Rebates available for insulation, windows and more

Today we’ll talk about the cost of running some things — like portable heaters — and how you can get rebates for a variety of energy-saving measures.

Nailing It Down

By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty

Energy costs are high this time of year, so in recent weeks we’ve been talking about ways to stay comfortable and keep the costs down in your home.

Today we’ll talk about the cost of running some things — like portable heaters — and how you can get rebates for a variety of energy-saving measures. Let’s get going!

SPACE HEATER COSTS CAN ADD UP

In a cold snap like we’ve been having, many people opt to use an electric space heater to keep the temperature in part of the house a little more comfortable. However, depending on how much it is used, that can turn into a costly addition.

Recently we talked with Dan Kinnaman, energy adviser at the Grays Harbor PUD, who said that most space heaters switched on “high” use 1,500 watts of electricity. With our current cost of electricity at 8.73 cents per kilowatt-hour, if that heater was on for an entire day it would cost $3.14. Now that’s not too bad if there is a two-day need to make things more comfortable in your home, but if a space heater is used for an entire month it adds up to nearly $100! That’s just for one space heater. And, that’s in addition to the rest of your energy bill for the month.

If you do have a space heater, for your wallet’s sake try to use it just when you really need it — perhaps for a half-hour when you are getting dressed and ready for the day.

APPLIANCE REBATES

We mentioned last week about rebates available for some new appliances. However, in case you missed that column, we thought we’d reiterate that Grays Harborites can get a small rebate for purchasing various Energy Star-rated appliances.

The Grays Harbor PUD offers rebates for Energy Star refrigerators ($10), freezers ($15) and clothes dryers ($25). In addition, a washing machine with an IMEF rating of 2.38 or greater is eligible for a $30 rebate. You may want to double-check with the folks at the PUD’s Energy Services before you buy. (Give them a call at 360-538-6383.)

While Energy Star-rated appliances may cost more up front, they can lower your energy bill over time.

WINDOWS, INSULATION

New energy-saving appliances aren’t the only thing you can receive rebates for. As we’ve preached for years, weatherization makes a big difference in a home’s energy use — and comfort. The Grays Harbor PUD also offers rebates for certain new windows and insulation.

Before you get too far (and certainly before you buy anything), check with the folks at the PUD for the specifics of the program. The first step is for a free energy audit of your home to see if making changes in your insulation, windows or doors would facilitate an energy savings.

To be eligible for new windows, the house cannot already have vinyl windows. But, if you have single-pane wood- or aluminum-frame windows, you very likely might be eligible to receive the rebate of $3 per square foot of window space replaced. The new windows must have a U value of 0.30 or lower.

When it comes to insulation, after an energy audit indicates that additional insulation would make a difference in the house, the PUD will rebate 50 cents per square foot for an attic that has no insulation and 25 cents per square foot of additional insulation for an attic that already has some.

That rebate is also potentially available for wall and floor insulation, Kinnaman said.

While the amounts of the rebates aren’t that great, every bit of savings makes a difference. And while you are doing something good for your home, it’s nice to save a little money in the process.

HEAT PUMPS

The Grays Harbor PUD also has a rebate program for people installing regular ducted heat pumps into their homes. Heat pumps are great for this climate and offer consistent, clean heating and cooling year-round.

To be eligible for a heat pump rebate, the current primary heating system must have electricity as the primary energy source. If the heating system’s current primary power source is oil, natural gas or propane, the homeowner is not eligible for the rebate.

These rebates range from $500 to $1,200, Kinnaman said, adding that heat pumps replacing forced-air furnaces receive the most because the energy savings are the greatest.

For a ductless heat pump, the rebate is $900 after a pre-inspection and energy audit of the home. (The average ductless heat pump costs about $4,200).

Here at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor, we’re big fans of heat pumps. They have many attributes that we will address in next week’s column.

In the meantime, wear layers, fix any drafts and stay warm!

Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.