Seasons are changing, just in time for a crazy good rebate on air conditioners, heaters, insulation, and more. A very lucrative, new limited time California energy efficiency rebate is available where you can receive rebates from Energy Upgrade California program. PG&E, SCE, San Diego Gas & Electric – SDG&E, or BVE are covered by their home upgrade incentive. Energy Upgrade California is focused on a whole house approach to saving energy, measuring the actual savings. San Francisco Bay Area information line 855-464-8484. This program ends when funding dries up.

The goal of the program:

• Get rebates, financing, and incentives to reduce the cost of your home upgrade
• Reduce energy use
• Live in a more comfortable home

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Water is a very valuable commodity. Many states can no longer assume that they will get enough rain to cover their consumption needs. California and many other regions are having droughts that are lasting for several years. Mandatory cutbacks are in effect for 2015 and probably beyond.  Water bills are sky high. Time to save water and money. Here are some tips to help you conserve water.

In the Bathroom

1. Replace older toilets with water saving dual flush toilets or stick a displacement bag in your old toilet. These will have a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. Fix or replace leaky toilets. Don’t flush trash away. A high efficiency toilet will save roughly 19 gallons of water per person per day. Check for leaky toilets.
2. Install low flow water saving shower heads with aerators. Average 10 minute shower uses 40 gallons of water. A bath can use 30 to 50 gallons of water. Look for shower heads with aerators that use 2.5 gallons a minute or less rather than the usual 5 gallons per minute. They can cost $5 or less.
3. Fix leaky shower heads.  Shower less and use more deodorant. Keep showers under 5 minutes. You can save up to $65 a year on water and water heating with low flow heads.
4. Turning off the shower while you are washing your hair will save you almost 150 gallons a month.
5. Collect and reuse water in the shower that comes out as the water warms up.
6. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
7. Turn off the water while soaping up or shampooing in the shower
8. When rinsing a shaver or razor, plug the sink and fill it with water instead of letting the water run. You can save up to 300 gallons of water a month.

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