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Insulation

Insulation is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to make your property more comfortable year-round. Insulation helps maintain a uniform temperature in the property, keeping units warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Projects must be installed in accordance with the specifications outlined in the Specifications Manual.

To get started on your energy-efficient upgrade follow the steps below or contact a program representative.

  1. Establish your eligibility.

    Read More >
    • Property’s heating must be provided by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power; or provided by NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista.
    • Cash incentives are available to all Oregon multifamily attached residential properties with two or more units including: duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes; side-by-side units; and stacked structures with five or more units. For specific incentives based on your building type see the “Details” tab for further eligibility requirements.
    • Energy-saving improvements must meet program requirements.
  2. Find a trade ally contractor or work with your own contractor.

    We can help you get started.

  3. Install equipment that meets the requirements listed on the Details tab.

  4. Complete and submit an incentive application with supporting documentation.

    • A W-9 or Substitute W-9 form is required for investment properties.
    • Energy Trust must receive applications within 90 days from the date of purchase and installation.

    Download Application (PDF) Download Application (Doc)

    Send by Mail

    Energy Trust of Oregon
    Existing Multifamily Program
    111 SW Columbia St., Suite 945
    Portland, OR 97201

    Send by Fax
    503.243.1154

  5. Get your incentive.

    You should receive a cash incentive check within 6-8 weeks after all information is received.

    Note: A post-installation verification may be required.

Review the incentive application equipment specifications and requirements before starting your project.

For side-by-side, duplex, triplex and fourplex properties only* Incentive Requirements
Attic/Ceiling Insulation $1.25 per installed sq ft

Electric or gas heated building.
Existing condition: R-18 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-38 or greater or fill attic space.

Flat roof installations are ineligible.

Floor Insulation $0.50 per installed sq ft

Electric or gas heated buildings only.
Existing Condition: R-0.
Retrofit Requirements: R-30 or greater or fill cavity.

Wall Insulation $0.50 per installed sq ft

Electric or gas heated building.

Exterior wall insulation:
Existing Condition: R-4 or less.
Retrofit Requirements: R-11 or greater or fill cavity; all heated exterior wall surfaces must be insulated.

Knee wall insulation:
Existing condition: R-4 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-15 or greater for 2×4 cavities; R-21 or greater for 2×6 cavities. Must have vapor-permeable air barrier.

Rim joist insulation:
Existing condition: R-4 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-15 or greater.

For stacked structures with 5 or more units only* Incentive Requirements
Attic/Ceiling Insulation $0.25 per installed sq ft

Electric or gas heated building.
Existing condition: R-11 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-49 or greater or fill attic space.
Flat roof installations are ineligible.

Floor Insulation $1.90 per installed sq ft

Electric-heated building.
Existing condition: R-11 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-30 or greater fill cavity.

Wall Insulation $0.50 per installed sq ft

Electric-heated buildings only.
Existing condition: R-6 or less.
Retrofit requirements: R-11 or greater or fill cavity.

*Electric heated buildings must have service provided by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power and gas heated buildings must have service (on qualifying rate schedules) provided by NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista.

Pipe insulation at stacked structures with 5 or more units** Incentive Requirements
Gas Boiler Pipe Insulation - Low Pressure Steam (less than 15 psig)
$10 per linear foot

1.5” pipe diameter or less, 1.5” min. insulation thickness.
Pipe greater than 1.5” in diameter, 2” min. insulation thickness.

Gas Boiler Pipe Insulation - Hot water used for space heating $10 per linear foot

3” or greater pipe diameter, 2” min. insulation thickness.

Domestic Hot Water Pipe Insulation $10 per linear foot

Central gas-fired recirculation systems only.
1.5” or less pipe diameter, 1.5” min. insulation thickness.
Pipe greater than 1.5” in diameter, 2” min. insulation thickness.

**Indoor pipe insulation projects must include all service jacketing (ASJ) and outdoor pipe insulation projects must include PVC or aluminum jacketing. Batt insulation does not qualify for an incentive.

Incentives are subject to funding availability and may change.

Need Help? Contact Us.

We’re here to explain the process and benefits. Give us a call at 1.877.510.2130 or send us an email at multifamily@energytrust.org.