5 Home Upgrades That Will Save You Money in 2023
May 22, 2023
Making energy efficiency home improvements provides many benefits to homeowners—like more comfort and improved indoor air quality. But did you know that certain home upgrades can pay for themselves and even save you money?
Brower Mechanical can help you make home upgrades to save money! Here are the top 5 ways we can make your Rocklin-area home more energy efficient and how you can maximize your savings with available incentives:
1. Upgrade to a Heat Pump
Since heat pumps move heat instead of creating it, they are some of the most energy efficient HVAC systems on the market today. All heat pumps, including ductless mini split systems, combine heating and cooling in one unit. They provide year-round comfort while using less energy than traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Not only will a heat pump help you save on your energy bills, but you’ll also save money on maintenance by replacing two units with one!
Heat Pump Rebates
Homeowners in Sacramento and the surrounding areas can save even more on heat pump installation with rebates and incentives, including:
Up to $2,000 in federal tax credits with the Inflation Reduction Act
Up to $3,500 in SMUD heat pump rebates
Up to $1,000 in rebates from TECH Clean California
2. Air Seal & Insulate
Air sealing and insulation upgrades keep conditioned air in your home, saving an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs. By sealing leaks and limiting the amount of heat that flows in and out of your home, insulation and air sealing reduce energy waste and can even improve your indoor air quality! Air sealing and insulation work best when they are combined to help you maximize your savings while lowering the strain on your HVAC system.
Incentives For Insulation Upgrades
California residents can get 30% of the materials for insulation and air sealing—up to $1,200—covered through the Inflation Reduction Act federal tax credits. PG&E also offers a point-based incentive with rebates up to $2,500 for insulation, air sealing, and other efficiency upgrades.
3. Go Solar
It’s no secret that California is the perfect place for solar. With changes to net metering, many homeowners are wondering if solar is still worth it—and it is! Solar can still provide a great deal of money-saving benefits, especially when paired with a solar battery for storage.
California Solar Incentives
The federal government and local utility companies offer rebates and incentives for switching to solar. Right now, you can save 30% with the federal solar tax credit! Make energy independence a reality and contact the team at Brower to learn more.
4. Replace Your Old Water Heater
Water heating accounts for 20% of your home’s energy use. By choosing a more efficient model—like tankless or heat pump water heaters—you can drastically reduce your energy bills and find a reliable option that fits your needs. If your water heater is over ten years old or your hot water is rusty, Brower Mechanical can help find an energy efficient replacement.
Rebates for Heat Pump Water Heaters
Get up to $3,000 in rebates through SMUD and up to $500 in rebates through PG&E for heat pump water heaters. You can also get up to $2,000 or 30% off your heat pump water heater costs with federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
5. Upgrade Your Windows
Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30% of energy use in America. If your windows are old and inefficient, you can save on your heating and cooling costs by replacing them. Window upgrades will also eliminate drafts—making you more comfortable.
Incentives for Energy Efficient Windows
The Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30% tax credit, up to $600, for energy efficient window replacements. PG&E also offers rebates for new windows with their point-based incentive system.
Energy Efficiency Starts With an Energy Audit
It’s important to start with an energy audit before making any home upgrades. By finding where your home has inefficiencies, you can make an informed decision on what the most cost-effective home improvements are for you.
Brower Mechanical is the local leader in home performance and has been helping families and businesses save energy and money for more than 40 years. Our team uses a building science approach to not only decrease energy costs but increase home comfort and health, too. We can even help guide you through the process of qualifying for federal and local rebates and incentives.
