PA DEP Boosts Rebates for Non-Electric Home Heating Equipment

Rebates up to $1,000 Available, Made Possible through Federal Recovery Act

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania residents now have even larger incentives to upgrade their non-electric residential heating systems to help them conserve energy and save money.

The Pennsylvania Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program now offers rebates ranging from $250 to $1,000 to replace eligible non-electric residential furnaces, hot water heaters and boilers fueled by home heating oil, natural gas or propane with more efficient ENERGY STAR-rated units.

Previously, rebates had ranged from $100 to $500. Only equipment purchased on or after Aug. 2 will be eligible for the higher rebates.

The $11 million program is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Since the program opened in April, we have received positive feedback from consumers and industry contacts, and observed similar programs in other states," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. "After closely analyzing the program's performance in our economy, we are increasing the dollar value of the rebates, in some cases doubling the amount depending on the type of the equipment and its energy efficiency rating."

Nearly 3,900 Pennsylvania residents have received rebates after taking steps to make their homes more energy efficient. Heating and water heating account for nearly half of a typical home's total energy bill. Replacing this equipment can save almost 50 percent of a home's heating bill.

"Making home energy upgrades requires consumers to make serious financial commitments," said Hanger. "However, through reduced energy use, these investments can dramatically lower home heating bills in the years to come. By increasing the incentives, we hope to encourage even more residents to invest in their homes and their financial futures."

Pennsylvania residents may reserve a rebate online at www.paheatingrebates.com. Those without Internet access can call 877-592-2061.

Once a reservation is made, consumers will have 30 days to submit the necessary documentation of purchase and installation. Rebates checks will then be mailed directly to the consumer. Rebates will be issued until program funds are depleted. A rebate can be combined with federal tax credits, a non-electric utility rebate, and/or a manufacturer's rebate.

"Although we've experienced a very warm summer, the next heating season is quickly approaching," said Hanger. "Now is an ideal time for homeowners to take advantage of these increased incentives and consider making energy- and money-saving upgrades to their homes' systems."

To learn more about how the federal Recovery Act and related investments are helping Pennsylvanians, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection