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Stefanie’s Home in San Leandro

Stefanie’s 933 sq. ft.home was built in 1946 and heated with a single gas wall heater. Over years, the following upgrades were made:

ENERGY & EFFICIENCY

  • Energy Assessment (2016): My first step, before any measures were taken. It was done by ELEM3NTS, a contractor on BayREN’s energy auditor list. Alfredo Bacchari was excellent, and the report very helpful to make decisions moving forward. Cost: $500 before a $300 rebate from BayREN (paid out when energy efficiency measures are taken.)

  • Insulation, weather stripping and air sealing (2016): I got fiberglass insulation in the attic (R-38 batting), walls (R-38 loose fill, blown in through holes that were later sealed) and under the floor, accessed through the crawlspace (R-19 batting). Air sealing is very important (detect and seal cracks and air leaks in the attic and subfloor). Weather stripping includes door sweeps, sealing around doors and windows, etc. All was done by SDI Insulation. Cost: $4,113 before a $2,519 rebate from BayREN.

  • Rooftop Solar (2021): (13) 355 Watt Solaria PowerXT panels with Enphase micro inverters, installed by Sun’s Free, Alameda, who also installed the battery and smart panel, see below. Cost: $15,880 before the 26% tax credit ($4,129).

  • Solar Storage Battery (2021): Electriq Power Pod model EPP-600-1004 (DC) 11.4kWh capacity, 7.6kW max output. Cost: $11,550 before the 26% tax credit ($3,003)  

  • Double-pane windows: came with the house.

  • Smart Panel (2021): Span Smart Panel 100A - 200A main breaker with 225A bus, 32 circuits. Cost: $4,000 before the 26% tax credit ($1,040)

  • Washing machine (2016): LG WM3670HWA front load, Energy Star from Sears. $750 (incl delivery) before $150 rebate from PG&E.

ELECTRIFICATION

  • HVAC (2020): Fujitsu ductless mini split heat pump with one outdoor unit and two wall-mounted indoor units. Replaced wall-mounted gas space heater. Installed by Eco Performance Builders. Cost incl permit etc. $9,358. No rebate, since I previously had only heating and replaced with heating/cooling. Upgrades must be “apples to apples” to qualify. 

  • Heat pump hot water heater (2020): Ruud Ultra hybrid electric water heater, 45 gal. Installed by Eco Performance Builders. Cost incl permit etc. $6,350 before $1,250 in rebates from BayREN and East Bay Community Energy.

  • Frigidaire Gallery Series Induction Range. Cost before rebate: $1,300. Rebate: $750 from BayREN. Cost does not include up to $1,000 for the new 240V electrical outlet & wiring.

WATER CONSERVATION

  • Rainwater catchment system (2018): 3 x 1,000 gal Norwesco tanks, daisy-chained. Tanks from “Make a buck” Jeff (800-400-7932). Cost: $750 per tank incl. delivery. Installation by  Gray Water Landscape Design. Cost: approx. $2,000.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE