Key Takeaways:
As energy prices rise and environmental consciousness grows, homeowners across Santa Rosa are searching for smarter ways to cut down their energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Whether renovating, building a new home, or simply looking to save money, upgrading your electrical system is a powerful way to boost efficiency, lower monthly bills, and increase your property value.
From smart lighting to whole-home energy monitors, the world of home electrical upgrades has come a long way.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most innovative electrical upgrades available today—and how they can help you build a more energy-efficient and sustainable home in Santa Rosa.
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is swapping out your old electrical panel for a smart version. Smart panels like the Span Panel or Leviton Load Center offer real-time energy usage data, remote circuit control, and intelligent automation to reduce energy waste.
The benefits:
In a place like Santa Rosa, where solar adoption is common, a smart panel also helps manage solar inputs efficiently. It prepares your home for future battery installations or EV chargers.
Power surges from storms, faulty wiring, or even utility company maintenance can damage expensive electronics and appliances. Installing whole-home surge protection not only saves you money on replacements but also extends the life of your equipment and ensures efficient energy use.
Why It Matters:
A certified electrician can install surge protection directly into your panel, safeguarding your entire home.
Lighting accounts for about 5-10% of a home’s electricity use. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which are considered “energy hogs,” LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last 25 times longer.
Pairing LED lighting with smart lighting controls lets you schedule lights, adjust brightness, and automate shut-off to save energy.
Pro Tip for Santa Rosa Homes: Add motion-activated lighting in frequently used spaces like bathrooms, hallways, and outdoor areas to eliminate wasted electricity.
In Santa Rosa, where temperatures fluctuate between seasons, a smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee can cut energy usage by 10–20% annually.
Features like geofencing, learning algorithms, and remote control ensure your HVAC system only works when needed.
Bonus: Many smart thermostats qualify for PG&E rebates, helping Santa Rosa homeowners reduce installation costs.
Old refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers can drain your energy budget. Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR® label, which are certified to use significantly less energy and water.
What to Prioritize:
Your electrician can ensure your home’s wiring and panels are ready to support these upgrades safely and effectively.
Home energy monitors like Sense, Emporia Vue, or Neurio give you a breakdown of how much energy each appliance or circuit uses in real-time.
These devices empower homeowners to make smarter decisions about when and how to use energy, especially during peak pricing periods.
Why It’s Smart:
In Santa Rosa, where energy prices can fluctuate, and wildfire-related PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events can occur, knowing where your energy goes is more important than ever.
If you’ve gone electric—or are planning to—it’s time to future-proof your home. Installing a Level 2 EV charger provides fast, efficient charging at home, often up to 10x faster than a standard outlet.
Energy-Saving Tip: Pair your EV charger with solar panels or battery storage to charge your vehicle using clean, cost-effective energy.
Local programs in Santa Rosa may also offer incentives for EV charger installation, especially when bundled with solar upgrades.
Older homes in Santa Rosa often have aging wiring and electrical panels that are unsuitable for modern energy-efficient systems. If your home is over 30 years old, it might be time to upgrade.
Signs You Need an Electrical Upgrade:
A licensed electrician can evaluate your system and recommend cost-effective upgrades that support energy-efficient living—and keep your family safe.
While solar isn’t a direct electrical upgrade, integrating solar panels and a battery backup system into your home’s electrical setup offers long-term energy savings and resilience. Santa Rosa homeowners can offset most (or all) of their electricity use by generating clean energy on-site and storing it for evening use or during outages.
What You’ll Need:
Your electrician will ensure your home’s wiring, panel, and interconnection are optimized for this system.
For the ultimate energy-efficient home, consider a full Home Energy Management System (HEMS). These systems coordinate your thermostat, appliances, lighting, and energy storage to optimize usage and reduce waste.
Think of it as cruise control for your home’s energy—smart, seamless, and always working to lower your bills.
Energy-efficient upgrades are only as good as the installation. An experienced, local electrician ensures:
At APG Electric, we specialize in smart, sustainable solutions tailored for Santa Rosa homes. Whether you’re adding a smart panel, installing an EV charger, or building a solar-ready home, our team is here to help.
What are the best electrical upgrades to save energy at home?
Smart panels, LED lighting, smart thermostats, whole-home surge protection, and energy monitors are some of the most effective electrical upgrades to reduce energy use and cut utility bills.
Can upgrading my electrical panel increase energy efficiency?
Yes, modern panels—especially smart ones—can optimize energy usage, support renewable energy, and allow remote control and monitoring of circuits to reduce waste.
Is it worth installing a smart thermostat in Santa Rosa?
Absolutely. Smart thermostats can reduce HVAC energy use by 10–20% and often qualify for local rebates through PG&E or other California energy programs.
Do energy-efficient appliances really make a difference?
Yes. ENERGY STAR® appliances use significantly less energy and water, lowering your bills and environmental impact over time.
How do I know if my home needs an electrical upgrade?
If your home is over 30 years old, or you’re experiencing flickering lights, breaker trips, or limited outlets, it’s a good idea to have a professional assess your wiring and panel.
Looking to do electrical upgrades in Santa Rosa to make your home more energy efficient?
Contact APG Electric today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed electricians. We’ll help you find the smartest upgrades for your home and budget, so you can save energy, money, and peace of mind. Call us at (707)636-4816 or read or blog for more information.
