Questions, answered.
The most common questions we hear about home energy audits, New Jersey's utility incentive programs, financing, and working with Ciel Power. Every answer links to a page with the full detail.
The home energy audit
How much does a home energy audit cost?
Our audit is currently $99 for the general public, discounted from the regular $299 rate. Residents of partner municipalities pay $49, and New Milford residents receive a free audit during our current pilot program. If you move forward with upgrades, the audit fee is credited toward your project.
How long does the audit take?
About three hours. A certified auditor evaluates your home with diagnostic equipment including a blower door test, infrared imaging, and combustion safety checks on your heating and hot water systems.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Just clear access to your attic hatch, basement or crawlspace, and mechanical equipment. You can be home and follow along, or go about your day.
Is there any obligation after the audit?
No. You receive a full written report with recommendations, projected rebates, and financing options. What you do next is entirely up to you.
Rebates and incentives
How much can I get in rebates?
Whole Home Energy Solutions projects earn a rebate based on projected energy savings: $2,000 at 5% savings, plus $200 for each additional percentage point, up to $7,500. Rebates cannot exceed 50% of project costs. Homeowners switching to heat pumps may qualify for additional Building Decarbonization rebates up to $10,000 ($12,000 for income qualified households), depending on their utility.
Which utilities participate?
All seven New Jersey regional utilities offer the Whole Home Energy Solutions program: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric, New Jersey Natural Gas, South Jersey Gas, Elizabethtown Gas. Heat pump and electrification rebates vary by utility.
Is there a deadline?
Current program terms run through June 30, 2027. Program funding and guidelines can change, so completing your project under the current terms is the safest path.
Can I combine the Whole Home program with heat pump rebates?
It depends on your utility, and it is often the strongest approach. With PSE&G, the two programs stack on one project: both rebates apply, and combined 0% on bill financing rises to $75,000. Other utilities structure their programs separately, and your audit report maps what applies to your home.
0% financing
Is 0% financing really 0%?
Yes. On bill repayment charges no interest and no origination fees, up to $25,000 for Whole Home projects. You repay exactly what you financed, in equal monthly installments on your regular utility bill.
Will applying affect my credit score?
With PSE&G's on bill repayment, qualification is based on roughly 12 months of on time payment history with your utility rather than a credit inquiry. Utilities that finance through a lending partner, such as JCP&L and Rockland Electric, apply the lender's standard credit guidelines.
Do I have to pay for upgrades up front?
No. Qualifying projects can be financed entirely through your utility bill, and rebates are applied directly to your project cost rather than paid to you later.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for these programs?
Owner occupied existing homes of one to four units, served by a participating New Jersey utility. There is no income requirement to participate; income qualified households receive enhanced rebates and extended financing terms.
I rent my home. Can I participate?
The program serves owner occupied properties, but your landlord can initiate a project for a single family rental. If you rent, consider sharing this page with your property owner.
Does an older home qualify?
Older homes are the point. Most New Jersey housing predates modern energy standards, and pre 1980 homes typically see the biggest comfort and efficiency gains.
Heat pumps
Do heat pumps really work in New Jersey winters?
Yes. Modern cold climate heat pumps are rated to heat effectively well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Proper sizing matters, which is why we size heat pump systems with a load calculation for your specific home.
Will my electric bill go up with a heat pump?
You will use more electricity and less gas or oil. The net effect depends on your home, your rates, and the system installed. Your audit report models this for your home so you can see the full picture before deciding.
Working with Ciel Power
What areas do you serve?
We serve homeowners across northern and central New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and 8 more counties. More than a dozen municipalities partner with us to offer discounted audits to their residents.
Who handles the program paperwork?
We do. Eligibility checks, applications, rebate submissions, and financing paperwork are managed by our team from start to finish.
Is Ciel Power licensed and certified?
Yes. Ciel Power is a BPI GoldStar accredited contractor, a four time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), a PSE&G Top 10 Contractor, Pearl Certified, and a licensed NJ Home Improvement Contractor (NJHIC 13VH06170900). We have performed more than 5,000 home energy audits since 2010.
The audit answers the rest.
Every home is different, and most questions end with "it depends on your home." A $99 home energy audit replaces guesswork with measurements, and the fee is credited toward your project.
Schedule your $99 home energy audit
Or ask us directly: info@cielpower.com · (201) 632-3463