United's Rebate Program Sparks Savings

For decades, United has actively supported its members’ energy innovation efforts through various incentives, most notably its rebate program. As technology and industry demands have evolved, United’s rebate offerings have adapted to better serve both individual members and the membership as a whole.

Since 2010, United has awarded over 45,000 rebates for a range of residential energy efficiency improvements. Participation in United’s Energy Innovation Rebate Program has consistently increased—a trend expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

In addition to reviewing its rebate offerings annually, United also occasionally gets a more comprehensive analysis by an industry consulting firm. Recently, this independent, third-party entity provided United with a detailed cost-benefit analysis to confirm that all energy innovation programs remain cost-justified. The estimated energy savings of each offering is also a crucial factor to consider. The evaluation included analyses from both the member’s perspective and that of the entire cooperative, ensuring a holistic review of each offering.

In terms of member participation, the HVAC tune-up rebate has significantly outperformed all other offerings. United members continually take advantage of this rebate to gain insight into their systems’ performance and ensure their equipment operates within designed specifications. While having a qualified professional inspect an HVAC system provides many benefits, the resulting energy savings are generally less significant compared to other rebate offerings. Subsequently, based on the rebate analysis, this annual benefit amount will be adjusted to $75 per unit per year for 2025.

When an HVAC system finally reaches the end of its life expectancy and tune-ups no longer can keep it running effectively, it may be time for a replacement. All-electric homes have gained new opportunities for energy savings with the development and commercialization of HVAC heat pumps. United members can take advantage of the heat pump rebate to help offset the cost of a complete system changeout. Historically, United has offered heat pump rebates for systems with efficiency ratings two steps above the minimum required, and this practice will continue in 2025. All air-source heat pump HVAC systems with ratings above 17 SEER or 16.2 SEER2 will be eligible for a $200 rebate. Geothermal heat pumps with ratings above 17 EER also qualify for a $200 rebate.

With the increasing presence of electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, United continues to incentivize the installation of Level 2 chargers at members’ residences. To qualify for this rebate, members must enroll in Beat the Peak notifications, and the charger must be programmed to operate outside summer peak times of 3 to 7 p.m. In 2025, the incentive will cover 50 percent of equipment and installation costs, up to $250.

While Wi-Fi thermostats come standard on most new HVAC systems, United will offer a $50 rebate to residential members for each new smart Nest, ecobee, or Honeywell thermostat installed. Additional incentives may be available for select models through enrollment and participation in United’s Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) program. United encourages members to learn more about these additional incentives at www.ucs.net/thermostat-program.

In a typical residence, an electric water heater usually consumes the second-largest amount of electricity. If a member has a water heater located in an unconditioned area of their home and experiences significant hot water demand, United recommends installing a heat pump water heater. These units are twice as efficient as standard electric tank water heaters. Members who upgrade to a heat pump water heater can receive a rebate of $150, provided the unit has at least a 40-gallon capacity and a minimum energy factor of 2.0.

United’s attic insulation rebate not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to year-round household comfort. Without proper insulation, a home’s energy envelope becomes more susceptible to ambient temperatures, making it feel cold and drafty in winter or hot and stuffy in summer. Inadequate insulation typically forces HVAC systems to work harder to maintain comfortable indoor conditions, increasing energy consumption. To qualify for the attic insulation rebate, a free home energy audit must be performed before installation. If a United energy expert verifies that a member has eight inches of insulation or less, the member qualifies for the retrofit attic insulation rebate, paid only up to a maximum depth of 12 inches. United provides two cents per inch installed per square foot of attic space.

United’s commitment to supporting its members through innovative energy solutions remains steadfast as the rebate program continues to evolve. By adapting to technological advancements and changing market demands, United not only enhances the energy efficiency of homes, but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The adjustments for 2025 reflect a thoughtful approach to incentivizing participation in energy-saving measures, ensuring that members can maximize their benefits while reducing overall energy consumption.

As participation in the Energy Innovation Rebate Program continues to grow, United encourages members to take advantage of these rebates and participate in these initiatives to improve their homes. For more information on rebates or to learn about the various ways United can help members manage energy usage, including scheduling a free home energy audit, contact a local United office today.