Taking advantage of Austin Energy incentives for energy efficient homes and businesses makes financial sense. Rebates and loans are available to help Austinites make green choices. In some cases, low- and moderate-income Austin Energy customers can even receive free home improvements, even if they rent their homes instead of owning them. By participating in one of a variety of incentive programs, homeowners can lower their energy costs and save money while helping keep Austin green.
Austin Energy has a long-standing and demonstrated commitment to energy conservation and environmental responsibility. As a result, Austin Energy has partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to offer Energy Star rebates to qualified customers. These rebates, available on purchases of high-efficiency air conditioning and electric water heater systems, solar photovoltaic systems, solar-powered water heating systems, as well as certain energy-saving home improvements, are intended to promote the use of green technology and alternatives. Energy sources.
The efficiency of air conditioning systems is measured by two different systems. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) provides a measure of the energy efficiency of a specific unit throughout the cooling season and as such is a more general assessment. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of the unit under prolonged and constant use, such as on the hottest days of summer. Austin Energy offers rebates for the purchase of new air conditioner models that achieve a SEER rating of 14 or higher and an EER rating of 11.5 or higher; some window air conditioners also qualify for these rebates. Split system air conditioners and heat pumps may also qualify if they meet these SEER and EER rating requirements. Rebates range from $50 for small window units to $650 for the most energy efficient air conditioning systems.
Solar PV rebates work differently than appliance rebates. Since these solar panels actually generate electricity, Austin Energy offers low-cost, no-fee loans for the purchase and installation of solar PV systems, and then provides a per-watt rebate to its customers for the energy returned to the grid. This makes solar power an affordable and financially sensible alternative for private households. Photovoltaic cells create energy without polluting the environment, so they are also a good environmental option.
Solar water heaters also qualify for rebates from Austin Energy ranging from $1,500 for new construction to $2,000 for installation on an existing home. These state-of-the-art water heaters also qualify for a tax rebate of up to $1,000. Solar water heating systems must be certified by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation to qualify for these incentives.
To help customers reduce their energy use, Austin Energy also offers rebates for certain home improvements, such as adding insulation to attic spaces, repairing air ducts, adding caulking and weatherstripping to windows and doors, and insulation. radiant barrier. Low-income families may qualify to receive these energy-saving upgrades at no charge as part of Austin Energy’s Power Saver program. To qualify, you must meet certain income guidelines, the home to be improved must be a single-family residence, and in most cases, the home cannot be valued at more than $150,000. Tenants who have lived in the residence for at least three months may also qualify if the landlord consents to the improvements.
Other Austin Energy programs include the Power Partners program, which provides customers with a free programmable thermostat in exchange for allowing Austin Energy to cycle electricity usage during peak usage periods; the Refrigerator Recycling program, and other energy-saving incentives. But perhaps the most important incentives are the environmental benefits of these programs. Together with the residents of Austin, Austin Energy looks to the future and works to build a greener tomorrow.