subject: Get Rebates for Making Your Texas Homes Energy Efficient [print this page] Get Rebates for Making Your Texas Homes Energy Efficient
Going green has gone from beyond being a mere fad and into a way of life that people should adapt in preparation for future generations to come. People wanting to renovate or make their homes more energy efficient is prevalent across the nation and more so in Texas. Making your homes more energy efficient does not only give you great savings from your Texas electricity bills, but the fact that you've gone green with your homes entitle you with great rebates which may be enough to pay for your home renovation expenses!
Rebates for making your homes energy efficient differ from state to state and there might be some slight differences in the procedure but the general idea across the nation is basically the same. The more you make your homes energy efficient, the more energy rebates you can achieve. The following describes a brief overview of how you can help conserve Texas electricity by making your homes more energy efficient and receive great rebate deals in the process. With your power to choose your energy options, choosing to ride the green bandwagon would definitely be a win-win situation for all.
Rebates from Making Your Texas Homes Energy Efficient
In an effort to reduce the nation's energy consumption, the federal government distributed stimulus funds across the states and into local utilities. Local utilities such as Texas electric companies would now work with residents and help them make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and receive residential energy efficiency rebates by doing so. Here's how you can do this.
The first step is to have a qualified government Home Energy Auditor conduct a free home energy audit in your homes. These certified professionals will make assessments and identify which part of your homes prevents it from being energy efficient. These issues vary and may include your air duct system, attic insulation, radiant barriers, sealing and weatherization. The Home Energy Auditor will make recommendations regarding upgrades and will help you process your energy rebates should you proceed with making energy efficiency improvements in your homes. The rebate requests will then be processed by your local Texas electric utility provider and you in turn will receive your rebate checks within 2 to 4 weeks.
The amount of rebates you will receive will depend on the size of your homes and on what specific energy efficiency upgrades you will perform. These upgrades will not only reduce the consumption of Houston Electricity or whatever city you may be in, but it will also increase the intrinsic value of your property. Depending on the upgrades, the amount of rebates you will receive can cover 50% or up to 90% of the cost of your energy efficiency work or even more.
But that is not the only incentive you will receive from making your homes energy efficient. The federal government is now offering a 10% tax credit starting December 2011 for installation of attic insulations as long as they meet the requirements. So if you're planning to upgrade your insulation, keep all your receipts and have a manufacturer's certification form ready when you submit your income tax records. Solar attic fans will likewise be eligible to receive up to 30% tax credit for the cost of the fan so get ready with all your documentations.
Additional Rebates for Using Energy Efficient Appliances
Getting rebates for saving Texas Electricity by making your home energy efficient does not only include making home improvements in your home's structure but also making what you use in your homes energy efficient as well. Using Energy Star certified appliances is encouraged by the government and starting December 20, 2010, the people of Texas have enjoyed the new Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program by purchasing energy efficient appliances. But better hurry as this new program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis only while funds still last!
