Seattle's Clean Heat Program
Why Change From Heating Oil?
Heating oil is the least efficient, most expensive, and most polluting form of home heating in Seattle. In addition, underground oil tanks rust, erode, and develop leaks that can contaminate the soil and groundwater. There are an estimated 8,000-10,000 homes heating with oil in Seattle (down from approximately 18,000 in 2018) and the City is committed to helping transition all remaining households by 2030 through instant rebates and no-cost conversions for income-qualified households.
Clean Heat Rebates
In order to reduce climate pollution, reduce heating costs, and support the adoption of efficient home cooling, the City is offering a $2,000 instant rebate when you switch from heating your home with oil to heating with an energy-efficient Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump. This rebate can be combined with a $2,000 federal tax credit! With heating oil prices at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to switch to an energy-efficient heat pump that can save you more than 50% on your annual heating costs. Heat pumps also provide air-conditioning, making them a great energy-efficient solution for year-round comfort. Learn more about the benefits of a heat pump and how they work!
How to Participate:
Step 1: Contact participating contractors for no-cost estimates and select a contractor to install a qualified Mitsubishi electric heat pump.
Step 2: Your contractor will apply an instant $2,000 rebate directly on your invoice.
Step 3: Start enjoying year-round comfort and lower heating and cooling costs!
** Do not abandon your heating oil tank! Be sure to decommission your oil tank per the Seattle Fire Department requirements. This will prevent future heating oil leaks on your property. The WA State Pollution Liability Insurance Agency has published a fact sheet on heating oil tank leaks and resources available.
Resources to help Seattle residents with oil heat
- No-Cost Heat Pumps
Income-qualified households may receive a no-cost heat pump, including installation and tank decommissioning services through the Office of Housing. Additional weatherization services may also be provided at no cost. - Heat Pumps for Renters
If a renter meets the income qualification, the City will work with the landlord for permission to complete the upgrade, and in return, the landlord will agree to a rental covenant to prevent rent increases for 3 years. - Utility Discount Program (UDP)
The UDP program is available to any income-qualified household - no matter how you heat your home. If you are enrolled in UDP and you switch from oil to electric heat, your electric heating costs will be discounted by 60%. Participants also receive a 50% discount on water and sewer costs.
- Rebates
Households have access to a $2,000 rebate when converting from oil to a qualified heat pump system. Seattle households must use a participating contractor and install eligible equipment. The rebate is instantly applied at time of invoice by the contractor. - Financing options
Many lending institutions provide financing for energy-efficient upgrades, including electric heat pumps, weatherization, and more. Two non-profit lending partners offer these loans as well as the opportunity to pay back the loan on your Seattle City Light bill. Contact Craft3 or Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union for more information. Participating contractors may also have financing options as well – check with your contractor for more information. - Oil Tank Leak Insurance and Loans/Grants
The State of Washington Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) offers a free oil tank leak insurance program that covers up to $60,000 in clean-up costs for those already registered for the program. For homeowners not already registered, a new loan and grant program is available to pay for leak clean-up costs. - Even More Heat Pump and Building Electrification Sources available through our partner Switch Is On – including details on incentives and tax-credits.