SRP Shade Screen Program

Before the SRP home energy audit program, was their long standing shade screen program.  Unlike SRP solar rebates, SRP shade screen rebates have increased over time, to $0.80 a sq ft.  Only south, west and east facing windows will qualify for rebates and screens must be either 80% or 90% sun blockage.  Unfortunately retractable sun screens do not qualify for the rebate nor do shaded windows.  Homeowners should also be aware of their window warranties if new window vinyl windows were installed, often shade screens need to be clipped to the stucco rather than the window frame. 

There are two ways to qualify for the rebates.  The first is to have an SRP energy audit performed on your home for $99.  The home energy audit will pressurize the house to identify air and duct leakage and the auditor will perform visual inspections and make recommendations on the home’s major appliances and energy users, attic and insulation condition and perform a thermal camera imaging of the home.  By performing the energy audit you will qualify for not only shade screen rebates, but also rebates for air sealing, ductwork sealing, and adding more insulation to your attic (if your auditor determines you need these items).  Your auditor will process the rebates on your behalf and perform a post inspection test to ensure the work was done to SRP and Energy Star specifications.

The second way to take advantage of the shade screen rebates is to have a screen company approved by SRP out to estimate and install your windows separately.  There is a separate rebate form, that the installing contractor will sign and leave with the homeowner to mail into SRP.  The SRP shade screen form can be found below.

http://www.srpnet.com/energy/powerwise/savewithsrp/pdfx/Shadescreenrebate12.pdf

For more information on the shade screen program see SRP’s link below.

http://www.srpnet.com/energy/powerwise/savewithsrp/Shadescreens.aspx

Save energy while you cook – energy saving tips in the kitchen

Kitchen appliances can account for up to 15% of your home energy usage and how you choose to cook will impact your energy bill.  By following some energy savings tips, you can reduce your bills and here's how.

There is more than one way to skin a cat:

If you took an inventory of all the appliances you use to cook with the list might look something like this: oven, stovetop, slow cooker or crockpot, microwave and toaster oven.

As you can already guess, each of these appliances uses a different amount of energy but what is not so obvious is how much energy each one uses.  When you can choose between making a baked potato in the oven or in the microwave, which one uses less energy?  How about cooking a soup or stew over the stovetop, or using the slowcooker?  Meatloaf in the oven or toaster oven?   Just like if you lived in a smaller house, it would take less time to cool the inside of the home with the same sized AC unit than if you lived in a larger house; it takes less energy to heat a smaller space than a larger one.  So what would use less energy if you could put that meatloaf in a toaster oven compared to the conventional oven?  How much less?  You would be cutting your energy use by more than half! (and reducing the temperature in the kitchen as well).

Of course, each appliance is “specialized” to cook certain foods but when you can choose, I encourage you to do so.  Below is a table showing the energy costs of various cooking methods.

Other energy saving tips in the kitchen include:

-          When using the electric stovetops it is important to match the pan size to the element size, otherwise you will be wasting almost half the heat produced from the element.-          The ideal pan also has a concave bottom to maximize the conduction in the pan.
-          A pressure cooker will also cook stovetop items faster and with less energy because the built-up pressure drops the boiling point of water thus cooking the food faster.
-          Cleaning your appliances increases their efficiency.
-          Avoid peeking into the oven while baking.
-          Double portions when using the oven to save energy on cooking.
-          Remove foil on the bottom of ovens to improve air circulation.

How to Winterize Your Home in Phoenix

Yes, even the desert gets cold at night.  Since it can get chilly enough to wear a sweater during a Phoenix evening, here are some things you can do around home to save energy, improve your indoor air quality and be comfortable enough to walk around barefoot, even in the dead of the winter. 

1.     Seal up your air leaks

Warm air raises and can escape out the chimney of a fireplace.  A chimney pillow can be installed in the flue to stop heated air from escaping during the winter.  Just be sure to leave the tag on and remove the pillow come summer.  Also check around potential leakage “hot spots” such as old windows, doors, plumbing penetrations under sinks and electrical outlets.  By replacing old weatherstripping around the doors or caulking around the windows or plumbing penetrations you can effectively keep your conditioned air where it belongs, inside.  Check the local hardware store to find outlet sealers to add a little insulation behind light switches too.

2.     Get up to snuff with your insulation

For Phoenix and central Arizona, the DOE recommends at least 12-inches of blown-in cellulose or an R-38 value to slow the transfer of cold air into the home.  If your attic has fiberglass batt insulation, it should be in contact with the attic floor at all times to work properly.

3.     Have your furnace or heat pump inspected

A seasonal tune-up may be in order if not done annually.  If the temperatures will never reach the temperature set-point the HVAC system may be low on refrigerant or something else may be awry.  Best to have it checked by a professional.

4.     Remove shade screens

During the Phoenix winters, solar gain through windows can help significantly warm the home, lowering energy bills from decreased heat use.  Shade screens can be unclipped and stored until it comes time for summer.

5.     Stay safe

Install CO detectors if you have a fireplace or gas appliances 3-6 feet from the ground.  Use a bubble solution to check for gas leaks around fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces and feeder lines.  Be sure that the furnace or water heater has a good clearance to allow for fresh air intake and that they are not located in the same room as a dryer.

Follow these tips for a safe and comfortable winter in the Valley of the Sun.  Also check out how a typical home in Phoenix uses energy or see some tips on how to save energy.