42 • Life in L a Habra • Win ter 20 09
Energy Partnership
The Gas Company & The City of La Habra Go Easy on Energy Through a generous grant by Southern California Gas Company, the City of La Habra and The Gas Company are partnering to spread the word in La Habra about the importance of conserving our natural resources. This past fall, a video — Go Easy on Energy — was created to promote a variety of energy efficiency initiatives and concepts taking place right here in La Habra. The video will air on Cable Channel 3 and online at www.lahabracity.com. Featured in the video are the following: •
Photovoltaic solar panel system to generate enough electricity to power an entire commercial building in La Habra (Costco)
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Businesses that display and encourage the purchase of energy efficient products and appliances (Sam’s Club)
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Tour of new home developments in La Habra and their incorporation of energy efficient technologies (Tapestry by Shea Homes and Brio by John Laing Homes)
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Five major areas of building regulations currently used in the State of California: — — — — —
Energy efficiency standards for new construction Water conservation standards Reduction and diversion of construction waste Wood conservation requirements Improvement of air quality standards related to construction
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Water conservation, including the new voluntary Citywide water conservation ordinance, encouraging a 10 percent reduction in water use
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Use of drought-resistant and native landscaping, highlighting an example of a La Habra home
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List of resources, rebates and programs designed with energy efficiency in mind.
For a DVD copy of the video, or to learn more about energy efficiency or the partnership between the City and The Gas Company, please call 562-905-9701.
H om e Hea t ing & We a t h e r i z a t i o n T i p s (courtesy of The Gas Company) • Windows can account for 33% of total heat loss in the cooler months. • Double-paned, low emissivity (low-e) coated windows can conserve energy and save money. • Look for windows with these energy saving features: double panes; low-e coatings; low conductivity gas-fill between panes; and wood, vinyl or fiberglass frames. • Consider ENERGY STAR®-qualified windows. They will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reduce drafts and outside noise, and reduce ultraviolet sunlight. They can also help you save up to 15% on your cooling costs. • Save up to 10 to 20% on heating costs by lowering your furnace thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees (health permitting). • Save up to 25% of your heating costs by installing or upgrading insulation in your attic and walls. • Install a programmable thermostat to help automatically regulate your home temperature for comfort control and energy savings. • Caulk and weather-strip drafty windows and doors and save up to 5% on heating costs. • Keep your heating system tuned-up to operate at maximum efficiency. • Clean or replace your furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations. A simple filter clean/change can save up to 2% on your heating costs. • For safety and efficiency, keep all heating vents and furnace registers free of dirt, lint and obstructions. • Have your air ducts tested for leaks. Ducts should be repaired with mastic-type sealant — not duct tape. You could save 5 to 20% of your heating costs. • Open your drapes and shades during the day, allowing the sun to warm your house. Close them at night to limit the amount of heat that escapes.