Installing a new furnace may qualify you for money back.
To encourage homeowners to be more energy efficient, power companies across the country offer rebates on some home appliances, including furnaces. When you replace your existing furnace with an appropriate product or install one in a new building, you might be eligible for money back from your power company. Along with tax credits the federal government offers homeowners who buy certain Energy Star appliances, these rebates are designed to encourage you to use energy wisely. Does this Spark an idea?
Check Availability
Because rebates are available through utility companies, different opportunities apply in different areas. Call your power company if you plan to install an electric furnace, and ask whether it offers rebates on energy-efficient furnaces. If so, ask them what you have to do to qualify. For example, you might have to apply for the rebate within a certain time frame after installation. Rebate programs often have expiration dates, so find out how long the option is available and make sure you install your new furnace during the specified time period.
Choose a Furnace
Talk to your energy provider about which kinds of furnace qualify for rebates. Again, the requirements may vary in different parts of the country. Most likely, you will be required to install an Energy Star-certified product, meaning that its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating meets the standards set down by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You may be eligible for a larger rebate if you choose a higher-efficiency model. For example, a furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating from 94 to 96 percent may be eligible for a $150 rebate, while a model rated above 96 percent may be eligible for a $250 rebate.
Install the Product
Even if you're an experienced DIY homeowner, hire a certified, participating contractor to install your new furnace. Many utility companies only offer rebates to individuals who hire certified contractors for the job, because using a professional increases the likelihood that your furnace function properly. Ask the contractor whether you need documentation from him to apply for a rebate. You might need proof that you worked with a certified contractor or, in some areas, the contractor might fill out and submit the application for you as part of the installation service.
Apply for the Rebate
If your contractor didn't submit information for your rebate, apply yourself, either online or by mail. Visit your utility company's website and find its "Rebates" tab; if you can't find it easily, call the company and ask if they offer an online rebate application. Either way, you might need to include a copy of your receipt, proof of installation, utility account number or most recent utility bill -- so have these items available while you fill out the application. Follow the application instructions precisely to ensure it is processed without difficulty.
Tags: your furnace, Annual Fuel, Annual Fuel Utilization, Efficiency rating, eligible rebate, Fuel Utilization, Fuel Utilization Efficiency
