California Center for Sustainable Energy

Welcome to Energy Upgrade Update

Energy Upgrade Update is the place for contractors to learn about Energy Upgrade California^TM in San Diego. We invite you to participate in the events and activities in the newsletter and to pass your e-mail copy along to other interested contractors. Anyone can sign up to receive Energy Upgrade Update by visiting www.energycenter.org/upgrade or by e-mailing Jesse Fulton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Transitioning Your HVAC Business to Whole
Home Performance

Reps from nearly two dozen local HVAC contracting firms convened at the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) on April 26 to learn about the newest retrofit workforce development program. Called TOP HVAC, for Training and Outreach Program for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, it is designed to aid HVAC contractors looking to transition from a single-technology retrofit approach to the whole home approach to energy upgrades.

The TOP HVAC program is a series of three-month segments that will address the questions on HVAC contractors' minds about how to be successful while offering a whole home approach to their existing and new clients. The strategy is to provide home performance expert-led building science training, business development and sales training. It will also leverage existing CCSE programs to offer co-branded marketing collateral, networking and business development opportunities.

Contractors with a valid C-20 license can participate. For more information about CCSE's TOP HVAC program or to sign up for our next orientation in July, please contact Jennifer Green at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 858-244-1180.

Now Available: Matching Funds for Your
Company Marketing

• To extend approved Energy Upgrade California contractors marketing efforts/dollars
• Drive demand for energy upgrades in the next 30 to 60 days
• Create marketing best practices
• Ensure consistent Energy Upgrade California branding and messaging

CCSE will reimburse 50 percent of the total (approved) advertising or marketing campaigns up $1,000 until the end of May 2011 and up to $500 after May 31, 2011, as fund are available. This is a first-come, first-served program so we encourage you submit the co-op request quickly. To apply, visit: https://energycenter.org/upgrade/.

How Homeowners Get Started with Energy
Upgrade California

Beginning this month, San Diegans will learn about the new statewide Energy Upgrade California program that will help lower their monthly utility costs and provide cash rebates for home energy improvements during a series of free, public workshops offered twice a month at CCSE.

The workshops highlight the benefits of whole house performance as a way for homeowners to save substantial money on their utility bills while increasing comfort and safety within their homes. Workshop attendees will be introduced to the available program rebates and the process toward participation. Attendees will also be encouraged to contact a qualified contractor from the participating contractor list to get started with their energy upgrade.

The workshops will be held at CCSE's Energy Resource Center at 8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego (Kearny Mesa). Those interested in attending must register by visiting www.energycenter.org/homeowners or call Matthew Messina at (858) 244-1177.

Energy Upgrade California for Homeowners Workshops

Chula Vista Neighborhood Leaders Choose
Lead Contractor

Energy Upgrade California Neighborhood Leaders in the north central area of Chula Vista have selected Greenwise Solutions and ASI Hastings Heating and Air Conditioning as their preferred contractors for home energy efficiency upgrades under the Community Savings Initiative.

Neighborhood Leaders are a group of active homeowners and local business and community leaders in the Rancho del Rey and Eastlake neighborhoods of Chula Vista that are working with the CCSE to promote energy efficiency upgrades.

The Neighborhood Leaders vetted more than a dozen qualified contractors to identify Greenwise Solutions and ASI Hastings as having the best track record and potential for offering the best deals on energy efficiency upgrades. The contractors will be working with the Neighborhood Leaders, CCSE and the City of Chula Vista to provide special reduced pricing for the homeowners in the community. For more information on the Energy Upgrade California Community Savings Initiative, visit www.energycenter.org/community-savings-initiative.

Featured Contractor

Longtime contractor Ken Justo, owner of ASI Hastings Heating and Air Conditioning, says he was among the first in San Diego to become qualified as an Energy Upgrade California participating contractor because he saw the benefits it offers clients. "We feel the comprehensive nature of this program is a real value to homeowners." Justo said. "This holistic approach has long been needed."

ASI Hastings, family owned and operated since 1952, is also a GreenHoumes America franchise, which means their entire staff is trained in the various aspects of home performance. For Energy Upgrade California, staff have been Building Performance Institute certified and several new production people and an additional energy advisor have been hired.

"We're excited about offering our clients and San Diego residents a whole house approach to indoor comfort and energy savings," Justo said. "We are seeing interest from homeowners who are taking the time to listen."

Event Calendar


Contractor Orientation Workshops
Tues., June 7
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed., July 13
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Basic Building Performance Workshops
Wed., June 8 - Fri., June 10
Wed., July 13 - Fri., July 15

Advanced Building Performance Trainings
Wed., June 15 - Wed.,
June 22
Wed., July 20 - Wed.,
July 27

Introduction to Residential EnergyPro
Thur., June 9
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Using EnergyPro with
the Energy Upgrade
California Program
Thur., June 9
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Full calendar and registration at energycenter.org/upgrade.

Building Science Tip

Myth of "Natural Ventilation"

Current practice rests on the fact that a house is full of holes and thereby provides "fresh air" for the occupants. Depending on the wind, the air change rate - the number of times the entire air volume is exchanged per hour ( AC/h) - varies drastically. Where does this "ventilation air" come from? It winds through attic filth: rat poop, pesticides, fiberglass, formaldehyde and more. The healthier (and more efficient) approach is to ventilate directly by bringing balanced, fresh air into the home at a controlled rate using a heat recovery ventilator or HRV.

Program Accomplishments

Contractors: 33
Submitted projects: 80
Completed projects: 41

Start Promoting
Your Energy
Upgrade California Participation Today

Please add the Energy Upgrade California logo web button to your company website. In addition, be proud to add the tagline: "Participating Contractor of the Energy Upgrade California Program." This will add continued credibility to your business and the entire program.

Please do not add the California Center for Sustainable Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County, San Diego City or basically any other entity logo besides Energy Upgrade California.

You can visit the Energy Upgrade California contractor portal for a sample of the web button. If you have any questions, please contact Mitch Moore, brand
manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or by phone at (858) 634-4742.