Nearly every homeowner I know is always hunting for smarter ways to lower their utility expenses.
Fortunately, government programs exist to help make energy-efficient home upgrades more affordable. California offers some of the most generous incentives in the country.
Below are eight methods to get paid while reducing your energy use and long-term expenses:
1. Earn Money by Turning Off Power
Residents of California can earn rewards by linking their utility accounts to an energy-sharing platform called OhmConnect and agreeing to trim energy use for a few hours each week.
If you prefer automation, you can hook up a smart thermostat or smart plug so OhmConnect can manage it for you. Even shifting a few of your top energy-consuming devices to a smart plug can net roughly $500 in annual savings — with minimal effort.
You don’t need smart hardware to participate: the more reductions you make, the more you can earn. Also, new users currently receive a $10 Amazon gift card automatically when they sign up and connect their utility account.
Take inspiration from someone who reportedly earned over $400 in a single month.
Here’s how to get started:
- Enter your ZIP code here to create a free OhmConnect account and link it to your online utility account. It must be through Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, or Southern California Edison.
- OhmConnect compensates you for lowering your electricity usage for a few hours each week. Payouts depend on how much power you save. The more you conserve, the higher your “status,” which increases your earning potential.
It’s straightforward, and you’ll be helping the planet at the same time.
Enter your ZIP code here to begin. New users still get a $10 Amazon gift card when they sign up and sync their utility account.
2. Add a Programmable Thermostat and Save $173/Year
Adjusting your thermostat properly can shave up to 10% off your heating and cooling costs.
Recommended summer temperatures are around 85°F when you’re out and 78°F when you’re home. In winter, target roughly 68°F when you’re home and 58°F (or lower) when away or sleeping.
A Nest thermostat adapts to your routines, dimming itself when you’re out and tuning to your preferred temperatures automatically.
These adjustments cancut up to 10%off your heating and cooling bills — roughly $173 a year on average.
3. Replace Lawn for Up to $2,000 Back
In many yards, turf is the biggest drain on water resources.
To curb statewide water use, California encourages homeowners and businesses to reduce grassy areas in landscapes.
You can get a rebate of up to $2 per square foot (capped at 1,000 square feet) when you swap your lawn for drought-tolerant landscaping. Skip turf and plant species that need minimal water, fertilizer, and upkeep.
4. Swap Your Toilet and Get $100
To lower water consumption, the California Department of Water Resources runs a rebate program that will reward you for replacing an old toilet in your home.
You can receive up to $100 for purchasing and installing a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush to replace an older model using at least 1.6 gallons per flush.
Like other efficiency upgrades, this reduces your recurring costs. Using less water per flush means a smaller monthly water bill.
5. Boost Attic Insulation and Claim Up to $500
Check your attic. Can you see the ceiling joists? If so, have an HVAC pro add blown-in insulation or do it yourself.
Choose higher R-value materials like spray foam on exterior walls and in cathedral ceilings to gain greater insulation with less thickness.
California provides a Residential Energy Efficiency tax credit of up to $500 for enhancing your home’s insulation!
6. Buy an Energy Star Washer and Get $150 Back
Energy Star appliances are designed to use less energy and help reduce both your water and electricity bills.
But did you realize you can also receive cash for purchasing one?
To promote water savings, California offers rebates up to $150 for buying and installing an energy-efficient washing machine.
To be eligible, choose a model listed on the Energy Star Most Efficient 2015 or 2016 list, photograph your receipt, and submit the online application before December 31, 2016.
7. Claim a Federal Energy Tax Credit
California residents can take advantage of a federal tax credit worth up to 30% of qualifying expenses for installing renewable energy systems.
For instance, if you spendthe average $23,000to install solar panels this year, you could reduce your federal tax bill by $6,900 next April.
Qualified projects include residential solar electric and solar heating installations, as well as wind systems and geothermal heat pumps.
8. Get a Free Solar Savings Estimate From Google
Have you tried Google’s “Project Sunroof”?
It’s a complimentary online tool that estimates how much you could save over 20 years by adding solar panels. Enter your address, and it maps your home via Google Maps to report usable sunlight hours and the square footage of available roof space.
From there, you can request quotes from local solar installers. It’s an easy way to get an estimate without someone having to climb onto your roof.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at Savinly. She’s contributed to HuffPost, Entrepreneur, Writer’s Digest and more, sprinkling humor where appropriate (and occasionally where it’s not).
