Cost-Saving Energy Standards
A Transitioning to Healthy and Sustainable Buildings Initiative Projected Timeline: Ongoing
As part of the City’s process of adopting the California Building Standards Code, the City looks for opportunities to include local energy standards that will be cost-effective for homes and buildings in San Diego. Local energy standards can apply to different types of buildings, such as homes and businesses, and at different times, such as when a new building is constructed, when existing buildings are significantly remodeled or when equipment needs to be replaced. Local energy standards can lower energy costs, make homes and buildings healthier for the people who live and work in them and support Climate Action Plan goals to reduce climate-warming emissions from buildings.
The City adopts the latest edition of the California Building Standards Code every three years. The next edition, the 2028 California Building Standards Code, is anticipated to be adopted by the City in early 2029.
Strategic Plan Priority Areas of Focus
This initiative focuses on the following priority areas of the Strategic Plan:
Create Homes for All of Us
Supports lower energy costs for new and existing homes.
Protect & Enrich Every Neighborhood
Champion Sustainability
Promotes energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy sources that reduce climate-warming emissions.
Foster Regional Prosperity
Supports the market for clean, renewable and energy-efficient technologies and opportunities for careers in clean energy
Supports lower energy costs for people and businesses.
Time to Upgrade your Air Conditioner?
Do you own a single-family home that a central AC system that’s reached the end of its life? Replacing it with a newer technology – a heat pump – can save you money and make your home healthier with improved indoor air quality.
What is a heat pump?
Heat pumps air conditioners can not only cool your home, they can use ambient heat from outside to heat your home.
Why should I replace my AC and furnace with a heat pump?
- Increases the energy efficiency of your cooling and heating needs, saving you money
- Eliminates natural gas combustion inside your home, making your home healthier for you and your family
- Can pay for itself within 5 to 10 years, and will continue saving you money over the long-run
Are there any other benefits?
Yes. Replacing older AC systems with newer models that include a heat pump not only helps you save money and improve the health of your home, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
How to get started
Here’s how to get started with a heat pump:
1. Contact a Licensed Contractor
- When your AC is ready for replacement, tell your contractor you want a heat pump instead of a standard AC.
- Ask for a system that provides both heating and cooling to fully replace or supplement your furnace.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
- Compare at least 2–3 licensed contractors to ensure competitive pricing and the right system size for your home.
3. Apply for Rebates & Incentives
- California Rebates: Programs like TECH Clean California and your local utility (SDG&E, etc.) offer rebates ranging from $1,000–$4,000+.
- Rebates can often be applied at the point of sale or filed for after installation. Ask your contractor if they are rebate-approved.
4. Enjoy Year-Round Comfort
- One system delivers efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer — while lowering your monthly energy bills.
Check out the Climate Action Plan webpage for more information on the City's different programs to improve our environment for all San Diegans
Renovating or Planning an Addition?
Are you remodeling or adding to your single-family home and do you want to save money and make your home healthier with improved indoor air quality while doing it?
What are my options?
Relatively simple cost-effective measures can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, including enhanced attic insulation, duct sealing, heat pump water heaters or installation of a solar system, or a roof top solar system.
Why should I include energy efficiency measures in my home remodel project?
- Increases the energy efficiency of your home, saving you money
- Measures can make your home healthier for you and your family
- These measures can pay for themselves within a relatively short period of time, saving you money over the long-run
Are there any other benefits?
Yes. These measures not only help you reduce your energy costs and make your home healthier but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
How to get started
1. Learn Which Upgrades Work Best for Your Home
- Not sure which measures will save you the most? Tools like the DOE Home Energy Saver Calculator or Energy Star’s Home Upgrade guidance can give you an idea of potential savings from insulation, duct sealing, efficient water heating, and more.
- You can also ask your contractor or energy auditor for a Home Energy Assessment, which identifies the most cost-effective improvements for your home’s age, size, and climate zone.
2. Talk to a Licensed Contractor
- When planning a remodel, addition, or major upgrade, let your contractor know you want to upgrade your old gas appliances and improve your building envelope.
- Contractors can help you select the right combination of upgrades (like duct sealing, attic insulation, or a heat pump) to save money and maximize comfort.
3. Take Advantage of Rebates & Incentives
- California Programs: Rebates are available through TECH Clean California for heat pumps and water heaters, and through local utilities like SDG&E for insulation, duct sealing, and other energy efficiency upgrades.
- Rebates and credits can often be stacked, cutting upfront costs by 30–60% or more.
4. Enjoy the Benefits
- Lower utility bills, greater comfort, better indoor air quality, and a more valuable, future-ready home.
Check out the Climate Action Plan webpage for more information on the City's different programs to improve our environment for all San Diegans