R84-06 02-27-84 RESOLUTION NO. R84-6
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE GOVERNOR'S RESI-
DENTIAL ENERGY COST CONTROL PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, Governor Mark White and the Public Utility Com-
mission have initiated a program entitled, "Residential Energy Cost
Control Program"; and
WHEREAS, the goal of said Program is to help residential
consumers control their utility costs in the short term through a
cooperative program involving government, community organizations,
utilities and individual efforts; and
WHEREAS, Houston Lighting & Power is designated as the
coordinating utility company in the Houston area and is offering
several new programs in support of this effort; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that the citizens of the City
of Pearland, will be provided with tangible services which can help
them gain control over their energy costs through this Program; and
WHEREAS, the attached information outlines the scope of
said Program; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS:
THAT the City Council of the City of Pearland, supports
the Residential Energy Cost Control Program.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ,. ~ day of
A. D., 1984.
Mayor
ATTEST
~ity S~cr~tar~/'
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
MARK WHITE STATE CAPITOL
GOVERNOR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711
Governor White and the Public Utility Commission propose an intensive
effort this spring to provide residential energy consumers with tangible ser-
vices which can help them gain more control over their energy costs.
This effort is intended as a complement to the ongoing work by the Gov-
ernor, Legislature, Public Utility Commission and other regulatory agencies at
the state and local levels to make long-term adjustments to the way we pro-
duce, consume and pay for energy.
For the Governor' s Residential Energy Cost Control Program to be fully
successful , we need the help of energy providers and community groups. The
program is designed to be voluntary, cooperative and to forge a partnership
which can effectively provide information and services to residential con-
sumers.
Representatives of electric and gas utilities, cities, and affected state
agencies were instrumental in designing the proposed program design which
follows:
GOVERNOR' S RESIDENTIAL ENERGY COST CONTROL PROGRAM
Goal The goal of the Residential Energy Cost Control Program is to help
residential consumers control their utility costs in the short term
through a cooperative program involving government, community organi-
zations, utilities, and individual efforts.
Objectjves
1. Have an impact within three (3) months.
Our initial focus is short-term. The program will be concentrated in
the spring with intensive 90-day media coverage.
2. Build a partnership between the government and private sector on
energy conservation.
Experience tells us that no one sector has all the resources (time,
credibility, money) to get the job done.
o State agency participants include the Governor' s Office, the
Public Utility Commission, the Public Utility Counsel , the De-
partment of Community Affairs, the Department of Human Re-
sources, and the Railroad Commission.
o All major utility companies and public power agencies are in-
vited to participate.
o Local community organizations are encouraged to participate when
possible with their utility companies' programs.
3. Have a presence in every major community.
The program will have a community presence as well as a statewide
presence. Local utility offices, the local media, local vendors, and
local service organizations will spread the word and provide the
interface with consumers.
4. Appeal to all types of consumers.
The needs of customers, as well as what motivates them, differs wide-
ly. The program should attract consumers from all income levels with
a range of services designed for a variety of households. For pov-
erty-level households, the state-administered low income weatheri-
zation and energy crisis programs are available. More affluent
households will benefit from action-oriented audits, as well as from
equipment rebate programs, or other programs sponsored locally.
5. Develop high participation.
Because consumers will be exposed to the program in a variety of ways
through their local communities, a high level of participation is our
objective. The intensive media campaign and local efforts should
overcome the low response rates of the Residential Conservation Ser-
vice program and other previous conservation programs.
6. Develop high credibility.
The public has been bombarded with conservation information of vary-
ing quality. Elements of the community and areas of the state differ
in whom they believe. This program must have high credibility. A
statewide telephone information service may help.
(
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7. Leverage on existing activities.
o Utility companies:
By federal law, local utility companies must offer customers, at
their request, a home energy audit under the Residential Conserva-
tion Service (RCS) program. Many utility companies have other
conservation programs which can also be built upon.
o Local governments:
Those local governments that have energy conservation experts or
that sponsor energy conservation campaigns can benefit from the
state program.
o Vendors:
Hardware and equipment dealers can offer marketing specials to be
timed in conjunction with promotion of the state program.
o Service groups:
Civic organizations that offer energy conservation services to
needy persons in the community can coordinate their efforts with
the statewide program.
8. Develop a flexible program that can adapt to the area, the type of
consumer, and local programs.
Each utility company choosing to participate will work individually
with the Governor' s Office to develop service options for the spe-
cific needs of consumers in their area.
9. Tie into longer term efforts to control utility costs.
If this program is successful , the partnership which results can lead
to longer term efforts to control energy consumption and costs.
Statewide Component
The statewide program component will consist of a comprehensive media
program with the goal of increasing consumers ' awareness of energy cost-saving
techniques and resources. The program would include a series of spots on
topics such as the following:
o Air infiltration
o Benefits of an energy audit
o Tune-up of air conditioning and heating equipment
o Architectural designs of homes.
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State Commitment
The state will provide the following resources:
1. Governor for media spots
2. Media money to develop and buy spots
3. Central coordination
a. Work with each participating utility to come up with a program
for their customers.
b. Hold meetings to solicit support of state-level voluntary organ-
izations.
c. Write letters when needed to local community organizations.
4. Weatherization and energy crisis intervention programs for low income
households.
5. Conservation information for local organizations and individuals.
6. Program evaluation.
Utility Commitment
Each utility choosing to participate in the Governor' s Residential Energy
Cost Control Program will work individually with the Governor' s Office to
develop a program which is most effective for their area. Participants will
be given an opportunity to coordinate their own conservation programs with the
state program. The following are among the minimum requirements which will be
necessary for utilities choosing to participate:
1. Organize local groups.
Each participating utility will work with community organizations and
local governments to disseminate information, identify opportunities
for volunteer actions, and coordinate the efforts at the local level .
2. Publicize their program.
While the state will provide the generic media spots to publicize the
_effort, each utility will need to publicize their specific energy cost
control programs and services in their service areas.
3. Offer tangible cost-control services to their customers.
A successful outcome is a consumer who has taken an action (however
small ) to gain more control over their energy consumption. With the
inertia overcome, we expect that further actions will result. Each
participating utility will develop a new program or expand their
existing conservation program to include some tangible services which
will make an impact in the homes of their customers. This might take
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the form of offering improved, action-oriented audits, providing
cost-control devices such as water heater blankets, shower head flow
restricters, etc.
4. Work with weatherization and energy crisis contractors.
Participating utilities will develop methods to ensure that low income
weatherization and energy crisis assistance funds are leveraged to the
extent possible. This can be done by having utilities provide the
audits or follow-ups for weatherizing low income homes, by coordinat-
ing volunteer help for the labor needed for weatherizing homes, and by
notifying local weatherization contractors of applicants for the ener-
gy crisis program.
5. Help evaluate the effort.
We need to know how many successful outcomes result from our efforts.
Each participating utility will be asked to help assess the various
services and programs they provide, and to help us decide if we should
continue the program.
Electric utilities which participate in the program are subject to the usual
regulatory consideration of any expenses incurred by the program. Commission
guidelines on information conservation programs are outlined in Substantive
Rule 23.21, Cost of Service, which indicates that advertising expenses in
support of energy conservation or informing consumers of methods of lowering
their total utility bills are considered valid expenditures. In addition,
recently proposed conservation rules of the PUC encourage such programs, giv-
ing the Commission authority to reward programs which actually result in de-
creased individual usage or peak usage decreases.
Timeframe
January 16 - February 15 Each utility wishing to participate works indi-
vidually with Governor's Office to develop a pro-
gram tailored to their area.
January 20 Governor, Office of Public Utility Counsel , and
PUC host meeting of state-level community organi-
zations.
February 15 - March 1 Participating utilities identify local community
groups and governments desiring to participate;
utilities coordinate local involvement.
February 21 Statewide media contract let.
March 2 Program kick-off.
March 2 - May 31 State-developed media aired in conjunction with
operation and publicity of programs by each par-
ticipating utility.
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Contact Persons:
Governor's Office:
1. Dennis Thomas, Deputy Executive Assistant for Programs
512/475-3021
2. Karen Johnson, Legislative Relations
512/475-0510
3. Dr. Pam Autrey, Energy Coordinator
512/475-3021
Public Utility Commission
1. John Cunningham, Executive Director
512/458-0141
2. Carol Tombari , Director, Energy Efficiency Division
512/458-0300
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911
HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER CO.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
IN SUPPORT OF:
THE STATE OF TEXAS RESIDENTIAL ENERGY
COST CONTROL PROGRAM
SPONSORED BY:
THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
4 February 6, 1984
.... sk
INTRODUCTION
Houston Lighting & Power Co. has developed a varied assortment of programs
designed to assist the residential consumers in controlling their energy con-
sumption. The programs integrate a coordinated effort between the utility and
local organizations that will motivate consumers to take specific action. Three
areas of program development have been outlined. The first consists of new
initiative specifically designed to address needs that surfaced during statewide
task force meetings. The second consists of existing HL&P programs and activities
that will be modified and/or expanded, which will likely witness increased par-
ticipation due to promotional efforts. The third area includes an intense effort
to involve local civic & community organizations in the design and implementation
of conservation programs and activities in support of the statewide effort.
All activities are designed to fit together as a cohesive package. New
activities will be leveraged against existing programs, state efforts and community
resources. The resulting benefit to consumers will be the availability of services
that can reduce their utility costs.
NEW CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
QUEST (QUICK ENERGY SAVINGS TEST)
- To provide for maximum participation and exposure to the statewide con-
servation effort, HL&P is currently developing a self administered resi-
dential audit. QUEST will be a home energy analysis performed with
information provided directly from the consumer on a standard twelve
question form. The information will be compared with similar households
in the region and the comparative information along with recommendations
returned to the homeowner.
WALK-THROUGH ENERGY AUDIT
- HL&P will provide a tangible demonstration of cost effective conservation
measures by implementing a free walk-through energy audit. Participating
consumers will receive a free water heater insulation jacket to be installed
by the auditor. An alternative product such as a weatherization packet
or an attic door overcoat kit will be made available to customers who
currently have a jacket or where installation is not feasible.
WRAP-UP
- A concerted effort will be made to organize local groups by promoting the
installation of water heater jackets by volunteers from community organi-
zations and associations. This effort will be coordinated and administered
through our District Operations Department.
CONSERVATION AWARENESS TAPES
- Credibility of program information will be increased by the development
of an energy conservation hotline. Toll-free telephone numbers will be
established for customers to access taped messages on conservation topics.
To ensure that consumers from all income levels can benefit, both English
and Spanish versions will be available.
Walk Through - Energy Audit Procedures
- identify type and R-value of existing attic insulation
(Recommend additional insulation if necessary)
- inspect for duct leaks at unit and readily accessible
major junctions
- inspect return air plenum for leaks and filter replace-
ment. (Install whistle)
- inspect condenser coil for signs of air flow blockage
(i.e. plants, grass, dirty coils, misc. debris) and
for freon pipe insulation
- walk around house and identify areas for caulking and
weatherstripping, reflective film and solar screen
- ( measure hot water temperature
- inspect water heater, adjust thermostat if necessary
(and homeowner agrees) and install insulation jacket if
necessary (and homeowner agrees)
- discuss miscellaneous brochures with homeowner; i.e.
Texas Tuneup; Bonus Program; Weatherization Rebate, etc..
- discuss " QUEST " and help the customer fill it out if
it would be valuable
- have homeowner sign waivers
Long form
1/30/84
QUEST
NAME: Control Number:
(Please print all entries) (Please do not write in this block'
STREET: CITY: ZIP:
(Address of residence)
ACCOUNT NBR: PHONE: DATE:
(Your HL&P account #, if available) (daytime)
1. I live in (check all that apply): single-family residence; duplex or townhome;
apartment; mobile home;my home is: one-story;15k, number of stories is:
2. My air conditioned and/or heated area is: square feet.
(OR, the total number of rooms in my home, including bathrooms, is: rooms)
3. My home is: years old (OR, it was built in: , OR, _ I don't know)
4. I have lived here: more than 1 year; six months-to-1-year; less than 6 months
5. The number of people living in my home is: people.
(If elderly people or young children are at home most of the time, please check here: _ )
6. PRIMARY FUELS: Please check one energy source used primarily for each purpose.
a. AIR CONDITIONING: electric refrigeration; natural gas; no A/C
b. HEATING: electric; heat pump; gas; none; (specifyT other:
c. WATER HMING: electricity; gas; none; (specify) other:
7. INDOOR TEMPERATURES:
a. On summer days, I maintain F; at night, F (OR: I don't know)
b. On winter days, I maintain — 1 ; at night, —17 (OR: —1 don't know)
If you do not have a thermostat or do not know where it is set, please indicate one of the
following general comfort levels:
c. Summer: cool (less than 78 F); average (78-80 F); warm (above 80 F)
d. Winter: _cool (less than 68 F); —average (68-72 F); warm (above 72 F)
8. With respect to the amount of air entering or circulating in my home, my home is:
fairly tight (few door openings/closing, few noticeable drafts near windows, etc.)
probably of average tightness
— fairly loose (many door openings/closings, drafty near windows, poor weatherstripping,etc.)
9. The R-value of my attic insulation is: R- (OR, I have inches of attic insulation)
Don't know; No attic; Not appl�ca5le (ceiling faces other conditioned space)
10. The highest and lowest monthly utility bills(s) that I paid in the past year were about:
High electricity: Low electricity:
High natural gas: Low natural gas:
Long form
1/30/84
11. MAJOR APPLIANCES: (please check all that you haveand write in number of units where requested)
Dishwasher ( electric; gas) Range/oven ( electric; gas)
— Clothes washer — — Pool/spa ( e?ec; gas; `no heat)
— Clothes dryer ( electric; gas) Number of hof ater heaters:
— Water heater circulation pump Number of refrigerators/freezers:
— Microwave oven Number of TV sets:
— Heated water bed Home computer or entertainment center
12. Please indicate the number of each type of heating or cooling system in your home:
HEATING: central systems; room or portable heaters; no heating
COOLING: central systems; room air conditioners; no cooling
13. Please tell us about your EAST and WEST windows. Let a "small" window be less than 10 sq. ft.;
an "average" window be 10-15 sq. ft.; and a "large" window be greater than 15 sq. ft.
How may windows of each size, approximately, are on the EAST and WEST sides of your home?
a. NUMBER of EAST/WEST WINDOWS: "small"; "average"; "large"
b. From the OUTSIDE in the summer, these windows are:
unshaded from the sun; partially shaded; all shaded by trees, buildings,etc.
c. On the INSIDE of these windows:
all are covered with shades, curtains, etc; partly shaded; no inside shade
d. For ALL my windows, not just the EAST/WEST windows, I have:
no storm windows or double-pane glass; _some storms; _all have storm windows
14. In trying to save money on my utility bills, I have: (check all that you have done)
Lowered my hot water temperature Installed hot water flow restrictors
— Installed water heater insulation — Added ceiling, wall, or floor insulation
— Caulked and weatherstripped — Turned off my systems when not at home
— Raised my summer thermostat setting —_ Lowered my winter thermostat setting
— Had my heating/cooling equipment Added solar shading or other window
— "tuned up" by a professional — treatment
YOUR CUSTOMIZED QUEST ANALYSIS REPORT WILL BE MAILED TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Date
Mr. and Mrs. John Jones
4568 38th Street
Austin, Texas 78703
Re: No. 000001
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jones:
Here is the Texas Energy Savings Report results for your home! Our report is based on
the information you prepared and that provided by the City of Austin Electric
Department, and it includes the following enclosures:
1. Our estimate of monthly utility costs for similar households and energy efficient
households in your area;
2. Charts indicating percentages of annual utility costs spent for heating, cooling,
water heating, and appliances for the "typical" home in your area, for the "energy
efficient" home, and for your home;
3. Our estimates of the potential dollar savings and costs for energy conservation
practices and measures which may be appropriate for your home.
Remember, our comparisons are based on data that you supplied, that we have compiled
from U.S. Department of Energy, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and your local
utility sources, also involve assumptions which may not be entirely valid for you. Your
actual dollar expenditures or conservation savings potentials may be different from our
projections.
This evaluation enables you to compare your energy costs and uses with similar
households, and it focuses your attention on conservation practices which have proven
effectiveness in lowering utility bills. Whether your bills are high, average, or low may be
an indication of your savings potential. More important, however, is your taking action to
actually reduce your energy use. Many consumers have achieved reductions of 15-25%; if
you have not set an energy conservation goal, we hope that you will do so!
A more detailed in-home energy analysis may be helpful, especially if you have not
already had one. You may contact the Energy Management and Conservation
Department, City of Austin, at 512/345-6789. You may also want to ask about other
energy-related programs available to you in Austin, such as the high-efficiency air
conditioning equipment rebate plan, levelized billing program, low-interest loan program
available for weatherization improvements to eligible families, etc.
Thank you for helping all Texans, including yourselves, conserve our valuable energy
resources.
Sincerely,
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PART is UTILITY COST COMPARISONS FOR
MR. AND MRS. JOHN 3ONES OF AUSTIN, TEXAS
Electricity Bills
Month Jan Feb Mar Air May Jun Jul Aug SA2 Oct Nov Dec 12-Month Tota
High Average $327 $244 $203 $ 79 $319 $384 $513 $384 $319 $126 $203 $244 $3,345
Energy Elf. Home 175 135 114 53 198 236 312 236 198 85 124 135 1,991
Your Bills 303 371 211 145 124 220 262 338 373 249 88 144 2,828
600
550
500 /\
i \
450
400 // \
Dollars '
350 / \�
250 I \
200 ' \
\. . \ '/
150 il
100 \ / , •
50
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
Your Bills
Usage by an energy efficient home which is similar to yours
-� A high average user in a home similar to yours
Note: Approximately 80% of all households like yours will have bills falling In the range
between the low and high values given.
-23-
PART 2: END-USE PERCENTAGE ANALYSIS OF
UTILITY EXPENDITURES FOR ELECTRICITY
FOR MR. AND MRS. 3OHN JONES OF AUSTIN, TEXAS
FOR THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD
SIMILAR TO YOURS
Heating All 302 Lighting, cooking,
and othar electric
appliances
Cooling Water Beating
FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENT
HOUSEHOLD IN YOUR AREA
Heat ins
202 302 Other electric
uses
Cooling
Water Beating
-24-
PART 3: ENERGY CONSERVATION PRACTICES AND MEASURES FOR
MR. AND MRS. JOHN JONES OF AUSTIN, TEXAS
A. No-Cost/Low-Cost Practices
1. Maintenance and Operation
There are a number of simple steps that you should be taking periodically to insure that
your home's major energy-using equipment is working at peak efficiencies:
-- Your furnace and air conditioner filter(s) should be checked monthly and dirty filters
cleaned or replaced.
-- Your heating and cooling systems should be checked annually by a professional. Ask
the service technician to check the thermostats, too.
-- If your home has ductwork through which the warm and/or cold air flows, and if
these ducts are accessible, check them periodically for leaks. Duct tape tends to
pop loose, especially on ducts located in hot attics.
— At least once a year, drain your water heater from the flush valve at the bottom.
Sludge and sediment in the bottom build up and seriously degrade the efficiency of
your water heater(s).
2. Thermostat Settingsjlndoor Temperatures
You reported that your summer daytime indoor temperature is 80°F and nighttime
temperature is 78 F. If you adjusted these upward just 2 degrees, you could save $68-
$102/year.
You also report�d that your winter daytime temperature is 70°F and nighttime
temperature is 65 F. If you adjusted these downward just two degrees, you could save an
additional $57-$85/year.
WHEN NO ONE IS HOME, IT USUALLY SAVES MONEY TO TURN OFF YOUR FURNACE
OR AIR CONDITIONER
3. Water Heating
To interpret the table which follows, you will need to know about how hot your hot water
is. There are several ways to do this:
— You can measure the water temperature with an appropriate thermometer.
— You can inspect the water heater's thermostat setting.
— You can call City of Austin Energy Conservation Department for a home energy
audit; their representative will measure the water temperature for you.
— You can perform the following qualitative measurement yourself:
Turn on the hot water and let it run. If it steams, it is "hot". If
you can put your hand in it (do this carefully!), it is "warm". If the
water does not steam, but it is too hot to stand, it is like most
people's hot water—"average".
As the table shows, reducing the water temperature saves money! Reducing the amount
of hot water you use also saves money. Flow restrictors in faucets and shower heads cost
from a few pennies to a few dollars. Rinsing and washing clothes in warm water is better
-25-
than using hot water. Based on the number of people in your home and the presence of a
dishwasher and washing machine, savings for water temperature reduction and use of flow
restrictors are projected as follows:
Dollars Saved Per Year
"Warm" "Averagoe" "Hot"
Practice/Temperature (110-120°F) (120-140 F) (Above 140°F)
Flow Restrictors $70-105 $68-103 $68-102
Lowering Temperature N/A $121-181 $181-271
Both N/A $167-251 $215-323
B. Energy Conservation Measures
1. Clock Thermostat
Clock thermostats cost from $50-$150 each. From the information we have about your
home, the following schedules indicates potential annual dollar savings for several clock
thermostat settings:
— Night winter setback of 10°F could save $94-$142; setback of 15°F could save $107-
$161.
— Day summer setup of 5°F, 5 days per week could save $70-$106; setup of 10°F could
save $122-$184.
2. Cooling Equipment
You reported that your home is at least 5 years old; cooled by refrigeration. A new high-
efficiency cooling system's annual savings potential can be estimated from the following
table:
Existing System Efficiency (EER): 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5
Savings for Use of EER 10 Unit: $247-371 $216-325 $186-278 $155-232
Our estimate is that the contractor-installed cost of the new unit would be $2,600-$3,900,
exclusive of the City of Austin incentive payment for high efficiency units.
3. Heat Pump
You also reported that you use electric resistance heating. If you replaced your heating
and cooling systems with a high efficiency heat pump (EER 8.5 or higher; COP 2.0 or
higher), the following table indicates your savings:
Existing System Cooling EER: 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5
Annual Heat Pump Savings: $497-675 $460-690 $424-635 $388-582
Our estimate that the contractor-installed cost of the new unit would be $4,000-$6,000,
exclusive of the City of Austin incentive payment for use of high efficiency units for
which you may qualify.
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4. Water Heater Insulation Blanket
One of the most cost-effective actions that you can do yourself, if you have not already
done so, is to wrap your water heater with additional blankets of insulation. These jackets
are inexpensive--$10-$27 each (you will need two or more).
Annual Dollar Savings for Water Heater Jacket
Location of Heater/Water Temp. "Warm" "Average" "Hot"
Outside (unconditioned space) $14-21 $21-32 $28-42
Inside (in the conditioned space) $9-14 $16-24 $23-34
5. Waste Heat Recovery Unit
You reported that you use electricity for water heating and cool by refrigeration. A
"waste heat" unit recovers part of the heat given off by your air conditioner, and stores
this heat in your domestic hot water. Our projection is that such a system could save you
$81-$122/year at an installed cost of $520-$780.
6. Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump water heating retrofit basically removes heat from your home and stores this
heat in your domestic hot water. Our estimate is that such a system could save you $129-
$193/year at an installed cost of $640-$960.
( 7. Caulk and Weatherstrip
You reported that your home is "average-tight". In many homes, infiltration of outside air
and exfiltration of heated and cooled air is the single largest source of heat gain and loss
through the building. The potential savings for caulking your home should be at least $67-
$101/year. This project involves the following jobs which you can usually do yourself: (a)
caulking, especially around window and door casements and including repairing old
caulking (a tube of caulk costs about $3, it may take 21-30 tubes to caulk a home the size
of yours); (b) re-sealing window and door glass where it may not be tight in the frames; (c)
installing or replacing worn window and door weatherstripping (don't forget the bottom
thresholds of the doors); and (d) installing gaskets behind electric outlets and switchplates.
8. Attic Insulation
You reported that you have R-19 insulation in your attic, a level which is at or above the
State recommended minimum level. However, if you increased your attic insulation to R-
30, you could save $44-$66/year. We estimate that the added insulation materials would
cost $388-$583; if you had a contractor install it, the installed cost would be $646-$969.
9. Storm Windows
In addition to lowering your heating and cooling costs, storm windows usually make your
home more comfortable-quieter and less drafty around windows. A home of your size
typically has at least 12 windows. If you do not already have storm windows, consider
adding them.
For 12 storm windows (about 200 square feet), you would pay about $624-$936 if you
install them yourself, or about $824-$1,236 if you have a contractor do it. You could save
$94-$141/year on your utility bills.
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10. Window Heat Gain
A significant source of heat gain in the summer is from the sun's rays entering your home
through the windows. This is especially a problem on the east and west windows, where
roof overhangs are less effective in shading the glass areas. Placing a heat reflective film
on these windows can reduce glare and lower your cooling bills, but other shading devices
like agnings, shades, and outdoor plantings can produce much the same results.
Film costs about $1.30/sq.ft. for the material, or about $2.30/sq.ft. installed. With about
100 sq.ft. of partially shaded east and west glass, you could save $63-$95/year by
installing heat-reflecting film.
11. Floor Insulation
We don't know what kind of floor construction you have. Chances are good in Austin that
you have a concrete slab, in which case you should skip down to the next measure.
However, if your home is built "pier and beam" above an unheated crawl space, and you
have no insulation under your floor, you could add R-11 insulation and save158-
$237/year at a materials cost of $668-$1,002 or an installed cost of $1,417-$2,125.
12. Wall Insulation
We don't know what kind of wall construction you have, either. Chances are good in
Austin that your outside walls are either brick or stone veneer over an uninsulated cavity;
they may also be of frame construction with a cavity, or they may be solid masonry. If
you wish to consider the cost and benefits of adding wall insulation, the following table
may be helpful:
If you add: You could save Contractor cost
Cavity-fill (add R-9 to uninsulated) $297-445 $1,233-1,849
Exterior sheathing (R-5 to solid masonry) 490-736 1,910-2,866
10. Household Appliances
Here is a list of major and minor appliances present in most homes, including those which
you reported and which we have marked with an asterisk. It surprises many people when
they add up the total operating costs of their appliances. We have listed an average
monthly operating cost for each one. Your costs may be significantly different, depending
on how much you use each appliance and your lights. THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL
CONSERVATION IN THIS AREA IS OBVIOUS: IF YOU DON'T NEED IT, UNPLUG IT!
WHEN YOU ARE THROUGH WITH IT, TURN IT OFFI
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Appliance Operation Monthly Cost
*Refrigerator/freezer Manual defrost $5-7
Frost-free 12-16
Ice maker 2-3
*Clothes dryer 12 loads/mo 5-7
30 loads/mo 10-14
*Clothes washer 12 loads/mo 1-2
(not including hot water) 30 loads/mo 2-4
*Dishwasher 12 loads/mo 3-5
(not including hot water) 30 loads/mo 12-15
*Range and oven 1 meal/day 3-5
3 meals/day 10-14
*Microwave oven 1 meal/day 2-3
*Color television 1 hour/day 2-3
4 hours/day 10-14
*Stereo/home entertainment 1-2 hours/day 1-1
Typical lighting 1 100-watt outside light,
2 hrs/day; 6 75-watt lights,
4 hrs/day; 4 40-watt
fluorescents, 2 hrs/day 6-8
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS,
CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-PUC-SAVE
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