The program will cover up to 80% of the energy-efficient home improvements, according to the program manager, Jason Berry (the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by the Utah State Energy Program).

If you’re planning to stay in your home for years to come, energy-wise retrofits could save you hundreds over the years. Even if you plan to sell in the near future, making changes now could actually increase the value of your home to prospective buyers (especially if you list with an EcoBroker® Certified Realtor, who knows how to market energy efficient features).

More than 750 Utah homeowners are expected to make the recommended energy efficiency retrofits, reducing their household’s energy use by 20% or greater. The funding is limited, so interested homeowners should act quickly – and start saving money right away!

In addition to the grant money available through Utah Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, homeowners who make energy efficient upgrades to their homes may also receive federal tax credits and rebates through local utility companies.

What are you waiting for?  Contact me for more details: 435 647-3727 or UtahGreenHomes@gmail.com.

Blog post contributed by Beverly Hanson, Certified EcoBroker in Salt Lake City.  For all Real Estate needs along the Wasatch Front, Beverly can be found at slcgreenhomes.com

The United States Department of Energy estimates “uncontrolled” air leakage can account for 30% or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs, and contribute to problems with moisture.

Air can go straight through glass fiber and cellulose, but it can’t go through COMFORT FOAM® closed-cell technology.  It is more than just insulation – it also provides an air barrier to properly seal your home.

Megan Luckan from Superior Insulation says “Closed cell foam gives high R value and air sealing and is the best bang for the buck, when it comes to thermally insulating your home”.

When considering building to a green standard (Energy Star, Build Green Utah, LEED for Homes), check the additional points gained with your choice of insulation.  More important, check available rebates from Questar & Rocky Mountain Power and State or Federal tax credits that may apply.  Enjoy greater comfort and lower utility costs for years to come!

At the end of the day, choosing Closed-Cell Foam is an easy decision.

For more information call Megan Luckan, Superior Insulation 801 972-3737 (cell) or MeganL@superiorinsulation.com

One of the featured vendors at the Swaner EcoFestival this week was DW Crosby displaying the All Season Control Cover.  According to the Department of Energy, 14% of energy loss in a typical home is through the fireplace.  The Control Cover is a chimney top fireplace damper system, perfect for new construction, or to repair or replace your current chimney caps or fireplace dampers.

Conserve energy and increase comfort.  Learn more at ControlCover.com

This loan allows buyers to add up to:
$35K for non-structural home improvements and upgrades
$8K for Energy Efficiency Upgrades (Ex. windows, furnace, insulation, energy star appliances, etc.)
$2K for Weatherization Upgrades

These loans are the perfect solution for buyers who want to buy a “fixer upper” or even those who simply want to update a home that doesn’t have the granite countertops and new appliances they want.

While these loans are perfect for the right buyer, they can be tricky to navigate. Make sure you work with a loan officer who knows the ins and outs of the 203K process and can minimize the impact on the borrower.

Carl Churchill
service-integrity-solutions
Community Banker
Mortgage and RefinanceSpecialist
mobile 801.573.8475
www.greenmortgageutah.com

Cash for Appliances Utah Details
•Cash for Appliances Utah is an appliance replacement program. Consumers must replace an existing appliance to qualify for Cash for Appliances Utah rebates.
•Purchase on or after May 12, 2010
•Available rebates:
•$75 rebate on clothes washers with a modified energy factor (MEF) of 2.0 or greater and a water factor (WF) of 6.0 or less
•$30 rebate on ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners
•$300 rebate on ENERGY STAR® qualified gas furnaces with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of at least 90%
•$300 on ENERGY STAR® qualified gas tankless water heaters with an energy factor (EF) of at least.82
•$50 on gas storage water heaters with an energy factor (EF) of at least .67
•Recycling your old appliances is encouraged
•Rebates are in addition to available utility, retailer and/or manufacturer rebates
•Rebates are available only while funds last

Go to Cash for Appliances Utah for Rebate Form, list of Qualified Products and FAQs.

Only purchases made after the start of the program will be eligible for a rebate. Consumers will be required to certify the rebated appliance will replace an appliance being taken out of service. Applications forms will be available at the point of sale and from a dedicated web site that is under development. Consumers can use the ENERGY STAR website to search for products by efficiency rating at this website.

Energy-inefficient homes and appliances

Ten years ago, shopping for home upgrades involved looking at a product’s functionality and aesthetic. Now, there’s another component: energy efficiency.

Today, the products most touted by manufacturers and retailers are those that are Energy Star certified and those that meet new federal environmental standards — most of which have higher price tags than their counterparts but help to lower heating and cooling bills.

The government is offering a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 on energy-efficient home upgrades through Dec. 31, 2016. But many are set to expire by Dec. 31, 2010; these include eligible insulation, roofs and windows and doors.