Is it time to upgrade your HVAC system? Last year, some $300 million in stimulus funding was allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to be passed out by individual states as means to encourage consumers to trade in their old appliances and upgrade to new energy efficiency energy star rated ones. Here is a website that will tell you what rebates are available in Nebraska at dsireusa.org.
I went to the website and here’s what I found: “Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) offers energy credit refunds to its residential customers for installing high-efficiency heat pumps through their Energy Conservation Program. For high-efficiency electric heat pumps larger than 1.5 tons with a SEER rating of 13 or greater, OPPD will pay between $300 - $650 (depending on SEER). OPPD will also provide $50 per unit for heat pumps 1.5 tons and smaller.
The rebate is available to any customer who either purchases and installs a new high-efficiency heat pump in a new residential structure, or replaces their existing standard air conditioner with a heat pump and is using natural gas or propane for supplemental heating. Customers who install a heat pump are also eligible to receive the special Energy Conservation Rate, which is the same as the standard residential rate except for a lower last rate block during the winter billing period (October through May). To qualify, the electric heat pump must supply at least 50 percent of the space conditioning requirements for the structure and have an outdoor thermostat setting of 20° F or lower.
Existing all-electric homeowners who replace their standard A/C with a heat pump qualify for the lower winter electric rate only, they do not qualify for the energy credit refund. Not all heat pumps qualify for this program. To determine which heat pumps qualify, customers can call their heating contractor or OPPD's HVAC Technology Department at (402) 636-3753 or 1-800-648-2658.”
The “Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha (MUD) offers $100 rebates to their residential gas customers who replace existing natural gas furnaces and water heaters with new, high efficiency models. Dual fuel or heat pump systems are not eligible. New furnaces must have an energy rating of at least 95% to qualify for the rebate. High efficiency natural gas water heaters must have an Energy Factor of 0.82 or higher to receive rebate. Interested customers should submit a signed and completed rebate form, along with a copy of proof of purchase to the utility.”
To apply, you'll need to print forms off the Web and mail them in with qualifying proof of purchase. Keep the original receipt for the new appliance, this may be requested. It’s best to contact either OPPD and/or MUD before you purchase anything. They will be happy to guide you so that you get the rebate to which you’re entitled. It would also be a good thing to ask them when you will receive the rebate. If it will be several weeks then you need to take that into consideration when formulating your purchasing plan.
Also ask about how to dispose of your old furnace or air-conditioner. They may have incentives for you if you dispose of it in an environmentally safe way.
Remember, the federal energy efficiency tax credit, in effect through this year, which gives a 30% credit up to $1,500 for the purchase of certain heating, cooling and ventilation appliances, among other things. Be certain to ask your tax advisor how it works in your specific situation.
If you have any additional questions or when you’re ready to put your home on the market please give me a call at 402-967-4251 or email me at MarieOtis@cbshome.com.