FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Dig through the categories below to find answers to questions we get often.

 If you want more help, give us a call (1-970-925-9775 x 1003). Our Energy Concierge is available to help.

Assessments

  • How quickly will an energy analyst come to my home?

    It will take less than three weeks.

  • I am going on vacation. Will the energy analyst work around that?

    Yes! You just need to make arrangements directly with the analyst.

  • How often do I need to get a home energy assessment?

    You need to have an energy assessments every five years or after a major remodel, whichever comes first.

  • I don't know the answer to a required field on the request form. What do I do?

    Call our Energy Concierge at 1-970-925-9775 x1003

  • How long will it take to schedule my commercial site visit?

    Once we receive all of your utility bills, we will schedule your visit to take place within two weeks. 

  • Do I need a home energy assessment to receive rebates?

    Not necessarily. For large-scale weather sealing and insulation projects, yes. Otherwise, no.

Programs

  • What types of programs does CORE offer?

    In a nutshell, we help you save energy and cut carbon emissions. One of the ways we do this is by offering the community energy assessments, advising, and funding for qualified projects. 

  • Why does CORE require air sealing before I insulate?

    We strive to maximize efficiency. Sealing air leaks before improving insulation ensures you get the most out of your energy upgrades.

  • AFUE, COP, HSPF, what??? Can you help me figure out these abbreviations?

    AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) is the measurement of how efficiently a gas furnace or boiler will operate over an entire heating season. AFUE is measured as a percentage, so the higher the better.


    COP (coefficient of performance) is the measurement of how efficiently a heating or cooling system will operate at a single outdoor temperature condition. A COP in the high single digits is fantastic.


    HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) is the measurement of how efficiently heat pumps will operate in their heating mode over an entire heating season. An HSPF between 7 and 8 is typical for a good rating for an energy-efficient heat pump.

Rebates

  • How far in advance do I submit my project in order to get a rebate?

    Your application must be submitted within 90 days of completing a project. Invoices must be dated within 90 days of applying for a rebate.

  • Can I apply for more than one rebate at a time?

    You bet!

  • Why don't you rebate windows?

    Windows don’t pass the “cost-effectiveness test” for reducing carbon emissions and we want you to get the most bang for your buck.

  • Can I access utility rebates in addition to CORE rebates?

    Yes! In fact, if you are a Holy Cross Energy customer, you can apply for CORE rebates and Holy Cross Energy Rebates at the same time.


    Visit our Residential Rebates page for more information:aspencore.org/residential-rebates

  • If a home is off-grid, is it still eligible for energy-efficiency rebates?

    If your home is not connected to the grid or is in Glenwood Springs and not on the Glenwood Springs Electric grid, your project does not qualify for CORE rebates. Give us a call to discuss your project.

  • Do you rebate electric vehicle charging?

    Yes, but only for Aspen Electric individual residential customers. For more information about funding for EV charging, check out http://garfieldcleanenergy.org/evs/ and https://www.holycross.com/charge-at-home-charge-at-work.

  • Do you have rebates in Garfield County?

    We do not provide rebates in Garfield County, but check outHoly Cross EnergyandGarfield County Clean Energyto find rebates in your area. 

  • Do you rebate solar?

    We do not rebate solar. Visit https://www.holycross.com/renewable-energy/ for solar rebates.

  • What is a rebate?

    A rebate is a retrospective reimbursement for a project that CORE has determined significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. Please check our website at the beginning of each year as rebate options change.

  • Why do you require my utility bills?

    When you submit your utility bill, it verifies your electric service territory and helps CORE measure the energy impact of your project. This way we can customize the advice we give you.

Building IQ

  • What do building owners need to do to benchmark?

    To benchmark a property, building owners will need to take three steps: 

    1. Create an account in Energy Star Portfolio Manager (the EPA’s free tool used by more than 300,000 properties across the United States.) 

    2. Add your property’s information (property type, square footage, etc.). 3. Enter the energy, water, and gas data for your property for the reporting year.

    Questions? CORE can help benchmark for you. Call us at 1-970-925-9775.

  • How much will it cost to benchmark?

    There is no charge to the building owners or to the City of Aspen to use the Energy Star Portfolio Manager platform to benchmark.

  • Why should I benchmark?

    In addition to it being a law in Aspen, there are multiple reasons benchmarking benefits you and the community. Through the Building IQ program, building owners can expect to:

    -Conserve energy.

    -Help manage your building.

    -Inform City of Aspen energy programs.

    -Market as a green building.

    -Support global climate action.

    -Identify short- and long-term savings.

  • When do Building Performance Standards begin?

    See the City of Aspen's website for more information about the BPS timeline: aspen.gov/BuildingIQ.

  • How do I improve the performance of my building?

    There are a lot of things you can do to improve the performance of your building, including simple upgrades like updating your lighting and adding controls. Since each building is unique, we recommend starting with an energy assessment through CORE. Then, we can evaluate your energy use and make suggestions specific to your building. 

    To schedule an energy assessment, call our Energy Concierge at 1-970-925-9775 x1003.

  • Can I have a copy of the Building IQ ordinance?

    Find the ordinance on the City of Aspen's website: aspen.gov/BuildingIQ

  • Who is required to benchmark?

    In addition to City-owned buildings that were the first to benchmark, owners of large commercial properties (10K sq. ft. +) and multifamily properties (20K sq. ft. +) are required to benchmark their buildings beginning January 1, 2024. Smaller commercial properties and multi-family properties will be phased in over time. If you are wondering whether or not your building is on the current list, visit the City of Aspen's Building IQ webpage: aspen.gov/BuildingIQ

  • Are any buildings exempt from the Building IQ ordinance?

    Per the Building IQ ordinance, select properties may qualify for certain exemptions and/or extensions. You can find exemption information and application forms on the City of Aspen’s Building IQ website, aspen.gov/BuildingIQ, under the “Exemption Request” section. Complete the appropriate form to submit your request to the City. T

General

  • What are your office hours?

    9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST, Monday - Thursday.

  • Where are you located?

    We have an office located at 129 Emma Rd. Unit B, Basalt, CO 81621.

  • What territory do you serve?

    We serve Pitkin and Eagle Counties in the Roaring Fork Valley. 

  • Do heat pumps work in this cold of a climate?

    Yes, definitely! We can provide countless examples of heat pump installations that have been very successful in mountain communities.


    Learn more about heat pumps here: https://www.aspencore.org/blogs04a61323/heat-pumps-are-the-hottest-thing-also-because-theyre-cool

Find Funding

  • I'm looking for funding for my project. Where do I begin?

    We recommend starting with our "Savings Finder" here on the website. If you have any questions, contact our Energy Concierge at 1-970-925-9775 x1003. 

  • Does CORE still offer grants for residential building projects?

    Grants are reserved for large commercial and multifamily building projects. In 2024, CORE launched a new grants and rebate program designed to focus on projects that have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment. The new criteria include rebates for residential projects. CORE offers residential rebates for many types of projects.  

  • When is the deadline to submit a commercial or multifamily building project grant application?

    Grant applications for commercial or multifamily building projects are accepted on a rolling basis. We recommend you contact us before drafting your application so we can help you through the process. Projects must be completed within 18 months of your application being approved. 

  • How do I know if I should apply for a rebate, grant, or something else?

    CORE only provides grants for commercial and multifamily buildings. So, if you're hoping to do a project in a residential home, you would apply for a rebate. If you are interested in doing a project in a a commercial or multifamily building, please reach out to our Energy Concierge team to discuss your options.

Contractor

  • I'm looking for a contractor. Who do you recommend?

    We’re lucky to have a lot of local talent in the Roaring Fork Valley. You will find a list of trusted CORE contractors on our websitehere, or give us a call at 1-970-925-9775 x1003.

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