City of Davis and Cool Davis Launch Free Home Energy Score Pilot Program

The City of Davis, in partnership with Cool Davis, is excited to announce the launch of the Home Energy Score Pilot Program, a new initiative offering 50 Davis households a free Home Energy Score assessment.

This local pilot is launching ahead of a statewide voluntary Home Energy Score program expected to roll out across California in 2026.

What Is the Home Energy Score?

The Home Energy Score (HES) is a nationally recognized home energy assessment developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Similar to a “miles per gallon” rating for homes, it provides a score from 1 to 10 showing how efficiently your home uses energy compared to others.

Each participating household will receive a personalized report that includes:

• A numerical score (1–10) comparing their home’s efficiency

• Actionable recommendations to improve comfort and performance, such as upgrading insulation, sealing ducts, or installing a more efficient water heater

The program builds on the success of a similar pilot in the San Francisco Bay Area, which helped pave the way for California’s upcoming statewide rollout.

How the Pilot Works

Fifty qualifying Davis homes will receive a free professional assessment conducted by a certified Home Energy Score Assessor.

During a brief home walk-through, the assessor collects around 40 data points—including information about insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and more.

Homeowners will then receive a custom report showing:

• Their Home Energy Score (1–10)

• Estimates of the home’s energy use, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions

• Projected improvements with potential upgrades

• Prioritized recommendations to improve efficiency and comfort

• QR codes linking to current rebates, incentives, and tax credits

Why Get a Home Energy Score?

A Home Energy Score helps you:

• Understand how your home performs before major renovations

• Identify the best next steps for efficiency upgrades

• Gain insight when buying or selling a home, including expected comfort and utility costs

• Access federal and state incentives for energy improvements

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the free pilot program, homes must:

• Be located within the City of Davis

• Be detached single-family homes, side-by-side townhomes, or side-by-side duplexes

• Be 3,100 square feet or smaller

Stacked flats and multi-family properties are not eligible for this pilot.

How to Apply

Homeowners can apply now through the Cool Davis website:
Apply for the Home Energy Score Pilot Program

Once your application is received, eligibility will be confirmed and next steps will be shared.

If you’re not selected among the 50 pilot homes, you’ll receive information on how to participate in the upcoming statewide program once it’s available.

Learn more about the Home Energy Score program here:
Cool Davis Home Energy Score page

Cool Davis Home Energy Electrification Tours and Advising Session

Want to learn more about improving your home’s efficiency?

Join Cool Davis on November 8 2:00 pm-4:00 pm for a electric home tours to learn first hand from Davis homeowners on residential electrification. Register and receive location information here.

Energy experts, contractors, and local homeowners will share insights on:

• Heat pumps

• Induction stoves

• Solar panels

• EV chargers

• Full-home electrification options

• Current tax credits, rebates, and deadlines

Check the Cool Davis website for more upcoming sessions.

Contact

For more information, reach out to:

coolsolutions@cooldavis.org
sustainability@cityofdavis.org