Rebate and Incentive Programs
- Visit our DAC-SASH page to see if you are eligible to for the CPUC's Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes rebate program.
- If you you are not in the Southern California Edison service area be sure to check out your local utility company for solar rebate programs: Riverside Public Utilities and Colton
- Visit California Public Utilities' website to find more information on Energy Saving Assistance Programs your utility may offer for income qualified households
- Check out Califronia Department of Community Services & Development's federal funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program.
- Whether you are installing water-efficient appliances or landscaping, Southern California Water Districts have rebates for you!
Get Up and Save: Save Energy and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Get Up and Turn Off the Lights
- Have lights on only for safety and comfort
Energize Your Home with Energy Star Appliances and Products
- Appliances and products with the Energy Star label use less energy but function the same
Turn Down Your Thermostat
- Turned down by 2oF could cut your heating bill by over 10%
Update Your Households Lighting
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) use at least 75% less energy than other light bulbs
Participate in Energy Efficiency Programs from the City or Utility Agency for Free!
- For example, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) help increase a homes energy efficiency
Adjust Your Windows
- Keep shades drawn during hot days and open during cool days
Neutralize Your Excess Energy Consumption
- Turn off and unplug TVs, computers, etc. They use energy even when they are plugged in. Use a power strip to make this easy.
Decrease Dirty Filters
- Clean air filters and coils for heating and cooling equipment so they can operate more efficiently and effectively
Save Water
- Shorter showers and low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators save both water and energy
Address Your Leaks and Insulate Your Home
- Caulking, roof and wall insulation, and sealing ducts will decrease air leakage. About 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and holes.
Verify Your Settings on the Dishwasher and Washing Machines
- Use with full loads and be mindful of temperature settings. Try air drying when possible.
Educate Your Family and Friends about the Need and Benefits of Energy Savings
- The more people involved, the more you can save money and the planet!
Energy Misconceptions
Misconception: It takes more energy to heat up the house again than just keeping it at a constant temperature. Or It takes more energy for light/computer/TV to turn back on than you saved by turning it off.
Truth: It is always better from an energy standpoint to turn things off
Misconception: Now that I have solar, it doesnt matter how much electricity I use, because it is all free.
Truth: The solar panels will only produce a certain amount of electricity, and the homeowner will still pay for the rest. So, if they use more, they will pay for it, and if they save more energy, they save more money.
Misconception: Weatherizing a home can lead to health problems because no fresh air will be able to get in the house.
Truth: This can be a problem in new, tight houses. It is important to have some air circulation to prevent odors and harmful gases to build up. However, most old houses are so leaky that doing standard weatherizing measures, like caulking and weather-stripping, will just reduce the drafts, but there will still be plenty of fresh air to prevent health problems.
Misconception: I shouldnt use CFLs because they have mercury.
Truth: CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury, which is toxic. However, the amount of mercury emissions that a CFL will offset during its life is greater than the amount of mercury in the CFL. Due to the mercury, it is important to learn proper disposal measures of CFL bulbs. Burned out bulbs should be recycled and broken bulbs should be handled with care (ventilate area and do not directly touch broken pieces). Recycle at your local hardware store.
Misconception: Now that I have solar, I will save money by switching to an electric dryer.
Truth: Heating (air or water) with electricity is expensive and should be avoided.
Misconception: I have solar and decided to put in a pool. My electric bill should not increase.
Truth: The solar panels will only produce a certain amount of electricity. Depending on the size of the system, adding more items that use electricity, like a pool, might not be covered by the amount of electricity produced. Therefore, you will have to pay for the gap in electricity that will occur.