Weatherization for Avista electric / natural gas heated homes
Ceiling and Attic Insulation
Ceiling/Attic (both fitted/batt type and blown-in):
A 25 cents per square foot incentive is available for the addition of new insulation that increases the R-Value by R-10 or greater. Homes are eligible if the existing insulation is less than R-19 for attics. Insulation must be installed only where such cavities separate conditioned from unconditioned areas of the residence. (Any insulation installed outside the cavity, such as siding applications, does not meet incentive requirements.)
Floor and Wall Insulation
Floor and Wall Insulation (both fitted/batt type and blown-in):
A 50 cent per square foot incentive is available for the addition of new insulation that increases the R-Value by R-10 or greater. Homes are eligible if the existing insulation is less than R-5 for walls and R-5 in floors. Insulation must be installed only where such cavities separate conditioned from unconditioned areas of the residence. (Any insulation installed outside the cavity, such as siding applications, does not meet incentive requirements.)
Windows**
A $3.00 incentive, per square foot of qualifying windows installed, is available to customers who heat primarily with Avista electric or natural gas for the upgrade of windows with a u-factor of 0.30 or lower (the lower the u-factor, the more efficient the window). Windows must be rated by a recognized organization such as the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) or Department of Energy (DOE). To convert sq.inches to sq. feet divide by 144.
**Both the invoice and incentive form(s) must show square footage,
u-factor, and costs.
HOME IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVES Additional Conditions:
- The incentives listed are applicable to existing single and multifamily residences (up to a fourplex), including manufactured and modular homes.
- Incentives are not available for seasonal or recreational homes; they must be a primary living residence.
- Only new equipment qualifies.
- Homeowners are responsible for complying with all applicable codes and regulations.
- Homeowners installing both a high efficient natural gas furnace and high efficient heat pump are eligible for both high efficiency incentives.
- Homeowners converting from electric heat may only receive one conversion incentive (either electric to heat pump or electric to natural gas).
- Incentives shall not exceed 50% of the actual measure cost.
- Verification of efficiencies for space and water heating equipment are according to the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Associations (GAMA) Consumers' Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings.
- Incentives are paid directly to the homeowner.
- Incentives must be submitted within 90 days of completion of energy efficiency measure.
- Avista reserves the right to inspect energy efficiency measures prior to payment and will coordinate inspection as applicable.
- Allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing and payment of incentive.
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Rooftop Dampers
Open wood fireplaces are an inefficient way to heat. Inside air is pulled up the chimney and out of the home. Even when not in use, fireplaces may experience heat loss due to loose dampers. Utilizing your wood fireplace sparingly and closing the chimney damper when not in use will help save energy. (Note: Fireplace inserts are more efficiently designed to avoid this effect.)
A more efficient way to close off your chimney when not in use is with a Rooftop Damper. Customers who heat primarily with Avista electric or natural gas and have a wood burning fireplace may receive up to $100 for the installation of a rooftop damper. For safety reasons, fireplaces must be wood-burning only and have no other combustion devices utilizing the chimney for exhaust. Rooftop dampers should never be used with natural gas fireplaces. Natural gas inserts, wood inserts and wood pellet stoves do not qualify, they are already designed to heat efficiently. Rooftop dampers should not be installed where installation would be against building code requirements or unsafe. Customers are responsible for complying with applicable codes. Anytime combustion devices are present in the home it is recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors (CO monitors).
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Shade Tree Program
Avista Electric Customers in approved areas.
Avista is partnering with Spokane County Conservation District (SCCD) in an effort to reduce the cooling demand in homes and increase the urban tree canopy. A properly placed deciduous tree can reduce your summer cooling cost by up to 40 percent.
For program eligibility and guidelines please contact Garth Davis at SCCD by e-mail garth-davis@sccd.org or call SCCD at 509-535-7274.
The cost of the program is underwritten by Avista and SCCD, the homeowner is responsible for the care and maintenance of the tree.
To be eligible for the Shade Tree program you must be a homeowner in an approved geographic area by SCCD and an Avista electric customer. The sight will be inspected by SCCD personnel to ensure you have the space available for a mature tree on the west side of your home. You will receive a site visit that will determine the exact location and proper tree for your needs. To maintain the health of the tree it will be planted by SCCD in the spring or fall. The home owner is responsible for the ongoing care and maintenance of the tree as directed.
If you are interested in the Shade Tree Program please contact: Garth Davis at the SCCD by e-mail garth-davis@sccd.org or call SCCD at 509-535-7274.
Program Eligibility and Guidelines
The Shade Tree Program is available to Avista electric customers in an approved geographic area within Spokane County by SCCD.
SCCD will conduct a pre-screening meeting to help identify qualifying homes.
Minimum program requirements include:
Owners of existing single and multi-family, primary living residences (including manufactured and modular homes) are eligible to participate in the Program.
Owners are responsible for complying with all applicable codes and regulations.
Owners must submit a signed copy of this Agreement to Avista, prior to the shade tree being planted.
Avista reserves the right to verify that a shade tree has been planted and/or inspect such shade tree after planting. Avista will coordinate inspection with Owners, as applicable.
Spokane County Conservation District
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New Construction Incentives Eligibility and Guidelines
The following incentives are available for residential energy efficiency measures. Offers apply to residential homeowners in Washington and Idaho who heat their homes primarily with Avista electricity or natural gas.
High Efficiency Equipment Incentives
Natural Gas Furnace/Boiler
A $400 incentive is available for installation of a high efficiency natural gas furnace of 90% AFUE (heating efficiency) or greater, or a natural gas boiler of 90% AFUE or greater.
Air Source Heat Pump
A $400 incentive is available for installation of a high efficiency heat pump of 8.5 HSPF (heating efficiency) or a 15.0 SEER (cooling efficiency) or greater (7.7 HSPF and 13.0 SEER for manufactured homes).
Ductless Heat Pump
A $200 incentive is available for installation of a ductless heat pump of at least 9.0 HSPF. Only one incentive is available regardless of the number of inside units installed. HSPF verification requires an ARI Certificate.
Variable Speed Motor
A $100 incentive is available for installation of a primary heating system that incorporates a variable speed motor. This incentive may be combined with a high efficiency incentive.
Water Heater
A $50 incentive is available for installation of an electric water heater (tank type) of 0.93 EF (efficiency) or greater; a natural gas water heater (tank type) of 0.60 EF or greater for 50-gallon, 0.62 EF or greater for 40-gallon.
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NEW CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVES Additional Conditions:
- The incentives listed are applicable to new construction single and multifamily residences (up to a fourplex), including manufactured and modular homes.
- Incentives are not available for seasonal or recreational homes; they must be a primary living residence.
- Only new equipment qualifies.
- Homeowners are responsible for complying with all applicable codes and regulations.
- Homeowners installing a high efficient natural gas furnace and high efficient heat pump concurrently are eligible for both incentives.
- Verification of efficiencies for space and water heating equipment are according to the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Associations (GAMA) Consumers Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings.
- Incentives paid directly to the homeowner or builder.
- Incentives shall not exceed 50% of the actual measure cost.
- Incentives must be submitted within 90 days of completion of energy efficiency measure (or completion of home).
- Avista reserves the right to inspect energy efficiency measures prior to payment and will coordinate inspection as applicable.
- A Copy of Energy Star Homes certificate must be submitted for Energy Star Homes incentive.
- Allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing and payment of incentive.
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