For Earth Day this year, many California homeowners are looking for ways to minimize energy waste, lower fossil fuel usage, and even completely decarbonize their homes. Going green with home improvements is better for the environment and comes with other benefits, like lower heating and cooling bills and a more comfortable, healthier home.
Several home upgrades improve your home’s energy efficiency and create a more sustainable home. This article will explain a few of the different categories of upgrades and give specific examples of projects you can complete with a clean energy contractor.
1. Electrification Upgrades
Replacing fossil fuel burning systems and appliances in your home with electrical systems and appliances is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Some of the different ways to electrify your home include installing:
- Electric ducted heat pumps or mini-splits
- Heat pump hot water heaters
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Induction stovetops
2. Home Performance and Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Even if your home is running entirely on electricity, it could still waste energy. You can reduce energy waste and lower your home’s overall energy usage by:
- Hiring a contractor to perform a home energy audit
- Installing new or additional insulation and air sealing
- Upgrading to higher efficiency windows
- Using a variable speed pool pump to clean and filter your pool water
3. Renewable Energy Sources
While utilities generate some grid electricity using renewable energy sources, more than half of electricity generated by large utilities in the United States comes from natural gas, coal, and nuclear. When you install solar, you create your own clean and renewable energy. Once your home generates and stores clean electricity, you can use it to power your entire home—and even your electric vehicle!
Find the Right Contractor for Your Green Living Upgrades with the Clean Energy Connection
Already decided on the upgrades you want to make in your California home? Looking to find a trustworthy contractor who can help you determine the best ways to lower your home’s carbon footprint? Finding qualified contractors specializing in home decarbonization services is easy with the Clean Energy Connection.
Our online directory connects you with local clean energy contractors throughout California who have been vetted for proper licensing and have a history of delivering exceptional customer service. It’s entirely free for both homeowners and contractors (we’re a non-profit with no financial stake in who you choose), and easy to sort by contractor name, location, services offered, available rebates, and more.