Before you spend any money on major energy upgrades, PGE strongly encourages you have an in-home energy audit. It will help you prioritize projects and see where you can get the greatest return on your dollar. Learn more about free in-home energy audits from Energy Trust of Oregon.

Home investments that pay off
Add insulation.
An estimated 80 percent of pre-1980 homes are under-insulated.* Your attic is the best and easiest place to add insulation. Learn more about insulation, duct sealing and other weatherization measures, and how you can get cash back.

Choose premium-efficiency appliances.
When it’s time to buy a major appliance, it pays to invest in the most energy-efficient model you can afford. You may pay more up front, but when you figure in the energy savings, year after year, a premium-efficiency model ends up costing less in the long run. A great place to start is to look for ENERGY STAR® certified models. Also research which models qualify for Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives or Oregon Energy Tax Credits; these models meet tough energy-efficiency standards. Learn more in our Household Appliances section, and discover how you can get cash back.

Heat efficiently.
Consider a heat pump — the most efficient way to heat and cool your home. Learn more in our Heat Pump section, and discover how you can get cash back.

Upgrade your water heater.
Since your water heater is one of the biggest energy users in your home, a new energy-efficient water heater is a great way to save. Learn more in our Water Heaters section, and discover how you can get cash back.

Change out your windows.
High-efficiency windows can provide long-term savings. But this should be your last priority. They are most effective when installed in combination with other measures such as insulation. Learn more in our Weatherization section, and discover how you can get cash back.

*Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy