Taking advantage of Austin Energy incentives for energy efficient homes and businesses makes perfect financial sense. Rebates and loans are available to help Austinites make green choices. In some cases, Austin Energy’s low- and moderate-income 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 reduce their energy costs and save money while helping keep Austin green.
Austin Energy has a long-standing and demonstrated commitment to energy efficiency 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. Available on the purchase of high-efficiency electric water heaters and air conditioning systems, solar photovoltaic systems, solar-powered water heating systems, as well as certain energy-efficient home improvements, these rebates are designed to promote the use of green technology and alternative 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 technology rebates work differently than appliance rebates. Since these solar panels actually generate electricity, Austin Energy offers no-cost, low-cost loans for the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems, then rebates its customers per watt for the energy returned to the power 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 Austin Energy rebates ranging from $1,500 for new construction to $2,000 for installation in 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 caulk and weather-stripping to windows and doors, and radiant barrier insulation. 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 electric power 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 Austinites, Austin Energy looks to the future and works to build a greener tomorrow.