Symbium launches instant permitting in California
What are Appliance Rebates, and why should I care?
An appliance rebate can be seen as a discount. It is a refund provided as an incentive to choose an energy-efficient appliance when replacing an existing appliance. Refunds are issued after the purchase of the appliance. So if you are upgrading from an old appliance, there are rebates available that could help you save money.
The Inflation Reduction Act recently created $4.5 billion in funding to help states provide rebates when homeowners purchase and replace electric appliances. The legislation was created to help the country further reduce its carbon footprint. Some of the types of energy rebate upgrades homeowners can benefit from are insulation, heat pump water heaters, electric appliances, electric stoves, and electric heat pump clothes dryers. Additionally, if homeowners require an electric panel upgrade to accommodate a new appliances, they may be eligible for a tax credit.
How can I apply for appliance rebates?
You can benefit from BayREN’s rebate program if you live in the Bay Area. This is available to homeowners and multifamily property owners and has rebates on many different appliances and home energy upgrades. Symbium is thrilled to be able to help Bay Area residents find rebates in just a few clicks using the Appliance Center. In addition, if you’re in San Jose or Milpitas, you can check if a building permit is needed to install the appliance, apply for your permit, and schedule inspections.
When searching for rebates through Symbium, all you need to prepare is the type of appliance, your current appliance’s brand and model number, and your new appliance’s brand and model number. Symbium will automatically display the applicable rebates and the rebate amount. Symbium accounts for all the information and will direct you to apply through BayREN.
To utilize this feature, simply:
- Visit Symbium
- Enter your address
- Select the Projects tab
- Visit the Appliance Center to start saving money on energy-efficient appliances
- Check for the available rebates and the number of different appliances
When do I need a building permit?
Many appliances can be safely installed without a contractor, but for some, installation can pose safety concerns when it isn’t handled by a licensed professional. To ensure that the minimum safety requirements of the California Building Codes are met, most construction activities, including alterations, replacements, and repair work in homes, require permits and inspections.
The following are some Home Appliance projects that usually require a building permit:
- Water heaters almost always require a permit because the unit’s temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve can pose an explosion risk if installed incorrectly. A permit inspection ensures that the appliance has been installed correctly.
- Appliances that connect to local gas lines, such as a gas stove
- HVAC systems repairs/replacements, like furnaces, wood stoves, range hoods, bath fans, and dryer exhausts.
