Are you looking to brighten up your space while saving money and contributing to a greener future?
The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) offers the opportunity to upgrade your electrical systems with energy efficient solutions. In this blog, our electricians will guide you through simple steps to upgrade your home’s lighting, reduce your energy bills, and take advantage of the financial incentives offered by the CEIP.
Get ready to improve your home with beautiful, practical and eco-friendly options, let’s begin!
What Is Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program?
Alberta households spend almost $5000 on their energy bills every year, meaning there is the potential for huge cost savings with energy efficient upgrades. And Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program puts these upgrades within reach with an innovative, flexible and affordable approach to financing!
This unique type of financing is tied to the property, not the property owner. Meaning, if your home is sold, the new owner will assume the payments and the benefits of your chosen upgrade. The program also offers competitive rates and longer repayment terms for improved convenience, and a brighter future for your home.
Eligibility Criteria
The first step to figuring out if you are eligible is by visiting the CEIP website and locating your municipality from the drop down menu. If you don’t see your area included, don’t worry, new towns are being approved and added every day.
Secondly, to qualify for the CEIP your residential property has to fall within the following criteria: detached, semi-detached, or be a townhouse property.
Once you’ve located your property type in your chosen area, you can fill out the prequalification form on the website. The team at 4-Star Electric is experienced in all things CEIP and can walk you through the application process if you need, give us a call, we’re here to help!
The CEIP covers lighting fixtures and smart control upgrades, let’s explore what that looks like below.
Lighting Upgrade Options Under The CEIP
Indoor Lighting Controls
Controls that use motion or daylight to turn your lights on and off are a fantastic option for reducing energy usage, particularly in low occupancy areas. These controls also have a long lifespan, some 10 years or more, reducing replacement costs.
Additional information you’ll need for your application include a valid manufacturer warranty, qualified contractor service to preserve said warranty, and a contractor quote outlining the specs and costs of the equipment and installation (which we can help with, so not to worry!)
LED Lighting Fixtures
Hardwired LED lighting fixtures including downlight, track, ceiling and wall-mounted are all eligible for the program. LED fixtures are extremely energy efficient, durable and long lasting and provide consistent, high quality lighting throughout your home, while keeping operating costs low.
Additional information you’ll need for your application include making sure your chosen fixture carries the Energy Star symbol, a valid manufacturer warranty, qualified contractor service to preserve the warranty and a quote from our experts outlining the specs, cost of equipment and installation (once again, we’re here to help with this part!).
Benefits Of Upgrading Your Home Lighting Systems
Significant Cost Savings
Upgrading your lighting to LED bulbs can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bill. These bulbs use a fraction of the power consumed by traditional bulbs resulting in reduced utility costs overtime.
Enhanced Longevity
Energy efficient fixtures and controls typically have a longer life expectancy than their traditional cousins. LED bulbs for example can last up to 25 years longer than incandescent bulbs. Meaning few replacements, reduced maintenance costs, and less hassle.
Improved Environmental Impact
Switching to energy efficient upgrades significantly reduces your home’s impact on the environment. These fixtures consume less energy reducing the strain on the grid and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By upgrading you are contributing to a more sustainable Calgary!
Better Quality Of Light
The fixtures and controls on the market today allow for a brighter, more consistent distribution of light around your space. Some LED fixtures for example, have colour settings allowing for enhanced control and comfort.
Increase Your Home Value
Making energy efficient upgrades can enhance your home's value and appeal to potential buyers. Energy efficiency is a sought after upgrade in today’s market, and having modern, eco-friendly lighting and controls can make your home valuable to environmentally-conscious buyers.
The 4-Star Difference!
Our electricians really know how to light up your life! We’re proud to offer 100% satisfaction and replacement guarantees on all of our residential lighting installations so you can rest easy knowing our team is with you every step of the way.
Our experienced team will also walk you through the application process and any questions you may have about applying for the CEIP, and will work diligently to provide any additional information you may need throughout the process.
Upgrading your home lighting with the CEIP is more than just an investment in your property, it’s an investment in the planet. To find out if your home is eligible follow the steps above, or call the experienced electricians at 4-Star Electric, and together let’s light the way to a more sustainable future.