Weatherization helps keep heat in a building when it is cold, and cool air in during hot weather. Insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient exterior doors and windows can greatly lower utility bills. Because almost half of the homes in Oregon were built before 1980, many would benefit from additional insulation. Generally, weatherization is completed before installing or upgrading a heating or cooling system.
A home energy audit is a perfect first step for looking at home energy efficiency. It can help you understand how to save money on your electric bill, improve your energy efficiency, and point out critical safety concerns. You can identify leaks and learn if upgrades are needed to your electric panel to accommodate new energy-saving appliances (see side bar). An energy audit might point to the need for better home weatherization.
You can conduct your own home energy audit. Here is a helpful video from the US Department of Energy. Energy Trust of Oregon also has a free online assessment.
Or, you can use various government and utility incentives to cover the cost of having a contractor do it:
Eligibility: Homeowners
Amount: 30% off of a home energy audit, up to $150
How it Works: The audit must be completed by a qualified home energy auditor, and include a 2-3 hour inspection as well as a written report outlining the best ways to save energy in the home. The audit must also detail the energy and money you could save by making the recommended changes. To claim your credit, file Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits Part II with your taxes.
Your electric panel is an important consideration for electrification. If you have a panel below 100 amps , you will likely need to upgrade your panel. Panels between 100-150 amps can handle electrification depending on home energy use. Rewiring America has a great article on electrical panels and if you should upgrade, as well as how to electrify with a 100-150 amp panel. You can determine your amperage by looking at your panel and use their information to find the number of amps.
Determine what the current amperage (number of amps) for your panel
Decide if you need to upgrade
Contact contractors. IBEW 48 has a directory.
Get three quotes
Pick a contractor and sign a contract.
Eligibility: Homeowners for their primary residence
Amount: Annually, up to 30% of project cost or $1,200 across categories in the table below
How it Works: The same 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit for the home energy audit is also available for doors, windows and insulation (and also upgrading your electric panel if needed). They each have specific limits.
|
Project |
Credit 30% of project, up to: |
|
Electrical Panel Upgrades |
$600 |
|
Insulation and Air Sealing |
$1,200 |
|
Exterior Doors |
$250 per door $500 total |
|
Exterior Windows and Skylights |
$600 |
A SHORT REBATE STORY (INSPIRED BY REAL INCENTIVES): Justin Featherlake decides to get a home energy audit. The audit reveals he needs an electrical panel upgrade, and to add insulation to his attic. Recognizing that the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit has a yearly limit of $1,200 he decides to start with an electrical panel upgrade for this year and do the insulation the next year. His total cost for the panel and installation was $2,100. He was able to get a credit of $330 (or 30%) of the project cost off his taxes. The next year he added installation which cost $3,500. He was able to get a credit of $1,050 (30% of project cost) off his taxes for that year.
Eligibility: Households that earn less than twice the federal poverty level (varies with household size and by year)
Amount: Free
How it Works: Provides free weatherization services including insulation and heating duct improvements. The federal funds are distributed by local community-based organizations. The program is popular, especially during the winter months, so apply early.
◘ More Info: Determine weatherization eligibility
◘ More Info: Weatherization Program Details
◘ More Info: Connect with your local administrator
Eligibility: Customers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and/or Avista
Amount: $1 off per square foot for “high” energy efficiency windows or $1.50 off for “higher” energy efficiency windows.
◘ How it Works: Details on the ETO windows page
Eligibility: Customers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and/or Avista
Amount: Between $0.75-2.25 off per foot on floor, attic and wall insulation. Certain income categories are eligible for the higher discounts.
◘ How it Works: Details on the ETO Insulation page
Eligibility: Educational programs are open to all. Support services are provided to qualified income levels.
Amount: Free
◘ How it Works: CEP's current schedule includes free DIY winter and summer weatherization programs. Participants can also receive free support supplies. Check with your local utility as most offer similar incentive programs.