Go Green - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources
Energy Upgrade California. Single and multi-family property owners in San Mateo County can get rebates for making their homes more comfortable, healthy and efficient. When it comes to energy, your house is a system—insulation, air ducts, windows and furnace—with numerous components all working together. Get started with a Energy Upgrade today!
Energy Star. ENERGY STAR is a US Department of Energy program that helps us all save money and protect our environment with energy-efficient products and practices. Whether you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel your home, or buy a new house, ENERGY STAR can help. Appliances, televisions, computers, heating and cooling equipment, and even new homes can earn the government's ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR also offers best-practice solutions to make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs.
Slay the Energy Vampires. Did you know that appliances such as your toaster, cell phone charger, home theater equipment, stereos, and televisions use electricity even when they are powered "off"? Some appliances use almost as much energy when they're off as when they're on! To stop the power drain, unplug electronics and appliances when they are not in use, or plug them into a power strip and turn the power strip off.
California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center. The latest information about energy resources and how to use them wisely at home, work, and in the car as well as up-to-date information about renewable energy, including biomass, fuel cells, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar electric, solar thermal, wind; tax credits; incentives; and more. Links to the California Solar Initiative and the Emerging Renewables Program.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Save money and energy at home or at your business. Do an online energy audit. Find rebates for remodeling, appliances, heating and cooling, lights, and solar. Enroll in energy saving programs.
Department of Energy Video on Home Energy Audits. The basics of home energy audits, from do-it-yourself to professional
EPA Green Building Website. Learn the components of a green building and available incentives.
More Energy Efficiency Tips:
- Put your blinds to good use: keep them closed on hot days to keep the indoors cool; open them on cool days to allow warming sunshine in.
- Use a programmable thermostat. In winter, set your thermostat in winter to 68°or less during the daytime, and 55° before going to sleep (or when you're away for the day). During the summer, set thermostats to 78° degrees or more.
- Insulate your walls, ceiling, and attic.
- Plant trees around your house to cut down on cooling costs.
- Keep air filters clean and save up to 350 lbs of CO2 and $150 per year.
