Energy Upgrade
by Lawson Schaller
Save money, save energy, reduce the burden on Mother Nature and live more comfortably year round. This is all done through Energy Upgrade California, a statewide whole house assessment program. It is a collaborative effort with utility companies (i.e. PG&E), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), and local governments (SLO County).
Receive rebates of $1000 to $4000 while making energy upgrades to your home. These upgrades will save you money, going forward, for decades. Learn more about how cash incentives can be applied to your home. You will see the changes in increased savings on your monthly utility bills when you reduce your energy usage by 10-50%. You may not see the changes in your home, but you will feel them. They will likely be in your attic or crawlspace, and around some windows or doors - primarily insulation, air sealing, duct work, and weather stripping. It may also include adding a new high efficiency furnace or air conditioner.
This is a great program that is putting people back to work while saving precious resources (including your money). It is very easy as a homeowner to get started. Go to Energy Upgrade California and locate a participating contractor in your area. The contractors are all certified, insured, and specifically trained in energy upgrade. The contractor can explain the basics, walk you thru the process, and also handle the majority of the paperwork for the rebates when you decide to participate in the program.
The whole house energy program is backed with 20 years of building science research. It is a comprehensive analysis and assessment of your home. It is a solid process that delivers energy savings, increased comfort, indoor air quality, and safety. The CAS (Combustion Appliance Safety) test is an important part of the program. The certified contractor will test your home to make sure your gas appliances are venting/performing correctly and thus assure safety for you and your family. At this time the program applies to single family detached units, currently no multi family or commercial.
One local family had the assessment and audit completed. Read more and see their story at Saving Money and the Environment. According to Energy Upgrade CA, the typical homeowner can recoup their up front costs in about three years.
Contractors: If you are interested in participating in this program go to the website Contractor Training CA to learn more about the program and enroll on line. If you want to build your business and expand your skills, start taking the steps to become certified. It does require a time commitment; there is class room and field training as well as testing. This is a real opportunity for contractors to differentiate themselves from the competition. A number of contractors are augmenting their business with EUC/BPI Certification. The program and website also offers marketing collateral.
In addition there is also the opportunity to network with other contractors and develop strategic partnerships.
Workshops for homeowners are taking place around the county. The last workshop in San Luis Obispo was well attended by homeowners and contractors. There was an extended question and answer session after the presenters had finished. This program is building interest and momentum.
The next Homeowner Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th in Atascadero. Call 805-458-5033 for time and location. A BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified contractor will speak as well as officials from the Energy Upgrade California program. If you are unable to make this Homeowner Workshop check the Energy Upgrade California event website at Energy Upgrade / Event for future events.
We'll see you there!
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