Improve Home Efficiency

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Our energy advisors can help you navigate all efficiency and electrification upgrades and City programs.

Are there areas of your home that are less comfortable than others? Are you considering replacing your water heater, furnace or any other major appliance? Are you interested in electrifying your home appliances to take advantage of Palo Alto Utilities' carbon neutral electricity?

The City's expert energy advisors provide free over the phone energy and water efficiency advice for all Palo Alto residents. Energy advisors provide expert and impartial guidance to save you money and keep you comfortable.

Efficiency Assessment

Start with a Free Phone Consultation with an Energy Advisor

An efficiency expert will begin by asking you about your energy goals and home concerns. They can analyze your past energy and water consumption patterns. Based on these findings, they will make custom recommendations for your home. In addition, the free phone consultation includes:

  • Information about relevant City of Palo Alto rebates and programs
  • Unbiased advice on how to improve your home's comfort, reduce utility bills, and make the most of your efficiency project

Call (650) 713-3411

You can also email switch@cityofpaloalto.org.

Find a trusted Contractor for an In-Person Energy Audit

If you are looking for a more detailed review of your home’s energy usage and potential efficiency projects, a home energy audit can provide a checkup of your home and identifies where energy and water is being wasted by leaks, drafts, faulty equipment, and more.  

City of Palo Alto Utilities recommends searching for Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified energy auditors or certified California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters when looking for a contractor to conduct an energy audit. The links below can help you search for certified professionals to audit your home. 

 An energy audit may include the following evaluations:

  • Heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system(s)
  • Domestic hot water system(s)
  • Attic, floor, and wall insulation
  • Lighting efficiency
  • Windows
  • Major appliances
  • Building leakage testing using diagnostic equipment
  • Duct system and leakage testing
  • Whole-house infrared camera scan and evaluation
  • Evaluation of Electric Panel and Electrification opportunities

How an Energy Advisor Could Help

How do I make my second floor cooler?

Call to learn more about the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems and the impact of insulation. Our team can help you review different high-efficiency heating and cooling options. If you decide to move forward, the energy advisors can help you locate a qualified contractor for any home efficiency project.

Does it make sense for us to put solar panels on our roof?

The energy advisors can review your past electric consumption and help guide options for residential solar.

How will buying an electric vehicle impact my electricity bill?

The energy advisors offers guidance on the impact an EV will have on your home and energy use and advice on installing home EV chargers. Plus, they can help locate public charging stations in Palo Alto.

Contact Us

Get started using one of these easy options to connect with our friendly, helpful advisors.

If you are ready to get started on your own, check out our Efficiency Tips page for actions you can take now to make your home more efficient.