Californians: We Found 8 Ways for You to Get Paid to Use Less Energy
Every homeowner I know is constantly searching for the best ways to cut utility bills.
Thankfully, the government understands the plight, and has created programs to make energy-saving home renovations affordable. California has some of the best in the U.S.
Here are eight ways you can get paid to reduce your energy consumption and long-term costs:
1. Get Paid to Turn Off the Lights
California residents can earn money by syncing their utility accounts to a energy-sharing program called OhmConnect and agreeing to help reduce energy usage just a few hours each week.
If you want to automate the process, you can even connect a smart thermostat or plug and let OhmConnect do this automatically. Even connecting some of your biggest energy-hogging devices to a smart plug can help you save $500 a year — effortlessly.
But you don’t need a smart device to save: The more you do, the more money you can make. Plus, right now, new users automatically get a $10 Amazon gift card when they sign up and connect their utility account.
Take notes from this guy, who managed to make more than $400 in one month.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter your ZIP code here to open a free OhmConnect account and sync it with your online utility account. It should be through Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric or Southern California Edison.
- OhmConnect will pay you cash for reducing your electricity just a few hours each week. Your earnings are based on how much power you save. The more you save, the higher your “status,” which helps you earn even more.
It’s pretty simple, and you’re helping the environment.
Enter your ZIP code here to get started. Plus, right now, new users automatically get a $10 Amazon gift card when they sign up and connect their utility account.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat to Save $173/Year
You can save up to 10% on heating and cooling your home by properly adjusting your thermostat.
Optimal summer temperatures are 85 while you’re away and 78 when you’re at home. In the winter, aim for around 68 degrees when you’re home and 58 or less while you’re away or sleeping.
A Nest thermostat will learn your habits, so it can automatically turn itself down while you’re away and adjust to your preferred temperatures.
These settings can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling — an average of $173 per year.
3. Upgrade Your Curb Appeal for Up to $2,000
In most yards, grass consumes the greatest amount of water.
So California is trying to reduce the state’s water use by helping home- and business-owners reduce grass in landscapes.
You can receive a rebate up to $2 per square foot (up to 1,000) of grass yard you replace with “drought tolerant landscape.” Skip the grass — fill your lawn with plants requiring little water, fertilizer or maintenance.
4. Install a New Toilet and Receive $100
To cut water use, California’s Department of Water Resources has a rebate program that will pay you for replacing a toilet in your home.
Receive up to $100 for buying and installing a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush and replaces a less-efficient toilet that uses at least 1.6 gallons per flush.
Like any energy-efficiency measures, this saves you more money in the long run, too! Less water per flush means your water bill will be lower every month.
5. Improve Insulation in Your Attic and Earn Up to $500
Pop into your attic. Do you see the support beams? If so, have an HVAC company come in and blow in some more insulation or install some yourself.
Use higher R-value insulation, such as spray foam, on exterior walls and in cathedral ceilings to get more insulation with less thickness.
California offers a Residential Energy Efficiency tax credit up to $500 just for improving your home’s insulation!
6. Use an Energy Star Washer for $150 Cash Back
You’ve probably heard of Energy Star certified appliances. They’ll use less energy and save you money on your water and electric bills.
But did you know you could also get money just for installing one?
To encourage you to save water, California offers a rebate up to $150 cash back for buying and installing an energy-efficient clothes washer.
To qualify for a rebate, purchase a model on the Energy Star Most Efficient 2015 or 2016 list, take a picture of your receipt and fill out the online application before December 31, 2016.
7. Apply for a Federal Energy Tax Credit
California taxpayers are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to 30% of total expenses for installing sustainable energy systems.
For example, if you pay the average $23,000 to install solar panels this year, you could reduce the amount you owe the IRS next April by $6,900.
Eligible solar projects include installation of residential solar electric and heating systems, as well as wind energy installations and geothermal pumps.
8. Get a Free Solar Savings Estimate From Google
Heard of Google’s “Project Sunroof”?
It’s a free, online service that determines how much you can save over 20 years by installing solar panels. Type in your address and it pulls it up on Google Maps and tells you how many hours of usable sunlight your house receives, as well as how many square feet of roof space you have.
From there, you can get quotes from local companies to install solar panels. It’s basically a free way to get a quote without having someone jump on your roof.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more, attempting humor wherever it’s allowed (and sometimes where it’s not).
