Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency
Reduce your energy use
The cheapest energy is the kind you don't use!

1
Turn off your lights/appliances
If you leave a room, be sure to turn off the lights. If you're not using the blender, unplug it. It sounds simple, but many people don't think twice about it!
2
Don't waste water
Pumping water from the source through all the pipes to our faucets uses an enormous amount of energy. Try switching some of these small habits: 1) Don't let water run when you aren't using it, 2) Use water-saving faucet aerators, 3) Run the dishwasher when it's full, and 4) Do your laundry on the COLD cycle.
3
Utilize your shades or blinds
In the summer when it's hot, shut your blinds or shades to block out the sun and keep your home naturally cooler. In the winter, open all of your blinds/shades to let the sun in and warm your home naturally.
4
Use less energy from
4-9pm
Peak hours are when most people are using electricity, so utility companies charge more during this time since there is more strain on the grid. By using appliances outside of this time frame, you can not only save money on your utility bill, but you are using less "dirty" energy.
Home Energy Assessments
Getting an energy audit is a great way to get started. It will give you a clear picture of how you use energy, which appliances and systems use the most, and which ones will provide the "biggest bang for the buck" when you replace them. Start with low-cost, high-impact solutions and plan for bigger improvements. There are many ways to do this, from DIY to hiring a professional.
PG&E: Home Energy Checkup
Take a free 5-minute checkup and find new ways to save. Discover how much of your home energy goes to heating, hot water, appliances, lighting and other uses. It's fast, easy and costs you nothing:
Answer a few basic questions about your home and how you use energy
Get an estimate of what’s using energy in your home
Get personalized suggestions that can help save energy and costs
DIY Home Energy Assessment
There are many resources out there to conduct your own energy audit. Here are a couple resources to get started:
Energy Upgrade California
PG&E
US Department of Energy
Rising Sun: Green House Call
Green House Calls are completely free, and are either virtual or in-person depending on where you live. As part of the call, you will receive LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, a toilet leak detection test, foam weater tape, an energy savings tips booklet, and your choice of: a smart power strip, two smart energy plugs, or a single burner induction cooktop. The program is part of Rising Sun's youth workforce development program, Climate Careers.
BayREN: Home Energy Score
Home Energy Score® is a program of the U.S. Department of Energy. BayREN offers a $250 rebate for a professional assessment. An assessor visits your home, collects information on its construction and appliances, then uses a formula developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to score your home’s energy use on a scale of 1 to 10. You will also receive information on the homes existing features, an estimate of your home’s energy use, associated costs, and suggested energy and electrification solutions to improve your home’s efficiency.
Weatherization
Weatherization helps you save money by saving energy. It improves the comfort of your home and reduces temperature fluctuations during different seasons. Home weatherization includes sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and improving window efficiency.
Air Sealing
Air leaks are one of the greatest sources of energy loss in a home. In California, 30% of energy in homes is used for heating and cooling. Sealing air leakage around windows, doors, and walls leads creates a barrier between inside and outside air, reducing uncomfortable drafts and making your air conditioner and furnace work less hard, saving you energy and money.
It is recommended that you get a professionally conducted Blower Door Test to identify all possible air leaks, however you can DIY it by holding up a smoke pen next to any windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, outlets, etc. on a windy day.
You can seal air leaks by:
Weatherstripping doors and windows
Caulking and sealing air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through
Installing foak gaskets behind outlet and switch plates
Using foam sealant on larger gaps around window trims and baseboards
Securing fireplace dampers
Insulation
Insulation is a material used in the walls, roofs, and foundation (the 'building envelope') of a building to reduce heat flow. Insulation is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value, which depends on the type, thickness, and density. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. You can use this US DOE map to determine the recommended levels of insulation for your home.
Windows
Aside from potential air gaps around your windows, the glass itself may be causing energy loss. Windows that are single-pane or use clear glass do a poor job of keeping indoor temperatures regulated. If your windows are in good condition, you can add window attachments like energy efficienct window coverings, storm windows, or solar control film. If replacing your windows is the best option, use ENERGY STAR qualified models for the best performance.
Additional ways to save
Lighting
Switching to LED lighting is the easiest and quickest way to make your home more energy efficient. LED bulbs use 75-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 years. They are also cool to the touch, unlike incandescent bulbs that emit heat (which accounts for 90% of their energy!), which makes them safer to use. LEDs come in many styles, varying in brightness, color, and appearance so you can still mimic the lighting of older bulbs, but use a fraction of the energy.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings for optimal performance. Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away. They also allow you to control your home's heating and cooling remotely through a smartphone or tablet and provide data and insight on home energy use that you can track and manage.
Landscaping
Well-designed landscaping can also make your home more energy efficient through shade, windbreaks, and water conservation. Trees and shrubs can shade your roof, walls, and windows, cool the air around your home, and provide wind cover. Planting species that are native to the area will usually use less water and supports local biodiversity - a win-win! Watering in the early morning when evaporation is low helps conserve water and energy.
Resources

DOE Energy Saver Guide
The Energy Saver guide offers tips for saving money and energy at home and on the road. By following just a few of the simple tips in the Energy Saver guide, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool--while you save money. Some of the tips are simple to do. Others require more effort and investment, but promise big savings over the years
Energy Upgrade California
Energy Upgrade California^® is a statewide initiative committed to helping Californians be more energy efficient, utilize more sustainable natural resources, reduce demand on the energy grid and make informed choices about their energy use at home and at work—all of which goes a long way for California. Their website offers tips for saving energy during every season, how to make your home more energy efficient, and provides resources on home energy assessments, getting solar, and financing options.
More Actions
Opt up to 100% renewable energy
Switch to all-electric appliances

Reduce your energy use

The cheapest energy is the kind you don't use!

Turn off your lights/appliances

Don't waste water

Utilize your shades or blinds

Use less energy from4-9pm

Home Energy Assessments

Weatherization

Weatherization helps you save money by saving energy. It improves the comfort of your home and reduces temperature fluctuations during different seasons. Home weatherization includes sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and improving window efficiency.

Additional ways to save

Lighting

Smart Thermostats

Landscaping

Resources

DOE Energy Saver Guide

Energy Upgrade California

More Actions

Opt up to 100% renewable energy

Switch to all-electric appliances

Use less energy from
4-9pm