Every homeowner I know is constantly searching for the best ways to cut utility bills.
Thankfully, the government understands the plight, and has created programs to make energy-saving home renovations affordable. California has some of the best in the U.S.
Here are eight ways you can get paid to reduce your energy consumption and long-term costs:
1. Get Paid Up to $300 to Turn Off the Lights
California residents can earn up to $300/year by syncing their utility accounts to a program called OhmConnect and agreeing to help reduce energy usage by one hour per week.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a free OhmConnect account and sync it with your online utility account.
- You must have an online account with one of these three utility companies to participate: Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric or Southern California Edison.
- OhmConnect will send you weekly payments for reducing your electricity for one hour per week. They do this because you’re helping to not contribute to the high demand that prompts unclean power sources to turn on. They’ll send you up to $300/year, plus you’re helping save the planet!
2. Get Paid to Install Solar Panels
If you’re curious about solar, you may be holding back because you’re wary of high upfront costs.
But you could qualify for a solar loan or lease to finance installation and avoid the upfront cost.
You’ll likely also qualify for tax credits and other incentives to get back some of the money you invest into buying solar panels.
In addition to the amount you’ll save long-term with an energy-efficient system, you could be eligible for a solar rebate. California has a variety of programs to support solar energy — rebate amounts vary by location.
Enter your address on this website to find out how much you could earn in rebates.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat to Save $173/Year
You can save up to 10% on heating and cooling your home by properly adjusting your thermostat.
Optimal summer temperatures are 85 while you’re away and 78 when you’re at home. In the winter, aim for around 68 degrees when you’re home and 58 or less while you’re away or sleeping.
A Nest thermostat will learn your habits, so it can automatically turn itself down while you’re away and adjust to your preferred temperatures.
These settings can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling — an average of $173 per year.
4. Apply for a Federal Energy Tax Credit
California taxpayers are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to 30% of total expenses for installing sustainable energy systems.
For example, if you pay the average $23,000 to install solar panels this year, you could reduce the amount you owe the IRS next April by $6,900.
Eligible solar projects include installation of residential solar electric and heating systems, as well as wind energy installations and geothermal pumps.
5. Install a New Toilet and Receive $100
To cut water use, California’s Department of Water Resources has a rebate program that will pay you for replacing a toilet in your home.
Receive up to $100 for buying and installing a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush and replaces a less-efficient toilet that uses at least 1.6 gallons per flush.
Like any energy-efficiency measures, this saves you more money in the long run, too! Less water per flush means your water bill will be lower every month.
6. Improve Insulation in Your Attic and Earn Up to $500
Pop into your attic. Do you see the support beams? If so, have an HVAC company come in and blow in some more insulation or install some yourself.
Use higher R-value insulation, such as spray foam, on exterior walls and in cathedral ceilings to get more insulation with less thickness.
California offers a Residential Energy Efficiency tax credit up to $500 just for improving your home’s insulation!
7. Upgrade Your Curb Appeal for Up to $2,000
In most yards, grass consumes the greatest amount of water.
So California is trying to reduce the state’s water use by helping home- and business-owners reduce grass in landscapes.
You can receive a rebate up to $2 per square foot (up to 1,000) of grass yard you replace with “drought tolerant landscape.” Skip the grass — fill your lawn with plants requiring little water, fertilizer or maintenance.
8. Use an Energy Star Washer for $150 Cash Back
You’ve probably heard of Energy Star certified appliances. They’ll use less energy and save you money on your water and electric bills.
But did you know you could also get money just for installing one?
To encourage you to save water, California offers a rebate up to $150 cash back for buying and installing an energy-efficient clothes washer.
To qualify for a rebate, purchase a model on the Energy Star Most Efficient 2015 or 2016 list, take a picture of your receipt and fill out the online application before December 31, 2016.
Your Turn: Have you received a tax credit or rebate for making your home more energy efficient?
Disclosure: A toast to savings! Thanks for allowing us to place affiliate links in this post.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more, attempting humor wherever it’s allowed (and sometimes where it’s not).
The post Californians: We Found 8 Ways for You to Get Paid to Use Less Energy appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.
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