Phoenix Energy Audits and the Energize Phoenix Program

There is no lack of variety of housing types in the City of Phoenix.  Phoenix neighborhoods include the idyllic Arcadia District, the lively Camelback Corridor, the newly formed Lightrail Corridor and the beautiful historic district to name a few.  In addition to a great weatherization program, The City of Phoenix has developed a new Energy Efficiency program, Energize Phoenix.  The City of Phoenix is offering huge cash incentives to make your home more energy efficient.  Energize Phoenix is a large scale rebate program for residents who live along the Lightrail Corridor.  Residents receive APS-matching rebates from the City of Phoenix and for qualifying residents, a 60% Federal grant with no upper limit is available to fund efficiency upgrades like energy efficient AC units and furnaces, duct sealing, air sealing, shade screens and insulation.  If you live along the Lightrail Corridor, Energize Phoenix is making going green as easy with little upfront money, reduced utility bills and a more comfortable home.  There has never been a better time to go green

 Program Overview:

1. Have a home energy audit performed to identify the largest sources of energy waste.

2. Your Energize Phoenix approved contractor will walk you through each recommendation, its costs and offsetting rebates and cash incentives available through APS and Energize Phoenix.

3. Complete and submit the Energize Phoenix paperwork and your Energize Phoenix contractor will complete any work you requested and facilitate the rebates on your behalf.Rebate Overview:Rebates are available upon 6-8 weeks of completion of install and include the following.

- 10 free CFLs
- 2 free low flow faucet aerators
- 1 free low flow showerhead
- 1 free low flow kitchen sink aerator

- Home energy audit - discounted to $99

- Duct sealing - 75% off net costs up to $250 rebate per HVAC system from APS; matching rebates up to $250 from the City of Phoenix

- Air sealing - $250 rebate from APS; matching rebates up to $250 from the City of Phoenix

- R-38 insulation - 75% off net costs up to $250 rebate from APS; matching rebates up to $250 from the City of Phoenix

- Shade screens - $1 per sq ft rebate up to $250 from APS; matching rebates up to $250 from the City of Phoenix

- High efficiency AC units and furnaces - $175 to $525 rebate from APS; matching rebates up to $525 from the City of Phoenix


Visit Energize Phoenix's homepage and the AZ Home Performance With Energy Star for more information.

How to Winterize Your Home in Phoenix

Yes, even the desert gets cold at night.  Since it can get chilly enough to wear a sweater during a Phoenix evening, here are some things you can do around home to save energy, improve your indoor air quality and be comfortable enough to walk around barefoot, even in the dead of the winter. 

1.     Seal up your air leaks

Warm air raises and can escape out the chimney of a fireplace.  A chimney pillow can be installed in the flue to stop heated air from escaping during the winter.  Just be sure to leave the tag on and remove the pillow come summer.  Also check around potential leakage “hot spots” such as old windows, doors, plumbing penetrations under sinks and electrical outlets.  By replacing old weatherstripping around the doors or caulking around the windows or plumbing penetrations you can effectively keep your conditioned air where it belongs, inside.  Check the local hardware store to find outlet sealers to add a little insulation behind light switches too.

2.     Get up to snuff with your insulation

For Phoenix and central Arizona, the DOE recommends at least 12-inches of blown-in cellulose or an R-38 value to slow the transfer of cold air into the home.  If your attic has fiberglass batt insulation, it should be in contact with the attic floor at all times to work properly.

3.     Have your furnace or heat pump inspected

A seasonal tune-up may be in order if not done annually.  If the temperatures will never reach the temperature set-point the HVAC system may be low on refrigerant or something else may be awry.  Best to have it checked by a professional.

4.     Remove shade screens

During the Phoenix winters, solar gain through windows can help significantly warm the home, lowering energy bills from decreased heat use.  Shade screens can be unclipped and stored until it comes time for summer.

5.     Stay safe

Install CO detectors if you have a fireplace or gas appliances 3-6 feet from the ground.  Use a bubble solution to check for gas leaks around fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces and feeder lines.  Be sure that the furnace or water heater has a good clearance to allow for fresh air intake and that they are not located in the same room as a dryer.

Follow these tips for a safe and comfortable winter in the Valley of the Sun.  Also check out how a typical home in Phoenix uses energy or see some tips on how to save energy.