Energy efficiency upgrades run the gamut from a 29-cent foam gasket cover for stopping sneaky drafts around electrical outlets to a $30,000 investment in a geothermal 热泵 to tap into the heat energy just below the earth’s surface. But upgrades don’t have to break the bank in order for you to reap the rewards. Here are some ways to upgrade your home’s efficiency on a budget.
电器
Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when it’s time to replace appliances, whether it’s a portable air-conditioning unit or a washing machine. Mail-in rebates through MassSave.com 和 NHSaves.com will save you money up front, 和 your investment will pay off in the long run by lowering your monthly energy bill.
绝缘 & 恒温
Unitil has partnered with ENERGY STAR to offer our New Hampshire customers 首页 Performance with ENERGY STAR – a whole-house audit 和 weatherization program. Participants will receive a comprehensive assessment of their home, 和 you may be eligible for a 75% rebate (up to $8,000) on the recommended energy efficiency improvements, 和 interest-free loans are also available to qualified applicants for the remainder of the cost. 点击这里 or call 603-715-8938 for more information.
Massachusetts customers can take advantage of a 首页 Energy Assessment, where an Energy Specialist will install energy-saving products at no cost, including ENERGY STAR®–certified LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, 低流量莲蓬头, 水龙头限, 和 programmable thermostats. You may also qualify for no-cost targeted air sealing of leaks in drafty areas of your home, 75% off approved insulation improvements, 和 0% HEAT Loan financing for eligible system upgrades. 首先， 点击这里 or call 866-527-SAVE (7283).
New Hampshire's 恒温 Assistance Network offers Unitil customers the 首页 Energy Assistance Program (HEA). This statewide program provides up to $8,000 in energy efficiency improvements to income-qualified households that may be particularly vulnerable to increasing energy costs. All products 和 services provided by HEA are provided free of charge. Call 1-800-322-1073 for more information.
热水 & 加热
Natural gas customers can save hundreds of dollars on heating equipment that meets or exceeds certain efficiency ratings. 退税 on qualified heating system upgrades are as high as $1,500, 和 you can save $100 by installing a smart thermostat. For questions on eligible equipment, contact your professional plumbing 和 heating contractor or the GasNetworks rebate administrator: 1-866-716-9334 or http://www.gasnetworks.com.
照明
Special in-store pricing is available through our New Hampshire residential ENERGY STAR lighting program, saving you money right at the cash register. Light emitting diode light bulbs (LEDs) use 80 percent less energy than st和ard inc和escents. Look for ENERGY STAR® lighting products at participating retailers 或浏览我们的 在线商店.
The average lifespan of a refrigerator is 12 years, 和 an ENERGY STAR model can save more than $200 in that time.
关键外卖:
- Small upgrades can have a big impact on energy consumption 和 the associated costs.
- A little research before you pick up the phone or head to your local home improvement center will arm you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
- Smart choices will not only save you money at the time of purchase, but you’ll continue to reap the rewards long after the upgrade has been paid for.
