Green Homes Chicago: Free Energy Upgrades for Eligible Homeowners
Income-eligible Chicago homeowners may qualify for free home energy upgrades, subject to program funding and availability.
What Is Green Homes Chicago and Who Is It For?
Green Homes Chicago is a program that provides free home energy upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements to income-eligible homeowners in Chicago.
Depending on the home and program approval, upgrades may include insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems designed to improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and support a more efficient home.
Funding availability helps determine selection among eligible households, while a site inspection helps confirm eligibility and define the final scope of work.
Who Can Apply for Green Homes Chicago?
Green Homes Chicago, led by the City of Chicago Department of Housing, is designed to help income-eligible homeowners improve home efficiency through targeted upgrades.
Eligibility is shaped by HUD Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines, while final participation and scope of work depend on a site inspection and available funding.
- The property must be a 1–2 unit owner-occupied home.
- Condos, mixed-use properties, and buildings with 3 or more units are not eligible.
- The home must be the owner’s primary and only residence.
- The home must be the owner’s primary and only residence.
How the Green Homes Chicago Process Works
Green Homes Chicago follows a clear step-by-step path from enrollment to installation.
The process is designed to confirm eligibility first, then identify which home energy improvements may be included before construction begins.
1. Register During Open Enrollment
Homeowners must sign up during the official open enrollment period, which runs from February 17–27, 2026. Note that the enrollment period has already ended.
2. Submit Income Verification Documents
After registering, applicants provide the required documentation to confirm income eligibility for the program.
3. Complete a Home Inspection and Energy Assessment
Once documents are reviewed, the home goes through an inspection and energy assessment to verify that the property qualifies and to identify the improvements that may be included.
4. Begin Construction
If the home is approved, the project moves into active construction, and the selected upgrades begin.
Service slots vary by funding and program capacity, so eligibility does not always guarantee immediate installation.
Current eligible upgrades focus on high-impact efficiency improvements, with windows, doors, and boilers outside the program scope at this time. AMI-based income limits will be updated for 2026 once HUD publishes the new guidelines.
Start Making Your Home More Efficient Today
In Chicago Climate Zone 5A, making a home more efficient means improving more than just attic insulation.
Real performance gains come from combining weatherization, insulation, air sealing, and a stronger building envelope, while also managing condensation control in a cold-climate home.
Weatherization
Insulation, air sealing, and weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Heat pump and electric HVAC upgrades (only if the program includes this for your audience)
Comprehensive Efficiency
Additional electrification improvements (only list items confirmed by the program)
FAQ
Who qualifies for Green Homes Chicago?
Homeowners may qualify for Green Homes Chicago if they own and live in a 1–2 unit property in Chicago as their primary and only residence, and their household income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Condos, mixed-use properties, and buildings with three or more units are outside the current program scope, and final selection is confirmed through a site inspection and available program funding.
Does Green Homes Chicago cover insulation?
Yes, Green Homes Chicago includes insulation as part of its free home energy upgrades for eligible homeowners. The final scope is confirmed after a site inspection and is based on program eligibility and available funding.
Does the program include heat pump heating and cooling systems?
Yes, Green Homes Chicago includes heat pump heating and cooling systems as part of the home energy upgrades available to eligible homeowners. The exact improvements included depend on the home, the site inspection, and available program funding.
When does the enrollment for Green Homes Chicago open?
The most recent Green Homes Chicago enrollment opened at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and closed at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. The city currently lists registration as closed.
Can Green Homes Chicago help homeowners move toward an all-electric home?
Yes, Green Homes Chicago can help eligible homeowners move toward a more all-electric home through upgrades such as heat pump heating and cooling systems, electric hot water heaters, and induction stoves. Approved upgrades vary by home and are determined based on eligibility, the site inspection, and available program funding.
