It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for things to break in your home at the worst possible time. There’s nothing more frustrating than a household appliance failing just after you’ve probably spent way too much money on holiday gifts and groceries for entertaining family and friends.
In my case, once Christmas 2022 is in the rearview mirror, I must redirect my attention to our dented, inefficient refrigerator that was installed by the previous owner. The shelves are breaking, the temperature settings don’t hold, the ice machine now spits out crushed ice no matter the selection and the freezer freezes things to oblivion.
The good news is that when I’m ready I can get a $50 rebate from Colorado Springs Utilities if I send my old, but operable fridge off to be recycled by Appliance Recycling Centers of America (ARCA). And, yes, ARCA will pick it up for you. In fact, it’s one of several rebates and incentives to check out – including some that offer a value of $500 or more -- as you evaluate upgrades to your household appliances for 2023.
Beyond our rebates, the recently-passed “Inflation Reduction Act” lines up several incentives for 2023 – depending on household income -- for appliances like heat pump-based water heaters and home heating and cooling units, as well as wiring upgrades and other improvements. To see a list of incentives and to determine if you qualify, visit Rewiring America for more information.
Prior to my fridge challenges, our supposedly new oven range died in 2019 -- about a year after we purchased the house. Looking back, it would have been better if it had failed the following year. The reason is twofold:
Induction stoves are just one area where electric-based appliances are becoming the “must-have” appliance for 2023 and beyond thanks to the latest technological advancements that flip a decades old narrative about natural gas appliances being the preferred path over electric-based units. Induction stoves cook similarly to gas stoves, but are much safer and put off no harmful greenhouse gases. Visit Love Electric to learn more about induction cooking.
By far, the largest advancement in electric-based appliances is the evolution of heat pumps. In simplest terms, heat pumps transfer heat instead of creating it. This makes heat pump-based appliances 3-4 times more efficient than their more traditional counterparts.
As you’re shopping for appliances, you’ll find that heat pump options are growing for water heaters, combination air conditioner/home heating systems and even clothes dryers. Due to the increased efficiency and long-term cost savings of these units, incentives are also expanding. For example, we offer a $500 - $1,000 rebate on qualifying heat pump purchases for certain home heating and cooling units such as Energy Star air source heat pumps (ASHP) and cold climate heat pumps (ccASHP).
An Energy Star ASHP is an air conditioner with a reversing valve that can provide both heating and cooling for your home. These do not replace an existing furnace in our climate, however an ASHP can serve as the primary heater during warmer fall, spring, and winter months operating up to four times more efficiently than your furnace during these weather conditions. Your furnace then kicks on only during the coldest days, which can help your furnace last longer!
A cold climate ASHP, if paired with good insulation and sized correctly, does not require back up heat, as it serves as the primary heating source in your home. These run at a higher efficiency, so as temps drop they allow you to stay toasty even during the snowy months.
Even if you’re not ready to replace an appliance, air conditioning unit or water heater, we offer rebates on more traditional approaches to making your home more energy efficient, such as up to $200 off an insulation/air sealing upgrade and $50 off a new smart thermostat.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go back to cursing my refrigerator back to Hades because I think it just spat out an abominable snowman.
All rebates are subject to availability. Please check the below links for current status.