An Interview with an Energy Expert

My fellow homeowners in the Bay Area have the benefit of living in houses that are architecturally unique and often historic. One downside is that many of these homes are 50, 75 or even 100 years old and require significant maintenance. From an energy efficiency standpoint, that can mean single-paned windows, little or no insulation and energy/water wasting appliances and systems.

George Kopf, before he moved to Ventura this summer, worked for the Rising Sun Energy Center in Berkeley, a national leader in curriculum, training and workforce development in the energy efficiency sector. He took some time to answer a few frequently asked questions:

1. I'm interested in making my home more energy efficient. Who can I talk to and how do I get started?

If you live in the home you want to have upgraded, the best place to start is www.EnergyUpgradeCa.org. Energy Upgrade California is a state-wide energy efficiency rebate program funded by your local utility (in Northern California, PG&E). All of the contractors on this website have gone through special training and a lengthy application process to become approved to offer energy efficiency upgrades and rebates from the utility.

2. What is the average cost of energy upgrades? What about rebates from PG&E?

Costs vary widely based on what you want done. If you are already happy with your home's performance and what you pay PG&E each month, maybe all you want are minor upgrades like swapping old incandescent light bulbs with efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If you are in the San Francisco Bay area, you can get those upgrades installed for free through Rising Sun Energy Center, a Berkeley 501(c)(3) non-profit. Their California Youth Energy Services (CYES) has been installing free energy and water saving measures for over 13 years, while providing great professional experience to Bay Area youth. If you want deeper upgrades like wall insulation, sealing of drafts, or attic insulation, project costs can range from $2,000 to $15,000. It really depends on what you want and can afford. As long as you are working with an Energy Upgrade California approved contractor, they should be able to give you a prioritized list of recommendations you could install over any length of time.

As far as rebates from PG&E, Energy Upgrade California offers the largest rebates based on performance upgrades to your home. This means your rebate is based on projected future energy savings. The bigger the projected energy savings, the bigger the rebate. The biggest rebate you can get through Energy Upgrade California is $4,500. There is also a one-time tax credit from the IRS through 25E: The Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.

3. I don't really have a budget for this at the moment. What are some of the easiest (and cheapest) things I can do to my house right away to conserve energy?

For starters, contact Rising Sun Energy Center's CYES to get a free Green House Call. If you are the DIY type, here are some simple examples:

- Insulate all water pipes coming off of your water heater.
- Install efficient-flow faucet aerators and shower heads.
- Set your water heater thermostat so that the hot water coming out is not too hot.
- Clean your refrigerator coils and set your refrigerator thermostat to the middle setting.
- Wash clothes in cold water. They will be just as clean and you won't be wasting hot water.
- Swap out incandescent and halogen lights with CFLs or LEDs.
- Plug electronics into power strips and make them easily accessible to turn on and off.
- Install low-emissivity (low e) film on windows.
- Use curtains and blinds to take advantage of the sun shine for both heating and lighting.

4. My neighbors have solar panels on their roofs. Is this a good investment?

Solar panels are a great investment and, due to some ingenious financing options, are more affordable now than ever. Companies like Sun Run, Solar City, and Sungevity will actually lease photovoltaic panels to you. One of the great features of this arrangement is that, in the event the panels get damaged, you are not responsible for replacing them because they belong to the company. Even with the monthly leasing fee, most customers end up ahead at the end of each month because of the lowered energy bills. One important thing to remember before you put solar panels on your roof: you should reduce your home's energy consumption first. The saying we use in the energy industry is "reduce before you produce."

As you can see, there are many resources out there for you as a homeowner or renter. Take advantage of many easy-to-implement tips at home. Or, start by booking a free Green House Call through the Rising Sun Energy Center. Not only will you be helping to conserve water and energy, but you'll also begin to see the savings on your utility bills.