What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Likely first step
Get itemized quotes from 2–3 licensed contractors
Panel / electrical
Verify your panel capacity with an electrician
Complexity
Verify locally
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Rebate sensitivity
Verify current programs
Best first call
A licensed contractor for an itemized quote
Utility impact
Electric & gas delivery: PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric
As of 2026-05-30, PG&E's default residential electric plan is E-TOU-C, a time-of-use plan with a 4-9 PM peak window. Alternatives include E-TOU-D (5-8 PM peak), EV2-A (whole-home TOU optimized for EV charging, lowest rates 12 AM-3 PM daily), and E-ELEC (a newer flat-rate-style plan for fully-electric and NEM 3.0 solar households, and the default plan when registering new residential solar under NEM 3.0). In March 2026, PG&E restructured residential rates under AB 205's income-graduated fixed charge framework, adding a flat Base Services Charge (~$24/month for non-CARE households; CARE/FERA pay a reduced fixed fee) paired with a per-kWh price cut. Households planning heat-pump HVAC, EV charging, or whole-home electrification may want to compare E-TOU-C, EV2-A, and E-ELEC; verify current rates and plan rules at the provider site.
$2,500–$7,000 — Installed cost for a single-family Bay Area home (roughly 1,500–2,500 sq ft conditioned floor area) for attic air sealing plus blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation top-off to R-38 or R-49, pre-incentive. Range reflects attic accessibility, existing insulation depth, and the number of penetrations that require sealing. Excludes wall insulation, crawlspace encapsulation, and spray-foam alternatives.
Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (insulation and air sealing)
Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of materials (labor excluded), up to $1,200/yr envelope cap. EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to a U.S. principal residence owned and used by the taxpayer (renters and second homes were not eligible for this category) and covered bulk insulation materials (batts, rolls, blow-in, rigid board, spray foam, pour-in-place) and air-sealing materials (weather stripping, caulk, spray foam cans, house wrap) with manufacturer certification. Labor was excluded from the credit basis. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional.
California Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program
No-cost direct-install upgrades for income-qualified households — homeowner does not pay out-of-pocket for covered measures. Measures may include heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, induction stove, electrical panel upgrade, and weatherization, subject to a per-household scope set by the regional implementer. Administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) as the statewide Equitable Building Decarbonization Direct Install Program, with delivery through regional implementers and a separate Tribal Direct Install track. Targets low- and moderate-income households in low-income communities; specific AMI thresholds and per-region eligibility rules are set by the regional implementer rather than statewide. Both single-family homeowners and renters in eligible buildings may qualify, though scope and contractor selection are determined by the implementer (homeowners do not freely choose contractors). The program is funded through California IRA HOMES funding (60% allocation to Direct Install, approximately $130.3M) plus state appropriations. Direct Install retrofits began rolling out in summer 2025. Homeowners interested in EBD should contact the CEC at equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov or watch for their regional implementer's launch announcement; the program does not accept open online applications the way TECH or HEEHRA do.
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) — income-qualified no-cost upgrades
No-cost (program-funded) upgrades. Reported scope includes weatherization, home repairs, lighting, refrigerators (units 15+ years old), heat pump water heaters, and furnace repair or replacement for eligible homeowners with inoperable or unsafe units. As of 2026-05-30 the program is actively accepting applications. Eligibility is income-based; reported 2026 guidelines are roughly up to $39,125 for a one-person household and up to $80,375 for a four-person household, with guidelines published through May 31, 2026 (verify current thresholds at the program page). Homes must be at least five years old. Applicants who participate in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SNAP, WIC, or similar assistance programs may qualify without providing income documentation. Application is a three-step process: confirm income guidelines, schedule an in-home assessment with a PG&E energy specialist, and complete the online application at energyinsight.pge.com.