Energy Efficiency Frequently Asked Questions

Home Energy Efficiency Survey

Complete the Home Energy Efficiency Survey as your first step toward understanding your home’s energy use. It takes about twenty five minutes to complete and your personalized results will appear immediately on your screen.

You may also request a mail-in Home Energy Efficiency Survey. If you've lived in your home for six months, we'll analyze the energy use in your home and mail your results back to you. Call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) or email to request a mail-in Home Energy Efficiency Survey.

What kind of energy conservation information does SDG&E provide?

SDG&E has the following energy conservation brochures and fact sheets available. You may request to have it mailed to your home or for immediate download, visit our Brochure & Forms webpage.

  • Energy Guide Labels
  • Energy Savings And Your Swimming Pool
  • Heat Pumps
  • Home Cooling
  • Home Heating
  • Home Lighting
  • New Baby
  • Refrigerators And Freezers
  • Saving Energy: A Floor-to-Ceiling Guide
  • Spas And Hot Tubs
  • Vacation Energy Bills
  • Water Heaters
  • Weather-stripping And Caulking
  • Your Energy Costs: A Room-by-Room Guide


How much energy does a compact fluorescent light bulb save?

Compact fluorescent lights save you approximately 75% of the energy and last 10 times longer than a comparable incandescent light bulb.


What information is available on residential energy efficiency programs and services?

To help you save energy and improve the energy efficiency of your home, SDG&E offers a variety of energy-efficiency services.


I have a pool/jacuzzi. How can I reduce my energy use?

Energy usage varies based on pool size, usage and temperature preference. For conservation information on pools and spas:


Does the "green plug" help to reduce my energy bill?

Because energy saving tests have proven to be inconclusive, SDG&E does not endorse the use of a "green plug."

I am buying a new house. How can I find out how much energy I should expect to use?

Read the following brochure to identify the approximate energy costs of your new appliances.


How can I find out how much energy I use?

Your total monthly energy usage is shown on your monthly statement. For information:


How do I go about getting an appliance rebate?

SDG&E currently offers rebates ranging from $25 - $200 on qualifying dishwashers, refrigerators, room and central air conditioners, swimming pool pumps, and whole-house fans.


Can I get a rebate for the new clothes dryer I just bought?

The federal government tests appliances for their energy efficiency and the most efficient appliances are considered ENERGY STAR® qualified. Since the federal government does not test clothes dryers for their energy efficiency no rebates are offered.

How do I calculate how much my appliances cost to use?

You can calculate an estimated monthly cost for your appliances by using SDG&E's Home Appliance Calculator.

Aside from doing the obvious like turning out lights when I leave a room and changing out incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents bulbs, what other things can I do to save energy?

Here are three tips that can help you control energy usage:

  • Set your thermostat a few degrees lower. Every two degrees lower can save you $5 or more a month.
  • Adding new weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors can help reduce your energy bill up to 20%.
  • Repairing a leaky hot water faucet can save up to 350 gallons of water a month, in addition to the cost to heat the water.


Who do I call to pick up my old refrigerator and get $50 in return?

To find out if you qualify for refrigerator recycling, call Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc (ARCA) at -800-599-5792.

Where can I get a free compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL)?

SDG&E provides a free light bulb exchange program in our service territory. To find out if there is an exchange event in your area, go to our lighting homepage.

How do I get a rebate from the water company?

The SoCal Water$mart program offers a rebate incentive of up to $185 for customers replacing standard top-loading clothes washers with water- and energy- efficient models. The Metropolitan Water District operates this program on behalf of the San Diego County Water Authority, its member agencies, and San Diego Gas & Electric. For complete program information, visit SoCalWater$mart.

How much energy does a compact fluorescent light bulb save?

Compact fluorescent lights save you approximately 75% of the energy and last 10 times longer than a comparable incandescent light bulb. For more information, go to our Home Lighting page.