California Home Energy Center
Straight, honest guides to lowering your California energy bills and improving your home — no hype, no false promises.
Check My Eligibility →Your heating and cooling system is the #1 driver of your electricity and gas bills. How modern heat pumps change the math — and the 2026 rebates.
InsulationThe unglamorous upgrade that makes every other one work better. Why so many California homes are under-insulated — and losing money for it.
SolarHow net billing (NEM 3.0) changed the math, where batteries fit in, and the sales claims to watch out for.
WindowsHow efficient windows cut heat transfer and drafts, when they're worth it, and when to fix insulation or HVAC first.
RoofingYour roof takes the full California sun. How a cool roof keeps your attic and home cooler — and your AC working less.
How drought-friendly landscaping cuts water use — and which projects qualify for turf-replacement rebates worth around $2/sq ft.
Artificial TurfThe real benefits of turf — and the honest truth most sales pitches skip about water rebates.
PaversWhy homeowners choose pavers over concrete — and how permeable designs can fit a rebate-qualifying landscape.
Exterior PaintMore than looks — how quality coatings protect your home from California sun and moisture, and when it's time to repaint.
FoundationThe warning signs to watch for, why early action saves money, and how foundation health connects to efficiency and value.
25C and 25D ended December 31, 2025 — but California's utility programs didn't stop. The current landscape, region by region.
SacramentoSMUD raised its rebates this year — up to $3,000 for HVAC and $4,000 for water heaters. The details, and the contractor requirement that trips people up.
San Jose & Bay AreaThree overlapping programs cover the South Bay. Which one applies to your address — and why water heaters are the entry point.
San DiegoModest utility rebates, serious yard money — and the truth about artificial turf that most sales pitches skip.
Getting StartedRising rates, aging systems, active rebate programs, and the one thing that costs nothing to find out.