Air conditioning can be an essential aspect of keeping your home comfortable in Hawaii. Air conditioning units currently account for about half of the energy used in homes every year, which means energy bills quickly add up. Luckily, replacing an outdated HVAC system can help increase energy efficiency, and Hawaii offers rebates for certain upgrades.

What Is HVAC Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency rates how well your air conditioning unit uses electricity to cool your home. The season energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures the cooling output of a unit in relation to the amount of electricity used. Testing uses real seasonal cooling conditions. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) provides similar insight but uses data collected from lab testing. In both cases, the higher the rating, the better.

What Is the Energy Rebate Program?

Hawaii’s energy rebate program creates incentives for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, retrofitting an older home with a new system comes with a $750 instant rebate when you work with an air conditioning contractor who provides, installs, and maintains energy-efficient products and is known as a Clean Energy Ally. If you use window air conditioners, simply upgrading to a new Energy Star® AC, and recycling your old unit, comes with a $50 rebate. 

If you are not interested in installing new equipment, you can have your old system tuned up by a Clean Energy Ally for a $75 rebate. If you do not have an air conditioner or wish to remove the AC system entirely, you can purchase an attic or whole-home fan to circulate cool, fresh air into your home and receive a $75 rebate. Apply online with Hawaii Energy to request your instant rebate.

How Else Can You Improve Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency doesn’t stop with air conditioning units. The better your home contains its cooled air, the less you’ll have to run the system. Seal any openings around windows and doors, and use curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun from warming your home. Additionally, adding insulation to your roof helps keep cool air inside.

Routine maintenance and cleaning are also essential. Change the air filters in your HVAC system, and ensure that vents are properly cleaned, so the unit never has to overwork to circulate treated air. Many contractors recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat, which can track energy usage and cycles when programmed to cut down on needless waste.

Searching for a Clean Energy Ally in Pu’unene? Cooling Hawaii proudly offers eco-friendly air conditioning units and will help you take advantage of all available rebates. Plus, they’re available 24/7 for air conditioning maintenance and repairs. Rebates are on a first-come, first-served basis, so call (808) 727-2777 today if you’re ready to upgrade. Find more information on their services online.