Understanding Energy Efficiency Rebates

Deciphering energy efficiency rebates can be like solving a riddle.

At first you’re engaged by the opportunity to save money but quickly it seems like it would be a whole lot easier if someone would just tell you the answer.

When you’re thinking about making energy efficiency upgrades to your home, we at Jetton Construction want to help you take the guess work out of how you’ll save with incentives and rebates in the short term and lower your energy bills in the long term. 

Here are 3 great ways to save money utilizing rebates.

I.  Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers rebate programs for residential customers who install energy-efficient equipment in their homes. 
You can save energy and money by improving your lighting, upgrading your appliances, your heating and cooling systems or by remodeling to make your home healthier and more efficient.

To take advantage of these rebates:

STEP 1.  Visit the program website and look through the different incentives that are available.

STEP 2.  Apply online for your rebate(s). After completing the application, you should receive your rebate within six to eight weeks.

STEP 3. Watch your energy bills become more affordable while waiting for your rebate check!

II.  U.S. Government's Energy Star program offers tax credits of 30% of cost for energy efficiency upgrades to furnaces, air conditioners, insulation, water heaters, windows, doors and roofs.

Simple home improvements that can save you money on your utility bills are eligible for a combined total of $1,500 in federal tax credits for the 2009-2010 two-year period.  Each energy-efficient improvement made on your home is eligible for a 30% tax credit.

To take advantage of this opportunity:

STEP 1. Jetton Construction can help you identify the areas of your home that are inefficient, like an outdated water heater, furnace or leaky doors and windows.

STEP 2. Jetton Construction help you do the upgrades or connect you with the right people who can replace your inefficient air conditioner or leaky roof.

STEP 3. To apply for tax credits, hang onto your receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. Then submit Form 5695 (line 52 – the residential energy tax credit) with your 2009 and 2010 federal tax returns. Remember to file expenditures on the years they were purchased.

STEP 4. Enjoy your new energy-efficient products while saving money on your utility bills and tax returns!

III. U.S. Government's Energy Star program also offers 30% tax credits (with no upper limit) of cost to supply and install solar panels, residential wind turbines, solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps.

To take advantage of this tax credit:

STEP 1. Decide if you would like to install a solar energy system on your roof or a wind turbine in your backyard.  Jetton can help you understand which option is best for you.

STEP 2.  Jetton Construction can help you install the equipment.

STEP 3. To apply for tax credits, follow STEP 3 above.

STEP 4. Save money and help the planet!

More Credits are on the way!  Feel free to contact us for additional information or questions.