When the Natural Choice Directory recently published a blog about Energy Efficient Lighting, we started thinking about all the possible energy-, and cost-, saving alternatives available to consumers here in the Puget Sound Area. So, we reached out to the Snohomish PUD to find out what they had to say about saving energy in the home. Read on, you will discover that they had quite a bit to say on the topic.
Please note that the incentives provided below are available only to Snohomish PUD customers. However, you will find similar offers from a number of utilities providers in the region. We encourage you to contact your local utilities provider, and see what money saving offers may be available to you.
GET GREEN @HOME! SNOHOMISH PUD INCENTIVES, REBATES & RESOURCES
In the past 30 years, Snohomish PUD customers have saved enough energy to power more than 70,000 homes! The utility offers many programs to help you cut your energy use and save money on your bill. Consider the following:
Weatherization & Heating Efficiency
Get help with adding insulation, insulated windows, heat pumps (air source and ductless) and thermostats. You can choose between a cash rebate or a 2.9 percent interest rate loan (electrically-heated homes only). Find more information at www.snopud.com/weatherization.
Efficient Appliances
The PUD offers rebates of $50 and $100 for approved clothes washers. These save both water and energy. Find more information at www.snopud.com/appliancerebates.
Fridge/Freezer Recycling
Get rid of that old, energy-wasting refrigerator or freezer and get a $30 PUD incentive. It's easy to participate. JACO Environmental picks up qualifying units right from customers' homes when they call for a collection. It also provides a convenient way to safely recycle these units and save money on energy bills. To schedule a pick-up, or for more details, call JACO Environmental at 1-877-577-0510.
Get a Free E-Kit
Save energy with our E-kit that includes a showerhead, two faucet aerators and two CFLs. Simply fill out the request form at www.snopud.com/ekits or call the PUD Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700.
Compact Fluorescent Lights
In the past decade, PUD customers have purchased more than 4 million compact fluorescent light bulbs at discounted prices through a retail network. These energy efficient lights come in all shapes and sizes to fit almost any type of lighting fixture. You can now find spirals, globes, candles, indoor/outdoor floodlights and even bug lights! Switching to CFLs makes good sense since lighting accounts for about 20 percent of electricity use in an average home and CFLs use one-fourth the energy of a standard incandescent bulb.
Recycle CFLs Safely
Just like other household items, such as used paint and batteries, CFLs need to be safely disposed when they've burned out. You can drop off old bulbs at any of the PUD's six offices, local Bartell Drugs stores, Home Depot stores and Snohomish County Solid Waste facilities. For more information about CFLs visit www.snopud.com or call our Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700.
Ductless Heat Pumps
The PUD offers rebates up to $800 for purchase of a ductless heat pump. PUD customers also may opt for a 2.9 percent loan (up to $6,000). Ductless systems heat and cool homes at a fraction of the cost of baseboards and wall heaters and don't require invasive ductwork. The systems are safe, quiet and heat rooms more evenly than other heating sources. Some units also may qualify for a federal tax credit.
What is a ductless heat pump?
A ductless heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system. It is easily installed as a new primary heat source for electrically heated homes. Ductless heat pumps are much safer, quieter and heat rooms more evenly than other heating sources. Ductless systems heat and cool homes at a fraction of the cost of baseboards and wall heaters and do not require expensive and invasive ductwork. Installation is as simple as mounting the indoor and outdoor units, connecting the refrigerant lines, and making a few electrical connections.
How the PUD helps businesses
Numerous energy efficiency measures are eligible for rebates under PUD programs for businesses. The utility offers:
Cash Incentives for Efficiency - New & Existing BuildingsLighting Project RebatesEnergySmart Grocer RebatesRebates for Network PC Power ManagementCommercial Kitchen RebatesOnline tools, Educational Seminars & More
For more information, call the PUD Energy Hotline - 425-783-1700.
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