Turlock residents looking to save energy and conserve water with their next home improvement project may qualify for financing through the City of Turlock's partnership with the HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy program.
Over the past few years, 165 Turlock residents have been able to make 300 energy efficient improvements to their homes through the HERO, which stands for Home Energy Renovation Opportunity program.
"By far the majority of home improvements financed in Turlock (over 80 percent) have been energy efficiency, like windows, doors and HVAC units, with a handful of solar and a handful of water projects," said Matthew Bevens of Renovate America, which administers the HERO program.
Over their lifetime, the energy improvements Turlock homeowners have made to their homes will result in over $5 million in energy savings, according to Bevens. In terms of water, Turlock homeowners are just beginning to use HERO to make water conservation improvements to their homes, but those improvements made already will save nearly 1.5 million gallons of water over their lifetime.
The financing option is available in all incorporated cities within Stanislaus County. HERO projects have been completed in 1,577 homes for $29 million in funding. The financing option enables homeowners to make energy and efficiency improvements and to pay for them over time through their property tax bill.
The energy efficient projects also stimulate the local construction industry, and Renovate America estimates the HERO program has been responsible for supporting more than 250 regional jobs through 3,000 home renovation projects.
HOME program projects include installation of solar panels, artificial turf, drought tolerant landscaping and energy efficient windows, doors, roofs, lighting, heat and air conditioning systems.
On average, for every 1,000 homes that complete HERO-financed efficiency upgrades: carbon emissions saved are equivalent to taking 8,500 cars off the road for one year; energy saved is equivalent to powering 13,800 homes for one year; and water saved is equivalent to 2.7 million showers.
The City of Turlock also offers a new High-Efficiency Toilet and Clothes Washer Rebate Program. Rebates for the purchase of high-efficiency toilets and clothes washer are available for up to $75 per toilet and $100 per clothes washer. These rebates can be combined with other rebates being offered by other entities, including the Turlock Irrigation District and PG&E.
TID offers a number of rebates, including: $50 when you replace your old existing room air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioner; $35 when you replace your existing refrigerator or clothes washer with a new ENERGY STAR qualified unit; $1 per square foot when you cover your windows with heavy-duty, vinyl-coated shade screens; $100 for purchasing and installing a new solar attic fan; $20 for each new shade tree planted; among others.
Residents interested in HERO financing for their homes can visit www.HeroProgram.com.
For other rebates available, visit www.cityofturlock.org and www.tid.org.
