FREE CASH: Homeowners can get $8k in free cash to improve their houses under ‘efficiency’ program – Know How to apply
According to THE SUN, Several low-income residents in Arizona could soon benefit from financial relief thanks to new legislation allowing them to replace their air conditioners with energy-efficient heat pumps. The rebate program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden, provides homeowners with up to $8,000 for making these energy-efficient upgrades.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are considered more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioners. Instead of generating heat, they use electricity to transfer it outdoors during warmer months and bring it inside during cooler periods, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This efficiency is particularly valuable in Arizona, where extreme temperatures are common.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative for low-income households. “This is especially beneficial for low-income households who may not otherwise be able to afford to repair or replace their current air conditioning systems, which is crucial given Arizona’s record temperatures,” Thompson told Newsweek.
Eligibility and Program Details
To qualify for the rebate, homeowners must install heat pumps instead of traditional air conditioners. The rebate is available to those earning below 80% of the area median income. Those earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income are eligible for half of the rebate, while individuals earning above 150% of the area median income are not eligible.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced the launch of Efficiency Arizona, a program designed to enhance energy efficiency, promote clean energy, and combat climate change through various initiatives. “It’s not going to stop being hot here anytime soon, and cost should not be a barrier to keeping Arizonans safe and healthy,” Hobbs said.
Future Phases of the Program
The heat pump rebate is just the beginning. Efficiency Arizona plans to roll out additional phases of the program, including a home retrofit program with multiple energy-saving options statewide. The final phase, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, will introduce a multifamily pilot program.
The new heat pumps are expected to be available this Fall. According to the program, switching to heat pumps should help prevent outages during hot summer months and reduce overall energy costs.
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Impact and Expectations
The U.S. Sun reached out to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency for further details. The program is anticipated to benefit approximately 23,000 households and lower average energy costs by nearly $763 a year. “Few states have garnered headlines for rising temperatures more than Arizona, where it’s now routine to have new records each year for the most days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees,” noted Alex Beene, a professor at the University of Tennessee.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s funding will be available to Arizona through 2031, with the U.S. Department of Energy gradually rolling out the rebates as state governments continue to allocate funds for qualifying residents.
