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Smart Home Energy Upgrades
These are some of the new energy-saving and efficient appliances that may be recommended for your home. See the list of recommended upgrades below:
Heat pump for heating and cooling
Heat pumps use electricity to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are quiet and efficient, helping you save energy and improve comfort.
Heat pump for water heating
This water heater moves heat from the air into the tank. It works like a refrigerator in reverse and saves energy.
Smart thermostat
A smart thermostat connects to your Wi-Fi, so you can control your home’s temperature from your phone, and schedule when you heat or cool your home.
Induction range or cooktop
An induction cooktop uses clever electric technology to heat pots and pans directly. It cooks faster, is safer, and uses less energy than a gas stove or a traditional electric resistance stove.
Electric clothes dryers
Electric dryers heat air with electricity. They don’t need gas and are easy to install.
Household wiring
Your home may need wiring or breaker upgrades to support new electric appliances. These upgrades are also included.
These utilities also offer residential customers a variety of ways to save on energy costs, including demand response programs that reduce electricity use during peak hours.
Time of Use Affects Energy Costs
Your electricity bill depends on how much energy you use and when you use it.
PG&E and SCE charge more for electricity during “peak hours” — the time of day when most people are home and using energy, usually between 4–9 p.m. These hours cost more because more people are using electricity at the same time. You can save money by using less energy during peak hours.
Prices are lower during the morning, late evening, and nighttime — called “off-peak hours.”
Utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans that charge customers different rates depending on their energy usage and the time of day. With TOU, the price of electricity is higher during peak hours and lower during off-peak hours. This gives you the choice to get a variable rate to reduce costs.
As part of the EBD program, installers will adjust equipment and devices to provide optimal energy efficiency. They also will provide residents information on using and resetting equipment as well as how to change filters and perform user maintenance.
To maximize your energy savings, visit your utility TOU rate plans to learn more: Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Modesto Irrigation District.
No-Cost Tips to Reduce Energy Use
Below are actions you can take as a renter or a homeowner to reduce your electricity use, especially during peak hours when utilities charge more for power.
- Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.
- Add foam weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Use ceiling or stand-alone fans to circulate air and improve comfort in specific areas of your home where you spend a lot of time, like your living room and bedrooms.
- Change the temperature setting on your thermostat. In the winter set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and in the summer to 78 degrees or higher.
- Line-dry your laundry instead of using a clothes dryer.
- Use smart plugs and power strips to regulate the energy of appliances.
- Use an electric kettle, crockpot, or toaster oven instead of your gas range and oven.
- Borrow an induction burner from a local library or utility (available in many communities) or purchase a low-cost countertop induction burner. Visit The Switch Is On for more information.
- For yard and garden care, use an electric mower, blower, or trimmer instead of gas. Also consider manual options first, such as rakes, brooms, and push mowers.
(Source: California Energy Commission, 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the EBD Direct Install Program
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