The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has enhanced our former Residential New Construction offering to bring you even more incentives. Our new Smart Neighborhood Builder Program continues to offer incentives to builders who construct homes using energy efficient practices, but it now offers more for smart energy product solutions. The offering, designed to help save money and lower the carbon footprint, includes four incentive tiers:
Certified Smart Builder
The Certified Smart Builder identifies outstanding commitment to sustainable building practices that spotlight energy efficiency and net zero building. These builders leverage the latest in cutting edge smart energy technologies to allow their residents to live more carbon conscious lifestyles.
Requirements
- Homes must reach net zero emissions and include the integration of back up battery systems and solar panels
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- Hybrid space heating system (8.1 or greater HSPF2 electric heat pump combined with 95% or greater AFUE furnace)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $825 per home
- Use of the Nicor Gas Smart Builder logo on all promotional materials
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
- Eligible for Federal and State rebates
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- Hybrid space heating system (8.1 or greater HSPF2 electric heat pump combined with 95% or greater AFUE furnace)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $825 per home
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
Gold Builder
Builders achieving Gold Builder status demonstrate a strong commitment to energy efficient building practices and can receive more than $825 in benefits from utility incentives.
Silver Builder
Silver Builders demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and are eligible for more than $500 in rebates from Nicor Gas.
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- High-efficiency, sealed combustion furnace or boiler (97 or greater AFUE)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $500 per home
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.5 ACH50 for single-family homes and townhomes
- Duct sealing: 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes and town homes
- High-efficiency, sealed combustion furnace or boiler (95 or greater AFUE)
- Natural gas water heater (power vented or tankless)**
- Advanced thermostat
Incentives
- $275 per home**
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
**Builders will receive $175 if they choose not to install a natural gas water heater.
Bronze Builder
Home builders who are aligned with Nicor Gas’ energy efficiency goals can achieve Bronze Builder status by meeting the requirements listed below.
*Additional incentives include:
- Third party verification via Builder or HERS rater: $75 per qualified completed home
- High-performance windows (thermal transmittance rating [U-value] <= 0.22 and Solar heat gain co-efficient rating [SHGC] >= 0.17): $15 per window ($300 maximum per home)
- WatersenseTM showerheads and faucets: $25 per home
- Insulated Concrete Form walls: Custom rebate. Contact us to learn more.
