Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Offers ‘Cool’ Rebates for Upgrading Central Air Systems to Energy Star
Customers can receive up to $1,000 in rebates toward a quality installed central air system and finance their upgrades or purchases at a low rate
The rising temperatures are fast approaching, and this year’s mild winter, coupled with a warmer spring, indicates that your air conditioning unit may be working overtime this summer. This means your electricity consumption will increase along with your energy bill.
Since Connecticut weather can change quickly, now is the time to make sure your home’s air conditioning system is efficient, up-to-date and ENERGY STAR®-qualified. To assist, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, in partnership with Connecticut Light and Power and the United Illuminating Company, is offering rebates and financing options to residential customers who install new central air conditioning systems that are more energy efficient and meet ENERGY STAR standards.
“Spring is the best time for homeowners to think about their air conditioning units, and now, there are more energy efficient models on the market than ever. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on where to begin in order to achieve the greatest savings and efficiency,” said Rich Steeves, First Vice Chairperson, Energy Efficiency Board. “The first step is to inspect your home’s current cooling equipment, and if you find that your energy bill is taking a large hit from this potentially outdated, inefficient equipment, then you should consider upgrading to a central air conditioning system that is ENERGY STAR-qualified with proper installation.”
ENERGY STAR central air conditioning systems are quieter, require less maintenance and provide greater comfort throughout your home.
Steeves added that choosing a high-efficiency system is one of the most important decisions homeowners can make since heating and cooling accounts for approximately 50 percent of a customer’s energy bill. “This does not have to be a costly decision, however, because there are rebates and financing available through the Energy Efficiency Fund to help customers purchase ENERGY STAR central air conditioning systems.”
All residential CL&P and UI customers are eligible to receive a $250 incentive on system upgrades that meet the ENERGY STAR-qualified minimum efficiency requirement of 14.5 SEER / 12 EER. Customers who participate in the Energy Efficiency Fund’s Home Energy Solutions (HES) program that upgrade existing systems within 90 days of the assessment can receive a second $250 rebate, to receive a combined total of $500 in savings.
Steeves further explained that the rebates don’t stop there. Those customers who participate in HES and upgrade to the required ENERGY STAR central air system could get another $500 incentive for participating in the Quality Installation Verification (QIV) program, earning a total of $1,000 in rebates. The QIV program includes proper sizing and airflow bringing fewer repairs, longer equipment life expectancy as well as lower energy bills with increased comfort.
“In addition to these three rebate opportunities, CL&P and UI customers that participate in the HES program also have access to a low interest financing program that is a very cost-effective option for people on a budget,” said Steeves.
For more information on the HVAC program, please call 1-877-WISE USE, visit www.CTEnergyInfo.com or join in on the energy efficient conversation at www.facebook.com/energyefficiencyct.
About the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund
The Energy Efficiency Fund promotes efficient energy use, helps residents and businesses save on their electric and natural gas bills, advances economic development, reduces electric demand, and helps reduce air pollution. Energy Efficiency Fund programs serve residential customers, including limited-and fixed-income customers, as well as business and municipal customers. Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs are funded by a charge on customers’ utility bills and administered by the state’s electric and gas utilities including: Connecticut Light and Power, United Illuminating, Yankee Gas, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas. Additional information on Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs can be found at www.ctenergyinfo.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.
