There is a dangerous little sentence in homeownership:
“We should probably replace that.”
Sometimes, yes.
But before buying another thermostat, replacing every light bulb, paying someone to weather-strip the doors or hauling that old refrigerator away yourself, spend a few minutes checking what programs may already be available to help.
Because this week’s Centennial SMART is simple:
Check first. Spend second.
1. Your Home May Qualify for an Energy Tune-Up
The City of Centennial currently points residents toward Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Squad, a program designed to find some of the small places where homes quietly waste energy.
Depending on the program and eligibility, a visit may include things such as LED bulbs, programmable thermostat assistance, weather-stripping for drafty doors, efficient showerheads and faucet aerators.
Centennial’s current energy-resource page says the standard Home Energy Squad visit is being offered free for a limited time, with installation, labor and materials valued at up to $200. A more comprehensive Home Energy Squad Plus assessment may include diagnostic testing, infrared analysis and additional energy-saving improvements.
Before scheduling, verify current availability and eligibility directly with Xcel Energy.
That could be considerably more productive than wandering the weatherization aisle at the hardware store wondering which roll of foam tape is going to save civilization.
2. That Old Refrigerator Could Actually Pay You
Have an old refrigerator or freezer humming away in the garage?
That second appliance may be costing you money every month simply to keep a handful of drinks and three mysterious frozen items cold.
Centennial currently lists an Xcel Energy refrigerator recycling program for qualifying electricity customers. According to the City’s resource page, Xcel will pick up an eligible working refrigerator or freezer for recycling at no charge and offers a $50 incentive.
That is worth checking before paying someone to haul the appliance away.
3. Look for Rebates Before Replacing Major Equipment
If a furnace, water heater or other major system really does need replacement, resist the temptation to begin with:
“Which model should I buy?”
Begin with:
“What rebates are available?”
Centennial directs residents to energy-efficiency programs that may provide incentives for qualifying heating, cooling, insulation and water-heating upgrades.
The important word is before.
Some programs have equipment requirements, approved contractors or application steps that are much easier to understand before a purchase is made.
4. One Centennial Rebate Is Already Gone for 2026
Here is a SMART that could save you time rather than money.
Centennial’s Home Improvement Program, which provides qualifying homeowners with rebates of up to $300 for certain projects, has already distributed all available funding for 2026. The City says it expects a new funding cycle in 2027 and recommends checking again in January.
So if that program was part of your fall-project math, do not build this year’s budget around receiving the rebate.
Instead, make yourself a January reminder.
Make the Phone Call Before Opening the Wallet
This week, choose one household expense you already expect during the next few months.
Maybe it is heating.
Maybe it is an old appliance.
Maybe it is insulation, a water heater or another efficiency project.
Then spend ten minutes researching incentives before spending the money.
That is the heart of Centennial SMARTS. Sometimes saving money requires fixing something.
Sometimes it requires buying something.
And sometimes the smartest financial move of the week is simply discovering that someone else may already be willing to help pay for it.
Save time. Save money. Live better.
That’s Centennial SMARTS.
27 Comments
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I replaced my water heater last winter not knowing there were rebates. Next time I’m calling Xcel first. Thanks for all the info!
Does the refrigerator recycling count for non-working fridges? Ours is on its last legs but I don’t want to miss out on that $50 if it still works!
Appreciate all these ideas! I’ll definitely be making a January calendar note to check for next year’s home improvement funds.
We had an energy squad visit and the biggest help was just figuring out where our home was losing heat. Sometimes you just need a pro to point it out.
Those little upgrades like aerators and bulbs do add up. Our house is less drafty since we put in new weather stripping. Wish I’d known about FREE help!
So if the city rebate is gone for 2026, wonder how quickly it runs out each year? Sounds popular. Maybe it’s worth calling the first day of January!
Great question, the program has proven so popular that the 2026 funds are already gone, so setting a reminder for early January is definitely a smart move.
We actually got a free smart thermostat from the Xcel energy squad last year. Not fancy but does the job. Nice perk for something we needed anyway.
I wish more of these programs were publicized. I don’t pay much attention until I see something like this pop up. More people need to know!
Glenn B.Agreed! I only found out about the fridge program last year by accident. Would be great if they put flyers in utility bills or something.
The reminder about checking rebate rules FIRST is spot on. Some of the rebates only count with select installers or brands. Learned that one the hard way.
I called about the energy squad and they were really nice on the phone. You have to check your eligibility and book pretty far out, but worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Booking in advance and confirming eligibility are important steps, and we're glad to hear the process was positive for you.
We got rid of our old garage fridge last month and had NO idea a program even existed! Ouch. Well, next time…
I’ve had friends who got the energy squad visit and said it was helpful, especially with the shower heads and LED bulbs. Something for my fall to-do list!
Anyone else find all these energy programs hard to keep track of? Would be great if the city had a single page with all the rebates and links.
Definitely checking those incentive programs. Outdated thermostat is next on my list, but I’ll call Xcel before buying anything. Every little bit helps these days.
Love the reminder to research rebates BEFORE buying stuff. I’m guilty of getting excited and just pulling the trigger on a new water heater. Next time, I’ll do my homework.
I tried to get the city rebate for our new furnace but it was already out. Wish they made those dates clearer on their website! Still happy for the Xcel rebates though.
My house probably qualifies for the energy squad. It’s older and drafty in the winter, so maybe some new weather-stripping would help. Thanks for the nudge to check.
I used the Xcel refrigerator program last year. They showed up right on time and even gave me the check at the door. Super easy! Highly recommend.
Just a heads up, the Home Improvement rebate already being gone for 2026 is wild. I guess it’s good they’ll do another one in 2027, but wow, plan early!
Does anyone know if the Home Energy Squad covers mobile homes? We could use some weather stripping and more efficient lights for sure.
Thanks for asking! The Home Energy Squad typically covers a variety of home types, but it’s best to check directly with Xcel Energy about mobile home eligibility and available services.
Glad to hear about the appliance recycling! We have a freezer from the 90s in the basement that needs to go. Didn’t know Xcel would pick it up and pay us!
We just replaced a whole bunch of bulbs ourselves and now I’m bummed to see we could’ve had help! I’ll check for these programs next time. Good tip to look before buying.
Thank you for reading and sharing your story, many of us have been in the same spot, but next time those free upgrades might just be a phone call away!