About Us

Our Story

Founded in 1981 by Richard Lee, California Energy Consultant Service (CECS) began as an insulation company ahead of its time—performing blower door testing and sealing air leaks long before “home performance” was an industry buzzword. From the very start, the mission was clear: help homeowners create comfortable, energy-efficient, and beautiful homes with honesty, craftsmanship, and care.

In the 1990s, Richard expanded into windows, quickly becoming one of the first companies in Sacramento to specialize in retrofit window installation—a breakthrough method that replaced windows without disturbing stucco. For the next 15 years, windows became the company’s sole focus. During this era, Richard’s son, Gary Lee, joined the business. With a natural gift for sales and customer relationships, Gary played a pivotal role in CECS’s growth and continues to serve today as Sales Manager, with over three decades of dedication behind him.

By the late ’90s, Phil Isaacs was a subcontractor installing retrofit windows and doors for CECS, running crews while also serving his own network of customers. Impressed with CECS’s integrity and customer-first culture, Phil built strong ties with Richard and Gary. In 2005, after several conversations and mentorship from Richard, Phil officially purchased CECS, marking a new chapter in the company’s story. Richard continued in sales for several years before retiring at 75, but his values of integrity, craftsmanship, and customer service remain the cornerstone of CECS.

Phil diversified the business in 2006 by adding siding, and during the Great Recession he invested further in home performance training, becoming a BPI-Certified Building Analyst Professional. This allowed CECS to expand into HVAC, insulation, water heaters, cool roofs, and energy-efficient financing programs—unlocking rebates often exceeding $10,000 per homeowner.

In 2022, Phil welcomed the Rinky Dink Builders team, renowned since the 1970s for their craftsmanship in custom metal roofing. Modern steel roofs not only deliver stunning curb appeal but also provide impressive energy efficiency—perfectly aligning with CECS’s mission to make homes more comfortable and efficient. The addition of Mike and Guy, the former owners, along with their skilled crews, expanded CECS into roofing. Today, homeowners benefit from an exceptionally talented team specializing in standing seam metal roofs and composition roofing systems, making CECS an even stronger one-stop shop for exterior upgrades.

And the legacy continues: on August 1, 2025, founder Richard Lee celebrated his 93rd birthday, still maintaining a close friendship with Phil and the CECS team.

Who We Are Today

Now more than 40 years strong, CECS has grown into one of Sacramento’s leading home improvement companies, offering:

• High-performance replacement windows & doors

• James Hardie®, LP Smartside and premium insulated vinyl siding

• Energy Efficient Standing seam metal and composition cool roofs

• HVAC and insulation upgrades

We take a whole-home approach to performance and comfort—helping homeowners see how each system in their house works together, and ensuring upgrades maximize efficiency, rebates, and long-term value.

Why Choose CECS

• Proven Stability – Family-founded in 1981 and still thriving today.

• Award-Winning Dealer – National recognition from Simonton and Milgard.

• Trusted Expertise – Licensed across multiple trades; BPI-certified for energy performance.

• Full-Service Solutions – Windows, siding, roofing, HVAC, insulation, and more.

• Top Utility Partner – SMUD and PG&E top-tier participating contractor.

• A Reputation Earned – Thousands of successful projects, five-star reviews, referrals, and repeat customers.

Our Commitment

At CECS, we don’t just improve homes—we improve how people feel about where they live. For us, every project is more than an installation; it’s an opportunity to make your home more comfortable, more efficient, and more beautiful.

Our foundation has always been built on honesty, craftsmanship, and care. That means:

• We listen first, making sure we understand your needs and goals.

• We provide clear, transparent options so you can make informed decisions.

• We deliver premium products and professional installations that stand the test of time.

• We handle every detail—permits, warranties, utility rebates, and inspections—so the process is seamless and stress-free for you.

But our commitment doesn’t end when the job is done. We view every customer as a long-term partner, and we stand behind our work with strong warranties, responsive service, and a team that’s always just a call away.

After more than 40 years, we’re proud that the majority of our business comes from referrals and repeat customers—a true sign that we keep our promises. When you choose CECS, you’re choosing a team that treats your home as if it were our own and values your trust above all else.