How many Californians does it take to screw in an energy efficient light bulb? The answer is just one, and the results are big.
Each conventional bulb you replace with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) will keep one ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere and save you the cost of purchasing 5 generations of old-fashioned light bulbs. Look for the PG&E savings sticker at local shops for discounts on CFLs.
Energy Savings
You can support local green jobs for youth and make your home more efficient for free through the California Youth Energy Services, a program of Rising Sun Energy. Simply sign up online or call 510-665-1501to schedule a visit and receive free energy saving devices including CFLs and efficient faucet heads. Many homes use twice the energy necessary for heating, and the primary culprit is leakage. Single- paned windows can let out 25% of the heat in a room, so if your current windows are single-glazed, storm windows or seasonal window wrap will add an extra layer of protection. The hot water tank is the second largest energy eater, so set your tank to 120°F and wash clothes in cold water. When you shop for new appliances of any kind buy those with the Energy Star logo and check for rebates for Energy Star purchases from PGE online. Some energy efficiency rebates we found include $100 on a fan and up to $600 for duct sealing, as well as rebates on washers, dishwashers, and heating equipment. You can also search for current energy rebates using your zip code through Flex Your Power. If you haven’t calculated your home energy use with the carbon counter, go to carboncounter.org to find out how much CO2 you create and how to offset it.