Do your windows feel drafty in the winter or hot during summer? Do you keep your heater or air conditioner running all day just to stay comfortable? If you live in South Carolina, this might be a big problem, but there is good news.
In 2025, there are grants and programs that can help you replace old windows with energy-efficient ones. These new windows help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also help lower your energy bills every month.
In this article, we will show you the top 10 grants available in South Carolina that can help you pay for energy-efficient window replacements. These grants are for homeowners, low-income families, veterans, seniors, and others who want a more comfortable and energy-saving home.
What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
Let us start with the basics. What does “energy-efficient windows” mean?
Energy-efficient windows are made to keep heat inside during the winter and block out heat in the summer. They help your home stay at the right temperature without using too much heating or cooling.
Read- Grants For Energy Efficient Window Replacements In North Carolina
They have:
Special glass (called Low-E glass)
Better seals that stop air leaks
Two or three layers of glass for better insulation
Frames that do not let heat or cold escape easily
When you install these windows, your home uses less electricity or gas, which means lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Why Replacing Old Windows Matters
Old windows can be a big problem. They might:
Let in cold air in winter or hot air in summer
Have cracks or broken seals
Be made of old materials that waste energy
Causes higher energy bills every month
In South Carolina, where summers are hot and winters can be chilly, having poor windows makes your home uncomfortable and expensive to heat or cool.
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones is not just about looks. It is about saving money, making your home safer, and being kind to the environment.
Who Can Get Window Replacement Grants?
Grants are free money that you do not have to pay back. They are usually given by the government, energy companies, or non-profit organizations. In South Carolina, you may qualify for window replacement help if you are:
A low-income family
A senior citizen
A veteran
Living in a rural area
A person with a disability
A homeowner looking to improve energy use
Let us explore the top 10 grants and programs available in South Carolina.
Top 10 Grants for Energy-Efficient Window Replacements in South Carolina
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federal program that helps low-income families save energy. In South Carolina, this program is run by local community action agencies.
What it does:
Helps pay for new windows and other home upgrades
Improves energy use and comfort
Makes homes safer and healthier
Who qualifies:
Low-income families
Seniors
People with disabilities
How to apply:
Find your local community action agency
Fill out the application
Provide income documents and utility bills
To get started, search online for “South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program + your county.”
South Carolina Energy Office Incentive Programs
The South Carolina Energy Office offers programs to support energy upgrades. These include rebates, loans, and sometimes grants for things like energy-efficient windows.
What it offers:
Rebates to help reduce the cost of energy-efficient home improvements
Educational help to find the right programs
Who qualifies:
Homeowners and renters
Anyone planning energy-efficient upgrades
How to apply:
Visit the South Carolina Energy Office website
Look under the “Residential Energy Efficiency Programs” section
Apply through linked utility programs or state programs
This is a great place to find many state-supported opportunities in one place.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households with energy costs. While it mostly pays energy bills, it sometimes helps with repairs and upgrades that reduce energy use, including window replacements.
What it does:
Helps pay for home energy improvements
Supports emergency home energy repairs
Who qualifies:
Low-income households
People who receive SNAP, SSI, or other benefits
How to apply:
Apply through your local LIHEAP office or Department of Social Services
Submit proof of income, ID, and utility bills
Even if it does not pay for windows directly, LIHEAP can make your home safer and reduce other costs.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Repair Grants
If you live in a rural area, the USDA may be able to help.
What it does:
Offers up to $10,000 in grants to very low-income homeowners
Covers health and safety upgrades, including new windows
Who qualifies:
People age 62+
Very low-income homeowners in rural areas
Must own and live in the home
How to apply:
Visit the USDA Rural Development site
Find the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants section
Submit your application with help from a USDA representative
This program is especially helpful for seniors in small towns or rural communities.
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
If you are buying a home or planning big upgrades, you can use an Energy Efficient Mortgage to help pay for energy-saving changes.
Read- Apply First Time Home Buyer Grants-Steps To Your Dream Home
What it does:
Adds the cost of new energy-efficient windows to your home loan
Helps pay for upgrades upfront
Lower energy bills help offset the loan cost
Who qualifies:
People buying, refinancing, or improving a home
Must meet lender and energy-saving requirements
How to apply:
Talk to a lender that offers EEMs
Get a home energy audit
Add window upgrade costs to the loan
This is not a grant, but it is a smart way to fund big upgrades like window replacement.
Dominion Energy EnergyWise Rebates
If you get electricity from Dominion Energy, you may be eligible for rebates when you install energy-efficient windows or make other upgrades.
What it does:
Gives cash rebates for qualifying energy upgrades
It may help lower your upfront costs
Who qualifies:
Dominion Energy South Carolina customers
Homeowners making improvements
How to apply:
Visit Dominion Energy’s website
Look for the “EnergyWise for Your Home” program
Apply for rebates after installation
Be sure to use approved contractors and follow all rebate rules.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
CDBG is a federal program that gives money to cities and towns in South Carolina. The money helps low-to-moderate income families make important home repairs.
What it does:
Helps improve housing in poor or older neighborhoods
May pay for energy-efficient window upgrades
Who qualifies:
Based on income and location
Must live in an area where your city or county uses CDBG funds
How to apply:
Contact your local housing department or city hall
Ask if CDBG funds are available for housing repairs
These programs vary by city, so it is worth calling your local office.
Local Utility Company Incentives
Some local energy providers in South Carolina offer incentives to make homes more energy-efficient.
What they offer:
Rebates or discounts for installing energy-efficient windows
Free energy audits
Who qualifies:
Customers of the utility company
Must follow program guidelines
How to apply:
Call your local utility company
Ask about home energy efficiency or window rebate programs
Do not forget smaller utility companies – many offer hidden gem incentives.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
The U.S. government offers tax credits for certain home improvements. In 2025, you can get up to 30% back on the cost of energy-efficient windows.
Read- Free Window Replacement For Seniors: Costs and Grants Updated
What it does:
Gives money back when you file your federal taxes
Helps lower the cost of new windows
Who qualifies:
Homeowners who install qualifying energy-efficient windows
Must keep receipts and get ENERGY STAR-rated products
How to apply:
Install new windows
File Form 5695 with your tax return
You do not get money up front, but you get money back next tax season.
Help from Nonprofit Groups and Charities
Several nonprofit organizations in South Carolina help families with home repairs, including windows.
Examples include:
Habitat for Humanity
Rebuild Upstate
Local church groups and housing nonprofits
What they do:
Offer free or low-cost home repairs
Help low-income, senior, and disabled residents
How to apply:
Contact local nonprofits or housing assistance offices
Ask if they offer energy-efficiency home upgrades
These groups may not advertise grants, but often help quietly and directly.
How to Apply for Window Replacement Help in South Carolina
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
Check Your Income
Many programs are income-based. Gather proof of your income.
Get Your Home Information Ready
Utility bills, tax returns, and ID will be needed.
Search for Local Programs
Use your ZIP code to find programs near you.
Apply to Multiple Programs
You can combine rebates, grants, and tax credits.
Be Patient and Follow Up
Some programs take time. Do not give up!
Extra Tips to Save Even More
Get a home energy audit – many programs offer it for free.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified windows – most programs require this.
Use trusted contractors to make sure you qualify for rebates.
Check if your city or county has its own small programs.
Conclusion
Replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones can make your South Carolina home more comfortable, safer, and cheaper to heat and cool. You do not have to pay for it all by yourself. From federal grants to local programs, there is a lot of free help available in 2025.
Whether you are a senior, a veteran, a low-income homeowner, or someone just looking to save, these 10 programs can help you take a big step toward a better home.