Washington Gas offers Maryland customers up to $450 for installing an Energy Star certified tankless water heater. Here's the complete 2026 guide to eligibility and how to apply.
Washington Gas — the natural gas utility serving most of Montgomery County — runs an energy efficiency rebate program funded through the EmPOWER Maryland Act. For tankless water heaters, the rebate is worth up to $450 for Maryland customers in 2026. Combine it with other available incentives and you can stack up to $1,400 in total savings.
You qualify for the Washington Gas tankless rebate if:
That last point is critical — the 90-day window is strictly enforced, and many homeowners miss it.
The rebate amount depends on the unit's efficiency rating:
| UEF efficiency | Rebate amount | Example units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.87 – 0.92 UEF | $300 | Standard non-condensing tankless |
| 0.93 – 0.95 UEF | $400 | Most condensing tankless |
| 0.96+ UEF | $450 | Top-tier condensing (Navien NPE-A2, Rinnai RX) |
Check the unit's Energy Star certification for its exact UEF rating before purchasing.
Before hiring a contractor, confirm they're in the Washington Gas Home Energy Savings Network. A DIY install or work by a non-approved contractor disqualifies you from the rebate entirely.
After installation, you'll need:
Go to the Washington Gas Smart Savings portal and complete the online rebate application. Upload your documentation and submit within 90 days of your installation date.
Washington Gas typically processes applications within 4-6 weeks. The rebate is paid as a physical check mailed to your address on file. Total time from installation to check: 6-8 weeks.
The Washington Gas rebate is just one of four incentives you can stack for a Montgomery County tankless install:
Total stackable: up to $1,400. See our full rebates guide for details on each program and how to apply.
Washington Gas explicitly requires the install be done by a contractor in their approved network. Even if you install a qualifying unit, you won't be eligible for the rebate if your contractor isn't in the network. Ask before you hire.
The 90-day filing window starts at installation completion. Mark your calendar and submit your application as soon as you have your documentation together. Late applications are rejected.
The $450 Washington Gas rebate gets homeowners' attention, but many forget to also claim the federal 25C tax credit worth up to $600. That's a separate form filed with your taxes — don't leave it on the table.
The $250 Montgomery County property tax credit is the least-known of the four available incentives. It applies to energy efficiency improvements including water heating upgrades.
If you installed a tankless heater and missed the 90-day Washington Gas window, you may still be able to claim:
The Washington Gas rebate, unfortunately, cannot be claimed after the 90-day window closes.
Ready to claim your rebate? Visit the Washington Gas Smart Savings portal: