Climate Action Toolkit

Home Energy

ACTIONS: 6-1 thru 6-33

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Key Resources

Read Part 2 of the Resilient Neighborhoods Handbook covering Home Energy and explore the Toolkit sections below to choose the home energy actions you will take and learn how to take those actions.

Get Information

- ​Review How to Create a Zero-Carbon, Low-Impact Household (Slide)

- Quit Carbon will provide you with a free personalized, comprehensive plan to electrify your home.​​

Products & Contractors

PRODUCTS

- PGE Top Energy Products

- See Pages 40-87 of Redwood Energy Pocket Guide to Home Electrification


FIND A CONTRACTOR

- The Switch Is On (Note: Be sure to find a contractor that is eligible for the rebates you will be using)

Financials & Incentives

FINANCING
- Financing Opportunities for Energy Upgrades​​ 

INCENTIVES
- Find incentives with "The Switch is On" Calculator
- California Energy-Smart Homes
- EASE program: watch this video and sign up

Home Energy: Actions 6-1 thru 6-33

​Easy - Get Started Now (5 minutes to 1 hour)

​Click the (+/-) sign next to the action number to (view/ hide) the information for that action.

Action 6-1. Get a free home energy services & energy savings kit from Rising Sun

FOR RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS
- Sign Up for Rising Sun's Free Green House Call. Fill out the online form to receive this free service. You will receive a no-cost kit including items such as LED light bulbs, a smart power strip, a single-burner induction cooktop, induction cookware, a smart LED light bulb (it stays lit during power outages!), high-efficiency bathroom & kitchen faucet aerators, foam weather tape, a toilet leak detection kit,  an energy savings booklet, and more.
* Please note that Rising Sun does not service mobile homes.

- Make sure to get credit for these actions if you take them: Water Actions 4-8, 4-10, 4-11; and Home Energy Action 6-6.
- As an alternative, if you are income-qualified, you can get a free in-person energy assessment from MCE and free energy upgrades. 
- Or, if you like to DIY, you can follow this Do-It-Yourself Home Assessment.

​​​​Action 6-2. Take the next steps & prioritize home projects

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THESE OPTIONS
- Quit Carbon: For a comprehensive assessment and report, sign up for the free service offered by Quit Carbon. Once you share some information about your household, they'll provide a detailed report on how to upgrade your home to clean energy. They'll also give you the relevant rebate info and cost estimates for the work, and connect you with contractors you can choose to hire for the job.

- Marin Sustainability Team: You can also reach out to the Marin Sustainability Team with questions about rebates and incentives, or general advice about how to proceed with your upgrades. Contact Kellen Dammann at 415-473-2698 or message him through the Electrify Marin web page. 

- Home Intel: HomeIntel is an energy-saving program for PG&E customers. It includes a free Smart Audit account and a personal energy coach. Home Energy Analytics has partnered with PG&E, so there is no cost to PG&E customers.

Action 6-3. Upgrade to renewable electricity

- Switching to renewable electricity is an easy action that you can take to reduce carbon emissions. For this action, take credit for all your carbon emissions from electricity use on your Carbon Footprint Report.

- Enroll in MCE Deep Green. This plan costs just 1.25 cents per kwh in addition to the light green standard rate- for the average household, that is just $5 more per month.

Action 6-4. Get others to switch to renewable electricity​

- Most people don't know that they can increase their renewable energy for only about $5 per month. You can earn 2,163 pounds on your Action Plan by getting others to switch to 100% renewable electricity. Just verify they did it, and put their name in the "Notes" column on your Action Plan.

- Download the Help Others Go Deep Green handout.

Action 6-5. Tell the landlord of your multifamily building about financial incentives, free technical assistance, and energy savings.

EV CHARGING STATIONS
- Your landlord can install EV charging stations and get a rebate for Multifamily Properties from MCE. Plus, MCEv is offering free technical assistance to help make your project a reality.

ENERGY & WATER SAVING MEASURES
- California Energy Smart Homes offers low-rise multi-family buildings up to $2,850 rebates per unit for converting gas appliances to electric.
- BayREN offers no-cost consulting and many energy efficiency rebates to multifamily property owners ranging from $500 to $1,500 per unit; up to $5,000 for property upgrades: check them out here.
- MCE provides a free comprehensive assessment and technical assistance for energy and water saving measures to eligible multifamily properties, helping both building owners and tenants save energy and money with recommended adjustments (up to $6,000 per unit for electrification measures). Property must have at least 5 units and offer affordable housing or be a deed-restricted property. 

CONTACT YOUR MULTI-FAMILY LANDLORD
-Here’s some information you may want to share with your landlord:
1) Electrification makes buildings cheaper to operate. The average household can save $650 per year using electric appliances instead of fossil fuel alternatives, a Rewiring America analysis showed.
2) Electrification raises a building’s value. Installing a heat pump can increase the value of a home by up to 7 percent, according to one study.
3) Electrification is better for the planet. Natural gas usage in our buildings is a driver of climate change. Energy use in buildings is the source of about one-third of all U.S. emissions. Electrification is necessary to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and protect our shared climate. 
4) Electrification protects your health. Gas appliances worsen indoor air quality and release dangerous pollutants — even when those appliances are not in use. More than 12 percent of all childhood asthma cases can be linked to the use of a gas stove, a recent study found.

Action 6-6. Install energy-efficient lighting

UPGRADE TO LED LIGHT BULBS 
- See Action 6-1 to get free LED light bulbs from Rising Sun! Changing your bulbs can make a big impact on energy use. Incandescent bulbs use the most power and emit the most CO2.
- Note: If you are changing out Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFLs are the curly ones), they contain mercury and must be disposed of at your hazardous waste facility.

DISPOSE OF CFL BULBS AT THESE LOCATIONS
- Mill Valley Refuse Service (they will pick up)

Action 6-7. Turn off all electronic appliances when not in use

- Check out a "Kill A Watt® EZ" at the Marin County Library. This device empowers you to save $100's on electric bills. Now you can cut your energy costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt® EZ, and it will assess how much you are paying to use them. 
- Earn money by saving power through Ohm Connect. Watch this video to find out how it works.

Action 6-8. Enable the “Sleep” feature on all household computers and monitors

Action 6-9. Switch one or more weekly laundry loads from hot to cold

Action 6-10. Eliminate one or more weekly dryer loads

- Consider using a clothes line! (Note: Just scroll down after you open the link - no need to download the PDF).
- Click here for other tips.

Action 6-11. Turn down your thermostat

Turn down your thermostat an average of 5 degrees. Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees when people are home and active, and set it to 55-58 at night and when no one is at home.

Action 6-12. Raise your air conditioner thermostat 5 degrees

Raising your thermostat can reduce carbon pounds and save money. 

Action 6-13. Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees

- Watch "This Old House" DIY video

Action 6-14. Replace or clean furnace or air conditioner filters

- Replace or clean dirty furnace and air conditioner filters every 2 months or so when in operation to lower the energy consumption of these appliances by 5% to 15%. Here's a video that explains how to do it.
 
- 5 Furnace Mistakes That Will Cost You Money​

​Easy Projects (1-3 hours)

​Action 6-15. Seal smaller leaks in your home by doing it yourself

- How to Insulate your Attic Hatch
- How to Weatherstrip Your Window (Rope Caulk/Sealer) 

AIR SEALING INCENTIVES
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded assistance program that provides:
  • free energy-efficient upgrades and energy-related home repairs to help lower your energy bills
  • a one-time payment of up to $3,000 per year to help pay your energy bills. 

- The Ease program (NEW) provides 80% cost coverage for things like insulation, duct sealing, and whole-home air sealing. See this video and sign up on the Marin County Interest Form. See the eligibility table at the top of this toolkit (120% Area Median Income Levels in Marin) .

Action 6-16. Purchase a programmable thermostat

ENERGY SAVINGS
- By adjusting the temperature while you are away or asleep, you can save up to 10% or more a year on utility bills.

CONVENIENCE AND AUTOMATION
- These devices allow for "set it and forget it" operation, eliminating the need to manually adjust the thermostat daily.

OPTIMAL COMFORT
- Customizable schedules ensure the home is warm or cool exactly when needed, such as warming up before you wake up or before you arrive home from work.

IMPROVED HVAC EFFICIENCY AND LIFESPAN
- The system experiences less wear and tear, reducing the need for repairs.
- A popular model is the Nest Learning Thermostat.

SMART THERMOSTAT INCENTIVES
- Up to a $60 instant retail rebate
  Amazon Smart Thermostat- $40 rebate
  ENERGY STAR Certified Smart Thermostat- $60 rebate

- The Ease program (NEW) provides 80% cost coverage for things like insulation, duct sealing, and whole-home air sealing. See this video and sign up on the Marin County Interest Form. See the eligibility table at the top of this toolkit (120% Area Median Income Levels in Marin). Please note: Participants must have at least insulation, duct improvements, or induction cooking on their scope to proceed with a project.

​Get Some Help:
Call a pro. Get quotes. Get the work done.

Action 6-17. Get a home energy score rating

If you think you might want to make more expensive home efficiency upgrades, you might want to receive this audit. Having a home energy score also increases the value of your home if you are planning to sell. The Home Energy Score gives you a rating for your home and a list of things you can do to improve it. For information on what is entailed in a Home Energy Score, visit the Department of Energy website.

REBATE
- The home energy score assessor will visit your home, and a fee is required. However, you likely can get a rebate of $200 from BayREN towards the fee- talk to your assessor!  

Action 6-18. Get your furnace tuned up

- Commercial companies will provide this service. It is recommended to do this every year. 

Action 6-19. Insulate attic, floors and/or walls

- Where to insulate a home​
- How to insulate an attic​

ATTIC, FLOOR, WALL INSULATION INCENTIVES
-The Ease program (NEW) provides 80% cost coverage for things like insulation, duct sealing, and whole-home air sealing. See this video and sign up on the Marin County Interest Form. See the eligibility table at the top of this toolkit (120% Area Median Income Levels in Marin).

​Action 6-20. Seal and insulate heating ducts

- How to insulate your heating ducts

HEATING DUCT INSULATION INCENTIVES
- The Ease program (NEW) provides 80% cost coverage for things like insulation, duct sealing, and whole-home air sealing. See this video and sign up on the Marin County Interest Form. See the eligibility table at the top of this toolkit (120% Area Median Income Levels in Marin).

​Action 6-21. Install high-efficiency windows

- Energy-efficient windows are designed to prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping from your home. Their increased insulation reduces your home’s energy usage—and therefore, your bills!—while also making your home more comfortable overall.

- According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows account for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling use. Learn how to determine whether to replace or update your windows and how to select new windows.

- If you are a renter, or replacing windows is not in your budget right now, check out lower-cost window coverings from the Department of Energy. To determine your CO2 lbs. reduction for window coverings, credit 1,000 lbs. x 100 sq. feet of glass you cover.​​​​

​​​Action 6-22. Install solar panels

- Project Sunroof: discover your home's solar savings potential by your home address.
- Learn how to get started with Marin County's "Add Solar To Your Home" web page. If you need help, go to "Find a Contractor" and click on the link to contact the "Marin Solar Team".​​
- Plug-In Solar (NEW). This is a new technology that has been used in Germany for years and is now entering the US. Regulators are still working things out, and you need to register them with PGE/MCE. But this is a great way to include solar in your home without the high upfront cost! See resources below:

CONTRACTORS
Our graduates have had positive experiences with Solar Craft & Sun First Solar. There are many other reputable companies to choose from. Ask friends or search Nextdoor!

REBATES & INCENTIVES
- Bay Area Sunshares: Every fall from Sept 1 to Nov 15, you can take advantage of a group discount on solar and battery storage. Subscribe to the  Bay Area Sunshares e-mail list to get notified about the next opportunity to receive up to three zero-commitment proposals from their pre-vetted installers - for free!​

- Financing Loans: There are different options for financing home efficiency and solar projects. PACE loans are attached to your home property tax bill.

Action 6-23. Add battery storage to your solar PV and create an energy-independent home

- Energy Sage Guide to selecting a battery for your solar panels ​
- Solar + Battery and Generator Fact Sheet: This Marin County fact sheet provides cost estimates, permitting, and other information for backup power. ​

REBATES & INCENTIVES​

​-PGE Permanent Battery Storage Rebate - less than 500 rebates left!  PG&E first-time battery storage customers may be eligible for this $7,500 rebate on the purchase and installation of a qualifying permanent battery storage system.
  • This program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available.
  • See if you qualify: Enter your address into the Wildfire Safety Progress Map.

- SGIP Home Battery Rebate- WAITLIST: California's Self-Generation Incentive Program, or SGIP, rebate benefits homeowners who want to install a home battery with or without their solar panels. Some of the biggest benefits of SGIP exist to help California residents who’ve experienced hardship due to natural disasters. The program is currently out of funds. Your contractor can submit a waitlist application for you. Learn more about the program.
  • Qualify by income — check the HUD calculator to see if your income is at 80% or lower than the Area Median Income level.
  • Participate in and send in income verification for one of the following energy programs: California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) | Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) | Energy Saving Assistance (ESA).
  • All eligible residential customers must participate in a Demand Response program to receive funding from this incentive program.

Make all your Appliances Electric and Energy Efficient

Action 6-24. Make a schedule for replacing your appliances to have more efficient, all-electric appliances by 2030

Make a plan to replace your appliances with Energy Star, efficient, electric appliances: 
- Older appliances are less efficient, cost you money because of the extra energy they use, and emit more CO2.
- Review the RN Handbook to set a schedule for phasing in more efficient appliances.
- When possible, convert your gas appliances to electric using the incentives listed on this web page. If electrification is not possible, make sure the appliance is Energy Star. ​
- Replace your gas outdoor equipment with electric. See options here.

​Action 6-25. Purchase an electric, high-efficiency / Energy Star clothes washer

​Action 6-26. Purchase an electric, high-efficiency / Energy Star clothes dryer

- Get a Heat Pump Dryer for the greatest efficiency. Heat Pump Clothes Dryer uses an average of 100-200 kilowatt hours (kWh) a year compared to a standard electric dryer, which uses 700-800 kWhs.

ELECTRIC / HEAT PUMP CLOTHES DRYER INCENTIVE
- California Energy-Smart Homes: Great rebates if you convert certain appliances to heat pump/electric. To get this rebate, you must go all electric and not have any gas appliances left to swap out:  
- 2025-2027 Rebate: $4,250+ ($250 bonus for heat pump dryer plus $1,000 bonus for electrical panel if needed)

​Action 6-27. Purchase an Energy Star dishwasher

Action 6-28. Purchase an Energy Star refrigerator

Action 6-29. Switch to an all-electric range or induction cooktop/range

Consider changing out your gas stove, and you will improve the air quality in your home and help the climate:

INDUCTION STOVE INCENTIVE​
​​​​​​- California Energy-Smart Homes: Great rebates if you convert certain appliances to heat pump/electric. To get this rebate, you must go all electric and not have any gas appliances left to swap out: 
  • 2025-2027 Rebate: $4,250+ (extra $3K for an integrated induction stove battery) ($1,000 bonus for Electrical Panel if needed)

Action 6-30. Use a portable induction cooktop, instant pot, and/or toaster oven 50%-80% of the time rather than a gas stove or oven (renter & budget-friendly)

- Marin County Free Library branches will loan you a portable induction cooktop to try out for one week.
- You can get a free single-burner induction cooktop (and cookware!) from the Rising Sun Green House Call program (see Action 6-1).
​- Here are some sample models.​

​Action 6-31. Install a heat-pump heating/ cooling system

- Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates.  Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another using the same process as a refrigerator. They extract heat from the outside air and move it indoors for heating, and do the opposite for cooling by transferring the heat inside your home to the outside. Because they transfer heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home year-round. 
- We suggest using QuitCarbon or a similar service to help you move forward with your heat pump project. This list of questions for your contractor can be helpful as well.
- Learn more about Heat Pump Space Heating here. ​
- You may want to explore all-in-one heating, cooling, and hot water with thermal storage offered by Harvest.

HEAT PUMP HEATING/COOLING INCENTIVES

MCE's Heat Pump HVAC Rebate: Install a heat pump heater/air-conditioner (HVAC) and receive a rebate of up to $400 per ton. Each ton covers about 500 sq.ft. of living space in your home. You must work with a participating contractor, which you can find by clicking on the "Offers MCE rebate" button, plus your county, and the services.

California Energy-Smart Homes Rebate: $4,250+ (ALL INCOMES). Great rebates if you convert certain appliances to heat pump/electric (including ducted and mini-split systems.) To receive this rebate, you must transition to all-electric and eliminate any remaining gas appliances. ($1,000 bonus for Electrical Panel if needed; $1,000 bonus for integrated heat pump space & water heating; $1,000 bonus for heat pump for pool or spa).

Replace a wood or pellet-burning stove with a Heat Pump: Bay Area Air District - up to $13,500 rebate: (ALL INCOMES) You must apply and receive a Notice to Proceed from the program administrator before starting work; projects already started are not eligible for reimbursement. No income qualifications. Rebates range from $3,000 to $13,500.

Action 6-32. Heat & cool rooms in your home with room heat pumps rather than using a gas furnace or air conditioner (renter & budget-friendly)

- If you are not able to replace your gas furnace with a heat pump heating & cooling system (see Action 6-31), check out the Room Heat Pumps to heat and cool a room in your house! Learn more here. 
- You can watch an informative Electrify Now webinar here.

Action 6-33. Replace your gas water heater with a heat pump water heater

- Sign up with QuitCarbon to get technical advice on how to prepare for the installation of a heat pump water heater in your home. Click here for Quit Carbon's information page on Heat Pump Water Heaters. 
- You may not need to upgrade your electric panel or install a new circuit. Ask your contractor about a shared circuit Heat Pump water heater.

HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER INCENTIVES

MCE's Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate: Install a heat pump water heater and receive a rebate of up to $3,175. You must work with a participating contractor, which you can find by clicking on the "Offers MCE rebate" filter.

Golden State Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate:  Up to $700 in rebates
Heat pump water heater replacing a natural gas storage tank (fuel substitution)- Rebates:
  • 45-55 gallon. UEF >= 3.30. Must be replacing a 30–40 gallon natural-gas storage water heater. $600
  • >55–≤75 gallon. UEF >= 3.30. Must be replacing 40–50 gallon natural-gas storage water heater. $700
  • ≥75 gallon. UEF >= 3.30. Must be replacing 50–60 gallon natural-gas storage water heater. $700
Heat pump water heater replacing electric storage tank- Rebate:
  • 45-55 gallon. UEF >= 3.30. Must be replacing a 40–50 gallon electric storage water heater. $400

​California Energy-Smart Homes Rebate: $4,250+ (ALL INCOMES). Great rebates if you convert certain appliances to heat pump/electric. To receive this rebate, you must transition to all-electric and eliminate any remaining gas appliances. ($1,000 bonus for Electrical Panel if needed; $1,000 bonus for integrated heat pump space & water heating; $1,000 bonus for heat pump for pool or spa).
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