Does your home have any of the following characteristics?
- Costly Utility Bills
- Rooms that are hotter or colder than either the outside temperature, or the rest of the house
- Drafts that may or may not have a known origin
- Issues with air quality or odors
- Moisture issues
- Plumbing or general water leaks
- Issues with windows or doors
If so, unfortunately, these are all characteristics of low performance homes. The good news is there are specifics ways to address these issues and your home may benefit from energy efficiency upgrades!
A large number of existing homes in California score average to poorly on the home energy rating system, so there can definitely be room for improvements. Currently, Energy Upgrade California is able to offer incentives in the form of rebates up to $4,000* for qualifying energy upgrades.
There are different rebate structures depending on your specific home and needs and the rebate amount is tied to the amount of improvements made. Some examples of possible energy upgrades may include:
- Duct Sealing
- Attic & Wall Insulation
- Insulation of Hot Water Piping
- Air Sealing
- Combustion Safety
- Thermostatic Shower Valve
- HVAC Upgrades
- Domestic Hot Water Upgrades
- Lighting Upgrades
- Appliance Upgrades
- Low-flow water fixtures
- Many more options…
The first step before having work done and receiving the rebates is to have an initial Home Energy Assessment by a certified energy rater. The rater will assess the property and provide a certificate with an energy rating – a similar concept to how a car is rated for fuel economy. This is the Test-In rating, which establishes the baseline score for comparison after the upgrades have been done. After the rater gives recommendations, the homeowner can elect to proceed with the improvements. Once completed, the rater then does a Test-Out assessment of the property to compare the results and improved efficiency of the home.
It is very important to work with a certified energy rater to ensure valid information is being obtained. Also, the rater will be able to guide the homeowner to any possible rebates available.
Right now, a voucher** for $400 off the Home Energy Assessment is available to homeowners wishing to begin the process of improving their homes energy efficiency. Depending on the house, this voucher could pay for all or most of the assessment cost.
If you would like more information on this subject or have any questions, please contact me below. I will be happy to be a resource and to help in any way I am able!
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*Matching rebate programs are sometimes available in some parts of San Diego County to potentially increase the incentive amount to greater than $4,000. The rebate amount of up to $4,000 is tied to the amount of efficiency improvement.
**Rebate vouchers are available in a limited quantity until the funds for the program run out. Rebates and vouchers are available until the funds are used, or the program is ended.
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