Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs Free Water-Saving Products And Assessments

Nicor Gas, one of Illinois' leading natural gas providers, offers customers a range of energy efficiency programs designed to help reduce utility bills while conserving resources. Among these offerings are complimentary water-saving kits, weatherization kits, and comprehensive home energy assessments that can significantly lower household energy consumption. These programs provide tangible benefits to customers through free products, professional installations, and expert advice on energy conservation.

Free Water-Saving Kits

Nicor Gas customers have access to complimentary water-saving kits that address one of the most significant sources of residential water waste. These kits contain practical, high-efficiency fixtures designed to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.

The water-saving kit includes: - 1 or 2 low-flow showerheads - 1 or 2 bathroom faucet aerators - 1 dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator - Shower timer - Plumber's tape

These components work together to minimize water waste in the most commonly used household water fixtures. The low-flow showerheads maintain adequate water pressure while reducing flow rates, potentially saving thousands of gallons annually. Bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators mix air with water to maintain pressure while decreasing overall water usage. The shower timer helps households become more conscious of their shower duration, which is typically one of the largest residential water uses.

The installation process is straightforward for most homeowners, with plumber's tape provided to ensure proper sealing of connections. The shower timer typically attaches directly to the shower arm or wall without requiring specialized tools.

Free Weatherization Kits

For customers seeking to address home energy efficiency beyond water conservation, Nicor Gas offers complimentary weatherization kits designed to reduce air leakage and improve insulation around common sources of heat loss.

The weatherization kit contains: - 12-pack of outlet and switch foam gasket - 17-foot roll of closed cell foam tape weatherstripping - 17-foot roll of V-seal type weatherstripping - Self-adhesive door sweep - 30-foot roll of rope caulk

These materials address some of the most common sources of air infiltration in residential buildings. Outlet and switch foam gaskets prevent drafts from electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls. The various weatherstripping options create seals around doors and windows where gaps commonly exist. The door sweep provides a barrier at the base of exterior doors to prevent drafts. Rope caulk can be used to seal larger gaps in windows, doors, or around plumbing fixtures.

Customers may order up to two weatherization kits per household, allowing for comprehensive coverage of multiple rooms or areas of the home. The materials are designed for DIY installation with basic household tools, though the complexity of installation may vary depending on the specific home's construction and existing fixtures.

Home Energy Assessments

Beyond the pre-packaged kits, Nicor Gas offers comprehensive home energy assessments conducted by qualified energy advisors. These assessments provide personalized recommendations and may include installation of additional energy-saving products during the visit.

During a typical assessment, the energy advisor performs a thorough evaluation of the home's energy efficiency, including:

• Inspection of building materials and exterior foliage
• Attic insulation assessment
• HVAC system testing
• Hot water system evaluation
• Window leak detection using specialized equipment
• Combustion safety testing to ensure no carbon monoxide issues

The assessment may also include installation of various energy-saving products at no additional cost, such as: - Up to 10 CFL light bulbs - Two showerheads - Hot-water pipe insulation - Faucet aerators - Programmable thermostats

For customers who are also ComEd electric customers, the assessment is coordinated between both utilities, with potential for additional rebates and incentives. ComEd and NICOR will match up to $1,250 in costs for insulation and air sealing work performed by qualified contractors.

The assessment itself has a $99 fee, but many customers find this cost offset by energy savings. For instance, according to one customer account, simply using the 10 CFL bulbs installed during the assessment rather than traditional bulbs would save approximately $118 per year, covering the assessment fee in the first year alone.

Additional Energy-Saving Products

Beyond the standard kits and assessment offerings, Nicor Gas customers may qualify for additional energy-saving products through their efficiency programs:

• Advanced power strips: These automatically cut power to electronics in standby mode, eliminating phantom energy drain.
• Smart thermostats: Programmable thermostats help optimize heating and cooling schedules, potentially reducing energy consumption by 10-15%.
• Water conservation products: Beyond the standard kits, additional water-saving fixtures may be available depending on the specific home's needs.

Not all products are available to all customers, as eligibility depends on factors such as the type of heating and cooling systems, home construction, and utility service territory. Customers with natural gas forced air heating systems (furnaces) and central air conditioners are typically eligible for the widest range of products.

How to Order and Eligibility Requirements

To access Nicor Gas energy efficiency programs, customers must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow specific ordering processes:

Eligibility: - Must be an active Nicor Gas customer - For weatherization kits: Can order up to two per household - For energy assessments: Must have a natural gas forced air heating system (furnace) and a central air conditioner - For smart thermostats and advanced power strips: Subject to availability and program guidelines

Ordering Process: 1. Gather account information (account number is required) 2. For kits: Visit the Nicor Gas website or call 877.886.4239 to place an order 3. For assessments: Call 855.660.9378 or complete the online scheduling form 4. For customers of both Nicor Gas and ComEd: Call 877-821-9988 for coordinated assessments

If unable to locate their account number, customers can contact Nicor Gas representatives at 877.886.4239 who can assist with placing orders.

Important Notes: - Free energy-saving kits and assessments are available to Nicor Gas customers only - Weatherization kits can be ordered once every three years - Energy assessments include free installation of eligible products, though advisors will not move furniture or install products if they cannot do so safely without damaging property - Advanced power strips are typically left with homeowners for self-installation

Conclusion

Nicor Gas energy efficiency programs offer customers substantial opportunities to reduce utility bills while conserving valuable resources. Through free water-saving kits, weatherization kits, and comprehensive home energy assessments, customers receive practical solutions to common energy waste issues. The combination of free products, professional assessments, and potential rebates for additional upgrades creates a comprehensive approach to home energy efficiency.

For Nicor Gas customers in Illinois, these programs represent significant value, with many experiencing immediate cost savings through reduced energy consumption. The water-saving kits alone can potentially save thousands of gallons of water annually, while weatherization materials can reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing air leakage. The comprehensive home energy assessments provide personalized recommendations that address the specific efficiency challenges of each home.

By taking advantage of these programs, customers not only lower their utility bills but also contribute to broader environmental conservation efforts. The combination of immediate savings and long-term efficiency improvements makes Nicor Gas energy efficiency programs an attractive option for homeowners seeking to reduce both their environmental impact and household expenses.

Sources

1. Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program
2. Free Energy Saving Kits and Smart Thermostats
3. Free Energy Saving Kits from Utility Companies
4. Energy Assessment Experience
5. Free Energy Saving Kits for Nicor Gas Customers