If the winter chill hasn’t gotten the best of you, perhaps soaring energy costs have. Energy Upgrade California is helping Bay Area homeowners take charge.

The program, which has been offering statewide rebates up to $4,000 for energy-efficient home improvements since last year, has recently announced that homeowners in every Bay Area county can qualify for even higher rebates – in some cases up to $11,000. Energy Upgrade California focuses on improving the efficiency of the entire house, including heating, air conditioning, water, windows, ducts and insulation.

The program is partnering with cities and counties to offer residents free weekly workshops on how to maximize their upgrades and rebates. Program manager Colin Clark explains, “The results of these upgrades will lower energy bills, provide better indoor air quality, reduce pollution and resource depletion, and help sustain local small businesses – all while making the home more comfortable.”

Bay Area rebates must be reserved before February 2012. For more information, visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org. To sign up for a free workshop, visit EnergyUpgrade.eventbrite.com.

– Tiffany Carboni