Energy-efficient steps can put cash in pocket

April 20, 2008

When I did my taxes I learned that I could get a tax credit on the furnace I bought in 2007. Does the utility have any incentives for that type of thing?

Most tax credits for purchasing energy-efficient appliances expired at the end of 2007, so it’s fortunate you installed the furnace last year. Check with your tax accountant on any tax incentives that may remain in effect for purchases made this year. However, Clark Public Utilities is still offering residential customers cash incentives on a number of energy-efficient technologies. Here’s a rundown of those incentives:

Qualifying appliances

You can receive $25 back for purchasing an Energy Star-rated refrigerator from a participating Clark County retailer. To receive the rebate, however, you must recycle your old refrigerator, which isn’t as tough as it sounds. Because the refrigerant used in older refrigerators and freezers is classified as a greenhouse gas, we’ll arrange to have your old fridge picked up for free and see that it is properly disposed of by CFC Recycling in Vancouver.

Get $50 back when you purchase an Energy Star clothes washer from a participating Clark County retailer. These washers are at least 50 percent more efficient than minimum federal standards. They use between 35 percent and 50 percent less water per load and typically have larger-capacity baskets. That means lower water-heating costs. They offer improved water extraction during spin cycles too, which adds up to less time running the dryer for even more energy savings.

If you’re looking to add a heat pump for summer cooling, or replace an older unit, you can get $500 back when you install a Northwest Energy Star-rated heat pump that is installed to Performance Tested Comfort Systems standards, or PTCS. The rebate covers heat pumps installed in new or existing homes.

To get the rebate, qualifying heat pumps must have a HSPF, or heating season performance factor, of at least 8.5. This is a measure of how efficient it is in the heating mode. It also will carry a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating of 14. SEER measures how efficient the unit is while cooling. It must be commissioned to PTCS standards with sealed and tested ductwork, and carry a five-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty for materials and workmanship.

Finally, replace old light fixtures with Energy Star-qualified models purchased from a participating Clark County retailer and get $10 back on each fixture.

Northwest Energy Star Homes rebate

Home builders in Clark County can receive rebates totaling up to $1,250 by building to the Northwest Energy Star Homes program standards and installing Energy Star fixtures and light bulbs. These homes are guaranteed to be at least 15 percent more efficient than a home built to current Washington code. They are less drafty, more comfortable and, because their ductwork is performance tested, they deliver healthier indoor air.

Loan programs 2008

Clark Public Utilities also continues to offer loans to help customers make their homes more energy efficient.

Qualifying Clark Public Utilities customers can borrow up to 100 percent of the cost of installing a heat pump, up to $15,000, or up to $20,000 on a geothermal heat pump. The loan is financed at 5 percent for seven years. Certain other installation requirements must be met, but we can provide a list of contractors who have met the requirements to participate in the loan program.

Weatherization loans are open to those with electrically heated homes built before 1992 and manufactured homes. Loans of up to $10,000 at 5 percent interest are available for air sealing, duct sealing, insulation and energy-efficient windows. Windows are not included in the manufactured home loan program.

Loan options also are available for solar domestic water-heating systems, solar pool-heating systems and photovoltaic systems that are used to generate electricity. We will provide technical assistance and a list of approved contractors skilled in installing the technology.

Contact Clark Public Utilities for more information on the rebates, participating retailers and loan programs or visit our Web site
www.clarkpublicutilities.com.