In Kern County, California, some homeowners are getting financial support to upgrade their homes and remove gas appliances that are exacerbating asthma.
Homeowner Maria Perez lives in the first home that was retrofitted through the Kern CASA Project. Perez spoke with KBAK about the experience.
Here's what to know
Asthma care and a fixed income created competing pressures for Perez, who wanted gas appliances out of her home. A home makeover provided through the program offered her a way to improve her health without adding financial strain.
Her home now depends less on gas after the local program supplied electric appliances, solar panels, and battery storage at no cost.
The Kern CASA Project provides eligible households with free health and energy improvements. Perez's property was the first home to receive a full retrofit through the program, according to KBAK.
Now, her stove and dryer run on electricity, as do the replacement water heater and heating and cooling equipment. This way, she doesn't have to worry about dangerous pollutants in her home that can worsen her asthma symptoms.
The project manager for Perez's home upgrades, Brianda Castro, explained to KBAK how the new appliance should help. Castro told the outlet, "When you eliminate the use of gas in the home, it eliminates those pollutants and so therefore it creates a healthier just air quality within the home."
Castro added, "These appliances are also newer which means that they are not very affordable for the regular low-income household. The beauty about the programs that we offer to residents in low-income communities is that it has no cost to the homeowner."
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The added panels will help to keep Perez's energy bills affordable, as going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Palmetto is currently running an exclusive offer for Southern California residents that allows customers to save an average of 40% on their electric bills with $0 down.
At least 18 additional homes will be upgraded through Kern CASA, KBAK reported, but applications for this funding round have closed.
For Southern California residents considering solar on their own, Palmetto offers another potential route to lower energy costs. With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year.
Where can I learn more?
Replacing gas appliances, adding solar panels, and installing batteries can change how a home uses energy and what it costs to run.
• California proposals could make rooftop solar and heat pumps more affordable for residents.
• Pasadena utility customers could access zero-interest solar and battery loans worth up to $65,000.
• California is turning to home batteries to curb bills and reduce reliance on gas plants.
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