Home efficiency in the Hill Country

By Lauren Shults Standard-Radio Post Reporter

With the unrelenting Texas heat, home upkeep is integral for energy efficiency and keeping costs down. Investing in equipment fitted to your lifestyle and being intentional with your use can help you save.

According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. John Price, owner of Hill Country Windows, says vinyl windows give between 30-50% savings as compared to traditional, single-paned windows.

Price recommends Low-E 366 windows in the Hill Country. Warmer climates, like Arizona, require a glass such as a Low-E 452 and Low-E 472 to block cold air from getting into a warmed home in colder climates.

The windows most often used in the Hill Country reflect heat and harmful light, blocking up to 95% of UV rays, which create heat. These double paned, coated windows help keep homes cool in the summertime while preventing furnishings from fading.

As houses settle and door frames shift, cool air will more easily escape. In this case, if a new weather strip still allows indoor air to seep out, repairing the misaligned door is necessary, Price advised. He recommends homeowners check their weather strips annually and replace them if there is substantial dryness or ware.

Understanding your consumption

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) reports that homeowners who are aware of their energy use can reduce their expenses by 15%. With real-time consumption data, people are mindful of their habits and are more inclined to switch lights off or turn down the air conditioner in the summertime.

Bandera Electric offers Apollo, a survey for homes and businesses to see in real-time where energy is being used. Apolloware ensures that owners measure before making investments. The service provides recommendations on where to cut back, and for what equipment to consider. The audit gives recommendations for improvements for building envelopes –doors, windows and insulation.

Justin McKenzie, VP of Energy Services at Bandera Electric, said “If you’re not intentional about [your energy use] and not looking at what that consumption means, you forget about it … If you don’t know how it works, how can you be a part of the solution?”

The energy audit shows energy use in real-time of equipment including pool pumps, air conditioners and well pumps. In the Apollo app, users can see how many kilowatt hours supply their home throughout the duration of a month, along with their realtime kilowatt consumption.

Although McKenzie notes behavior in the home as the most important thing to pay attention to, he encourages homeowners to look beyond what can be immediately seen for best practices. Seams around windows expand and contract and HVAC systems or ductwork may need to be updated before it breaks down and leaks. McKenzie encourages people to consider whether or not they need constant heat coming from their water heaters or if waiting 15 seconds with a tankless heater is worth the savings –which he says could be substantial.

Survey services are expanding throughout the nation and with this software, Bandera Electric has found energy efficiency has a different meaning in every climate region. The needs of a home depend on its location, each region requesting something different from its homeowner.

Stay In Touch With a Subscription

Get print or digital access to the latest news, information, entertainment and offers to keep you in the loop.

Starting at $60 per year for local delivery. Go to www.fredericksburgstandard.com or call 830-997-2155 today!

Serving

Audio Video Technologies is your ultimate source for the electronic products and services that you need for your new or existing home. You’ll find a wide selection of Audio Video equipment as well as television and internet services, all under one roof. Whether you’re listening to music or enjoying your home theater system, a great entertainment experience begins with quality equipment & installation. To truly understand the impact of quality audio and video, you need to experience it for yourself! Visit our new location where trained retailers can help you evaluate and purchase the right equipment to meet your needs.