United is offering rebates on energy efficiency
home upgrades and free energy audits to members.
by
BRYCE CAVAZOS
For more than a decade, United has assisted and educated members on ways to better manage their energy use. United continues to invest in its members by offering FREE home energy audits and valuable rebates for energy efficiency upgrades.
Since 2010, United has granted over 42,000 residential rebates, encouraging its members to focus on wasting less energy.
United will continue to invest in its members in 2024 by offering rebates for energy efficiency upgrades and free home energy audits. United members who are searching for ways to become more energy efficient should contact United before implementing any improvements. Conserving energy does not only benefit the member by saving hard-earned dollars, but it also benefits the entire co-op membership. The following residential rebate incentives are available in 2024.
Air-Source Heat Pump Rebate
The Department of Energy (DOE) changed the way HVAC systems are tested in 2023. Air conditioners and heat pumps were sold, and easily compared, based on their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. SEER has been the standard benchmark to determine how energy-efficient HVAC units are. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. Starting January 1st of 2023, the DOE replaced SEER ratings with SEER2 ratings, SEER2 ratings are determined by utilizing harsher testing conditions to better represent real-life conditions. Previous SEER ratings did not accurately emulate the influence of ductwork and external static pressure on HVAC equipment. SEER2 is calculated the same way as SEER, however, the more strenuous testing conditions result in lower SEER2 ratings than the previous SEER rating. This is because the blower motor must work harder to push air through the unit. Going forward, all HVAC equipment will be compared and sold with new and improved SEER2 ratings. While United did not adjust the Air-Source Heat Pump Rebate offerings, United did add the new SEER2 language to the rebate literature. Mini-Split Heat Pump systems qualify in this rebate category as well. United’s Heat Pump Rebates are as follows:
$200 for 16 SEER/15.3 SEER2
$300 for 17 SEER/16.2 SEER2
$400 for 18 SEER/17.2 SEER2
$500 for 19 SEER/18.1 SEER2 and
above
HVAC Tune-Up Rebate
By far, this is United’s most popular rebate. Experts estimate heating and cooling accounts for more than 50 percent of energy consumption in a standard residence. HVAC maintenance is a vital aspect of managing energy consumption. Similar to getting an oil change, regular HVAC maintenance is necessary for maximizing the overall lifespan and health of an HVAC system. If an HVAC system is not operating to manufacturer specifications, the first place an operational inefficiency is likely to be noticed is on the electric bill. United recommends yearly HVAC maintenance, and offers up to $100 per unit, per year for having regular tune-ups performed by authorized HVAC technicians. This helps to ensure systems are running at peak performance and efficiency.
Attic Insulation Retrofit
United’s attic insulation rebate not only has efficiency benefits, but also increases yearlong household comfort. Having a good blanket of insulation over the home in the attic will pay dividends for years to come. If a home lacks a proper insulation level, it can leave the home’s energy envelope more vulnerable to ambient temperatures. This can leave the home feeling cold and drafty in the winter or hot and stuffy in the summer. As a result of inadequate insulation, HVAC systems typically run more to offset the tug-of-war between comfort settings inside the home and extreme external temperatures, increasing energy consumption. United recommends an attic insulation R-value of 38. This R-value can be achieved by installing any of the following insulation amounts: 17 inches of blown fiberglass, 10 inches of blown cellulose, (2) 6-inch fiberglass batts, or approximately 5.5 inches of spray foam. To receive a rebate for attic insulation, a free home energy audit is required prior to install. When a United energy expert verifies a member has 8 inches of insulation or less, the member qualifies for the retrofit attic insulation rebate, paid only up to a maximum depth of 12 inches. United gives 2 cents per inch installed, per square-foot of the attic space. For example, if a member had 5 inches of insulation, and the attic was 2,000 square feet, the rebate calculation would be as follows:
12 inches, less existing inches (5 inches) = 7 inches available for rebate. 7 x .02 x 2000 = $280.00
Wi-Fi Thermostat Rebates
United’s thermostat rebate pays $50 per newly installed Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, if it’s a Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell brand. Any other brand will receive a $25 rebate for each new thermostat that replaces a non-Wi-Fi thermostat. A free home energy audit is required prior to the change-out, or the member can provide United with an invoice proving the prior thermostat was non-Wifi. The thermostat must be new, and the member must provide United with proof of purchase to qualify for the rebate. Wi-Fi thermostats not only offer convenience, but the ability to use advanced programing, and smart learning technology to keep the consumers home comfortable.
Fuel Conversion Rebate
In general, it is much easier to monitor and control emissions at the power plant level rather than at the point of use for residences. Therefore, members who wish to be more environmentally conscious, or who are concerned about having gas or propane in their home, can receive a $100 rebate for converting from gas or propane to electric.
Members who switch from a liquid propane or natural gas HVAC system to a heat pump can receive a $100 rebate. This $100 rebate is also available for members who remove a propane or gas water heater and install an electric model. United requires a free home energy audit prior to change out, or for members to provide an invoice proving that prior appliance was powered by propane or gas.
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger
United currently offers a rebate for electric vehicle chargers that will cover 50 percent of the cost, up to $500. This rebate includes the equipment purchase cost, and also installation costs. Qualifying members are required to submit any invoices and or receipts with the rebate application.
The United member is also required to sign up for “Beat the Peak” notifications, and the charger must be programmed to not charge between peak hours, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Heat Pump Water Heater
In a typical residence, an electric water heater is usually the second-largest electric consumer in the home, accounting for upwards of 16 percent of the consumer’s electric bill. Heat pump water heaters are twice as efficient as standard electric tank water heaters. If members upgrade their water heater to a heat pump water heater, they can receive a rebate of $150. To qualify for this rebate, the heat pump water heater must have a capacity of at least 40 gallons and a minimum energy factor of 2.0.
Solar Screens
Windows can easily account for 25-30 percent of a home’s heat loss/gain. Homes that have direct sunlight shining through windows throughout the day are a great candidate for solar screens. Solar screens have proven to deflect up to 90 percent of the heat that radiates directly through windows, depending on the screen material that is chosen. Solar screens can help assist in maximizing energy efficiency as well as comfort needs. United will pay $5 for every 15 square feet of window, and this rebate is capped at $50 total for the member’s home. This rebate is eligible for all windows, excluding north-facing windows. United will require a free home energy audit prior to installation.
Helping members understand how to manage energy usage is fundamental to United’s mission and commitment to providing exceptional service and value to its membership. The cooperative’s rebate program is one of the many resources available to members that embodies this mission. For additional information on rebates, or to learn more about the many other ways United can help members manage energy usage, such as scheduling a free home energy audit, contact a local United office today.