Lake relaunches rebate program

Lake relaunches rebate program

Gerbasi, Chris

Staff Report

After a positive response in 2011, Lake County has relaunched the Go Green Get Green rebate program with $150,000 in available funds.

The program, which went into effect Monday, provides rebates to small commercial businesses and residents who install certain approved Energy Star products. The average household spends more than $2,200 on energy bills each year, with nearly half going toward heating and cooling costs.

Savings from Energy Star products include: a heat pump can trim 30 percent to 40 percent off a power bill; a qualified gas furnace is 10 percent more efficient than a conventional furnace; a qualified heat pump water heater can save nearly $300 a year compared to a standard electric water heater; a qualified solar water heater can cut water heating bills by 50 percent; a qualified gas tankless water heater can cut water heating expenses by 30 percent; sealing and insulating ducts can improve a heating and cooling system's efficiency by 20 percent.

Rebates are available for Lake County residents and small commercial business owners only, on a first-come, first-served basis. All upgrades, with the exception of appliances, must be installed by a registered or certified contractor with the state of Florida with a qualified license and be registered as a licensed contractor in Lake County.

The Department of Energy awarded $2.8 million to the county through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. More than $825,000 of those funds were dedicated to the rebate program in 2011 to increase energy efficiency and create local jobs in the county. Those funds were distributed by September 2011.

For a complete list of rebates and program information, go to http://www.gogreen.lakecountyfl.gov or call (352) 343-9700. Applications can be downloaded and submitted, along with supporting documentation, at that website or e-mailed to gogreen@lakecountyfl.gov, delivered in person to the Department of Community Services at 1300 S. Duncan Dr., Building E in Tavares, or mailed to P.O. Box 7800, Attn: Go Green Get Green, Tavares, FL 32778-7800.

Residential Upgrades Apply within Available Rebate

Duct Test and Repair 60 days after test/repair $70

Heat Pump After December 1, 2010 15% of total cost*, up to $500

Heat Pump Water Heater 60 days after replacement 25% of total cost*, up to $500

Natural Gas Water Heater 60 days after replacement 25% of total cost*, up to $500

Natural Gas Furnace 60 days after replacement $350

Programmable Thermostat 60 days after replacement $50

Radiant Barrier 60 days after installation $0.30 per sq. ft., up to $500

Solar Water Heater 60 days after replacement $600

Energy Star Appliances After May 1, 2010 Between $100 and $350

Small Business Upgrades Apply within Available Rebate

Duct Test and Repair 60 days after test/repair $70

Heat Pump After December 1, 2010 15% of total cost*, up to $500

High Efficiency Indoor Lighting 60 days after completion $30 per fixture, up to $1,000

Natural Gas Furnace 60 days after replacement $350

Occupancy Sensor 60 days after completion $20 - $50 per sensor, up to $500

*Total cost includes permit, equipment, installation, sales tax, etc.

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Lake relaunches rebate program