I recently found a $20 bill in the pocket of one of my favorite pairs of jeans that I’d forgotten all about. Let me tell you, there’s just nothing like coming across money that you didn’t remember you had.
This got me thinking about rebates, specifically the rebates that are available to us here in California when we invest in windows that improve HVAC efficiency—and make our homes more environmentally-friendly as a result.
The list of available rebates is always changing from year to year, and 2018 is no exception. I think it’s useful to go over some of the most frequently asked questions about California window rebates in 2018 from the perspective of a window company right here in Sacramento. You probably want to know if you qualify, how much you stand to get back on your purchase, and what all the other stipulations are. Here are some of the questions about California window rebates in 2018 that I’ve been hearing from homeowners lately:
Q: Which models and products are eligible for California window rebates in 2018?
A: This question is a great place to start; if the windows you want aren’t eligible, then that’s that. Today, we’re going to be talking generally about the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program, which is open to residents of Sacramento, as well as the rest of California.
This program provides incentives and rebates for homeowners who decide to invest in energy-efficient windows, i.e. dual pane windows.
The most important thing to know about the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program is that it takes a whole-home energy efficiency approach to the upgrades it supports. This program provides incentives and rebates for homeowners who decide to invest in energy-efficient windows, i.e. dual pane windows. There’s the short answer, but this leads us to our next question…
Q: How do double pane windows work?
A: I’ve explained how double pane windows work before, and why they’re the ones that qualify for rebates, but, in brief, as the name suggests, double pane windows are made up of two panes of glass, either tempered or laminated, held in a single frame. Rather than sitting tightly up against one another, though, the panes are separated by a cavity.
This cavity, created by spacers, is either a sealed vacuum or is filled with a non-toxic gas like argon. This creates an insulating effect that holds the conditioned air in your home inside and means that your HVAC system—whether it’s your furnace or your AC—doesn’t have to run as much to keep your home comfortable, lowering your energy use and your power bill.
Q: How much can a 2018 California window rebate save me?
A: Well, that depends, especially with the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade. The amount of money it can save you varies depending on the size of your house, to some extent. On average, though, this program generally allows homeowners to earn up to $3,000, but that also includes rebates and promotions related to other key components of the whole-home energy approach such as installing attic insulation in your California home, professional duct sealing, and an HVAC replacement.
On average, though, this program generally allows homeowners to earn up to $3,000…
Q: When will I be eligible for California window rebates?
A word of caution, however: last year the program was so popular that the incentive funds available were depleted by late September.
A: Right now! The Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program is actually already underway, as of January 1, 2018. A word of caution, however: last year the program was so popular that the incentive funds available were depleted by late September. So, if you’re thinking about installing energy efficient windows, but only if you can access the window rebates offered to Californians, I would advise you that it’s a good idea to act on it sooner, rather than later.
Q: Where do I start if I’m interested in California’s 2018 window rebates?
A: Now, it is possible to navigate these tricky rebate waters on your own, but I would highly recommend working with an experienced window installation expert who has dealt with the ins and outs of the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program many times before. While there are small changes to the ways these programs work from year to year, generally, the process to qualify remains the same, so an experienced and locally-based window installation company can be an incredible asset for any homeowner looking to benefit from California’s window rebates this year.
…an experienced and locally-based window installation company can be an incredible asset for any homeowner looking to benefit from California’s window rebates this year.
Those are the most frequently asked questions about the 2018 California window rebates. I’m sure many of you out there may have questions of your own, though. That’s okay, professional and friendly help is just a call away.
In fact, Bell Brothers has been helping folks throughout the Sacramento area take advantage of California-specific and local window rebates for years. We’re also experts on the other incentivized additions you can make to your home to really take advantage of a whole-home energy efficiency approach. Those rebates you earn, plus the money you start to save on your energy bills from having a more efficient heating and cooling setup, will be like found money in your pocket, month after month.
Stop wondering about the ins and outs of the California window rebates available in 2018. Contact the experienced installation professionals at Bell Brothers today for all the answers you need to make a sound financial decision.
Wondering how to finance that new plumbing or water heater? HERO is a unique financing option that helps California homeowners afford energy efficient upgrades to their home. Contact Bell Brothers, a HERO-approved contractor, to learn more. Our local HVAC, plumbing, and window specialists will walk you through the entire process, from applications to installation.
Image courtesy AndreyPopov