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Efficiency: It’s a Win, Win, Win

The very first step to take in reducing your home’s carbon footprint is to make your home as energy efficient as possible. We don’t have to produce the energy that we don’t waste. Many of our homes waste energy by allowing heat to escape through walls, windows, doors, attics. We also waste electricity using appliances or lighting that is not efficient.

Energy efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation and sealing leaks in heating ducts, have demonstrated energy savings of up to 20%, while more aggressive “whole house” retrofits can result in even greater energy savings. Many of these improvements can be made inexpensively and without remodeling yet can be extremely cost-efficient, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs, sealing air leaks, and installing a programmable thermostat. Energy Star-certified appliances and office equipment, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, and high-efficiency windows not only save energy but reduce operating costs in the long run.

Today we can take advantage of government funds in the form of incentives and rebates when we invest in making our homes more efficient. Weatherizing your home makes it more comfortable, reduces your monthly energy costs and reduces your carbon footprint. And now is a great time to do it, while incentives will help you pay for it.

Where to start?

Bay Area Regional Energy Network

The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs and services to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy-efficient buildings. They offer free home advisors to guide you in the selection of projects and to get bids from vetted contractors. When you go ahead with work, they will be available to advise you through the whole process and let you know the rebates and financial incentives available. The BayREN program provides rebates of up to $5,000 for making home energy efficiency improvements including smart thermostats, insulation, building envelope air sealing, duct sealing, efficient furnace and water heater replacements, and more. Check out their Climate Action Toolkit with info on rebates and financing here.

Get an Energy Audit

Getting a home energy assessment or Home Energy Score will tell you how efficient your home is and what is needed to make it more efficient.

A Home Energy Score provides single family (and townhome) homeowners with a 1 to 10 ‘score’ that indicates how efficient your home is compared to other comparable-sized homes. The program was developed by the Department of Energy and takes data from across the country. Home Scores are conducted by building industry professionals including contractors, home inspectors, and energy raters. It only takes about an hour to complete. You can get a $200 rebate toward your assessment. A good rating can boost resale value by over $10,000 because the buyer knows energy bills will be low the entire time they live in the home. HomeIntel and The EnerGuy offer these services. PG&E also offers energy efficiency programs and resources here.

Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Take a simple home assessment survey here with the Rising Sun Energy Center for Opportunity Green House Call program and receive recommendations on projects and rebates. You can also request an in-person visit. You will also receive a free energy savings kit by mail with LED light bulbs and faucet aerators.