Bloomington, Indiana – Residents of Bloomington, including renters, landlords, and homeowners, now have an opportunity to significantly reduce their utility bills through the Indiana Energy Saver program, which offers substantial rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. This initiative, managed by the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED), is designed to help improve energy efficiency in homes and apartments while also offering financial relief to those who take advantage of the rebates.
The Indiana Energy Saver program consists of two primary components: the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program and the Home Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. Both programs aim to lower energy consumption, which, in turn, reduces the cost of utility bills for residents across the state. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, this program presents an invaluable chance to improve the energy efficiency of your living space while benefiting from substantial financial incentives.
The HOMES program is focused on residential energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits. These upgrades can involve a combination of energy-efficient products and materials, such as insulation, air sealing, and new HVAC systems, with the goal of reducing a home’s energy usage by at least 20%. This program requires a comprehensive whole-home energy assessment, which will provide residents with specific recommendations for energy-saving improvements.
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For low-income households, this program offers an even greater advantage. Those who qualify may receive up to 100% of the project cost covered, with the possibility of funding up to $18,000 for items like Energy Star-rated HVAC systems, water heaters, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. This can lead to an immediate reduction in household energy costs while increasing long-term savings on utility bills.
Meanwhile, the HEAR program targets low- and moderate-income households, offering financial assistance for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. Through this program, residents can receive rebates for equipment such as heat pump HVAC systems, Energy Star-certified cooktops, water heaters, clothes dryers, and insulation. The total discount for eligible projects under HEAR can reach up to $14,000, making it a valuable opportunity for many households looking to make energy-efficient upgrades.
The process to access these rebates is straightforward. Indiana home energy rebates are applied directly at the point of sale, so residents don’t need to wait for reimbursement. Discounts are applied automatically during the transaction with an approved contractor, ensuring that the financial savings are immediate. Depending on the type of project and household income, rebate amounts can vary, offering flexibility for residents in different financial situations.
One of the key benefits of these programs is the ability to stack incentives. For example, homeowners can combine the HOMES or HEAR rebates with the Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program (BGHIP) rebate, further reducing the cost of energy upgrades. However, it’s important to note that the total combined rebate cannot exceed the total project cost. To take advantage of this combined savings, residents should apply for the state rebate first and then seek the BGHIP rebate once they have received their state rebate quote.
Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability for Bloomington, explained the considerable savings residents can achieve by stacking multiple incentives. “When residents stack incentives from the Office of Energy Development, the City of Bloomington, Duke Energy, and federal tax credits, the savings are quite substantial,” Miya said. “Now is the best time to make these upgrades while funding lasts. When we increase energy efficiency, it not only saves us money, but also helps us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve our air quality.”
For example, a typical heat pump HVAC system can cost around $10,000. But for a resident who makes less than 150% of the Area Median Income ($104,300), the total cost after combining all available incentives could be as low as $2,275. This drastic reduction makes energy-efficient systems more accessible and affordable for many residents who may otherwise have difficulty affording such upgrades.
Bloomington’s energy-saving incentive programs are part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. These programs align with the city’s commitment to climate action and sustainability goals, making it easier for residents to make environmentally friendly choices while saving money in the process.
For those interested in participating in these programs, further details and instructions can be found on the City of Bloomington’s sustainability website at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability, or by visiting the City’s climate action dashboard at bloomington.climatenavhub.com. Residents are encouraged to act quickly, as these funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In conclusion, the Indiana Energy Saver program provides a golden opportunity for Bloomington residents to reduce their energy costs while improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or renter, these rebates offer an affordable path to a greener, more cost-effective living space. With assistance from local, state, and federal incentives, now is the perfect time to take action and start saving.
