Snug Planet is a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR certified contractor, which means that we can help you access special state and federal incentives, rebates, loans and grants to pay for your energy efficiency contracting work.  We are familiar with the financing process, so we can help you to select the right options and complete all the required paperwork.

HOMEOWNER SELF-FINANCING  

If you choose to pay for our contracting services directly, our energy audit should qualify you to receive a Homeowner Financing Incentive from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  If you take advantage of this incentive, you will receive a cash rebate from NYSERDA valued at 10% of the total work scope.  For more information, see NYSERDA's Financing page. 

In addition, if you decide to pursue Snug Planet contracting services after purchasing an energy audit, we will credit the cost of the audit to any work scope over $2,000.

LOW-INTEREST LOANS

If you need additional financing to complete the work on your home or building, Snug Planet will help you to access available loans and grants.  Most homeowners are eligible for low-interest ENERGY STAR Financing or Energy $mart Loans to fund energy-efficiency home improvements.

If you are a homeowner in Tompkins County you may want to contact Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) at (607) 277-4500.  They offer low-interest loans in addition to other services for local homeowners.

GRANTS & SUBSIDIES

There are subsidies available for qualifying households.  Please see NYSERDA's Information on Low Income Eligibility.  Check income guidelines here to see if your household qualifies.  If you qualify for certain loans or grants you may be able to receive a free or discounted audit.

Remember, the energy audit is a prerequisite for low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies.

RENTERS

If you are a renter and would like more information about improving your building's comfort and energy efficiency, please visit NYSERDA's Renters page, where you can find resources for energy-savings to share with your landlord.

Schedule an energy audit today:

Call 607-277-7684

A new, high-efficiency boiler, installed.

 TAX INCENTIVES

Energy Efficiency Home Improvements

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established tax credits for homeowners who improve their homes' energy efficiency.  Credits are awarded for approved products, including insulation, water heaters, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and replacement windows.  However, as of December 31, 2007, most of the residential energy efficiency tax credits have expired.  You may claim these credits on your 2007 taxes but home improvements during 2008 are currently ineligible.  New legislation covering energy tax incentives is pending approval by the US Senate and President.  For more information see Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency.

Renewable Energy

Solar 

The tax credit for solar water heaters and solar panels established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 remains in effect through December 31, 2008.  For details see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency or the Tax Incentives Assistance Project. 

Geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps use the temperature of the ground to heat and cool your building and to provide hot water.  Since they use energy that is stored naturally in the earth, they are one of the most efficient and comfortable technologies currently available for residential heating and cooling.  Find links to incentives for geothermal heating and cooling systems at GeoExchange.

Wind

There are some government incentives for small wind production in New York State.  For more information, see the American Wind Energy Association Small Wind database.