Energy Upgrade Financing in the CA Bay Area

In the California bay area, energy and water efficiency are more important, and more available, than ever before. The CaliforniaFirst PACE financing program now covers nearly all cities in the bay area (Concord was recently added to the list).

Eco Performance Builders is an approved contractor for this program. We’ve used this program already with great success for a number of home energy retrofit projects. We like this program because it encourages a whole-house approach to energy upgrades. Being somewhat obsessed with achieving very high home performance results, we at EPB know that the whole-house approach is the best way to go.

The Process!

1) Have an energy audit test performed on your house. A energy model and audit report are created. Then proposals are given for a variety of whole-house approach packages of work.

2) A scope of work is chosen. A contract is made. The Energy Upgrade CA rebate ($1000-$6500) paperwork is done fully by us, the contractor.

3) CaliforniaFirst  PACE loan is applied for over the phone by you, the homeowner, with our assistance. This takes about 30-40 minutes over the phone for a full approval and to complete all paperwork. Notice to proceed with work is given at this point. All documents can be e-signed.

4) The project start date arrives. Work is completed. Final testing is done. Once everything is fully finished, both the contractor and homeowner sign CalFirst’s “Certificate of Completion”. 48 hours later the project payment is issued to the contractor.

Key features of the CaliforniaFIRST PACE loan program

Streamlined – With no credit requirement, you can get approved over the phone in less than 30 minutes.

Loan attached to property rather than individual – This means that if you sell the property, the loan can be passed on to the new owner.

Interest rates – Although the rates are fairly high, the interest you pay is tax deductible, and have no pre-payment penalty. Payment terms can be either 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years.

Property taxes – Payments are rolled into your property taxes.

Set up to achieve results – The program encourages a whole-house approach to energy efficiency. This is vastly more effective, and long-term cost-effective, than a piecemeal approach, because it minimizes re-work and helps ensure that all the pieces are working together smoothly.

Eligible Upgrades (not a complete list)

HVAC – Heating and cooling systems. This includes air conditioning systems with at least 14 SEER and 11 EER ratings, high-efficiency furnaces, and other options like geothermal, mini-split, or air-source heat pumps. It also includes duct work, air sealing, ventilation, and pretty much everything else that goes along with HVAC systems.

InsulationAttic insulation with R-value at least 38, or 30 for foam. Wall insulation with R-value 13, or 14 for foam. Also on the list we have floor insulation, radiant barriers, cool roof/wall, and more.

Water Heating – Energy Star rated electric heat pumps, and gas storage tank or tankless heaters.

Pool Equipment – Energy Star rated pool pumps and motors, and CEC listed pool heaters.

Much more – Windows/doors, lighting, solar/wind power, water efficient fixtures and landscaping, energy storage, and vehicle charging stations. For more details, check out the list on the CaliforniaFIRST site.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”640px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]For more information, call (925) 363-4498 or e-mail info@epbuilders.com to speak to a technician, or schedule an energy audit.[/dropshadowbox]

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