On September 22nd 2022, The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a statewide plan for attaining the federal standard for ozone
This page aims to help California homeowners understand the state's energy direction driven by government policies. These changes will drastically affect the cost of energy and your utility bills, especially fossil fuel energy like natural gas, propane, and all the electricity created from fossil fuels.
You probably already noticed your PG&E gas heating bill has doubled since 2020.
You can fight back against rising energy costs by taking advantage of all the significant incentives, such as new rebates and tax credits available to make the improvements you need to live comfortably without letting the utility bill decide where to set your thermostat.
As a participating contractor in the SMUD Home Performance Program serving the greater Sacramento area, Clear Efficiency helps homeowners gain control of their home's comfort and energy costs using our services of insulation, HVAC, Windows, Whole house fans, attic fans, solar panels, and backup battery systems so our clients can thrive in comfort without any more surprise utility bills.
Here is a quote directly from the press release:
"SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board today approved a statewide plan for attaining the federal health-based standard for ozone, typically experienced as smog.
The 2022 State Implementation Plan Strategy identifies the state’s control strategy for meeting the federal 70 parts per billion, 8-hour ozone standard over the next 15 years.
The 2022 State Implementation Plan (SIP) Strategy includes an unprecedented variety of new measures to reduced emissions from sources under the state’s authority using all mechanisms available to transition away from combustion through regulations along with incentive and voluntary programs. Strategies outlined in the plan build on measures and commitments already made and range from the Advanced Clean Truck Measures and In-Use Locomotive Measure to a proposed zero-emissions space and water heaters measure, measures to reduce emissions from consumer products, and more."
When are these changes taking place?
We were already seeing the effects of this strategy with the release of millions of dollars in incentives in the form of new rebates and tax credits for homeowners to improve residential homes.
The goal of the strategy is a 100% renewable electricity grid by 2045. The big Milestones you need to know are that gas appliances will be phased out from stores by 2030, and in 2035, electric hybrid vehicles will be mandatory. You can read the 181-page strategy plan published by the California Air Resources Board by following the link above.
The plan to convert Furnaces and Water heaters from gas to electric
The message is clear "proposed zero-emissions space and water heaters measure"
The proposed 'zero-emissions space and water heaters measure' promotes the use of highly efficient heat pump technology, which is over 280% efficient in heating and saves 37% on air conditioning cooling costs compared to traditional gas HVAC systems.
Contrary to some beliefs, the government won't forcibly remove gas appliances from your home. Instead, by 2030, gas appliances will be phased out from stores, gradually shifting consumers towards electric options.
The plan involves converting all existing gas furnaces and water heaters to electric ones to eliminate emissions like NOX and CO2 from gas combustion. California is committed to this goal and is allocating a significant portion of available funds for rebates for early adopters.
Clear Efficiency helps clients access rebates
Including up to $7,000 for HVAC conversion and $8,200 for hybrid water heaters. These rebates will also cover main service panel upgrades if needed. Additionally, $2,000 federal tax credits are available on top of the rebates, making the cost of efficient HVAC and water heating systems much lower than traditional gas units.
One of the most popular rebates available is $3,000 for upgrading your insulation in the attic, additionally $1200 in federal tax credits for insulation upgrades on top of the rebates. With over 70% of homes under-insulated in California, insulation can make a big impact on your utility bills and comfort in the house while extending the life of your HVAC system.
Will the grid be able to supply the electricity required?
For an average Sacramento 3 bed 2 Bath home, converting 1 gas furnace and 1 gas vehicle to electric will double the electrical demand for that home.
Concerns arise about grid stability
Especially during peak demand, as experienced during last summer's heat wave in Sacramento. We all received an emergency text message telling us to stop using any unnecessary energy by turning off lights and unplugging our vehicle chargers, or rolling blackouts would have to occur.
Upgrading the grid is necessary, and those upgrades will have to be paid by the customer's rising utility bills. Already, PG&E electricity saw a 20% increase last year, with more raises expected.
Experience, Quality, and Service You Can Trust
As a Participating contractor in the SMUD Home Performance Program and an Elite Pearl Certified Contractor, Clear Efficiency has met stringent requirements for Workmanship quality, Installation expertise, and Customer service.
We proudly received the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 for all grade “A” reviews from our clients. We have a 5-star rating on Google and Yelp and have many glowing testimonials from clients who got precisely the results they hoped for and deserved.
Services We Offer
Clear Efficiency is an Elite Pearl Contractor
Testimonials
I had insulation blown into attic and new windows installed by Clear Efficiency. Craftsmanship was impeccable and am more than happy with the final product. Our house is warmer and the windows and slider look great. Jesse (owner) truly cares about his customers and would recommend him to anyone. I look forward to having more projects done by Clear Efficiency.
Daniel Martinez
On a 1 to 5 scale it was a 5+. Jesse the president delivered on Everything he promised. Jesse is very knowledgeable in his field and is using the latest technology to create the most efficient system with out wasted time or expenses. Jesse is a strong communicator and follows up very quickly. A genuine nice guy.
Lynn LePage