How Mechanical Upgrades Help Meet Illinois' New Energy Code — and Earn You Thousands in Nicor Gas Rebates

As Illinois enforces tighter energy codes, many commercial and industrial buildings must upgrade their mechanical systems — not just to comply, but to cut costs and qualify for substantial rebates. For Roberts HVAC clients, this isn’t a problem — it’s an opportunity.

🌿 Why the Energy Code Matters

Illinois’ adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires:

• More efficient mechanical and plumbing systems

• Duct sealing and insulation

• Advanced control strategies (like DDC and BAS)

• Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV)

• Higher boiler efficiency and system zoning

If your building has HVAC systems over 15 years old, chances are you're out of compliance and over budget on energy.

💰 Unlocking Rebates with Nicor Gas

As a Nicor Gas-approved contractor, Roberts HVAC helps you navigate and maximize both prescriptive and custom rebates.

🔹 Prescriptive Rebates (No Pre-Approval Needed)

These apply to common, upgradeable equipment:

Equipment	Rebate
Condensing Boilers (≥90% AFUE)	$1.50/MBTUH (up to $3,750)
Infrared Heaters	$700/unit
Programmable or Smart Thermostats	$25 each
Boiler Reset Controls	$1.25/MBTUH (up to $1,500)
Pipe Insulation	$2–$4 per linear foot
Steam Trap Replacement	$100–$200 per trap

🔸 Custom Rebates (Pre-Approval Required)

Great for comprehensive retrofits that cut gas usage significantly. Incentive amounts are based on verified therm savings:

Customer Type	Annual Savings	Incentive	Max Rebate
Commercial	>15,000 therms	$0.80/therm	Up to $350,000
Small Business	≤15,000 therms	$0.60–$0.80/therm	Up to $250,000
Public Sector	Any	$1.00/therm	Up to $350,000

Projects eligible for custom rebates:

• BAS/DDC upgrades

• ERVs, MAUs

• Burner and heat exchanger upgrades

• Combined Heat & Power (CHP)

• Energy recovery retrofits

🛠️ Code Compliance + Efficiency Upgrades

✔️ High-Efficiency Boilers

Replace aging systems with condensing boilers (90–95% efficiency) to instantly reduce therms and gain fast ROI.

✔️ Controls Upgrades

Implement BAS or EMS systems for occupancy-driven heating and ventilation. Nicor incentives cover installations.

✔️ Pipe & Valve Insulation

Every foot of insulation earns a rebate and improves thermal retention — especially in steam and hydronic systems.

✔️ Steam Optimization

Failed traps waste gas — Roberts HVAC provides testing, repair, and replacement with up to $200 per trap rebate.

🏁 What Sets Roberts HVAC Apart

As a union contractor serving Illinois commercial and industrial clients, we bring:

• Certified controls, Sheet Metal, and Piping crews

• Certified Test and Balance

• Expertise in IECC compliance

• Full rebate application services

• DDC/BAS commissioning and M&V support

• Boiler Tune-ups and Retrofits

• Steam Trap Survey

We do more than get the job done. We get it rebated, commissioned, and code-compliant.

📞 Ready to Cut Costs and Carbon?

Let Roberts HVAC help you save on gas bills and capital upgrades, while making your building more energy-efficient and compliant.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a free energy efficiency walk-through and rebate consultation.