Insulation

Why you should upgrade your insulation

Upgrading your insulation can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. It can also save you money. If your home has electric heat, upgrading to current insulation standards could reduce your utility bills significantly for years to come.

Properly installed insulation helps stop cold air drafts, holds heat inside, and reduces outside noise.

To get the full value from insulation and air sealing, it must be installed properly. Insulation must be placed in the right location and installed without leaving gaps that reduce the performance of the insulation.

Incentives we offer for insulation

We offer three incentives to help you pay for upgrading your insulation in your crawlspace, walls, and attic. Choose one of these:

 

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Rebate details

If you’re paying out-of-pocket to upgrade your insulation, you’re eligible for a rebate. We’ll cover a portion of your bill from your Tacoma Power Participating Contractor. You can get $750 off each area (crawlspace, wall, and attic) for a maximum discount of $2,250. 

Requirements for a contractor discount: 
  • The primary heat source for your home is electric.  
  • The home where the insulation is installed is served by Tacoma Power.  
  • Current insulation R-values must be:
    • Attic: R11 or less
    • Walls: R0 
    • Floor: R11 or less 
  • You must use a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor. 
Use a participating contractor:

A Tacoma Power Participating Contractor must install the insulation. They are well-trained on all aspects of our program, and will ensure you meet these technical requirements necessary to qualify for the discount: 

  • The project must meet local and federal codes and regulations.  
  • Installation must follow the manufacturer’s specifications.  
  • New insulation R-values must be:  
    • Attic: R49 with air sealing 
    • Walls: R13 
    • Floor: R30 or cavity fill with air sealing  

See the full list of installation requirements your contractor is required to follow by clicking here. 

Not eligible for a contractor discount:
  • Manufactured homes 
  • Major remodels where upgraded insulation is required to meet building code  
  • New construction  
  • Do-it-yourself installations 
  • Multi-family properties with 5 or more units (see multi-family incentives here) 
  • Properties that have previously received an incentive from Tacoma Power for insulation 
Required documents for a contractor discount:

After you project is complete, you’ll need to work with your contractor to complete and submit the following documents to Tacoma Power:  

Electric Hybrid Water Heater

0% interest loan

If you’re paying out-of-pocket to upgrade your insulation, you might be eligible for a 0% interest loan. The loan can cover up to $6,000 of your bill from your Tacoma Power Participating Contractor.  

Requirements for a 0% interest loan: 
  • The primary heat source for your home is electric.   
  • Your application and project must be pre-approved by Tacoma Power. 
  • The home where the insulation is installed is served by Tacoma Power.   
  • The loan applicant owns the home and the land. 
  • The loan applicant has a good TPU payment and credit history. 
  • Current insulation R-values must be: 
    • Attic: R11 or less 
    • Walls: R0  
    • Floor: R11 or less  
  • You must use a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor.  
Use a participating contractor:

A Tacoma Power Participating Contractor must install the insulation. They are well-trained on all aspects of our program, and will ensure you meet these technical requirements necessary to qualify for the discount:  

  • The project must meet local and federal codes and regulations.   
  • Installation must follow the manufacturer’s specifications.   
  • New insulation R-values must be:   
    • Attic: R49 with air sealing  
    • Walls: R13  
    • Floor: R30 or cavity fill with air sealing   

See the full list of installation requirements your contractor is required to follow by clicking here. 

Not eligible for a 0% interest loan:
  • Homes with a reverse mortgage 
  • Manufactured homes  
  • Major remodels where upgraded insulation is required to meet building code   
  • New construction   
  • Do-it-yourself installations  
  • Multi-family properties with 5 or more units (see multi-family incentives here)  
  • Properties that have previously received an incentive from Tacoma Power for insulation  
Required documents for a 0% interest loan: 

After your project is complete, you’ll need to work with your contractor to complete and submit the following documents to Tacoma Power:   

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Income qualified rebate

If your household income doesn’t exceed the allowed maximums, you might qualify for a rebate to help cover the cost.

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Requirements for an income qualified rebate: 
  • The primary heat source for the home is electric.  
  • Your application and project must be pre-approved by Tacoma Power.  
  • The home where the insulation is installed is served by Tacoma Power.  
  • Current insulation R-values must be:  
    • Attic: R11 or less 
    • Walls: R0 
    • Floor: R11 or less
  • You must use a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor. 
Use a participating contractor:

A Tacoma Power Participating Contractor must install the insulation. They are well-trained on all aspects of our program, and will ensure you meet these technical requirements necessary to qualify for the loan: 

  • The project must meet local and federal codes and regulations.  
  • Installation must follow the manufacturer’s specifications.  
  • New insulation R-values must be:  
    • Attic: R49 with air sealing 
    • Walls: R13 
    • Floor: R30 or cavity fill with air sealing  

See the full list of installation requirements and specifications your contractor is required to follow by clicking here. 

Not eligible for an income qualified rebate:
  • Manufactured homes 
  • Major remodels where upgraded insulation is required to meet building code  
  • New construction  
  • Do-it-yourself installations 
  • Multi-family properties with 5 or more units (see multi-family incentives here) 
  • Properties that have previously received an incentive from Tacoma Power for insulation 
Required documents for an income qualified rebate:

To see if you qualify for a deferred loan, fill out this income-qualification application and submit it to Tacoma Power along with your income verification documents (or if you have zero income, fill out this form). 

If you qualify, then you’ll need to work with your contractor to complete and submit these documents to Tacoma Power before getting started:  

  • An application for your project 
  • A bid created by your contractor (or your contractor can fill out this form) 
  • A passing knob and tube inspection report completed by a licensed and bonded electrician (only needed for homes with knob and tube wiring) 

After your project is complete, your contractor will need to submit the following documents to Tacoma Power:  

  • An invoice that meets these requirements  
  • An insulation certificate that states your home’s square footage and the new insulation type and R-value 

How to get started

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Pick a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor (or a few) to give you some bids for your insulation.

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Once you’ve selected your Participating Contractor, you can work together to fill out your project application.

It’s here where you’ll indicate what incentive you want to use.

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Submit your application to Tacoma Power for project and incentive approval.

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Once you’re approved, your Participating Contractor will get to work upgrading your home.

Enjoy the comfort and lower utility bill your new insulation provides.


Find a Contractor

Some restrictions might apply. Program requirements and incentive amounts are subject to change without notice. Check with Tacoma Power for current information. Energy and heating savings are estimates only. Actual savings may vary. Tacoma Power does not make any representations, promises or warranties with respect to actual cost savings from any of the products. Tacoma Power does not endorse any particular contractor, manufacturer or product. 

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