Nicor Gas provides free energy-saving kits and home energy assessments to its customers as part of its Energy Efficiency Program. These offerings are designed to help residential customers reduce utility usage and lower monthly bills through the installation of water-saving devices and weatherization materials. The availability of these kits and services is strictly limited to current Nicor Gas account holders.
Free Mail-In Kits for Nicor Gas Customers
Nicor Gas customers can order free energy-saving kits by mail. Two distinct kit options are available: a Water-Saving Kit and a Weatherization Kit. Customers may order up to two free weatherization kits.
Water-Saving Kit Contents
The Water-Saving Kit includes the following items: * 1 or 2 low-flow showerheads * 1 or 2 bathroom faucet aerators * 1 dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator * Shower timer * Plumber’s tape
Weatherization Kit Contents
The Weatherization Kit includes the following items: * 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
Ordering Requirements
To order these free kits, customers must have their account information ready. If a customer cannot locate their account number, they may contact Nicor Gas at 877.886.4239, where a representative can assist with placing the order. These free energy-saving kits are available exclusively to Nicor Gas customers.
Home Energy Assessments and In-Home Products
In addition to mail-in kits, Nicor Gas offers a free Home Energy Savings assessment for homeowners and renters. This assessment involves a visit from an energy advisor who evaluates the home's energy efficiency.
Eligibility and Products
To qualify for free products and installation, eligible customers must possess a natural gas forced air heating system (furnace) and a central air conditioner. During the assessment, customers may be eligible to receive the following energy-saving products at no cost: * Advanced power strips * Smart thermostats
Other products may be available at a discounted rate. Free installation is included for the qualifying products. The energy advisor will assess the home and install items they are confident can be installed safely and without damaging property. Advanced power strips are provided to homeowners but are not installed by the advisor.
Scheduling an Assessment
To schedule a Home Energy Savings assessment, customers can call 855.660.9378 or complete the online scheduling form.
Program Limitations and Verification
It is important to note that the free kits and assessments are specific to utility programs. While other utility companies across the United States offer similar programs, these are distinct from the Nicor Gas offerings. For example, sources indicate that Southern California Gas Company offers a free energy-saving starter kit, and Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) customers can select from three kit options that include LED bulbs and a Home Depot gift certificate. However, these are not available to Nicor Gas customers.
Furthermore, while some reports suggest that energy assessments may have associated fees (such as a $99 fee mentioned in one anecdotal report regarding a different utility program), the Nicor Gas program documentation explicitly describes the Home Energy Savings assessment and the installation of products like smart thermostats and power strips as free for qualifying customers.
Conclusion
Nicor Gas offers tangible resources for customers looking to reduce energy and water consumption. The primary methods for receiving these benefits are ordering specific water-saving or weatherization kits via mail or scheduling a comprehensive home energy assessment. Both programs require an active Nicor Gas account and are intended to facilitate immediate savings on utility bills through the installation of efficient devices.