Energy Efficiency

The benefits of energy efficiency include lower utility bills, reduced air pollution and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

For existing homes, efficiency improvements fall into three categories:

Do it yourself—achieving up to 30% utility savings through simple, low cost measures that are possible even on a modest budget, such as weather-stripping and caulking, installing compact fluorescent bulbs, using ceiling fans instead of central air conditioning, or washing clothes in cold water. Energy saving tips  

Home performance improvements—achieving 30-70% utility savings by hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit, air sealing, installing new insulation (such as blowing in dense pack cellulose into existing walls) and replacing inefficient heating and hot water systems. List of energy auditors  

Deep energy reductions—achieving 70-100% utility savings through measures such as adding on to existing walls to make room for additional insulation, and installing renewable energy systems.

Other Resources

• Simple strategies to cut utility bills
• Fun support and competition to reduce your carbon footprint
• Ohio Department of Development has financial incentives for energy efficiency: Office of Energy Efficiency
• Energy Star Home Improvement
• DOE energy efficiency and renewable energy information
• Architecture 2030 Climate Change Challenge homeowner information
• Passive House U.S is a green building standard promoting homes that are so efficient they may not need a standard furnace.
• Green Energy Ohio has excellent resources on renewable energy.

Grants and Incentives for Energy Efficiency

Updated July 30, 2009

For help paying energy bills in Ohio:  

http://development.ohio.gov/cdd/ocs/energyhelp.htm

Weatherization program for energy efficiency improvements, for renters and homeowners (income restrictions):

In City of Cleveland: http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/clnd_images/communitydevelopment/hwap.pdf

In Cuyahoga County: http://development.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/weatherization-assistance.aspx

Renewable Energy Grants for Ohio homeowners:

• Solar photovoltaic - $3/watt up to $25,000
• Residential wind – lesser of $2/kwh or 50%, up to $25,000

http://www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/ELFGrant.htm

• Solar hot water: $30 per kBtu/day rating up to $2400

http://www.greenenergyohio.org/page.cfm?pageId=2295

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

• Federal tax credits for energy efficiency – 30% of cost, up to $1500
• Energy Star windows and storm windows
• Energy Star doors and storm doors
• Energy Star labeled metal roofs
• Insulation, not including installation
• Qualifying air conditioners
• Qualifying 95% efficient furnaces
• Qualifying hot water heaters
• Biomass stove with thermal efficiency of 75%
• Federal tax credits for renewable energy - of 30% of cost, no limit
• Solar photovoltaic
• Small wind
• Solar thermal
• Geothermal

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

Loans:

Eco Link: Low interest loans from the Ohio Treasurer for energy efficiency improvements using Energy Star Products and “Energy Star contractors”.

Low-interest loans for homes in the City of Cleveland, that can be used to finance energy efficiency improvements.

Low-interest loans for homes in Cuyahoga County, that can be used to finance energy efficiency improvements:

• Cleveland Restoration Society
• Housing Enhancement Loan Program

Energy Efficient Mortgages:

Energy Efficient Mortgages allow buyers to qualify for a larger loan, based on projected utility bill savings from energy efficiency improvements. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.energy_efficient_mortgage