Bel Red Energy Blog

Just as you want to see the energy savings you expect when you invest in home efficiency upgrades, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) wants to make sure that the rebates they are paying on those upgrades will deliver dividends too. In an effort to make sure this happens, PSE has announced several important changes to their rebate programs. If you or your contractor are not aware of these changes, it could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in lost utility rebates!

While properly installed and functioning windows are essential for the protection and comfort of your home, claims of energy savings have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, the FTC recently settled charges against 5 window replacement companies that made exaggerated claims about the energy efficiency of their windows, and how much money consumers could save on their heating and cooling bills by having them installed.

Last October, the Department of Energy finalized new energy conservation standards for gas furnaces that will make it illegal to install equipment if it does not meet the new minimum standards for its region.. These rules for furnaces take effect on May 1, 2013, and rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps that take effect on January 1, 2015. In the Northern Region (which includes the Pacific Northwest), a new minimum standard of 90% efficiency for furnaces will require more expensive condensing furnaces. 

Congratulations to Brandon Richer and Braxton Tacbian, our Installation of the Week winners for the week of 2/30/12. Brandon and Braxton completed a complex retrofit, including a high efficiency gas furnace and ductless heat pump with two indoor units, to improve the comfort and efficiency concerns of the Flemings in Lake Forest Park

Snohomish County PUD customers who have electric heat and want to install insulation, windows, or a heat pump can receive substantial rebates or low-cost loans! Work must be completed by a PUD-registered installer (Like Bel Red Energy Solutions) to PUD specifications. All work must be authorized by the PUD before starting - so be sure to call PUD or Bel Red today for more information.

Click HERE for more information on available rebates from PUD, or to start the applicaiton process.