one costs to run against gas here, each heat pump rebate with the equipment rule that decides which models qualify, and the certified systems and brands that suit the climate.

Federal Home Energy Rebates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland

The two federal rebate programs, HOMES (whole-home efficiency) and the high-efficiency electric home rebates (HEAR, renamed HEEHR in 2026), are run by each state, so availability depends on the state. DOE rewrote the rules effective May 29, 2026 (Program Notice 26-2 ↗): no more federal rebates for switching from gas, oil or propane to electric equipment, and insulation and air sealing come before heating and cooling upgrades unless a home already meets a state-set level.

Status for the Philadelphia metro
Not open yet Pennsylvania: not launched. DEP says: 'As of September 2026, DEP is awaiting final DOE approval to launch the Home Energy Rebate programs.' New Jersey: not launched. Its programs are 'currently in development and are not yet open for applications.' Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026

Program: PA: Penn Energy Savers (HOMES and HEEHR). NJ: Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR).

Run by: PA: Department of Environmental Protection, Energy Programs Office. NJ: NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJ Clean Energy Program).

Penn Energy Savers will offer point-of-sale rebates for low- and moderate-income households. Below 80% of AMI, rebates can cover up to 100% of project costs up to the maximum; at 81–150% of AMI they cover 50%. Multifamily buildings qualify if at least 50% of residents meet the income limits. DEP says that after DOE's June 1, 2026 guidance it is 'working to understand these changes, make the necessary changes to program design to be in compliance, and launch the program'. Residents can only sign up for updates. That guidance (Program Notice 26-2, effective May 29, 2026) removes federal rebates for switching from fossil fuels and requires insulation and air sealing first. PECO's revised Phase V plan says its heat pump and HPWH rebates can be 'braided' with HEAR once available.

StateHEAR / HEEHR (electric appliances)HOMES (whole-home efficiency)
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania rebate guide
Not open yet not launched (awaiting final DOE approval as of September 2026) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Not open yet not launched (awaiting final DOE approval as of September 2026) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
New Jersey New Jersey rebate guide
Not open yet not launched (under development) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Not open yet not launched (under development) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Delaware Delaware rebate guide
Not open yet not launched (state page last updated Oct. 16, 2024 said launch expected once DOE approves; BPA June 2026 map shows not launched) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Not open yet not launched (same) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Maryland Maryland rebate guide
Not open yet not launched (updated application submitted to DOE Sept. 30, 2026) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Not open yet not launched (updated application submitted to DOE Sept. 30, 2026) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026

How the programs work: Home Energy Rebates explained · every state’s status.

Help for lower-income households

Weatherization Assistance Program (Philadelphia)

Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), the City's WAP provider. Statewide, WAP is run by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).

Free energy audit and weatherization for income-eligible owner-occupied homes and tenant-occupied rental units in Philadelphia: air sealing, roof insulation, heating-system repair, water heater and refrigerator replacement, thermostats and energy education. Income limit is $66,000 for a household of 4. A property can be served once every 15 years. Intake is by email to phdc.intake@phdc.phila.gov or the WAP Hotline at 215-448-2130. The page says applicants are served 'when additional funding is received and it is your turn', which effectively means a queue.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) and Heater Hotline

PHDC for the City of Philadelphia

Free emergency repairs (electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, limited structural) for owner-occupants of single-family Philadelphia homes who own no other city property and are current on taxes and water bills. Income limit is $122,700 for a household of 4. Apply through the One Philly Front Door portal or call 215-448-2160. For heater repairs only, call the Heater Hotline at 215-568-7190.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Built to Last

Philadelphia Energy Authority (independent municipal authority)

Coordinated whole-home repairs, health and safety work and energy upgrades for underserved low-income homeowners. PEA is an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade partner. Eligibility is screened through One Philly Front Door.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

PECO low-income efficiency: Act 129 Low-Income subprogram and LIURP

PECO

Free Energy Checkups and direct-install measures under Act 129 Phase V. PECO's plan says these coordinate with its Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), its Customer Assistance Program (CAP), LIHEAP, WAP and the City's Basic Systems Repair Program. Details on PECO's site could not be verified.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

PGW Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) and Affordable EnergySense

Philadelphia Gas Works

CRP is a bill discount based on household size, income and average gas bill. CRP enrollment, a Hardship Fund grant, or a LIHEAP grant assigned to PGW unlocks higher 'Affordable EnergySense' equipment and insulation rebates. PGW's low-income weatherization (LIURP) was not found on the pages checked.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Comfort Partners and NJ WAP (NJ side)

NJ BPU with the utilities (Comfort Partners); NJ DCA through county agencies (WAP)

Comfort Partners provides a free assessment and all recommended measures for NJ households at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines, or receiving TANF, Section 8, SNAP, SSI or GA. Registration is open and rolling; call 866-378-4345. Oil, propane and kerosene-heated homes go to the DCA Office of Weatherization (800-510-3102).

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Local energy rules

None of the 3 rules we found reach ordinary homes.

Not for ordinary homes

Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking

Who it applies to Commercial and multifamily buildings of 50,000 sq ft and larger. Does not affect ordinary homeowners.

Annual energy and water reporting through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, due June 30 for the previous calendar year. The fine is $300 after 30 days late, then $100 per day.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Not for ordinary homes

Philadelphia Building Energy Performance Policy (BEPP, 'building tune-ups')

Who it applies to Non-residential buildings of 50,000 sq ft or more. Does not affect homeowners.

Owners must complete a tune-up by an approved specialist, certify as high-performance, or get an exemption, and repeat every five years. The fine is $2,000, then $500 per day after the first 30 days past the deadline.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Not for ordinary homes

New Jersey energy and water benchmarking (NJ side)

Who it applies to Commercial buildings over 25,000 sq ft. Does not affect homeowners.

Annual benchmarking; the first submissions were due October 1, 2023

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Notes worth knowing

  • PECO facts here come from its Act 129 Phase V plan as approved by the PA PUC (order entered March 26, 2026) and revised May 1, 2026.
  • Phase V runs June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2031.
  • Pennsylvania's IRA rebates (Penn Energy Savers) were still not launched as of DEP's September 2026 update, now reworked for DOE's May 29, 2026 rules, which remove federal rebates for switching from gas or oil to heat pumps.

What our research couldn’t confirm

  • PECO Gas (suburban counties) efficiency offers were not checked.

Philadelphia: common questions

How do I get a home energy audit in Philadelphia?

Start with Whole Home Energy Assessment (NJ side). Run by: PSE&G. Cost: Free. Who qualifies: PSE&G residential gas and/or electric customers in a single-family home or a building with fewer than five units. Covers Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. Limited to one per year per account and residence. How to book: Online portal, or 1-855-846-2895 for Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. Our research lists 4 audit programs for the Philadelphia metro, checked October 12, 2026; all of them are on this page.

Are the federal Home Energy Rebates available in Philadelphia?

Pennsylvania: not launched. DEP says: 'As of September 2026, DEP is awaiting final DOE approval to launch the Home Energy Rebate programs.' New Jersey: not launched. Its programs are 'currently in development and are not yet open for applications.' Checked October 12, 2026. Nationally, DOE rewrote the rules effective May 29, 2026: federal appliance rebates no longer pay for switching from gas, oil or propane to electric equipment, and homes must get insulation and air sealing before heating and cooling upgrades unless they already meet a state-set level.

Is there help for lower-income households in Philadelphia?

Yes. Programs for income-qualified households in the Philadelphia metro include Weatherization Assistance Program (Philadelphia), Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) and Heater Hotline, Built to Last, PECO low-income efficiency: Act 129 Low-Income subprogram and LIURP, PGW Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) and Affordable EnergySense and Comfort Partners and NJ WAP (NJ side). Each one’s rules and contacts are listed on this page, with a link to its official page.

Which local energy rules affect homeowners in Philadelphia?

No local energy rule in our research applies to ordinary existing homes. 3 rules apply only to larger buildings.

Can I claim a federal tax credit for an energy audit in Philadelphia?

Not for an audit done in 2026. The federal credit of up to $150 for a home energy audit was part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), and the IRS says it can’t be claimed for audits paid for or done after December 31, 2025. Public Law 119-21 ended 25C and the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) for 2026 work. An audit done in 2025 is claimed on the 2025 return (Form 5695).

Sources

Every source below was opened and checked on October 12, 2026.

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