Is there grant money available to install an energy saving heating and cooling system in a new home?
The Office of Energy Security does not have grant money available for installing mechanical systems. However, there are various rebates and incentives available through your local utilities, and tax credits are available from the federal government ( www.dsireusa.org ). In addition, we can offer suggestions that will help you make your home more efficient, an approach that can help save additional energy. The primary focus of energy saving in a home is proper air-sealing and insulation. The attention to detail on these items can pay huge dividends in reducing energy consumption. It is so important that we recommend having an energy audit (including a blower door test) upon completion of the building envelope, to insure that no voids or air leaks are present. Also, during the design phase, attention should be given to proper window placement, including the use of windows with a low SGHC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient); many of these windows will also qualify for the federal tax credit. Al
