What is the Comfortable Home Rebates program?

Comfortable Home Rebates is a whole-home, deep retrofit program that is delivered by participating contractors and requires at least four upgrade measures . The program uses building science principles and is primarily focused on building enclosure and Heating and Cooling (HVAC).

Eligible upgrades include:

  • HVAC system replacement
  • Duct insulation and sealing
  • Attic insulation
  • Air sealing
  • Water heating

Why must I use a participating contractor?

Participating contractors have been screened by program administrators for knowledge of building performance principles and delivery of quality workmanship. Installation work must be completed by a participating contractor to qualify for incentives.

Contractor requirements include:

  • CSLB (California State License Board) license in good standing.
  • Bonded – means that you are financially protected if the contractor doesn’t complete a job for you, or the job is poorly executed.
  • Insured – covers any liability claims that may arise during a job.
  • Subject to program and PG&E quality assurance reviews.
  • Required to pull applicable permits.
  • Trained on combustion safety testing
  • Trained on building science to maximize the energy efficiency and performance of your home.

What is an Independent Building Analyst?

An Independent Building Analyst is a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified analyst who can conduct an independent assessment of your home’s energy performance. This analysis may be used before an upgrade to compare participating contractor proposals.

Both participating contractors and analysts can perform a full assessment of your home and submit the required paperwork but only a participating contractor can complete the installation work.

Where is the Comfortable Home Rebates program available?

Comfortable Home Rebates is available throughout the entire PG&E service area except in the 9 Bay Area counties served by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network.  If you live in one of the 9 counties listed below, please go to the BayREN website or call BayREN at 1-866-878-6008 to speak with a BayREN Home Upgrade Advisor.

  • Sonoma
  • Marin
  • Napa
  • Solano
  • Contra Costa
  • Alameda
  • Santa Clara
  • San Mateo
  • San Francisco

What Is Combustion Appliance Safety Testing?

Combustion Appliance Safety (CAS) testing checks for carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks from gas appliances such as stoves, furnaces and water heaters. A certified Building Performance Institute building analyst performs a combustion appliance safety test before your project starts, during your project as changes are made to the pressure relationships in the home, and after your project is complete.

If a carbon monoxide, natural gas or a ventilation issue is detected, your contractor will notify you and immediately correct the issue or contact a PG&E Gas Safety Representative for assistance. After the project is finished, a carbon monoxide monitor will be installed for continuous safety monitoring.

Is there financing available?

Financing may be available through the following programs:

In addition, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit for making your home more energy efficient. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

What is the process to become a participating contractor?

Contractors interested in participating in Comfortable Home Rebates can find out more by visiting the contractor page here.

What if I participate in a Community Choice Aggregation Program (CCA)?

PG&E manages transmission, distribution and delivery of a CCA customer’s electricity, including providing meter reading, billing, maintenance and outage response services. Additional PG&E services, including energy efficiency rebates, California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), medical baseline, balanced payment plans (generally only on PG&E delivery charges), net metering, California Solar Initiative, other solar programs, and some demand response programs, as well as programs such as eBills and Automated Payment Services are still available to CCA customers. Programs administered by the CCA may differ from those provided by PG&E.

If I have a smart thermostat installed through this program will I still be eligible for PG&E’s Smart Thermostat Rebate?

No, customers may only receive one rebate for a smart thermostat through PG&E’s programs.