Be an Energy Hero and Take the Challenge!
Sign up for the Garfield Clean Energy Challenge.
Step 1: Sign up to Take the Challenge
Step 2: Your Energy Coach will contact you about next steps and you'll be signed up for our and e-newsletter.
Step 3: Get your energy assessment and/or make your improvements. Click here to find a building analyst!
Step 4: Submit your completed rebate applications.
Pass it on! Encourage your friends and neighbors to take advantage of these rebates and improve their homes.
Households from Parachute to Carbondale are invited to join the Garfield Clean Energy Challenge for Homes. It’s a countywide effort to save energy, save money and make homes more comfortable.
The Clean Energy Challenge for Homes offers:
- Free Energy Coaching services and technical assistance. We are here to help you through the whole process.
- Rebates for upgrades
- Access to financing (click here to learn more!)
Current Rebates
| Energy efficiency measure | Energy efficiency requirement | Rebate amount |
| Home energy audit | blower-door or infrared camera | Contact your utility |
| Attic, exterior wall and/or cantilevered living space insulation; whole-home air sealing | Must meet building code levels | 50% of project costs up to $500 |
| High efficiency gas furnace | 92% or higher AFUE | $500 |
| High efficiency gas boiler | 92% or higher AFUE | $500 |
| Furnace or boiler tune-up and safety check | Proper maintenance standards | $75 |
| Evaporative cooler | 85% or higher media saturation effectiveness (Use Xcel Energy's list of qualifying equipment for their $500 rebate) - only available to GWS residents | $500 |
| Central air conditioning | SEER 16 or higher (only available to GWS residents) | $500 |
Water heater (tank) Tankless |
0.67 EF or higher 0.82 EF or higher (all electric 0.92 or higher) |
$100 $200 |
| Heat tape timer and/or sensor Read the special report on heat tape |
electrician installed | $200 |
| Custom Rebates | Must be pre-approved by CLEER team (Town of Carbondale rebates only) | $500 |
The rules and fine print (updated October 12, 2012)
Who is eligible for rebates?
Households who have signed up to "Take the Challenge" and submit their Utility Data Release Form. Official owners of record of a residential property within Garfield County.
Landlords are welcome to apply for rental properties located within Garfield County.
What homes are eligible?
Single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and multi-family units.
New construction is not eligible for these rebates.
Can I get more than one rebate?
Yes. Qualified homeowners can take one rebate per category. Combined total rebate for installed efficiency measures will be capped at $600.
Can I get the rebate money up front?
No. Rebates are paid as a reimbursement after you have had your home energy audit / assessment or have a contractor complete your home energy efficiency upgrade and after you can show proof of payment.
You may apply for all your rebates at once, or you may submit separate applications over time. Your rebate check will arrive 3 to 4 weeks after you submit your completed rebate form and documents.
Is there a guarantee I’ll get the rebate?
No. We encourage you to submit your rebate form as soon as possible after you have paid your contractor.
Does the rebate cover do-it-yourself projects?
No. You must hire a licensed contractor to carry out of these measures.
Can I also get a rebate from my electric or gas utility?
Yes. These rebates cover measures that are also eligible for rebates from most of the energy utilities serving Garfield County. Visit the Residential rebates and incentives page on this website and drill down to find the rebates you can apply for from your utility. You can also call an Energy Coach to make sure you are maximizing rebates.
Combined utility and Clean Energy Challenge rebates can go a long way in reducing your final out-of-pocket costs.
Who can do this work?
Energy audits: Xcel Energy and SourceGas customers can use the utility’s designated home energy rater. Holy Cross Energy customers can use the utility’s in-house auditor. Order your energy audit through the utility, and the utility will pay part of the cost.
Order a home energy audit from:
- Xcel Energy: (800) 895-4999 x 4
- SourceGas: (888) 212-5899
- Holy Cross Energy: (970) 945-5491
Homeowners can also use a free market BPI or HERS raters to do the home energy audit. Click here for a list of home energy auditors serving Garfield County.
Upgrades:
Insulation and air sealing | Furnace or boiler upgrade
Furnace or boiler tune-up & safety check
Water heater | Evaporative cooler, AC | Heat tape timer
Call one or more licensed contractors for a bid, select your contractor and have them do the work.
Find licensed contractor listings in the One Stop Shop > Contractor locator section at left.
What are the deadlines?
You must submit your signed and complete rebate application, contractor invoices, utility data release form, within 60 days after the work is complete. Exceptions may be made with pre-approval and at the discretion of the program managers.
Rebates are issued on a first-come first-serve basis.
Can I submit part of my paperwork and consider that a reservation for a rebate?
No. We will start to process your paperwork once we have received all required documents.
How do I get started?
Talk to an Energy Coach: 704-9200.
How do I get my rebate payments?
- After the work is complete, assemble the following documents:
- Downlaod Rebate Application Form at top right of this page).
- Invoice for the work done.
- Your completed Utility Data Release Waiver (download).
- If required by building department, include building permit and final inspection report.
- If you sign a finance agreement with your contractor, please include a copy of that as well.
Two options: Apply by mail or e-mail
By mail: send the rebate form and copies of other required documents by mail to:
CLEER - Challenge for Homes
P.O. Box 428
Carbondale, Colo. 81623
By e-mail:
Scan the application form and othet required documents and submit to:
Either way, you will receive an e-mail or phone call confirming receipt of your documents.
If you do not receive a confirmation, contact
CLEER Energy Coach Maisa Metcalf, 704-9200 or mmetcalf@CleanEnergyEconomy.net
Still have questions?
Contact a CLEER Energy Coach: (970) 704-9200 or rebates@CleanEnergyEconomy.net
Fine print
- Rebate program is subject to change without notice and rebate offers may increase or decrease without notice.
- CLEER, Garfield Clean Energy and Garfield County are not responsible for items lost or delayed in the mail, or any rebate delayed due to incomplete or incorrect rebate applications; are not responsible for any taxes that may be imposed as a result of your receipt of any rebate; and disclaim any and all liability, loss or damage that may arise as a result of the applicant’s or contractor’s participation in this program.
Start Here!
1. Sign up for the Garfield Clean Energy Challenge!
2. Take steps to improve your home's energy efficiency
3. Submit an application for a rebate (links below)
Currently improvement rebates are only available to Glenwood Springs Electric Utility customers. Please call with questions!
Rebate application forms
Click on the links to download forms and rules. You have to sign the utility data release form in order to qualify for rebates, so be sure to download that one too!
• Rebate form (HVAC) for:
Gas or propane furnace
Gas or propane boiler
Furnace / boiler tune-up
Evaporative cooler
Central AC
Water heater
Garfield Clean Energy Challenge is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Department of Energy's BetterBuildings Neighborhood Program and sponsored in partnership with all the partners of Garfield Clean Energy, the Governor’s Energy Office, and the Department of Local Affairs.
The Town of Carbondale and the City of Glenwood Springs have designated specific funds to provide additional rebates and services to their residents.
Heat tape: Hidden source
of high electric bills
Read the special report on heat tape and learn why heat tape timers maximize effectiveness and minimize energy use.
