Energy saving technologies can simultaneously reduce environmental impact and save homeowners money. However, many energy-saving technologies have prohibitively expensive upfront costs. Although adoption of these technologies reduces overall costs, it often takes several years before savings cover the initial purchase.
As a result, federal, state, and local governments, nonprofits, and businesses have created incentive programs intended to reduce upfront costs and make the adoption of sustainable practices available to everyone.
Beverly/Morgan Park residents are eligible for the following incentive programs. More complete information is available at www.bapa.org under the resources tab.
This information was researched, summarized and coordinated by Thomas Dowling through a fellowship from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) to create a new sustainability initiative in the BAPA service area.
Dowling’s project is designed to demonstrate the value of sustainability and the economic benefits it can provide for communities and identify resources for funding for neighborhood sustainability.
Rebates and Free Upgrades
ComEd Home Energy Assessment. A ComEd-authorized energy advisor will collect information about your home’s energy use by looking at your heating and cooling systems, water heater and attic then provide recommendations for ways to save energy and money.
The energy advisor may install free energy-saving products such as Energy Star LEDs, programmable thermostats, WaterSense certified shower heads and faucet aerators and hot water pipe insulation.
The average customer saves over $100 a year on utility bills with the products installed during the assessment.
Owners of single-family homes, two-flats, condos, and townhomes who are ComEd residential delivery service customers are eligible for the free assessment. Information and appointments: 855-433-2700, Have your ComEd and natural gas utility account numbers available when you call.
ComEd Appliance Rebates. Appliances are expensive to purchase, and, if they are not energy-efficient, expensive to run. ComEd offers rebates for Energy Star certified appliances that range from $25 on room air conditioners to $400 on central air conditioning. Eligible products include air purifiers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, heat pumps, insulation and much more.
To be eligible you must be a current ComEd residential delivery service customer. Applications must be submitted within 60 days from purchase date or by Feb. 28, 2019, whichever comes first. Appliances must be new and purchased in Illinois. Application information is available at www.comed.com under the Ways to Save tab.
ComEd Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling. Refrigerators over 15 years old can use twice as much energy as newer models and could be costing you about $110 a year in electricity. ComEd will recycle your old, working fridge or freezer, and send you $50 and an additional $10 if recycling a room A/C at the same time. Refer to ComEd’s website to check eligibility and apply.
Peoples Gas Home Energy Rebate Program. Peoples Gas provides rebates on HVAC, water heaters and weatherization to owners of single-family homes, two-flats and individually-metered condos, apartments, and townhomes on a wide range of energy-saving improvements to their homes. Eligible products include natural gas boilers and water heaters, insulation and duct sealing. Find a list of products at www.bapa.org
Equipment must be new and installed in Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas customer dwellings with a Service Classification 1 Account, which can be found listed at the top of monthly bills.
Refer to Peoples Gas’ website for eligibility and applications. To speak with a program representative and learn more, call 855-849-8928.
The Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit applies to energy efficiency improvements in the building envelope of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment. Tax credits are worth 10% of the cost of upgrading the efficiency. Installation costs are not included and the credit is capped at $500.
Eligible improvement must meet the requirements of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Among the eligible improvements are exterior doors and windows
The Residential Renewable Energy Tax credit is up to a 30% credit on qualified expenditures for renewable energy systems installed in homes owned and used as a residence by the taxpayer. Systems must meet requirements, and include solar electric, solar water heating, fuel cells, geothermal heating and small wind energy.
Credit are claimed on income tax filings with the IRS.
Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems
Illinois offers a special assessment of solar energy systems that can reduce your property tax liability.
Eligible equipment includes qualifying active and passive solar energy systems. To have solar energy property valued, file the State of Illinois PTAX-330 property tax form with the county assessor’s office.
