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SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Homeowners in Santa Clara County still can take advantage of a county rebate program that covers 80 percent of the cost of a home energy assessment, up to $800. However, because the program is for a limited time only while funds last, homeowners are urged to contact a participating contractor as soon as possible to schedule a home energy assessment and also qualify for additional incentives up to $6,000 through Energy Upgrade California.

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Homeowners should visit sccgov.org/energyupgrades for a list of participating contractors who are specially trained to diagnose ways to reduce energy use, improve a home's comfort and air quality, and lower energy costs. Building Performance Institute certified participating contractors are qualified to perform both the energy assessment and recommended improvements.

"Since the program launched in September, more than 200 Santa Clara County homeowners who had a home energy assessment have received rebates totaling over $115,000," said Sharlene Carlson, Santa Clara County Community Energy Program Manager. "Several of these homeowners have completed the improvements their contractor suggested and then also received significant rebates through Energy Upgrade California. All Santa Clara County homeowners should take these simple steps to save energy and money before the rebates are gone."

Using special equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras, a participating contractor conducts a home energy assessment to determine how much energy a home uses and pinpoint where a house might be losing energy. For example, a home can lose up to 30 percent of its heating through faulty ducts. Poor insulation is another common cause of heat loss. "Our house is 50 years old and we didn't know what was up in the attic or in the walls," said Santa Clara County homeowner Mike Cash. "We didn't know where to apply insulation or how to save any money."

After the assessment, the participating contractor discusses with the homeowner ways to make the home more energy efficient. "We check attic insulation, weatherization of windows, heating and cooling system efficiency, and other areas that can affect energy costs and comfort," said David Loperena, a participating contractor. "The assessment results give homeowners the data they need to make informed decisions about moving forward with upgrades and taking a whole-house approach to energy efficiency."

"And if the county is going to pay 80 percent of it, it's a no-brainer," Cash added.

To learn more about the limited time only rebates and locate a participating contractor, visit sccgov.org/energyupgrades. For details on incentives available through Energy Upgrade California, visit www.EnergyUpgradeCa.org.

SOURCE County of Santa Clara Office of Sustainability