NOTE: To be eligible for the rebates, the rebate reservations must be made before December 31, 2015, and the upgrades must be completed by December 31, 2015 as well. 

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is a national program from the US EPA and DoE to increase energy efficiency in the residential sector. Energize Delaware is the local Home Performance initiative sponsored by Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) takes a whole-house approach to improving a home’s comfort and safety. Rather than focusing on a single problem, trained participating contractors use a comprehensive home energy audit with specialized diagnostic tests to pinpoint specific improvements that can make the entire home more comfortable and help homeowners save money by reducing energy use. Energy audits typically identify energy problems associated with insulation levels, exposure to outside air, trapped moisture, condition of appliances, efficiency of heating and cooling systems, and inefficient lighting.

During the audit , the contractor or Energy Advisor may install several efficiency measures at no cost (with permission), including:

• Up to 10 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), with options for dimmable, three-way, candelabra, globe and spiral bulbs
• Up to four faucet aerators
• Up to two efficient-flow fixed showerheads
• Water heater pipe insulation (installed on hot and cold pipes for six feet from water heater, as accessible
• Up to two Smart power strips

This results in a series of recommended efficiency upgrades that can bring significant energy savings up to 20%. Rebates are available to help offset the initial costs of many upgrades, up to 50% of the total installed cost. 

Loans are also available through the Home Performance ENERGY STAR Loan Program for approved upgrades between $1,000 to $15,000, up to 100% financing, with a low fixed rate of 5.99% and up to 10 years repayment.