Over 2,800 homes in Moreno Valley have been made more energy-efficient, or transitioned to renewable energy since HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing became available to area homeowners in 2011. HERO financing empowers homeowners to make energy-related improvements – such as replacing inefficient HVAC systems, installing new windows and doors, or going solar – and pay for them over time through a voluntary, additional line item on their property taxes.
Moreno Valley homeowner Constance Burnett used HERO to finance a tank-less hot water heater and delivery system with filter when the downstairs of her house flooded for the second time in four years. “HERO was a lifesaver for me: The water was starting to go up the walls, so it was great to be able to get approved quickly, and start the repairs. This time, we moved the pipes from the slab to the walls, so any future leaks (fingers crossed there are none) won’t require tearing up the whole floor,” Burnett said. “There are a lot of people in our household, and our energy upgrades are the best thing we could’ve done. HERO made this emergency project affordable and worry-free.”
Redlands-based White House Glass, Inc. is proud to offer HERO as a financing option for area property owners. Owner Robert Jarman prides himself on delivering quality energy-efficient window installation for every customer. “I got into the business because my grandmother was taken advantage of by a contractor who disappeared after the job, never to be heard from again. This personal experience means I am personally involved in every job,” said Jarman, who started as a glazier apprentice and worked through the trade to become a journeyman.
After years in the trade, Robert started his small, family-owned window and door business. “HERO has helped my business grow by leaps and bounds, while also offering peace of mind and strong protections for my clients. The program is a clear win-win for homeowners and small businesses throughout the community,” Jarman continued.
To date, HERO has created or sustained over 500 regional jobs, many of which cannot be automated or outsourced. HERO-financed upgrades are projected to save homeowners over 415 million kilowatt-hours of electricity – and over $75 million on their electric bills – over the expected useful life of the products installed. That is enough energy to power over 45,000 homes for a full calendar year.
In 2016 and 2017, California passed a series of laws that established a landmark consumer-protection and regulatory framework for PACE financing. These enhanced consumer protections build upon HERO’s industry-leading safeguards, including live, recorded confirm-terms calls, strong written disclosures and guarantee contractors don’t get paid until homeowners certify a project is done to their satisfaction. HERO also uses a data-driven contractor quality rating system that tracks customer satisfaction in real-time and removes contractors that fail to maintain excellent or good ratings.
Homeowners interested in learning more about HERO financing should visit renovateamerica.com/financing/hero/communities. Contractors interested in offering HERO can register at renovateamerica.com/contractors.
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