There was a collective “Oh no!” when Congress did not renew the Energy Tax Credit at the end of 2013. However, there is still good news for Missouri KCP&L (Sorry Kansas. No rebates you for the last 3 years, although their website indicates otherwise) customers who purchase wall, attic or ceiling insulation, or other energy efficient upgrades, in the form of am Efficiency Rebate. As a homeowner who may be in an older home or a home that may be fairly new but was not designed for efficiency, there is a lot you can do to find out where you are losing money.
Qualify for Rebates $600-$1,200
In order to get these rebates from KCP&L you have to follow these steps.
- By July 6th complete a comprehensive home energy assessment with an approved contractor on the KCP&L list. This audit takes 2 hours and costs between $200-400. The auditor will blow a 20 mile per hour wind through your house and assess whether your home is “tight” or “loose”. Energy Auditors take a whole home approach. They check your furnace, hot water heater, air conditioner, insulation and windows. If your furnace is 20 yrs old they may recommend you upgrade it and to an 80-90 sear furnace. You need to replace the equipment and not simply fix it. The energy auditor will teach you about your house. According the Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC), a non-profit that strives to be a catalyst for energy efficiency, economic development and alternative fuel exploration, “the proper amount of attic insulation is 15-18” deep. Blowing 12” inches of insulation into your attic makes an incredible difference”. The auditor will leave you with recommendations on improvements that will increase the energy efficiency in your home
- Select one or more of the improvements on the report. Implement at least one of the recommendations from your auditor to qualify for the rebate. After your upgrade installation the auditor come back and re-inspect.
- The Energy auditor must verify the estimated energy savings through a re-test and complete the rebate form.
Important rebates dates
You must have your Home Performance Energy Audit before July 6, 2014 and implement one or more of the recommendations before January 1, 2015 to qualify for this rebate. Missouri Gas Energy is also offering a $600 rebate and does not have these deadlines. This program is not being eliminated (as of this article). To take advantage of the KCP&L and the MGE rebates, the July 6th audit and the January 1, 2015 deadlines need to be followed. MGE will still be providing the Efficiency Rebates and the inspection does not have to be before 7/6 in order to apply for the efficiency rebates for MGE alone. Rebates include materials and labor.
According to the MEC, there will be another efficiency type of program for KCP&L customers that will replace the one being eliminated. The specifics of this new program are being decided upon in the near future. At this point in time, Kansas does not offer energy efficiency rebates. If you are a resident of Kansas, The MEC is suggesting that you discuss this with you politicians.
Know your Home and Get a Rebate
Do you know your home as well as you think you do? An Energy Audit will reveal where you are wasting energy and money. Taking their recommendations can save you up to $1,200 in rebates (in the form of credits on your KCP&L and MGE bills) by installing insulation in your attic or other energy efficient upgrades. If you audit indicates that your home is in need of insulation, trust Murray Insulation to upgrade the efficiency of your attic insulation. The rebates cover materials and labor for insulation. Murray Insulation is a family owned, local company that has been in business since 1985!
To schedule your energy audit by July 6, contact Dan Kosman (816) 699-9992.
