Archive for ‘Efficiency Tips’

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January 14, 2012

Energy Efficient New Construction Homes in San Antonio

Energy-Efficient New Construction Homes in San Antonio

energy-efficient new homes features stone oak north west san antonio Energy Efficient homes are a great choice for anyone who wants to cut back significantly on their energy bills as well as make the world a cleaner place.

San Antonio has a myriad of communities ranging from the brand new to the not so new that offer varying degrees of energy efficiency.  There is always the option of updating an older home, but don’t expect to achieve the same efficiency as you can get with a new construction home…unless you spend a big chunk of change.

Let’s discuss some of the energy-efficient features you can find in many new construction homes.

energy-efficient new homes features stone oak north west san antonio When Green Building or choosing a home with Energy Efficient features, here are some things to consider…

  • 15 SEER Air Conditioning can provide up to 20% more energy savings than many 13 SEER  AC Systems
  • Energy Star Appliances can save up to 30% of the energy used by standard appliances.
  • Energy Efficient Windows with Vinyl frames and Low-E double pane glass can greatly reduce heat gain inside of the home & help to limit the UV sunlight that can fade drapes, carpet & furniture.
  • Recycled Carpet is better for the planet because it doesn’t end up in the land-fills.
  • Low VOC Paint, which has less Volital Organic Compounds than standard paints is also better for the environment.
  • Water Conserving Plumbing Systems, Fixtures & Dual Flush Commodes can save 30-50% of typical water usage.
  • energy-efficient new homes features stone oak north west san antonio Tankless Water Heater  & other Hot Water On-Demand Systems also help to conserve water and save on water expenses.
  • Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation helps to provide an air-tight thermal barrier around the walls & roof.
  • Solar Energy offers electrical & heating by reusable energy (photovoltaic & thermal) an.d can be a huge money saver.
  • Semi-Conditional Closed Attic Systems with Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation can provide up to 50% savings on air conditioning costs.
  • Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFL) can also be used in place of standard bulbs as a way to save on energy costs.  They may cost a little more upfront, but they last longer & will definitely save you in the long run.

There are also Net-Zero Homes that go beyond  energy-star requirements using a combination os solar panels, solar water panels, additional insulation, an energy-efficient HVAC System & Appliances to achieve a Net-Zero Energy Usage.   This means the home is producing more energy than it is using.  In some cases you may even get paid by the power for the energy that you put back into the grid.

Utilizing energy-efficient products is not only a great way to cut down on your energy costs, but aslo a step in the right direction to help protect our environment. 

Whether you are looking in Stone Oak, Far North San Antonio, Far West San Antonio Northeast or another area…there are Communities with Energy -Efficient New Construction homes available to choose from! 

If you are interested in more infrmation on energy-efficiency or homes & communities that offer energy -efficient homes (including Net-Zero Homes) in San Antonio, give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

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September 11, 2011

10 Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall Season

Summer is almost officially over!  Even though temperatures are still blazing hot here in San Antonio and our Winters are pretty mild, as we go into Fall, it is still important to make sure that you have get your home ready for the upcoming seasonal changes!

We found this great list of Fall Home Maintenance Tips on freshome.com…

“Each season your home goes through changes in temperatures, weather conditions, aging, and of course human abuse! In order to keep all your components of your home running smoothly, and to avoid costly repairs later, it’s helpful to conduct seasonal maintenance actions each season.  As the summer continues, this is a perfect time to prepare for fall. Depending on your climate the fall season may be too late to prepare if it gets cold quickly.  Regardless of your location, start these helpful tips now to save money and get a jump on the season.

1.) Examine your roof/gutters/downspouts for debris: Your roof is often forgotten about because it is not at eye level to give you a subtle reminder every time you walk past it.  Clear leaves, dirt, and pine needles from gutters and examine downspouts for damage or loose pieces.  Check the flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof, such as skylights for leaking problems.

2.) Examine the grounds of your property: Before the grass is covered with snow, or it is too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material. Fix walkway and entryway areas before slippery weather can cause a tripping or falling accident.

3.) Change the filters in your home: If you have a central  air conditioning system, change the air filter regularly. If you have a  window air conditioning unit, remove from the window or place a  waterproof cover over it to prevent damage. Change filters in stove  vents, clothes dryers and room fans if applicable.  Clean air filters  will keep your family healthier in the fall months.

4.) Still have leaky faucets? Repair them now: Before the  temperatures start to dip low, examine leaky faucets in the kitchen,  bathrooms, and utility room locations. Most likely the time and money  spent now to fix will be less than a broken pipe in the dead of winter!

5.) Prepare your fireplace: For some people they use their fireplace more than their central heater in the fall and winter months.  Discard old ashes and ensure the damper is open to allow air to freely move through the chimney.  If the air is becoming cold, close back the damper after cleaning. Check the damper handle and springs to ensure the flue is operating correctly. Hire a professional chimney sweep if needed.

6) Drain your hot water heater: If your live in an area  with hard water extra amounts of sediments could be building up in your  tank.  Now is a perfect time to drain and make sure rust is not  developing in your tank as well. If your hot water heater is extremely  old or is rusting considering a new one that will be more cost effective  and energy efficient.

7.) Check windows and doors for drafts: The majority of conditioned air in your home is lost through the windows and doors.  Go through your home and open windows to ensure the seal and caulking around the window frame is in good condition. Think of adding heavier drapery around windows that are extra drafty, to help block some air infiltration.

8.) Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture: Once you have taken your last plunge in the pool this summer, power wash outdoor furniture and cushions.  Once dry, store cushions in dry area to prevent cracking, and fading over the fall and winter months. One spring comes along next year, you will be pleased that you stored them and they’re ready for use!

9.)Have garden power tools serviced: Once your grass begins to enter the dormant stage, take your lawnmower, trimmer, and other tools to get their blades sharpened and fluids recapped off. In the market for new garden power tools, buy now when the season is almost over… you will find great deals!

10.) Take care of your irrigation/lawn needs: Depending on where you live, the climate for your lawn and its irrigation system may need to be checked.  Consider having an irrigation service professional fix broken heads before the cold weather sets in. If you want to prevent spring weeds and winter lawn damage, don’t forget to fertilize. Visit your local garden center to find out information on what type of fertilizer to use and when to spread it.

Enjoy these days of summer because they are going fast! Before you know it we will be getting ready for the holidays.  Use these ten tips to help you get a jump start on your fall home maintenance, your home will thank you!”

 

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November 28, 2010

Essential Heating System Maintenance

Getting your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.

Who does the job?

The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service, or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some plumbers handle heating systems.

What is involved?

The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage. He’ll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He’ll replace the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he’ll test the exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the burner for maximum efficiency.

How much will it cost?

You’ll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil, which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.

When is the best time to do the work?

Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it’s in top shape for the start of the heating season. Of course, that’s when technicians are the busiest, so if you can’t do it when you want, do it when you can—as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don’t expect your provider to call to remind you that it’s time. Even if you subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the schedule in the fall.

A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He’s currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.
Visit www.Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  By: Oliver Marks  Published: September 24, 2009

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August 24, 2010

5 Tips for Saving Energy in the Family Room

The fun-a video game console, TV, DVR, DVD, and stereo system-that your family room provides comes with a price. By reducing standby power, using rechargeable batteries in remotes, and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, you could save up to $130 a year in energy costs.

And if you’re in the market for a new TV, you can save even more energy by being flexible on the type you buy.

 

1. Reconsider that plasma TV. The three biggest energy hogs in the family room are the plasma television, DVR/Tivo box, and digital cable box, says the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which promotes energy efficiency to consumers and government policymakers.

A typical plasma TV (less than 40 inches) consumes 441 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, according to ACEEE. That translates into about $50 (based on 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour). Next up are TiVo devices at $41 annually, followed by digital cable boxes at $27. Both devices are always fully on because they constantly receive and download data.

Opting for an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV will cost about $8 to operate annually-for an annual savings of about $42 over the plasma. Of course, weigh your decision against the cost of a new TV.

2. Reduce standby power. Vampire power-the energy that’s wasted by electronic devices that are plugged in, but not in use-represents about $100 per year in the average household’s electricity costs, says Energy Star. Assuming the family room represents about 15% of your electricity bill, you could save about $15 per year with smart standby practices.

Unplug rarely used electronics (like that karaoke machine) altogether and cluster other appliances, even adapters for cell phones and digital cameras, onto power strips ($3-$12 for a six-outlet strip). Then you can fully turn off all attached electronics with one switch.

Unfortunately, some family room electronics, such as set-top boxes and downloading devices like TiVo, can’t be turned off, because that would disrupt the digital data-gathering you’ve programmed them to do. But with a so-called smart power strip (about $20 to $40 through online retailers), you can completely turn off your TV while leaving the always-on DVR plugged in.

3. Opt for Energy Star-rated electronics. They’re anywhere from 6% (audio products) to 75% (DVD players) more efficient than non-rated electronics. Take Energy Star-rated television sets. They use about one-third less energy than their nonrated counterparts.

If you can’t live without plasma, consider an Energy Star model for which you’ll pay $18 less per year in operating costs than for a nonrated one. If you use an Energy Star-rated digital cable box (ask your provider if any are available for no charge), you could pay 30% less for energy-an annual savings of about $8.50. Energy Star hasn’t yet published data on swapping out a DVR or Tivo device.

4. Invest in rechargeable batteries. No, they won’t help you save on your electric bill. But you’ll save on the cost of batteries for your video game system and other entertainment remotes, according to PJ Stafford, founder of Green Irene, an eco-consulting company that provides energy and environmental makeovers to homeowners. You’ll help the environment, too. For every rechargeable battery you buy, you prevent at least 500 single-use batteries from entering the waste stream, Stafford says.

Consider a game system charger station, which runs about $25, or outfit your media room with 10 rechargeable batteries and two chargers for $55 to $65. (Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries cost $3 to 3.50 apiece, versus 75 cents to $1 for disposables; a charger costs $25 to $30.) That investment in rechargeable batteries and chargers, in lieu of 500 batteries over four years, adds up to about $310 to $445 in savings. Buying a charging system for your video game system eliminates the need to buy batteries for the controllers.

Call your local trash collection service to find out which batteries can be recycled or taken to a transfer station versus being thrown away. If you’re doing a major sweep-out of old batteries and appliances, consider Big Green Box, which lets you send your devices and batteries to a sustainable processing facility. Recycle old rechargeable batteries for free via programs like Call 2 Recycle.

5. Replace bulbs with compact fluorescents. By replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulb with the equivalent compact fluorescent in a family room where lights are on for four hours per day, you could save $7 per year. CFLs cost between $2 and $15.

Jane Hodges has written about real estate for publications including The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC.com, and The Seattle Times. In 2007 she won a Bivins Fellowship from the National Association of Real Estate Editors to pursue a book on women and real estate. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, CBS’s BNET, and Fortune. She lives in Seattle, in a 1966 raised rancher with an excellent retro granite fireplace. Latest home project: Remodeling a basement bathroom.

Visit www.Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  By: Jane Hodges  Published: September 23, 2009

Imagine if we all just did a little.  In addition to saving on utility charges, how do you think this would affect our environment?

Lane Rogers

Broker/Owner

Zars & Rogers REALTORS®

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