 Driving through the valley you can’t help notice the medley of red, blue and white signs on every major intersection which can only mean one thing – it is mid-term election time. I don’t care whether you’re a democratic, republican or independent; whether you believe in global warming or think it’s a hoax - I don’t know of one homeowner that wouldn’t like a lower utility bill. Performed in true bi-partisan fashion (joking); 1) President Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act in 2008 which renewed and extended many of the tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements, including that nice $1,500 tax credit for solar panels, radiant barrier and efficient AC units among other upgrades and 2) In 2009, President Obama signed the Stimulus Bill that gave State and local governments funding for residential and commercial efficiency upgrades. Not only the federal government believes in, and knows energy efficiency improvements work but state and local governments have used energy audits to diagnose a “sick” house and weatherization upgrades for low-income families and as a dependable way to reduce energy costs. In fact, guaranteed energy savings are a popular method for governments to realize efficiency savings and reduce initial costs. With some of the leftover Stimulus monies some cities, such as the City of Avondale, the City of Phoenix and the City of Scottsdale, have implemented their own energy efficiency programs on top of what APS and SRP currently have. These cities recognize that an energy audit is the first step to take to diagnose where your home is losing energy. This audit is done by a BPI certified auditor and there is a big difference between a home performance contracting company and just a regular contractor. The biggest difference is a science-based approach to reducing energy bills and solving comfort issues. Many companies that perform free audits are really just selling their product lines, whether it be spray-on radiant barrier, insulation, windows or solar. Buyers beware! - If you do not properly inspect for efficiency defects, do not expect efficiency improvements. Imagine if you were sick and a doctor prescribed the same recommendations for all their patients regardless of their condition, would you go to them? Well the same thing is happening to your home if not properly inspected. As I said before, I don’t care what your political views are, but I do care about your home’s performance and getting the right thing done. So this fall, be sure to have your home inspected and corrected by a real home performance contractor and you can’t go wrong! Learn more having the right thing done right at: http://www.azhomeperformance.com/index.html Add Comment With the announcement of the reduction of utility-backed rebates for solar panels and solar hot water, APS is ramping up its energy efficiency package in a big way. The first step is to have an energy audit performed by a BPI certified auditor for only $99. The audit includes a blower door test which depressurizes the home to test for air and duct leakage. A blower door works by removing all the air inside and replacing it through air leaks occurring around cracks and holes in the ductwork, electrical and plumbing penetrations, and windows and doors. Pressure diagnostics will also reveal where the leaks are occurring and help define the all important thermal boundary of your home. Sealing up holes in your home is the typically the most cost effective recommendation and the first step to a more comfortable and energy efficient home. As part of the program your auditor will provide 10 CFL bulbs, low-flow aerators and a low-flow showerhead. After the audit is performed you will receive a prioritized roadmap which lays out recommended upgrades, payback and initial costs. APS is helping finance energy efficiency packages from start to finish. APS provides rebates of 75% for duct and air sealing, insulation, shade screens and HVAC upgrades up to $1,000. SRP customers also have their own energy audit program similar to APS's. APS and SRP Energy Audits also include: - HVAC inspection - Attic inspection of insulation and ductwork - Blower door test - Building model of your home - Prioritized cost-effective solutions and report Giveaways include: - 10 free CFLs - 2 free low flow faucet aerators - 1 free low flow showerhead - 1 free low flow kitchen sink aerator Rebates can be taken off the initial cost or can be mailed directly to the homeowner upon 6-8 weeks of completion of install. Rebates include the following: - Home energy audit - Discounted to $99 - Duct sealing - 75% off net costs up to $250 rebate per HVAC system from APS / $175 for SRP - Air sealing - $250 rebate from APS - R-38 insulation - 75% off net costs up to $250 rebate from APS - Shade screens - $1 per sq ft rebate up to $250 from APS / $0.50 per sq ft up to $250 for SRP - High efficiency AC units and furnaces - $175 to $525 rebate from APS For more information take our online Energy Efficiency Tool, conduct your own Energy Audit and visit APS and SRP Home Performance With Energy Star website. Visit previous posts on the APS energy audits and the most common recommendations we give. |
