Posts Tagged Energy Star
Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Special Offers»
By Vernon T., December 21, 2011, Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Special Offers
Sometimes being a Do-It-Yourself homeowner means realizing that there can be times when you have no idea what you are doing and you need to call in a professional.
Our home is heated with natural gas. To save money, we installed a high-efficiency condensing furnace. This kind of HVAC system (also known as a Heating, Ventilation, And Cooling system) is designed to be so highly efficient (some are over 95% in terms of efficiency) that they pass [...]
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Energy Efficiency, FAQs, News, Save Money»
By Vernon T., October 26, 2011, Energy Efficiency, FAQs, News, Save Money
By day, they appear as if dead… But in truth they only sleep…
For by night they awake to feed upon the force that powers the living…
And drive up the cost of your monthly electric bill.
Know them for what they are: energy vampires!
Just in time for Halloween, Bounce Energy has made a cute little video about the energy vampires. All Texas electricity consumers have them in their home. They can be anywhere, doing anything. Energy V [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money»
By Vernon T., September 12, 2011, Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money
One of the complaints I hear from some folks thinking about a new appliance is that Energy Star certified appliances are too expensive and don't really save you a lot of money. Well, Energy Star certified appliances are more expensive because they are more energy efficient but the truth is they DO save you money off your Texas energy rates.
When it comes to Energy Star compliance, refrigerators, air conditioners, furnaces, washing machines, and [...]
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Energy Efficiency»
By Julianne, June 8, 2011, Energy Efficiency
Now more than ever, people are finding ways to go green to minimize their impact on the environment and save money. Whether you have an older television set or a newer model, there are ways you can save energy with your TV. Here are five ways to save energy with your TV’s and add money back into your bank account.
1. Choose an Energy-Efficient TV Set
Before investing in a new TV, think about the pros and cons of the technology. Plasma TV’ [...]
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Charity & Community, Green, News»
By Brooke, April 19, 2011, Charity & Community, Green, News
Mark your calendars for this Friday, April 22 so you don't miss out on Earth Day. You may have noticed that going "green" is on everyone's minds these days - companies are building "greener" buildings, people all over seem to be adopting more eco-friendly practices. But for some, finding where to begin being more earth-friendly can be overwhelming and challenging. So, to help you start, here are some simple "green" tips to use not only on thi [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Save Money»
By Brooke, October 4, 2010, Energy Efficiency, Save Money
For Texans who missed out on the energy-efficient appliance rebate last spring, there is good news. You’ll have a second chance to earn your rebate this coming winter. Because of unclaimed rebate funds from the first round of appliance rebates, Texas has $10 million in stimulus money left to be handed out via a new appliance rebate program.
Before those frustrating memories of trying for hours to receive the rebate to no avail come rushi [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money»
By Vernon T., June 21, 2010, Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money
What has been dubbed "Home Star 2.0" has been introduced to the full Senate on May 27 by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Jeff Bingman, Chair; Lisa Murkowski, Ranking Member). The version of the bill, S.3434, has bi-partisan support and there are some hopes it will be passed by July 4.
The Home Star Program was launched in March by President Obama to help put American housing construction workers back to work. It has two [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money»
By Vernon T., December 14, 2009, Energy Efficiency, Green, News, Save Money
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced on Friday, Dec. 11, that Texas will use approximately $23 million in federal stimulus funds for a mail-in rebate program for consumers who purchase certain energy efficient household appliances.The trouble is, because there is only $23 million dollars alotted for this rebate, you only have a ten day window. Here's how it works:The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved the rebates for consumers [...]
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Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Special Offers»
By Vernon T., November 12, 2009, Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Special Offers
Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio top EPA list for most Energy Star homesThe US Environmental Protection Agency yesterday announced that 1 million Energy Star compliant homes have been built since the Energy Star program began rating home construction in 1995.Most of these homes are in Texas, particularly Houston and Dallas, and San Antonio.Since the Energy Star new home program began in 1995, Americans have saved $1.2 billion on their energ [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Green, Save Money»
By Vernon T., August 3, 2009, Energy Efficiency, Green, Save Money
Conclusion --Becoming Energy Self-SufficientThere is a higher tier for energy efficiency some homeowners might be interested in. These complex yet more costly improvements will receive a credit of 30% of their total cost but have until 2016 to be placed in service. They lead not only to greater energy efficiency but to significant cost reductions and energy independence:Geothermal heat pumps are similar to conventional heat-pump systems wi [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Save Money»
By Vernon T., July 31, 2009, Energy Efficiency, Save Money
How it Works: Insulating & Taking the Tax CreditHeating and air conditioning account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. While air sealing and duct work sealing can improve performance, neither of these is going to compensate for insufficient insulation for the whole house. Throughout most of the country, the US DOE recommends at least R30 (about 1 foot of blown cellulose or fiberglass) for attic insulation a [...]
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Energy Efficiency, Green, Save Money»
By Vernon T., July 25, 2009, Energy Efficiency, Green, Save Money
How it Works: Windows & WaterTo see how the credit works, let's look at an example of a modest starter home: a single-story 3-bedroom 1750 sq. foot home built in 2008 on the Gulf Coast.Replacing old-style single-pane aluminum framed windows with energy efficient windows with good air seals can save money. Upgrading windows on our little starter home to triple-pane insulating low-E, argon gas wood-framed windows can save $69 per year (note [...]
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