Weatherization Assistance and Energy Efficiency
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Its effects on our planet have been catastrophic, including rising temperatures, storms, and sea levels. The need to fight climate change is now more critical than ever before. There are many approaches that we can take to combat climate change, and one of the most significant amongst them is energy efficiency and weatherization.
Energy Efficiency
Moving towards energy efficiency is the primary goal in this fight against climate change. The benefits of energy efficiency go beyond environmental stewardship. Energy efficiency also reduces energy consumption, which saves money for individuals and businesses alike. In addition to this, it reduces carbon footprints, which leads to cleaner air and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Weatherization
The second approach is weatherization, it is action taken to reduce heat loss from a building during cold seasons. Weatherization is done by insulating ceilings or roofs, doors, windows, and floors. Proper weatherization can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Weatherization not only reduces carbon footprints also it leads to a decrease in energy bills for homeowners. Weatherization is an economical way to reduce energy consumption and increase energy performance at homes and buildings.
North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income North Carolinians save energy, reduce their utility bills, and stay safe in their homes. Its mission is to keep North Carolina citizens warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and safe all year long while educating the public about energy efficiency and household safety. The program’s focus is on the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high energy users, and the energy burdened. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality administers the Weatherization Assistance Program with annual funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
How to Apply: https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/energy-group/weatherization-assistance-program/how-apply
Eligibility Guidelines: https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/state-energy-office/weatherization-assistance-program/eligibility-guidelines
Federal Programs
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.
Energy Star Rebate Finder
Several utilities (including those that serve Brunswick County) offer rebates on energy efficiency equipment. You can search for a rebate by zip code.
Tax Credits for Homeowners
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, federal income tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements will be available through 2032. A broad selection of ENERGY STAR certified equipment is eligible for the tax credits. Independently certified to save energy, ENERGY STAR products are a smart investment for energy efficiency you can count on.
Any matters related to tax credits should be discussed with your financial advisor.
Annual Limits on Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credits
In addition to limits on the amount of credit you can claim for any particular equipment installation or home improvement, there are annual aggregate limits. The overall total limit for an efficiency tax credit in one year is $3,200. This breaks down to a total limit of $1,200 for any combination of home envelope improvements (windows/doors/skylights, insulation, electrical) plus furnaces, boilers and central air conditioners. Any combination of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and biomass stoves/boilers are subject to an annual total limit of $2,000.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the federal income tax credit for solar energy systems.
The following Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit amounts apply for the prescribed periods:
- 30% for property placed in service after December 31, 2016, and before January 1, 2020
- 26% for property placed in service after December 31, 2019, and before January 1, 2022
- 30% for property placed in service after December 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2033
- 26% for property placed in service after December 31, 2032, and before January 1, 2034
- 22% for property placed in service after December 31, 2033, and before January 1, 2035
Heating and Cooling Equipment
Furnaces (Natural Gas, Oil, Propane)
Water Heater Tax Credits
Building Products
Residential Clean Energy
Other Tax Credits
Tax Credit Calculator/Retrofit Decision Tool
Tax Credit Calculator
Rewiring America provides a calculator to help you determine if you are eligible for tax credits for various energy related improvements, e.g. solar, efficiency. Please be advised that the values presented are just estimates. Any matters related to tax credits should be discussed with your financial advisor. https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator
Retrofit Decision Tool
The U.S. Department of Energy offers a tool to help you make decisions as related to retrofits for your home or building. The primary goal of this tool is to help you identify a simplified pathway for buildings to become zero carbon aligned (ZCA).
