We offer free water and energy efficiency visits as part of California Youth Energy Services, a summer program staffed by local youth trained and managed by Rising Sun. This program is available from June to August each year - though in 2010, we're offering extended green house call availability for residents of Berkeley, Richmond, and Oakland.
Our staff will tour your home with you, inside and outside, pointing out where you can save. You'll be surprised how much we find!
We scout out hidden air and water leaks, or gadgets that use power even when turned off. Is that a leaky toilet? A wasteful faucet? A refrigerator door that doesn't quite close?
We'll replace your old lightbulbs with the latest Compact Fluorescent Lamps, free of charge. They look a little strange, but they fit most fixtures and use 1/4 the energy. They also can last eight times longer. It'll be years before you next bring out the stepladder to put in new bulbs!
We'll replace your showerheads with high-pressure efficient showerheads, free. They provide a more luxurious shower, and save on your gas bill. We'll put aerators in your faucets so that you wash with less waste.
Clothes dryers are electricity hogs. Drying clothes outdoors in the California sun is better for your clothes and for the earth. We'll install a free retractable clothesline in your yard!
We'll check your attic. Good insulation up there could save you the most money, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Residents of certain older homes may qualify for our attic insulation subsidy of over 50%!
After your green house call we'll let you know about other rebates and free programs, including in-depth services like bill discounts, a new fridge, weatherization, attic insulation, and more. We'll help guide you to the government and utility programs that match your qualifications.
When we're done, we'll provide a personalized report of more steps to cut down your energy and water expenses.
When will you see the benefits? As soon as your next utility bills arrive!
You need to live in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa or Marin, and receive your energy from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. That's all. You don't need to own the home - we visit both houses and apartments, and we make no structural alterations that require a landlord's permission.
The date we'll be able to visit your home depends on the Bay Area city you live in. Refer to the chart below to find your area!
Area |
Service Dates in 2010 |
Berkeley |
Jul 19th – Aug 13th, M-Th, afternoon |
Fremont |
Jul 7th – Aug 13th, T-F, daytime |
Hayward |
Jul 7th – Aug 13th, T-F, daytime |
Livermore |
Jul 7th – Aug 13th, T-F, daytime |
Marin County |
Jul 7th – Aug 13th, T-F, daytime |
Oakland |
Jul 7th – Aug 13th, T-Th, daytime |
Pittsburg |
July 7th - August 13, T-F, daytime |
Richmond |
May 10th – Jun 4th, M-Th, afternoon |
Residents outside of these cities (but within the immediate surrounding area) are welcome to sign up for a green house call - we are happy to visit you, availability and schedule permitting.
The visit will take thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the size of your home. Fill in the form below and we will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Our staff are professionally-trained youth living in your community. Our programs educate our employees in energy awareness and technical skills while providing them jobs in the green sector. That means that by taking advantage of our free services, you're also helping your community.
Our CYES Youth Energy Specialists work as pairs: one adult, aged 18 to 22, and one youth, aged 15 to 17. We are an accredited green employer with full worker's compensation and general liability insurances.
SIGN UP FOR A FREE GREEN HOUSE CALL
Replacing old light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps
Installing an aerated faucet in the kitchen sink
Installing an aerated shower head
Book now for 2010!
Yes, there is one catch: green house calls are only available for specific dates, depending on your city of residence. Most are available during the summer - see the chart below for more details.
Book now so you don't miss out. Call 510-665-1501, extension 10, to reserve your appointment - or fill out the contact form below!
Are these CFL bulbs safe?
Compact fluorescent lights contain electronics, much like your cellphone. They also contain tiny amounts of powdered mercury. They're as safe as other electrical equipment, and contain less chemicals than the average household battery.
To use these bulbs safely, remember two things:
When they burn out, don't toss them in the trash can. Save them and recycle them - your local recycling center has a free drop off box for them, as do many hardware and department stores, including IKEA, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Home Depot. Anywhere you can take batteries or used electronics for disposal, you can drop off a used bulb.
If you break a bulb, children or pregnant women should not participate in the cleanup. Let the area air out for a few minutes, then mop up the broken pieces with a wet paper towel, which picks up the chemicals (don't brush them up into the air with a broom). Then put the broken pieces and the paper towel into a ziploc bag and save them for recycling.