In Southern California, there are several programs offering rebates for energy efficiency improvements.

The state of California offers rebates for energy efficiency improvements through the Energy Upgrade California program. A homeowner can choose from two Energy Upgrade packages: the Basic Upgrade Package and the Advanced Upgrade Package. The Basic Upgrade Package offers up to $1,000 for the following improvements: air sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing, hot water pipe insulation, thermostat shut-off valve and a carbon monoxide monitor. The Advanced Upgrade Package starts with a home energy assessment to identify and prioritize potential energy savings for the home. The rebate amount ranges from $1,500 and $4,000 and is based on the predicted energy savings.

Southern California Edison (SCE) offers energy efficiency rebates to its residential customers. Homeowners can chose between two tier levels and rebates vary depending on level. Homeowners participating at the basic upgrade level are required to install: air sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing, water heater pipe insulation and shower heads to be eligible for a rebate of $1,000. If homeowners participate at the advanced upgrade level, they are also required to update their wall insulation, windows, and roof and must have a size appropriate hot water heater. Rebate amounts vary from $1,250 to $4,000 depending on the reduction in home energy consumption. Additionally, SCE offers a $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR room air conditioners.

Burbank Water and Power (BWP) offers rebates to its residential customers through the Home Rewards Rebate program. Various energy efficiency upgrades qualify, including windows, doors, and wall and attic insulation. Rebate amounts vary depending on equipment and the location of purchase. Windows and doors are eligible for a rebate equal to $2 per square foot if purchased in Burbank and $1 per square foot if purchased outside of Burbank. Windows must have a U-factor and SHGC value of 0.40 or less to qualify. Wall and attic insulation are eligible for a rebate equal to $0.15 per square foot if purchased in Burbank and $0.10 per square foot if purchased outside of Burbank. Final attic insulation level must be at least R-30 or R-19 if there is less than 24 inches of attic clearance. Qualifying wall insulation must be R-13 or higher and existing walls must be un-insulated. Finally, applications must be submitted no later than four months after purchase.

Glendale Water and Power (GWP) offers its customers various energy saving rebates for home energy efficiency improvements. Rebate amounts vary by equipment and location of purchase. An ENERGY STAR room air conditioner is eligible for a rebate equal to $60 if purchased in Glendale and $50 if purchased outside of Glendale. ENERGY STAR central air conditioners with SEER values of 14 or higher are eligible for a rebate equal to $125 per ton if purchased in Glendale and $100 per ton if purchased outside of Glendale. ENERGY STAR windows with U-factor and SHGC values of 0.40 or less are eligible for a rebate of $2.50 per square foot if purchased in Glendale and $2.00 per square foot if purchased outside of Glendale. Attic insulation with an R-value of 30 or higher is eligible for a rebate of $0.125 per square foot if purchased in Glendale and $0.10 per square foot if purchased outside of Glendale. A home energy and water audit through GWP is required to qualify for the attic insulation rebate. Also, the rebate is capped at $150 if added insulation is less than 2,000 square feet and $200 if added insulation is greater than 2,000 feet.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offers rebates on energy efficient upgrades through the Consumer Rebate program. Eligible upgrades include ENERGY STAR room air conditioners, refrigerators, pool pump and motor replacements, central air conditioning and heat pumps and Low-E Duel Pane Windows. Energy efficient windows are eligible for a rebate of $1 per square foot, room air conditioners are eligible for a rebate of $50 and central air conditioning systems are eligible for a rebate of $100.

The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) offers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades through the Home Energy Efficiency Rebate program. Rebates are available for ENERGY STAR appliances, central natural gas furnaces, tankless water heaters, and attic and wall insulation. Both attic and wall insulation qualify for a rebate of $0.15 per square foot. To be eligible for a rebate, existing attic insulation must be R-11 or less and the final insulation level must be at least R-30 or R-19 if there is less than 24 inches of attic clearance. Existing walls must be un-insulated and the installed insulation must have an R-value of at least 13 to be eligible for a rebate.

Residents of Long Beach, may be eligible for an energy efficiency rebate of up to $500 for qualifying improvements, including ENERGY STAR windows, doors, skylights, roofs, tankless water heaters and solar water heaters.

Finally, you may be able to take advantage of the energy efficiency federal tax credit. Improvements to your home’s envelope, such as updating your insulation or windows, may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the equipment cost up to $500. High efficiency central air conditioners also qualify for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the equipment and installation cost with a cap of $300.