FIVE SIMPLE ENERGY-SAVING TIPS:
1. Home Energy Audit and Rebates: Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of our home-energy audit. Questar Gas will do the audit for $25 and return the $25 on your gas bill if you follow their efficiency recommendations. Or you can download and print their free do-it-yourself audit at ThermWise.com. They are paying customers $30 to $300 to purchase and install high-efficient appliances, and great rebates to install insulation and windows. ThermWise.com has information about all of their audits, rebates and energy-saving tips.
Thermwise Homes – Weatherization Rebates
| Weatherization | Requirements | Rebate |
| Windows | U-Value of 0.35; SHGC* of 0.33 or better |
$0.95 per square foot |
| Wall Insulation |
Increments of R-11 or higher |
$0.45 per square foot |
| Attic/Floor Insulation |
Increments of R-19 or higher |
$0.35 per square foot |
| Duct Sealing** |
Professional install to PTCS level |
$225 |
| Duct Insulation** |
Professional install to R-6 or higher |
$250 |
** Duct Sealing and Duct Insulation must be installed by a Questar Gas-approved contractor.
Thermwise Homes – Appliance Rebates
Questar Gas is offering rebates to install high-efficient appliances in your home. Installing these appliances could reduce your energy usage and show significant savings on your monthly bill.
| Appliances | Requirements | Rebate |
| Gas Furnace |
90% or higher efficient |
$300 |
| Tankless Gas Water Heater |
0.80 or higher energy factor |
$300 |
| Clothes Washer |
MEF 2.0 or higher (must have gas water heater) |
$75 |
| Gas Water Heater |
Min. 40 gallon, 0.63 or higher energy factor |
$50 |
| Clothes Dryer |
Moisture sensor |
$30 |
| Clothes Washer |
MEF 1.72 – 1.99 (must have gas water heater) |
$50 |
2. Clean or Replace the Filter
Just because summer is approaching, it doesn’t mean your furnace filter should be ignored. If you have central air conditioning, your filter is still working hard during the summer months because the same duct system is used to move air throughout the home. Remember, if your furnace is more than 10-years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR water heater before your old one starts to leak.
3. Check the Water Heater
Make sure to reduce the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or turn the dial from high to medium. Turn the dial to low if you are going to be gone for a few days or more. Spring is the perfect time to replace an old water heater that may be close to breaking down.
4. Check Your Vents
Keep vents and registers unobstructed. Move drapes, rugs and furniture away from heat registers and return-air vents. Free-flowing air through the furnace provides quick comfort for less money. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
5. Dig Safely
Spring is a great time to start landscaping. If you plan to take on any project outside that requires digging, like planting a tree or installing a fence-post, be sure to call Blue Stakes at 811 so your utility lines can be marked and you can dig safely. You can do a lot to conserve energy but digging into a utility line can blow all of your savings into the wind, and even worse create a huge safety hazard.
For more answers and tips to your energy-saving questions, go online to www.questargas.com or www.ThermWise.com
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