Homeowners value high performing, energy efficient homes for
both comfort and lower utility bills, and today many people are considering upgrades
to help with the increasing power needs of their family and rising energy
prices. To address these concerns, Energy Upgrade California was developed
jointly by the State Energy Commission, Southern California Edison, the Southern
California Gas Company and other utility companies serving neighborhoods
throughout the state.
This is the program to check out if you are thinking about making
home improvements and want to save money. Eligible rebates from Energy Upgrade
California are currently available only for single-family residences. Programs
for both multi-family and commercial properties will be introduced later.
First a little background on energy conservation in California. The 1973 oil
embargo jolted the nation into realizing that part of our energy supply was on
very shaky ground. Business and governmental leaders in California set out to do something about insuring
that heating, cooling and other electrical needs of the population would be met.
Some favored the construction of additional power plants, but knowing these are
very expensive to build, they turned instead to finding better, more efficient uses
of existing resources. Energy conservation became the preferred policy.
Regarding homes, they noted that all buildings consume
roughly 40% of energy produced in the country, and residential accounts for
about half that amount. So they looked at ways to build and operate homes more efficiently
in order to reduce the state’s overall power demands. Guidelines for new home
construction relating to energy features are spelled out in Title 24 of the state’s
building code. That section of the code has been amended many times over the
years to reflect new improved trends in home performance, and the emphasis there
is on energy conservation.
But what about existing homes? What are alternatives for homeowners who want
to make home energy improvements, but need some financial incentives and don’t
know where to begin. Energy Upgrade California is a program designed to help
out.
Here are some highlights:
First, go to www.energyupgradeca.org. After reading a discussion on benefits of
energy upgrades, such as saving money and living in a more comfortable, healthy
home environment, move on to the next step.
Start making a plan for your home. Enter your address or zip code and choose one
of two levels of upgrades, either Basic or Advanced. The Basic Package can
include such items as air sealing, attic insulation and duct sealing, with
rebates of up to $1,000. The Advanced Package
involves more extensive upgrades such as energy efficient windows, wall
insulation, duct replacement and new heating and cooling systems, with rebates
totaling up to $4,000. Note that water
conservation upgrades such as low-flow shower heads are eligible for rebates, because
saving water also saves energy.
Next, choose a contractor. You will find a list of
contractors on the website. All companies listed have been screened and
specially trained to insure that they are qualified to perform the chosen
projects. Contact information for each company is included, and you can call or
e-mail as many as you want in order to find the best one. They will assist in
making final plans and identifying eligible rebates.
Then consider financing alternatives. The “Clean Energy
Finance Guide” will be available soon, but some funding choices are already on
the website. They include Energy Efficiency Mortgages, Home Equity Lines of
Credit, as well as unsecured sources such as credit cards.
Finally, want to earn a green designation for energy
efficiency? ENERGY STAR certification is available for very green, energy
efficient homes.
Nancy Yavorsky
Keller Williams
CA lic.#01452073
