When Carol Ducey, a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer, decided to make her home more energy efficient, she was surprised to learn that 60 percent of her heating and cooling air was escaping from her house.

But by the end of her participation in the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program, that number was down to 8 percent.

“After their whole project was over, they did the test to show me the difference before and after from all the work they had done,” she said. “At the end of the process, I had 8 percent. That’s just astounding.”

This Earth Day, many are looking for ways to save energy, both large and small. And while it’s always the right time to think about energy usage, it’s especially a good opportunity to think about it now.

One way customers can have some large energy savings is to make their home projects as energy efficient as possible. Through the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program, SCE customers can get incentives for energy-efficient home improvements. This program offers a comprehensive, “whole house” approach to home energy efficiency that offers financial incentives for installing approved home energy upgrades.

“It’s not just the air conditioner, it’s not just the tankless water heater and it’s not just the insulation,” said Jeremy Links, SCE customer and Energy Upgrade California participant. “When you put them all together, the amount of savings and efficiency are tremendous.”

Simple actions can also save energy. Using a fan instead of an air conditioner in warmer weather, recycling an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer, or signing up for one of SCE’s energy efficiency programs or rebates can make a big difference.

Other simple tips include:

  • Replacing incandescent lights with compact florescent bulbs or LEDs and turning off lights when not in use.
  • Correctly adjusting the thermostat — up in the summer and down in the winter.
  • Buying Energy Star certified appliances.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized SCE as an Energy Star Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence. The EPA recognized the utility for its partnership with ENERGY STAR to advance energy efficiency.

“Through their sustained participation with ENERGY STAR, SCE is helping Americans save energy, and does their part to reduce our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.