California Living & Energy provides a broad array of energy-efficiency testing and services, designed to identify areas where efficiency opportunities exist and provide subsequent recommendations for improvement. California Living & Energy offers the following services:

Online Energy Calculations (All States)

A simple and easy process. Fill out the forms click and pay, and you are on your way. Want energy calculations now. Simply input your homes information in the specified areas, and we will automaticlly generate a report for you. All you have to do is submit it to your local building ordinance.

HERS (Home Energy Rating Systems)

The California Energy Commission is required by Public Resources Code Section 25942 to establish regulations for a statewide HERS Program to certify home energy rating services in California. The goal of the program is to provide reliable information to differentiate the energy efficiency levels among California homes and to guide investment in cost-effective home energy efficiency measures. Phase I of the California HERS regulations, which became effective on June 17, 1999, established field verifications and diagnostic testing services administered by Energy Commission-approved Providers. The Energy Commission has a process for certifying HERS Raters who perform third-party inspections when verification of duct sealing, thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs), refrigerant charge, airflow measurement, and building envelope sealing measures are used to comply with Title 24, Part 6, of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Designs

Title 24

The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings were established in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. The standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. California's building efficiency standards (along with those for energy efficient appliances) have saved more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978. It is estimated the standards will save an additional $23 billion by 2013. The current 2008 standards may be downloaded from the Web page listed, or to obtain a hard copy, contact the Energy Commission's publications unit at 916-654-5200.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/index.html

Existing Home Energy Audits

As a certified energy consultant, our detailed inspection and tesing processes identify specific ways to achieve and maintian higher levels of efficiency. Based upon test findings and subsequent recommendations, completed home improvements may significantly reduce utility expenses and may qualify you for cash-back rebates and Federal tax credits. Based upon a design drawing of your home, in-depth testing and inspection, California Living & Energy will produce a computed calculation to determine the best-case energy-usage scenario. A detailed report will illustrate improvement recommendations to maximize potential utility savings. For more information please contact out corporate office, 209-538-2879.

Energy Star: Qualified New Homes

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

For more information visit: http://www.energystar.gov/

Build It Green: Environmental Solutions from the Ground Up

Build It Green is a membership supported non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes in California. Established in 2003, we offer a comprehensive package of local government support, professional training, collaboration forums, consumer education, and green product marketing to a range of stakeholders.

For more information visit: http://www.builditgreen.org

New Solar Homes Partnership Program

The California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) is part of the comprehensive statewide solar program, known as the California Solar Initiative. The NSHP provides financial incentives and other support to home builders, encouraging the construction of new, energy efficient solar homes that save homeowners money on their electric bills and protect the environment.

For more information visit: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org

Energy Efficient New Home Tax Credit

This notice sets forth a process under which an eligible contractor who constructs a dwelling unit (other than a manufactured home) may obtain a certification that the dwelling unit is an energy efficient home that satisfies the requirements of § 45L(c)(1) (A) and (B) of the Internal Revenue Code. This notice also provides for a public list of software programs that may be used in calculating energy consumption for purposes of obtaining a certification that satisfies the requirements of §45L(d). Guidance relating to manufactured homes will be provided in a separate notice.

For more information visit: http://www.irs.gov/irb/2006-11_IRB/ar12.html

California Advance Homes Program

The CAHP is a comprehensive residential new construction concept with a cross-cutting focus on energy efficiency, sustainable design and construction, green building practices, and emerging technologies. Through a combination of education, design assistance and financial support, the CAHP works with building and related industries to exceed compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (Standards), to prepare builder for changes to the Standards and create future pathways beyond compliance and traditional energy savings objectives.Participation is open to single-family, low and high rise multi-family residential new construction built within Southern California Edison's service territory.

For more information visit: http://www.sce.com/