Tag · 15 articles

Energy Efficiency

Everything we've written about energy efficiency — straight from the technicians who handle these jobs across San Diego County. Pricing, troubleshooting, and what actually works in our climate.

HVAC technician inspecting ductwork in a residential attic for leaks

Duct leak repair in San Diego: real costs + testing

Leaky ducts lose 20-30% of conditioned air. Repair costs $300-$1,200 depending on access. Here's how testing works and when sealing pays back fastest.

Supply register on a wall in a San Diego home, photo realistic.

Should I close vents in unused rooms in San Diego?

Closing AC vents in unused rooms sounds smart but kills your compressor and leaks ducts. Here's the real cost in San Diego and what to do instead.

Smart thermostat on a San Diego home wall, photo realistic.

What temperature to set your AC in San Diego

Energy Star says 78°F. Most San Diego homes run 70 to 72°F. Here's the honest answer based on your ZIP, SDG&E rate plan, and home.

Rooftop solar array on a San Diego home with an outdoor AC condenser visible in the side yard

AC + solar in San Diego under NEM 3.0: the honest 2026 math

NEM 3.0 cut SDG&E export credits roughly 75%. Here's what that does to AC + solar payback in San Diego in 2026, with real numbers and a decision framework.

Outdoor AC condenser unit running during San Diego summer day

Can I run my AC 24/7 in San Diego summer? Straight answer

Yes, modern AC is built for continuous run. But it's almost never the most efficient or cheapest approach. Here's when 24/7 makes sense and when scheduling beats it.

Smart thermostat displaying summer schedule for an energy-efficient San Diego home

How to lower your AC bill in San Diego summer (12 tactics)

Twelve tactics that actually cut SDG&E cooling bills in San Diego, ranked by savings impact. Some are free, some require equipment, all are based on measured results.

Energy guide label on a new central air conditioning unit showing SEER2 rating

What is SEER2? Plain-English guide for San Diego AC buyers

SEER2 measures AC cooling efficiency. Here's what the numbers mean, what's required by California code in 2026, and what rating actually pays back in San Diego.

ERV unit installed in a San Diego attic providing fresh air ventilation

ERV vs HRV ventilation in San Diego: Title 24 guide

California Title 24 requires mechanical ventilation in tight homes. ERV vs HRV for San Diego coastal humidity and inland winters, real costs, when retrofits pay off.

Retail storefront with rooftop HVAC packaged units at a San Diego shopping center

Retail HVAC in San Diego: real costs and sizing

Retail HVAC in San Diego: Title 24 requirements, door heat load math, EER vs SEER2 for daytime ops, RTU vs split economics, and Westfield/UTC/Otay Ranch norms.

Smart thermostat installed in a San Diego home connected to a smart home hub

Smart home HVAC in San Diego: HomeKit, Google, Alexa

Best smart thermostats by ecosystem for San Diego homes. Geofencing, voice control, SDG&E TOU automation, privacy, and real setup costs in 2026.

A clean, simple diagram showing a heat pump moving heat from outside to inside a house in winter, and from inside to outside in summer.

How does a heat pump work in San Diego's climate?

A heat pump efficiently heats and cools your San Diego home by moving heat, not generating it. Learn the simple science behind this energy-saving HVAC system.

A clear before-and-after split image showing a dirty, dusty AC outdoor condenser coil on the left and the same coil looking clean and new on the right.

How to clean your AC coils (and when to call a pro in San Diego)

Keep your San Diego AC running efficiently by learning how to clean outdoor coils safely and when to trust professionals with delicate indoor evaporator coils. Save energy and money.

Outdoor AC condenser cycling on with visible motion blur on the fan, residential side yard, hot afternoon

AC short cycling? Why it happens and what it's costing you

Is your AC turning on and off constantly? Learn what AC short cycling is, its common causes in San Diego homes, and how it impacts your system's efficiency and lifespan.

Homeowner at a kitchen table reviewing a stack of rebate paperwork next to a laptop showing the TECH Clean California website, warm interior light

California HVAC rebates in 2026: every program a San Diego homeowner can stack

Unlock maximum savings on HVAC upgrades in San Diego for 2026. Learn how to stack federal, state, and SDG&E rebates for heat pumps, AC, furnaces, and more without losing eligibility.

Modern high-efficiency condensing gas furnace installed in a clean San Diego garage.

Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it in San Diego's mild climate?

San Diego's mild winters make the math tricky. We break down the real-world costs and payback period for a high-efficiency furnace vs. a standard 80% AFUE model.

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