SHINE Weatherization Rebates Program Ends March 31

by Patch Staff

City officials are reminding residents of its residential weatherization program that gives homeowners up to $3,500 towards air sealing, insulation improvement, weatherstripping, caulking, and the replacement of older, inefficient heating and cooling systems.

The SHINE rebates — Sustainable Home Initiative in the New Economy — are funded through $1 million in grants from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and by U.S. Department of Energy.

About $300,000 in rebates have been given out so far.

The city is making another push to highlight them because the deadline to apply for them is March 31.

Here's a breakdown of how the program works:

To qualify — You have to be the owner of a single-family home located within the Atlanta city limits and use a SHINE approved contractor. (Though earmarked for single family homeowners, condominium owners are being considered, too.)

What it does — Makes qualified homeowners eligible for a up to $2,000 in rebates towards home energy efficiency improvements including but not limited to:

• duct and air sealing
• insulation improvement
• caulking
• weather-stripping
• window replacements

Additional rebates of up to $1,500 are also available for the purchase and installation of high efficiency water heater appliances, but restrictions apply.

Separately, those homeowners who are customers of Georgia Power can participate in the company's Home Energy Improvement program, which offers up to $2,200 in rebates. To be eligible, the homeowner has to have his or her home inspected, and then make the recommended improvements by an approved contractor.

Atlanta Gas Light is also offering additional rebates to SHINE participants towards the purchase and installation of high efficiency gas HVAC and water heater systems. Please visit, http://www.atlantagaslight.com/Home/EnergySavings/CityofAtlantaSHINERebates.aspx for more information.

Here are some important links:

About the SHINE program: http://www.atlantaga.gov/mayor/shine_080410.aspx

List of approved home contractors: http://www.georgiapower.com/earthcents/residential/home-improvement-program/participating-contractors.asp

For more information: Contact SHINE at 404-954-8500 or e-mail to shine@atlantaga.gov. Online: www.shineatlanta.com.