California’s Rebate & Incentive Landscape

October 24, 2023

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can provide many benefits—like lower energy bills and more year-round comfort—but the upfront cost can be stressful. However, there are several local and federal incentives that make these upgrades more affordable.

At Hassler, our core values as a home performance contractor align not only with helping Californians reduce their impact on the environment, but also with exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships. This is why we stay up to date on the latest in rebates and tax credits available in our service area!

Keep reading to learn how you can maximize your savings on energy-saving home upgrades with incentives in Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties.

Home Energy Assessments: A Necessary First Step

In order to qualify for certain incentives homeowners are required to start—and sometimes end—their upgrades with a home energy assessment and or a combustion safety test.. This allows the entity responsible for funding said incentive to measure the improvement’s impact on your energy consumption—but it also benefits you as well.

Sometimes also referred to as an energy audit, these assessments are designed to help our team pinpoint inefficiencies in your home—like air leaks, poor insulation, and malfunctioning HVAC equipment. We can then make recommendations for home upgrades that will have the greatest effect on your energy bills, home comfort, and indoor air quality. Energy audits are an important part of your pathway to energy efficiency and even qualify for a $150 federal tax credit.

Inflation Reduction Act: Federal Tax Credits & Rebates

The Inflation Reduction Act makes energy efficiency more affordable for homeowners throughout the Bay Area with several tax credits and rebate programs. The tax credits are available now and can be filed with your annual tax returns, while the rebate programs are currently under development by the Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission. Hassler is continually watching for details on the rebate program and will keep our customers informed as updates are released.

The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, known as the 25C Federal Tax Credit, will decrease your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of home performance upgrades and can be filed every year as the services are performed. The tax credit cannot exceed $3,200 in total and the list of qualified improvements include:

Up to $1,200 for insulation and air sealing
Up to $2,000 for heat pump installation (Both water heating and HVAC)
Up to $600 for energy-efficient windows
Up to $500 for energy-efficient doors
Up to $150 for energy audits

BayREN Home+ Rebate Program

PG&E customers in the Bay Area can qualify for rebates up to $5,000 for energy efficiency upgrades on homes built in 2016 or earlierwith BayREN. As a certified contractor in the BayREN Home+ rebate program, Hassler can assess your home and provide a proposal for recommended services in order to reserve your incentive. Qualified services for this rebate include:

Duct Replacment
Wall and attic insulation
Air sealing
High Efficient Natural Gas Tanked Water Heaters and Heat Pump Water Heaters
HVAC upgrades, including ductless mini split heat pumps, central ducted heat pumps, and high efficientcy air conditioning systems

TECH Clean California Heat Pump Rebates

Homeowners converting their home to a heat pump from a non-heat pump HVAC system can qualify for rebates from TECH Clean California. The installation must be performed by a participating contractor, like Hassler, and the rebate includes:

$1,000 per unit for single-family homes (up to 2 outdoor units)
$2,000 per outdoor unit for multi-family homes

Electrify Marin Rebates

Marin County residents can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates from Electrify Marin for converting to all-electric appliances. Homes must be gas-to-electric conversions, but the rebates apply to a number of different systems and appliances, including:

Up to $1,000 for heat pump water heaters
Up to $1,000 for ducted heat pump systems
Up to $800 for ductless mini split heat pumps
Up to $500 for induction cooktops + ovens ($250 for cooktops only)
Up to $500 for electric panel upgrades

Hassler: Your One-Stop Source For Energy Efficiency

Whether you’re looking to convert to an all-electric home or just want to save on your monthly energy costs, our team can help you reach your energy efficiency goals. Hassler is committed to providing exceptional service and helping California residents lower their carbon footprint. Are you ready to get started and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient? Reach out to our team today!