Frequently Asked Questions
Dig through the categories below to find answers to questions we get often.
If you want more help, reach out to our Energy Concierge team. They are real, local, and available to help answer your questions.
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, Eagle, and Garfield Counties.
Do heat pumps work in this cold of a climate?
Yes, definitely! Visit our Blogroom to read about cold climate heat pump success stories.
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.
If you're hoping to do a project in a residential home, you would apply for a rebate. We also provide grants for new residential construction.
If you are interested in doing a project in a commercial or multifamily building, please reach out to our Energy Concierge team to discuss your options.
Rebates
What is a rebate?
A rebate is a reimbursement for a completed project that aligns with CORE’s mission to advance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rebates are available for specific project types, which may change annually. Visit our grants and rebates page [savings finder link] for the most up-to-date rebate offerings.
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.
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
Do you rebate electric vehicle charging?
Yes, in some circumstances. Contact our Energy Concierge for more information.
Do you rebate solar?
We do not rebate solar. Visit Holy Cross Energy for solar rebates.
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.
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.
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 assessment 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?
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?
Energy assessments are required for residents of Eagle County.
They are also required for large-scale weather sealing and insulation projects.
Otherwise, they are not required. However, they are highly recommended.
Building IQ
What do building owners need to do to benchmark?
If you would like to benchmark your property on your own, building owners will need to take three steps:
- Create an account in Energy Star Portfolio Manager (the EPA’s free tool used by more than 300,000 properties across the United States.)
- Add your property’s information (property type, square footage, etc.)
- Enter the energy, water, and gas data for your property for the reporting year.
- Share your property on Energy Star Portfolio Manager with CORE.
Questions? CORE can help benchmark for you.
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 (5K sq. ft. +) and multifamily properties (15K 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
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, or give us a call, and we'll point you in the right direction.
