From the Orange County Newsroom

As we move towards cooler temperatures and the festivities of the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to think about taking steps to make your home more energy efficient. This can help you reduce your energy costs and allow you to take advantage of federal and local programs designed to help you save.

Here are four ways you can give yourself the gift of savings while making your home more energy efficient:

Federal tax credits – At the federal level, Rewiring America promotes electrification, or “electricity transition,” which means replacing appliances that use fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) with ones that use electricity. Other examples include replacing your gas-powered car with an electric vehicle and replacing your propane furnace with a heat pump. And there are numerous savings programs (tax credits) available for your electrification efforts. To navigate these programs and learn more about eligibility, visit the Federal Tax Credit Calculator.

State energy rebates – Florida will introduce nearly $346 million in rebate programs to help residents upgrade their homes with energy-efficient retrofits and high-efficiency appliances. These programs include:

• Whole Home Rebates (HOMES) – Incentives for energy improvements throughout the home.
• Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) – Helping replace fossil fuel-powered appliances with electric alternatives.

These discounts are expected to be available from late 2024/early 2025. To check the status of rebate programs, go to FDACS.

Orange County Initiatives – Orange County Utilities’ goal is to conserve water and maintain high water quality. To this end, the Water Watch program is designed to help residents save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. For more information, visit Orange County Conserve Water.

Discounts for local utilities and incentives –

Additional help for low-income homeowners – If you are a low-income homeowner, you may be eligible for assistance with repairs to reduce energy costs or address code violations. Learn more about the program and eligibility by visiting Orange County Housing Rehabilitation.

This holiday season, let’s brighten our homes with energy savings, not just Christmas lights. Together we can reduce energy costs, protect the planet and ensure our homes remain comfortable and efficient for years to come.