Building energy-efficient homes is more than a marketing gimmick. It's smart business. Buyers now understand that energy-efficient homes not only help preserve our natural resources, they make daily living more cost effective.
For new home buyers, purchasing a home with multiple energy-efficient measures, such as high- efficiency HVAC systems, ENERGY STAR pin-based lighting fixtures, and ENERGY STAR appliances, will help lower utility bills while increasing comfort and providing a healthy living environment.
To promote the construction of homes that meet the energy-efficiency needs of new home buyers, JEA – which partnered with NEFBA to create a green-building incentive for builders – began providing rebates for high-efficiency measures to builders for new homes built in the JEA service territory. Beginning in August 2012, the following measures became eligible for rebates:
HVAC Rebates: ENERGY STAR-qualified high-efficiency HVAC systems that exceed the Florida Energy Code. JEA rebates are limited to two HVAC system installations per property. The rebates range from $125 up to $200 depending on the SEER rating and the type system.
Lighting Rebates: Pin-based lighting fixtures receive $10 per fixture installed.
Appliance Rebates: ENERGY STAR refrigerators and clothes washers receive $25 per installed appliance. (Limit two of each appliance per property.)
Solar Water Heater Rebate: A Florida Solar Energy Center-certified domestic solar hot water system is eligible for an $800 rebate with these stipulations.
• For custom homes where the buyer has specifically requested a solar thermal domestic water heating system;
• Limit of one system per home;
• Installation by a JEA pre-qualified solar contractor is required; and
• Each installation must include freeze protection as recommended for Northeast Florida installations.
The solar thermal system installer must provide the builder with all required data and documentation to request the appropriate rebate.
More information about rebates and the required documentation forms are available on JEA's website. Visitwww.jea.com/shopsmart and click on the ShopSmart with JEA New Home Build link for details.
You can also obtain more information by contacting Caroline Wiles at NEFBA. Call Caroline at 725-4355 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Learn more about ShopSmart rebates and take advantage of these energy-efficient rebates while offering your customers the features that will save them money on energy costs.