Starting July 1, Yolo County residents can access Home Energy Score California, a statewide program that helps homeowners understand their home’s energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and plan cost-effective home energy upgrades.

The launch marks an important milestone for homeowners in Davis and throughout Yolo County who want to improve home comfort, lower energy bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past year, Cool Davis has partnered with the City of Davis, Yolo County, Advanced Lower Home Energy, and Earth Advantage to help pilot and prepare for the statewide rollout of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score program.

What Is a Home Energy Score?

The Home Energy Score is a nationally recognized rating developed by the U.S. Department of Energy that measures a home’s energy efficiency on a simple 1-to-10 scale. Similar to a fuel economy rating for a vehicle, the score gives homeowners an easy way to understand how efficiently their home uses energy and identify the most effective improvements.

Each personalized Home Energy Score Report includes:

  • A home’s energy efficiency score
  • Estimated annual energy costs
  • Estimated greenhouse gas emissions
  • Customized recommendations to improve comfort and reduce energy use
  • A prioritized roadmap for future home energy upgrades, beginning with weatherization and progressing toward home electrification

Homes with higher scores typically use less energy, cost less to operate, and provide greater year-round comfort.

Benefits of a Home Energy Assessment

A Home Energy Score can help homeowners make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements by showing where energy is being used and identifying opportunities to save money.

Benefits include:

  • Lower heating and cooling costs
  • Improved home comfort throughout the year
  • Reduced drafts and energy waste
  • Better indoor air quality
  • A clear plan for future energy efficiency and electrification upgrades
  • Increased confidence when investing in home improvements

Whether you’re planning a remodel or simply looking to reduce monthly utility bills, a Home Energy Score provides valuable information to guide your next steps.

What Happens During a Home Energy Score Assessment?

A certified Home Energy Score Assessor conducts a 45- to 90-minute home energy assessment, evaluating features that affect your home’s energy performance, including:

  • Insulation
  • Windows and exterior doors
  • Air sealing and ductwork
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Water heating equipment

The assessor enters the home’s information into the U.S. Department of Energy’s standardized scoring tool to generate a personalized Home Energy Score Report with recommendations tailored to your home.

Limited-Time $250 Incentive Available

Many California homeowners may qualify for a $250 incentive toward the cost of obtaining a Home Energy Score. When scheduling your appointment, ask your certified assessor whether you are eligible. Depending on where you live, additional rebates and incentives for energy efficiency and home electrification projects may also be available.

How to Get a Home Energy Score in Yolo County

Beginning July 1, homeowners in Davis and throughout Yolo County can:

  • Find a certified Home Energy Score Assessor
  • Schedule a home energy assessment
  • Learn whether they qualify for the $250 incentive
  • Create a personalized plan to improve home comfort, reduce energy use, and lower utility bills

Ready to learn how your home performs? Visit HomeScoreCA.org to find a certified assessor and get started on your path to a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable home.