Grant PUD rebate program helps homeowners improve energy efficiency

EPHRATA — There are houses out there that are – well, they’re a little bald. No offense, but they’re lacking in insulation.

Adding insulation to attic spaces that don’t have enough – or maybe don’t have any – insulation is a good way to reduce heating and cooling bills. Grant County PUD has a rebate program that helps qualifying homeowners improve energy efficiency in their residences, and Eric Hector of the PUD said improving insulation can make an almost immediate difference.

The PUD’s rebate program offers three options to qualifying customers: installing additional insulation; upgrading heating-cooling systems; and upgrading windows. Of the three, insulation provides the biggest payoff, “especially attic insulation,” Hector said.

That’s especially true where a home currently has two inches or less of insulation. Bulking up can make a big difference.

“You definitely notice your results right away,” Hector said.

The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its heat retention, expressed as an R factor. Current Washington construction codes require new houses to have an insulation value of R-49. The PUD rebate program provides insulation up to that R-49 value.

Participating homes “would be insulated the same as a brand-new house,” Hector said.

Adequate insulation reduces temperature fluctuations in the house, helps with soundproofing and is environmentally friendly. An adequately insulated house reduces energy use, which also helps energy producers, such as the PUD.

“We help the customer save electricity, and save them money ultimately, but it also helps us hit our targets,” Hector said.

Most Washington utilities are subject to the regulations first imposed by I-937, originally approved by voters and since amended by the Washington Legislature. The initiative requires utilities, among other things, to encourage energy savings and help their customers find ways to save.

Not all windows qualify for the rebate program, Hector said. Many wood- and metal-frame windows will qualify, but most vinyl-frame windows won’t.

More energy-efficient windows won’t necessarily provide substantial savings on electricity bills.

“But you do notice more comfort in your home,” he said.

Replacing an electric furnace with a more energy-efficient heat pump will reduce electricity use, Hector said.

People who want to make inquiries about the rebate program are encouraged to call Hector at the PUD, 509-766-2512.

“Usually the first step would be to call us,” he said. Qualified applicants are required to use a contractor from a PUD-approved list, among other things.

Even if the customer doesn’t qualify for the rebate program, the PUD’s conservation department can help in finding alternatives.

“We can point them in the right direction,” Hector said.