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Austin Energy Residential Rebates

user

Dec 19, 2007

This really isn't new news, but it's part of what makes Austin great. Austin Energy leads the nation in energy efficiency rebates. When you factor in the rebates, it really makes sense to go ahead and make your house extremely efficient. This isn't a big deal if you live in a newer home, but if your house is even 10 years old or older, it's really worth a look. I have a lot of personal experience with these programs, so I thought I would list them. Here's a list of some of the rebates (in order of coolness.)

  1. Solar Rebates: Austin Energy offers the best solar rebates in the country. They rebate $4.50 per watt - to simplify, just think ~45% of the system. A system will cost roughly $6k-$10k, before rebates. The best time to install solar is when you need a new roof. If your roof faces predominantly north, or is heavily covered by trees, you won't be eligible. Here's my house - you can probably guess, I'm ineligible.
  2. Free Programmable Thermostats: If you become a "power partner" then Austin Energy will come install a free programmable thermostat. You have to agree to allow them to "cycle off" your air conditioner for up to ten minutes once per day during peak periods (during the summer.) I've been a "power partner" for 3 years - I have never noticed it. The programmable thermostat lowered my monthly bill by ~25%.
  3. Refrigerator Recycling: Old fridges suck juice, and they do NO good in the landfill. Austin Energy will pay $50 per unit to single family home customers & $35/unit to customers who live in multi's. They haul off for free, as well.
  4. Solar Water Heater: This is a new one, so I don't have any experience with it. Also, I know that my house will be automatically out from its positioning & design. Austin Energy will rebate $1500 to $2000 for the system, and then you'll get a 30% tax credit for a total savings of $2250 to $3000.
  5. Home Performance Rebates: Austin Energy offers ~$1500 in rebates for "energy audit" items. A participating vendor comes out and gives a free audit, and advises you what to buy. I know how this sounds - the auditor will just try to sell you everything, right? I had them out, and they told me my ductwork (in a 1972 house) was incredibly efficient, and that I would do better with solar film (cheaper) than solar screens on my 10 picture window doors. Definitely worth the time.
  6. Air Conditioning Rebates: If your a/c is 10 years old or older, it's not energy efficient. Austin Energy offers rebates to customers who purchase new, high efficiency a/c's.

So, there are more programs available the Austin Energy website, but I wanted to highlight my favorites here. Shoot me a comment if you have any questions - I can probably answer them, but if not, I'll point you in the right direction.

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About the Author

Last updated: 12/19/2007

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