Free money!!! Well not exactly, but a way to make the money you pay for gas or electricity work for you. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was getting ready to get a wifi themostat, Ecobee3. I just received it and I was filling out a rebate form from the utility company and realized that probably not many of you know about these programs.... Did you know that most Utility companies have programs to get money back from them (YES, money BACK from utility companies) if you upgrade to more efficient appliances, or programmable/Wifi thermostats, adding insulation, energy saver (CFL or LED) light bulbs low flow shower heads etc. These rebates range anywhere from $5 to $150. All you have to do is fill out a rebate form and show proof of purchase. But do note that there is a limit on how many rebate they have for the year, best to check the local utility website and submit yours in the BEGINNING of their calendar year.
I've even seen some landscaping rebates from counties if you put in rain barrels or waterscaping (landscaping planned to absorb rain water to reduce the need for watering. So, there is money out there, you just have to look for it. Here are a few tips:
1. Check utility websites for rebates on appliances, thermostats, windows replacements etc.
2. Check your county or city websites for any programs that may be run by them for energy efficiency.
3. Some states have tax free weekends for energy start rated appliances, wait for this weekend to get your big ticket items.
4. Some counties and cities have LED bulb rebates that can be found in stores like Costco etc. The discounts vary but worth calling around different sams clubs, costco that are close to you but in a different county to see if they have more rebates.
5. Turn the lights off and take short showers and wear a thick jacket at home.
If you have any other tips for saving energy (and money), leave a comment.
By the way, this is the thermostat that is sitting on my desk and ready for installation. Stay tuned.
-Kannan
I've even seen some landscaping rebates from counties if you put in rain barrels or waterscaping (landscaping planned to absorb rain water to reduce the need for watering. So, there is money out there, you just have to look for it. Here are a few tips:
1. Check utility websites for rebates on appliances, thermostats, windows replacements etc.
2. Check your county or city websites for any programs that may be run by them for energy efficiency.
3. Some states have tax free weekends for energy start rated appliances, wait for this weekend to get your big ticket items.
4. Some counties and cities have LED bulb rebates that can be found in stores like Costco etc. The discounts vary but worth calling around different sams clubs, costco that are close to you but in a different county to see if they have more rebates.
5. Turn the lights off and take short showers and wear a thick jacket at home.
If you have any other tips for saving energy (and money), leave a comment.
By the way, this is the thermostat that is sitting on my desk and ready for installation. Stay tuned.
-Kannan
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