In a recent post we provided Massachusetts residents with a step-by-step guide to making heating system upgrades using Mass Save rebates to replace their aging heating systems with more efficient models. Rhode Island also has incentive programs available to help upgrade heating systems and make other energy efficiency improvements in Rhode Island homes. Rhode Island residents can lower their energy costs by following these steps:

1.)    Schedule a no-cost home energy assessment: If you are an owner-occupant of a 1-4 unit home in Rhode Island you qualify for a no-cost energy assessment. During the assessment an energy specialist will check things like appliances, heating and hot water systems, and insulation levels. At the end of the assessment they will provide you with a personalized summary of energy-saving recommendations to improve the home’s efficiency. You can call 1-888-633-7947 or visit https://www.myngrid.com/energywise to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment. 

2.)    Take advantage of insulation rebates: If you conduct your assessment before 10/31/14 then you might qualify for special rebates and incentives for air-sealing and insulation. Properly insulating your home will decrease your fuel costs and increase the lifetime of your heating system. At your assessment your energy specialist will let you know the details of what you qualify for. All improvements must be completed by 11/30/14. Rebate form and documentation must be postmarked by 12/15/14.

3.)    Consider your heating system options: Once your home is fully insulated you can start thinking about your heating system options. Some good questions to ask yourself when considering your options are:

1. How efficient is my system? During your home energy assessment your energy specialist should be able to provide you with the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for your heating system. If the AFUE is below 70% then you might consider upgrading to a more efficient system. National Grid offers rebates for installing high efficiency equipment for gas customers. 
2. Do I want to switch fuels? If you are thinking of converting from oil to gas, the gas quotes should include any costs associated with removing your existing oil equipment, including the oil tank, as well as with any new gas pipes that would have to be installed.
3. What about water heating? It is wise to think about your water heating system while you are planning to upgrade your heating system. If you currently have a stand-alone water heater, get quotes for an indirect water heating system.  A heat pump water heater is also a good option if you currently have an old electric hot water system. Another option is to consider installing a solar domestic hot water system in your home. The Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund provides grants that can cover 25% of total project costs up to $5000 for homeowners installing solar domestic hot water.
4. Do I want to consider using a supplemental system? Supplemental heating can also play an important role when combined with your existing heating system to lower your heating costs. If you currently use air conditioning and you are replacing a forced air system, or if your home is compact, consider getting quotes for a ductless mini-split system for combined heating and cooling to supplement your current system.  
5. Do I want to consider a renewable thermal system? Investing in renewable energy is a good way to lower your fuel costs and is also great for the environment. In Rhode Island solar space heating and geothermal heat pumps are exempt from sales tax and are eligible for federal tax credits

4.)    Get quotes: While you are considering your heating system options make sure to get quotes from at least two or three different contractors so that you can find the best deals.

5.)    Finance your upgrades: To help finance your upgrades you can apply for a HEAT Loan. This is a ZERO percent interest loan for up to $25,000 that could be used to finance qualified energy efficiency upgrades including weatherization, high efficiency heating systems, high efficiency water heating systems and heat pumps. Another financing program for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will soon be available to Rhode Island homeowners through participating municipalities is Property Assessed Clean Energy or PACE. The PACE program, which was signed into law in 2013, offers homeowners long term financing (up to 20 years) so that homeowners can realize energy savings greater than the cost of the PACE assessment right away.