As the seasons change it’s a good time to consider some home improvements before it gets too cold. Beyond cleaning out your gutters from the falling leaves, there’s other options that take time but can save you money in the long run.
Residential energy usage accounts for one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, which is probably why Idaho utilities offer free or low cost home energy assessments. Home upgrades can be expensive – especially when paid for completely out of pocket – but thanks to new federal legislation, there’s financial assistance for all kinds of home upgrades right now.
These financial benefits for home upgrades fall into two main categories: home electrification and reducing overall household energy use. These benefits are available for all kinds of living situations, from homeowners of single family homes to renters and even those in multi-family dwellings and even four-plexes. If you’re low or middle income, the benefits are even better to help incentivize you to upgrade!
Some examples of home electrification upgrades include replacing a gas furnace for an electric heat pump, switching out a gas for an electric or induction stove, and even electrifying your water heater. Those tend to be bigger ticket purchases, but you receive the discounts at the time of purchase (over $800 for an induction stove, up to $14,000 for a heat pump).
Other home upgrades are far cheaper and are targeted to reduce your overall energy usage. You may not realize where cool air is coming from, but ~20% comes from leaks in doors and windows, ~35% is from holes in floors and ceilings, and ~40% from leaks in ducts, fireplaces, and plumbing. Those can be hard to identify, which is why the energy efficiency audits through utilities are so helpful. Upgrades to help seal those heating losses mentioned above are covered through these federal programs.
By doing any one of these little things you’re helping the climate, but you’re also saving money in the long run! See below to find your utility and how to sign up for an energy audit. But don’t delay in making an appointment – some people are on waiting lists. That comes as no surprise to us – who doesn’t like helping the climate and saving money!?
Avista utility services North Idaho (including Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville and north)
Rocky Mountain Power utility services Eastern Idaho (including Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Soda Springs and east)
Idaho Power services most of Southern Idaho (McCall, Ketchum, Pocatello, Treasure Valley)
For more ways to stay updated on Idaho’s climate, sign up for our ICL Climate Campaign updates here!