Chicago Energy Rebates: Start With ComEd And Nicor

Thinking about shrinking your utility bills or funding smart upgrades before you sell? In Chicago and across Cook County, the fastest path to real savings starts with your utilities. ComEd and Nicor Gas both offer incentives that can lower the upfront cost of insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, and HVAC improvements. In this guide, you will learn where to start, how to qualify, and how to line up contractors and paperwork so you capture every dollar available. Let’s dive in.

Why start with ComEd and Nicor

ComEd is Chicago’s primary electric utility, and Nicor Gas serves much of northern Illinois, including large portions of Cook County. Their programs work side by side to support upgrades that reduce both electric and gas use. That means many households can tap incentives from both utilities on the same project.

Because programs evolve, you should confirm stacking rules and contractor requirements before any work begins. For many homeowners, a ComEd Home Energy Assessment is the best first move. It creates a prioritized plan and flags measures that may qualify for rebates from one or both utilities.

What the programs cover

ComEd basics

ComEd’s residential portfolio commonly includes a Home Energy Assessment, incentives for insulation and air sealing, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and smart thermostats. The assessment can be in person or virtual and produces a custom report that points to high-impact measures. Some incentives require pre-approval or contractor submission, while others are processed after installation.

Eligibility generally extends to ComEd account holders in single-family homes, with different tracks for condos and multi-family properties. Separate income-qualified options exist and may cover a larger share of costs.

Nicor Gas basics

Nicor Gas typically offers rebates for weatherization like attic and wall insulation and air sealing. Equipment incentives often cover high-efficiency gas furnaces or boilers and gas water heaters. Smart thermostats may also be eligible when replacing older models, as long as program rules are met.

Most rebates are available to Nicor account holders and often require proof of purchase and installation. Some measures require pre-approval, especially major equipment or whole-home packages.

Step-by-step path for Chicago homes

Follow this simple sequence to avoid common pitfalls and keep your project on track:

• Step 0: Prepare

  • Gather your ComEd and Nicor account numbers and recent bills.
  • Confirm property type and occupancy, since owner-occupied, rental, condo, and multi-family can have different tracks.

• Step 1: Request a ComEd Home Energy Assessment

  • The assessment prioritizes upgrades and identifies qualifying measures. Some larger incentives may require it.

• Step 2: Check Nicor rebate options

  • For recommended weatherization and gas equipment, review Nicor’s current rules and whether pre-approval is needed.

• Step 3: Get quotes from participating contractors

  • Use the utilities’ participating contractor lists or ask your contractor to confirm participation.
  • Clarify which rebates they will pursue and who submits paperwork.

• Step 4: Confirm stacking rules and pre-approval

  • You may be able to combine ComEd and Nicor incentives with manufacturer rebates and federal tax credits. Confirm requirements before work starts.

• Step 5: Complete work and submit paperwork

  • Keep invoices, model numbers, installation dates, and any required contractor licenses. Submit applications as instructed.
  • Processing can take weeks to a few months depending on the program and documentation quality.

• Step 6: Use results in a sale

  • Save your assessment report, paid invoices, and warranties. These documents help demonstrate lower operating costs and careful maintenance to potential buyers.

Eligibility and paperwork

Who qualifies

Most rebates require an active utility account at the property where upgrades are performed. Single-family homes are commonly eligible, while condos and multi-family properties may have distinct program tracks. Rental properties can qualify with the proper landlord approvals. Income-qualified pathways exist for households below certain thresholds and often cover more cost.

Documents to have ready

• Utility account number and service address
• Receipts or contractor invoices with make, model, efficiency ratings, and install dates
• Completed rebate application or contractor-submitted forms
• Warranties and any final inspection reports if required

Timeline expectations

Some measures require pre-approval before installation. After you submit, rebate processing typically takes weeks to a few months. Utility programs can change annually, so confirm current details before scheduling work.

Avoid these pitfalls

• Starting work before confirming eligibility or pre-approval
• Using non-participating contractors for measures that require them
• Missing technical specs like minimum insulation R-values or qualifying model numbers
• Skipping required diagnostic testing when it is part of the rebate path

High-impact upgrades to prioritize

Insulation and air sealing

Weatherization typically delivers strong comfort and savings in older Chicago homes. Attic insulation, rim joist sealing, and targeted wall insulation can reduce drafts and heat loss. Nicor Gas often supports these measures, and some may also align with ComEd recommendations.

Smart thermostats

Smart or Wi-Fi thermostats are a popular, low-cost upgrade that can qualify for incentives when installed according to program requirements. They help control heating and cooling schedules more precisely. For sellers, a smart thermostat adds modern appeal and highlights potential energy savings.

HVAC decisions

If your furnace or boiler is due for replacement, Nicor Gas rebates often prioritize high-efficiency gas equipment. ComEd may offer incentives for electric heat pumps under certain programs. Proper sizing and qualified installation are important because oversized systems can reduce comfort and savings.

Water heaters

High-efficiency gas storage or tankless water heaters can qualify for Nicor rebates. Verify qualifying efficiency levels and installation requirements before purchasing.

Lighting and diagnostics

LED lighting offers instant reductions in electricity use and can enhance perceived quality in a showing. Some rebate paths require diagnostic testing like blower door or duct leakage tests to document energy savings. Confirm whether your project needs testing and budget accordingly.

Income-qualified support

If you qualify based on household income, you may have access to separate programs that deliver free or deeply discounted upgrades. The Weatherization Assistance Program in Illinois is administered through state channels and may cover insulation, air sealing, and related measures at little or no cost for eligible households. ComEd and Nicor also operate income-qualified programs, often delivered in partnership with local agencies and nonprofits.

If you think you may qualify, reach out to the utilities or local agencies to start the screening process. These pathways can move quickly and cover more work than standard rebates.

Stacking with tax credits

Utility rebates can often be paired with applicable federal tax credits for certain efficient heating systems, heat pumps, and home energy improvements. Requirements vary, so check current IRS guidance or consult a tax advisor. For a consolidated view of incentives in Illinois, consider using a statewide incentives database that tracks federal and state programs.

For sellers: turn upgrades into value

Energy improvements can help position your home competitively. Highlight lower operating costs, improved comfort, and modern controls in your listing. Keep your energy assessment report, invoices, model numbers, and warranties together so buyers can see exactly what was installed and when.

If you are prepping for market, sequence matters. Start with the ComEd assessment, verify Nicor rebates for weatherization and gas equipment, gather at least two quotes from participating contractors, and confirm pre-approval rules. Use the final paperwork to support your disclosure packet and marketing narrative.

Get started today

If you own in Chicago or Cook County, the most efficient first step is simple. Schedule a ComEd Home Energy Assessment, then line up Nicor rebates for the recommended gas-saving measures. Get multiple quotes from participating contractors, confirm stacking rules, and keep every document for your records.

If you are planning to sell and want guidance on which upgrades will help your price and timeline, the Geoff Brown Team can help you prioritize, prep, and present with confidence. Get a Free Home Valuation.

FAQs

What is the best first step to use Chicago energy rebates?

• Start with a ComEd Home Energy Assessment, which prioritizes measures and points you to eligible incentives from ComEd and Nicor.

Can I combine ComEd and Nicor rebates on one project?

• Often yes. ComEd targets electric measures and Nicor targets gas measures, but you should confirm stacking rules and any pre-approval before work begins.

Do I need to use a participating contractor for rebates?

• For many larger rebates and whole-home packages, yes. Smaller measures may be eligible without a contractor, but verify program specifics.

How long do utility rebates in Cook County take to process?

• After you submit complete documentation, expect processing to take weeks to a few months depending on the program.

Will energy upgrades help my Chicago home sale?

• They can. Insulation, efficient HVAC, and smart thermostats signal lower operating costs and modern comfort. Keep your assessment report and invoices for buyers.

What if my property is a condo or multi-unit building?

• There are often separate program tracks and rules for multi-family properties. Coordinate with the association or building owner and contact the utilities for guidance.