Before you make any major energy efficiency upgrades, consult a professionally trained energy efficiency expert. Common structural rebates include those for adding attic insulation and shading or replacing old or inefficient windows.
In addition, these types of renovations often qualify for loan programs that target residential energy efficiency. Some structural incentives, such as giveaways of weatherstripping and caulking, target leak reduction and improvements in overall home weatherization.
In most Florida homes, mechanical systems are the largest energy users, so they are often strong candidates for incentive programs. HVAC ductwork, which conveys conditioned air throughout the home, can be a major source of energy loss as any leaks will result in loss of cooled or heated air as well as infiltration of unconditioned air.
Most utilities offer rebates for having HVAC systems and ductwork sealed and serviced by licensed professionals. For replacement of central air conditioning systems, many utility and manufacturer rebates may apply.
In addition, certain energy efficiency loan programs apply specifically to HVAC unit upgrades. In most Florida homes, the second largest energy use is for heating water.
Energy efficiency loan programs, along with utility and manufacturer rebates, have been offered for upgrading to energy efficient water heaters and other appliances. Finally, ask the salesperson or contractor with whom you are working to verify that you are purchasing a model that qualifies for the incentive. Upgrading incandescent lighting to more energy efficient, low wattage lighting, such as compact fluorescent lamps CFLs , is a relatively low cost investment, making it ineligible for many incentive programs.
Often, however, you can get CFLs through giveaways, at utility buy-down programs through local vendors, or at other local energy efficiency events. The cost of materials needed to make LED lighting has plummeted in the past several years. Although LEDs remain more expensive than their counterparts, their prices are steadily declining. It is especially important to value quality over pricing when purchasing CFLs or LEDs as this is critical to receiving the proper energy efficiency return on your financial investment.
Federal tax credits may apply to solar photovoltaic PV , solar water heating, fuel cells, and other technologies. Some utility providers have implemented rebate programs to encourage the installation of solar PV panels, solar water heaters, and solar pool heaters. Before purchasing any new technology, be certain you are aware of and can meet the requirements of the particular incentive program for which you will be applying.
Here are a few resources on U. By managing weather-sensitive peak demand, electric utilities can reduce their operating costs and delay or offset the need to expand generation capacity. Colder parts of the state also experience winter peaks during times of high heating demand.
Load management programs rely on the flow of real-time information to provide signals during times of peak demand and tools that allow users to respond, reducing or shifting demand accordingly. If the customer makes the decisions about when and how to adjust use, the program is typically voluntary. An indirect load management strategy provides incentives for the use of stand-by generators or other forms of on-site generation e. Incentives can take the form of a direct price signal such as a time-of-use or tiered rate structure or a monthly utility bill credit or rebate given to the customer based on their peak savings.
Figure 1. When choosing energy efficiency upgrades to make in your home, it is important to consider carefully which ones will be most helpful in actually reducing your energy use, and therefore your utility bills as well. To get the greatest financial benefit when making upgrades, you must know which incentive programs are available to you, the products and services to which they apply, and the specific details of each program.
To get the most accurate and complete information about the incentives available now in your particular area, contact your utility provider and a trusted local vendor who supplies the product or service of interest.
NC Solar Center. NC State University. Accessed June 9, Energy Efficient Homes: Air Conditioning. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. University of Florida. Accessed June 10, Environmental Protection Agency, U.
Department of Energy. Florida Public Service Commission. Find A Solar Energy Expert. Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. Find A Solar Professional Now! Find Solar. Florida Renewable Energy Tax Incentives. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Accessed June 12, Posted: December 1, Home Subscribe Blog Directory Blogs. What is the purpose of this program? This program was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to stimulate the economy by encouraging consumers to purchase new appliances. Purchasing new appliances will help create jobs for appliance manufacturers and retail stores. The program also encourages consumers to save energy, and to lower their monthly bills through the use of a more efficient appliance.
A small portion will be used administer the program and the remaining will be used to provide consumer rebates on purchases of ENERGY STAR appliances and for incentives to recycle old appliances. These appliances use less energy and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.
Who can apply for these rebates? Anyone residing in the state of Florida may purchase an appliance for their personal use in their home. We represent a condo association, why do we not qualify for these rebates? The Guidance Documents provided to the state by the United States Department of Energy were very specific that the program is intended for personal use in a residence and is not to be used for commercial purchase.
They believe that commercial business owners have other opportunities to save money at retailers that are not available to regular consumers. There are no retroactive rebates. Am I guaranteed a rebate if I purchase an appliance during the program open period? No guarantee of a rebate is given; appliances will be rebated on a first come first serve basis as long as the money lasts.
We are waiting until April at the request of the appliance manufacturers and retail stores. Because the economy has been in a slump many manufacturers have had to cut back on production and many retailers have reduced their inventory.
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