Energy Saving Tips for RI Homeowners

Buying a home may be the biggest financial decision you will make. Ongoing maintenance, utilities and related costs all play a factor in your success as a homeowner. One of the most important and effective ways to reduce housing expenses is for homeowners to make their homes as energy efficient as possible.

With rising energy costs, it’s more important than ever to be energy efficient. Thankfully, there are simple ways that can help you save on costs.

Here are suggestions to get you started on saving:

  • Have an energy assessment. Sign up for a FREE home energy assessment with Rhode Island Energy to learn about and ID improvements to make your home more energy efficient.
    • An energy assessment may include no-cost energy saving products such as advanced power strips, low flow shower heads, programmable thermostats, etc.
    • Based on the assessment, you may be eligible for rebates on heating and cooling equipment and savings on insulation improvements and targeted air sealing.
    • Try an online energy assessment: Click here to begin.
  • Weatherize your home. Seal common air leaks in windows, doors, and other areas and add insulation in your home.
  • Upgrade your heating system. Simple improvements like a programmable thermostat can heat your home more efficiently.
  • Cool your home efficiently. Close curtains facing sunlight, use fans instead of AC and turn off or turn down lights.
  • Save on appliances. Switch to “smart” or EnergySaver appliances, use surge protectors and unplug unused appliances.
  • Save on lighting. Turn off un-needed lights or use energy efficient light bulbs.
  • Use less water. Address issues with leaking pipes and faucets or switch to an energy efficient water heater.
  • Energy saving programs. Need help paying your utility bills? Rhode Island Energy has programs for discounts and budgeting.

For more tips, visit the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency website and see more disaster preparedness resources from the American Red Cross.

Did You Know?

  • Lighting burns up to 25% of the average home’s energy budget. Simple steps like changing the kinds of bulbs you use, or turning off lights when not in use, can save you money.
  • There are rebates and incentives available to help make your home more energy efficient and save you money.
  • Small adjustments in heating and cooling efficiency can lead to big savings.
  • You may be paying for electricity you never use by leaving devices and appliances plugged in but not on.

Things to remember:

  • Heating and cooling: Small adjustments can lead to big savings in heating and cooling your home.
  • Lighting: Efficient use of lighting and bulbs can save energy and money.
  • Appliances and electronics: Opportunities for efficiency occur with every appliance and electronic device.
  • Water heating: How you use heated water can impact your energy bill.
  • Rebates and incentives: Learn what’s available to you and take advantage when replacing or upgrading your home.

Helpful Resources:

For more information on energy cost savings visit the Rhode Island Energy website and check out this in-depth guide from Department of Energy.

Programs for income eligible households:

Learn More

RIHousing Mortgage Customers
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Rhode Island Housing Subsidiary Corporations and Affiliates

Rhode Island Housing Subsidiary Corporations

  • Rhode Island Housing Development Corporation (occasionally LLCs are established with the Development Corporation as sole general partner on multifamily properties that RIHousing has taken over.)
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Corporation
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Pool II, L.P.
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Pool, L.P.
  • University Heights Housing Corporation

Rhode Island Housing Affiliates

  • Affordable Housing Trust

These are not RIHousing entities, but we have a general partner capacity in each:

  • Ashley Estates Limited Partnership – RIH Equity Corp. is general partner
  • Erik Estates Limited Partnership – RIH Equity Corp. is general partner
  • Mohican Limited Partnership – RIHDC is general partner
  • Phebe Street Associates, L.P. – RIHDC is general partner
  • University Heights Apartments, L.P. – University Heights Housing is general partner

Mission Statement

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

To achieve our mission we:

  • Offer fair, affordable and innovative lending programs.
  • Provide housing related education to consumers and others.
  • Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
  • Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
  • Team up with partners to improve everything we do

RIHousing uses all of its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation.

Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Initiative

RIHousing Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Plan
Rhode Island Health and Housing Tool Kit
Rhode Island Health and Housing Took Kit – Appendix A-K

Are you a Newport resident?

Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract.

Newport-Census-Map

Only residents of census tract 405 are eligible for the FirstGenHomeRI pilot program.

The map on the left shows the approximated eligible region.

Unsure if your address is part of the eligible region?

Type in your address below to find out (Include street #, street name, Newport, RI).

Data mapped by PolicyMap, an online GIS mapping tool.

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Applications from residents who live in the census tract listed below are prioritized.

Central Falls 44007010900, 44007010800, 44007011100, 44007011000
Pawtucket 44007016000, 44007015300, 44007015100, 44007015200, 44007015500, 44007016600, 44007016700, 44007017000, 44007017100, 44007016100, 44007016400
Newport 44005040500, 44005041100
East Providence 44007010100, 44007010501

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