| Saving More With Rebates | ||
By now, it’s likely even the most frugal among us have turned on the heat as we prepare for yet another New England winter. Though fuel prices are down this year, it’s important to remember that energy efficiency is still the best way to save on heating and electricity bills. Along with the many energy saving tips we’ve offered in past months, NSTAR has a number of rebates available to help offset the cost of making your home more efficient. The following list highlights those money-saving offers. Programmable thermostats – One of the most cost-effective ways to lower heating bills, many ENERGY STAR-labeled programmable thermostats also qualify for a $25 rebate. Prices start around $30. Insulation – Adding insulation in attics and walls can pay for itself very quickly. And with NSTAR’s 75 percent rebate up to $2,000, now’s a perfect time to do it. Heating system replacement – If you’re planning on replacing your current heating system, look into our rebates of up to $1,000 for high-efficiency gas units and $500 for oil or propane units. Water heater replacement – Save up to $300 on qualifying high-efficiency tankless or indirect water heaters. Replacement windows – If you’re planning to replace windows in your home, look into NSTAR’s $10 per window rebate for upgrading to super-efficient “low-e” windows. ENERGY STAR-labeled refrigerators – Because fridges are among the top electricity users in most homes, replacing an old, inefficient one is worth considering. Our $50 rebate on qualified units can help. Smart Strips – As more electronic devices appear in homes, controlling the energy they use is becoming increasingly important. By using Smart Strips to plug in audio and video components, computers and other devices that use power 24/7, you’ll reduce what’s commonly known as phantom power. NSTAR offers a $25 rebate on Smart Strips. To get more information about NSTAR’s rebates, or for additional energy saving tips, click on "Energy Efficiency" in the left-hand side menu above. In my next column, I’ll discuss holiday decorating safety and efficiency tips.
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| Bill Stack is NSTAR's energy efficiency spokesman. He can be reached by emailing brightideas@nstar.com. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Bill, please call Caroline Allen (617-424-2460) or Mike Durand (508-441-5831). |