Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with Rebates

While we in NJ have the distinction of having some of the highest property taxes in the nation, we also have some of the best schools in the nation. NJ is amongst the leaders in the nation when it comes to high school students going onto collage.

Another area we are leaders is in energy rebates for energy efficiency heating and cooling and overall energy efficiency measures. I will list these various rebate programs below along with links to the appropriate State web-site.

Background: All these programs are under the NJ Clean Energy program run by the BPU. Each program carries certain restrictions so care must be taken when making a decision. Please note that none of the programs listed below carry any income restriction, but some do carry a utility company or fuel consumption restriction.

Energy Star

The funding source for these rebates are the American Recovery and Reinvest Act of 2009. The program is scheduled to start in April 2010. Check back here to get updated information. The following products and rebates apply for this program:

• Dehumidifiers - $25.00 (Available from Jan 2010 to December 2010)
• Clothe washer - $75.00 (this is scheduled to be available in April 2010)

Refregerator/Freezer Recycling

This program is designed to encourage responsible recycling of these freon-filled appliances.

• Rebate of $50
• To arrange for a free pick up of your old refrigerator/freezer call 877-270-3520 or schedule online at JACO Environmental
• Other restrictions apply. Click here for complete details of the program.

Solar Domestic Hot water

Water heating using the power of the sun is in it's infancy all over these United States. The volumes are not there to get the economies. This is one of my favorite ideas and I think this will be big within a decade. For now, those of you on an electric water heater you may be eligible for a $1,200 rebate. Click heremore many details. In the winter any excess heat can be used to supplement boilers or radiant heat and in the summer, this heat can be diverted to heat swimming pools.

Warm and Cool Advantage

These rebates you will need your HVAC contractor to help you with as far as the paper work is involved. The State offers rebates on central AC, furnaces, boiler and hot water heaters. They are as follows:

• AC - SEER 14.5 and EER of 12 or higher (Heat Pump must have HSPF of 8.5) = $100
• AC - SEER 15 or higher and EER of 12.5 or higher (Heat Pump must have HSPF of 8.5) = $150
• Geothermal Heat Pump (must be Energy Star rated) = $150
• Gas Furnace (92% AFUE or higher & Energy Star rated) = $300
• Gas Furnace (92% or higher and Energy Star rated) with ECM = $400
• Gas Boiler (85% AFUE or higher) = $300
• Domestic Hot Water (.62 EF or higher) = $25
• Domestic Hot Water (.82 or higher) = $300 you are talking about a tank less on-demand here

On all of the Warm and Cool Advantage, click here more more and complete information.

Home Performance With Energy Star

This is the grand daddy of all the programs. In a nutshell, the state offers 50% rebates on heating , cooling, insulation and water heating upgrades. There are a lot of restrictions on this program and you must get an energy audit first to get a full assessment on your home. But with a total rebate of up to $10,000 many are finding that it is well worth the effort to do this correctly. The state has certified contractors in this program. Yours truly and my company, Building Sciences are certified contractors under this program.

Here is the process:

• Get an energy audit ($125)
• Contractor comes up with results from audit and recommendations, and applicable rebates
• Customer signs contract for energy efficiency upgrades
• Contractor submits paperwork to NJ Clean Energy program (this takes 4-6 weeks right now)
• Once approved, work is completed
• Customer signs work completion paperwork
• NJ Clean Energy sends rebate directly to customer in approximately 4 months

For more info on this program, simply contact me, or click here.

Finally there are the Comfort Partners which which has significant income restrictions. This is not a rebate program, but in fact an energy efficiency program. For complete details click here for a brochure.