Rebates for Energy-Efficient Replacements: Here's How

My friend Diana Christopulos of the Cool Cities Coalition sent the following information about rebates for homeowners when they buy energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment. It is substantial if you're planning something as simple as replacing your doors and windows or as complex as putting in a geo-thermal heating system.

In any case, you can save a good deal of money because of the Obama Administration's smart decision to make this kind of changeover financially appealing. You might want to make your changes soon, though, because the Republican Party is in full raid mode and the dismantling of everything good for American is underway in earnest. This program, like Jimmy Carter's tax breaks for alternative energy, will last just until the Republicans have enough votes to kill it.

You can find out more general information here or get specifics at any of the direct links below (click on the orange phrases).

Here's the outline from Diana:


The rebate programs are administered by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Energy-efficient appliance rebates:

• Heat Pump, Air Source - $300
• Natural Gas or Propane Furnace - $250
• Heat Pump Water Heater - $250 (purchased May 28, 2010 or after)
• Tankless Natural Gas or Propane Water Heater - $225
• Clothes Washer - $75
• Refrigerator - $60
• Dishwasher - $50 (purchased Sept. 1, 2010 or after)
• Room Air Conditioner - $40 (purchased Sept. 1, 2010 or after)
• Storage Natural Gas or Propane Water Heater - $35
• Central Air Conditioner - $500 (purchased March 1, 2011 or after)

High efficiency rebates (home owners only):

Rebates will be calculated at 20 percent of the documented cost of the following eligible project items, up to $595 per residential property address:

• 1. Oil furnace
• 2. Gas, propane or oil hot water boiler
• 3. Insulation and air sealing
• 4. Replacement windows and exterior doors
• 5. Storm doors

An energy audit will be rebated for the cost of the audit, up to $250.

Geothermal heat pump rebates:

• Rebates can be redeemed for 20 percent of the documented costs of qualifying geothermal heat pumps, up to $2,000 per residential property address.
• • Geothermal heat pump equipment purchased and installed on or after March 26, 2010 will be eligible for the rebate if it meets all other eligibility requirements.
• This rebate is available to Virginia homeowners only. Homeowners must purchase their energy efficiency products and systems from a Virginia retailer or vendor, or a contractor with a license to do business in Virginia.
• Applicants will have 60 days to complete their project once their reservation is approved. Up to 30-day extensions may be available if needed by contacting DMME staff and documenting the need for the extension.
• If you received a rebate for a geothermal heat pump system under the previous Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, you cannot apply for a rebate for the same system under this new program.

The rebate programs are administered by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.