REGION — Saving money and resources is a priority for many homeowners and renters.
And there are several ways to drive down energy and water bills, such as moving to energy-efficient appliances, taking advantage of free programs and incentives, seals, windows and other household items.
Mario Sierra, former director of environmental services at the City of San Diego, said newer home builders are incorporating more energy-efficient designs, but older homes need some upgrades.
“If you’re purchasing a new home, you should be benefiting from a lot of this new technology,” Sierra said. “Moving forward, I think we’ll be in good hands as long as we keep on this track.”
For those with older homes, Sierra said qualified San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers are eligible for a number of incentives. The utility has free programs to weatherize the home, change out showerheads, faucets and even install new doors.
Other avenues for a more efficient home, Sierra said, include tankless water heaters, which are mandated in new home construction, low-flow toilets and smart thermostats. Solar panels are also required by law for new home construction.
Michelle Perez, a campus energy engineer at UC San Diego, said there are obvious steps to conserve energy such as turning off lights when they’re not in use, run high-energy appliances during off-peak hours and keep the air conditioning unit at 78 degrees during the day.
But as many people are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez said many have fallen into the habit of opening the refrigerator numerous times per day. Opening the appliance so many times forces warm air in, which requires more energy to cool it back down.
“We do this on campus, not using energy when you don’t need it,” Perez said. “Using high-energy equipment when you only need it. If you’re not using it, shutting things off when you can. Some equipment emits heat and draws electrical load.”
Some of the high-energy appliances include dishwashers, washers and dryers, she said.
New windows, meanwhile, may have rebates, while other methods may include local or state government incentives or rebates, Sierra said.
As for SDG&E, Helen Gao, communications manager, said their website lists eight rebates and seven programs for customers to participate in, helping to lower bills and upgrade to more efficient methods. Additionally, she said the Energy Assistance Program for those who qualify is a great way to lower costs, along with the SDG&E marketplace, which provides a place to view energy-efficient products eligible for rebates.
Currently, SDG&E is offering a $75 rebate on the Google Nest Thermostat E. For those who buy and enroll in the demand response program, AC Saver, they receive an extra $50 rebate. Under the AC Saver program, residents allow SDG&E to remotely adjust their thermostat on days when conservation is needed.
