Energy Efficient San Diego Homes

Here is access to a FREE service offered through SDG&E to check the efficiency of your heating/air conditioning and get a tune up including freon re-charge:

AC TIMe Program

http://www.actimeprogram.com/ProjectCenter/

Advanced Diagnostic Tune-ups are designed to optimize the efficiency of air conditioning systems through correction of airflow, adjustment to refrigerant charge and proper duct testing and sealing.  More information here:

http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs/Pages/RCA.aspx

The qualifications are:

Must be a SDG&E customer on a residential electric rate . Residence must have been built before 2006 . Only single family homes qualify for Duct Test & Seal . Residence must have a central air conditioner or heat pump THAT IS FUNCTIONING.  IF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING YOU MAY BE CHARGED FOR REPAIRS BY THE CONTRACTOR TO GET THE UNIT IN GOOD ENOUGH RUNNING CONDITION SO IT CAN BE TUNED FOR EFFICIENCY.

Single Family residential customers in climate zones 6 and 7 must receive both DTS and RCA services to qualify . Homes that have had work completed by federal, state, and/or utility-funded RCA incentive programs are ineligible for ten years from the date of the service . Homes that have had work completed by federal, state, and/or utility-funded DTS incentive programs are ineligible for eighteen years from the date of the service . Mobile Homes/Manufactured Homes are not eligible for RCA or DTS service in the AC TIMe Program.

This is a FREE service including inspection, sealing leaky ducts and re-charging freon.

In the last few years there has been a big push for people to become more environmentally conscious and energy efficient. People are making the change in several different ways, whether it is by biking to work, buying a hybrid car, or making your home more energy efficient overall. One of the best ways to make your house more environmentally friendly is by purchasing energy efficient windows and replacing your pre-existing windows. They work to maintain and stabilize the inside climate of your home, without letting the outside climate interfere. Energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights can reduce energy bills by up to 15%. If that isn’t enough incentive, you can receive up to a $1,500 tax credit on qualified windows. (Image Source)

There are various types and styles of energy efficient windows to consider. One thing to think about is the natural climate of where you live. Are you fending off the cold weather? Or do you need to reflect exorbitant amounts of direct sunlight? The answer to this question plays a big role in what type of window to purchase.

As you start thinking about installing energy efficient windows in your home, you first need to consider the older windows you are replacing. It is always a good idea to consult an outside contractor and ask him/her if you should replace the full window or insert a retrofit window into an existing window frame. This all depends on how old the pre-existing windows are, and how well they were installed and maintained.

If the entire window is being replaced, then the older frame is simply replaced by the new, energy efficient window. You can always take this opportunity to fix any weather-related, or rainwater issues that may have occurred. Be sure to properly seal the new window frame into place so it doesn’t let any inside air escape.

On the other hand, if you are retrofitting a new window in a pre-existing window frame, the sash, side jambs, and trim are removed, while the overall frame is left intact. The new energy-efficient window is placed into this opening and settled in. This option works best if you do not have to worry about any previous water damage, weather damage, or sealing issues. (Image Source)

Once you have decided whether or not to replace the entire frame, it is time to start thinking about exactly what kind of windows are best for your home. Not all energy-efficient windows are the same! Most are similar in style and function, but the climate of the region also plays a role in how efficient a window can be. For instance, if you live in a place with extreme outside climates, you may be losing up to a quarter of your overall energy (heating and/or cooling) because it is seeping outside.

If you are in an area that receives a decent amount of direct sunlight, you can use this to your advantage during the hot summer months. Some energy efficient windows are designed to allow less sunlight to come into your home, thereby causing your house to stay a bit cooler in the hot summer months. You will want to find a tinted window that reflects the heat. But don’t worry; the tint can be very subtle and barely noticeable.

Double-paned windows are another resource to consider. Some of these high-performance windows are “spectrally selective,” meaning they only allow certain rays to enter your home. In addition, low emissive coatings on windows help to insulate homes that need to keep in as much heat as possible. By far the biggest advantage of double-paned windows is that they stop the transference of heat/cold from your home to the outside climate. This means that energy will not be loss to the outside environment. Double-paned windows are some of the most popular energy efficient windows.

Regardless of the type of energy-efficient window you choose, make sure it has been tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). These are the folks who test and certify windows based on the window’s energy performance rating. Also, check to make sure that your energy-efficient window is an EnergyStar ® certified window. This means you will qualify for the IRS’s energy-efficiency tax rebate. Windows carrying the EnergyStar logo can work up to 20% more efficiently than other windows.

Wintertime is often associated with rising heating bills, as homeowners do their best to keep out the cold. However, there are a number of tricks that may help you beat both the winter chill and leave your pocketbook intact. San Diego residents can rely on various methods to keep themselves and their families comfortable, with many of them requiring just some simple home maintenance and materials. Once you have taken these steps, you will be amazed at the difference they can make in driving energy costs down.

Improving home insulation is one idea you may want to consider, as it is likely to cut your energy bills in half or perhaps even more. Extra insulation can be applied to many areas of a home, such as outside walls, attics, basement walls and more. The material one chooses is up to them, though the most popular among builders are cellulose and fiberglass. Professionals can be hired for this project, which will, of course, add to the expense but eventually save money, time, and hassles in the long run. Home insulation is one of the smartest ways to both keep home temperatures up and bills down. (Image Source)

Weather stripping is yet another means of keeping your San Diego home properly secured against chilly weather. Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed will help your home stay warm no matter what conditions you are up against. The most commonly used seals are the wrapped foam type. You should use a box cutter when installing the seal to guarantee a snug fit. When cutting, always make sure to leave more than you think you need, in order to avoid a seal that is too short and therefore useless. Outside the home, you may caulk to seal up smaller gaps or expanding foam for larger ones. Replace thresholds on exterior doors with ones that have vinyl inserts for further protection.

You will also want to close any gaps in pipes, vents and fans in your home, which will guarantee that heat transfers more effectively across different rooms. If you have a pool, keep the filters running for only a few hours per day during the season. In addition, you can take advantage of natural heat by using your fireplace to stay warm. On the contrary, when you are not using your fireplace, you will want to keep your damper closed to keep heat from being released up the chimney.

Another cost saving option is simply lowering your home’s thermostat whenever possible. You might be surprised at the difference this can make in decreasing your energy bill, even by just a few degrees at a time. With a programmable thermostat, you can decide when it is crucial to heat your home during the day or night, as well as reduce costs when no one is home. In order to maximize the heat from your thermostat, you may choose to rearrange furniture so that it allows warm air to flow better throughout the main living area. Closing doors of rooms that do not need to be heated, as well as wearing proper layers of clothing, will also reduce thermostat use in the home.

For those able to invest more, energy efficient windows and doors provide homeowners with one of the most cost-effective options for reducing heating costs. Products should have high energy efficient ratings in order to provide ultimate protection.  Tubular lights can reduce cold in winter, as well as heat in summer. Make certain windows, skylights and doors are installed properly with no opening or cracks that will let cold air seep in. Kits are available with strong sheeting and tape that make the installation processes run more smoothly for homeowners. If you prefer, licensed contractors will be happy to install your new energy conservation selections to assure quality performance.

For those who decide to install solar systems, the costs saved in energy bills will make these systems pay for themselves in a short time period. Winter heating bills can become a concern of the past. Interested residents can always consult an established contractor to discuss what would be the best choice for your particular home.  Two types of solar driven operations work well in San Diego. Passive systems are inexpensive and are effective in temperate areas like San Diego where there is a wealth of sunshine. Photovoltaic panel systems are another simple solar option that can be easily attached to the home or outdoor structures. Personal choice will depend on price range as well as appeal.

San Diego homeowners concerned about energy savings during the cold months can turn to quality construction companies to better improve their homes. When deciding on a licensed contractor, look for experience in the home renovation department as well as expertise on how to make your home winter friendly without costs that are through the roof. Skilled contractors can install a home heating improvement system with the best interests of you and your family in mind. When the winter is over, you will be amazed at the bundles you have saved for perhaps another highly anticipated home improvement project.

As a quality contractor with over 27 years of home remodeling and construction experience, I believe in building better and tighter.  Not only to deliver more value and longer lasting homes, but also more comfortable and energy efficient San Diego Remodeling.

Too many companies of all types are jumping on the “Green” bandwagon.   Often it is just marketing hype and a means to charge more with no real return other than some small tax credits.

The real savings are in tighter construction to reduce heat gain and cooling loss.

Constructing  a tighter more energy efficient building is not difficult and does not have to be expensive either.  Here are some of the options:

1. Tyvek house wrap
2. Low E windows
3. Orientation of glazing to avoid direct sunlight or shading windows
4. Flashing and caulking around window and door opens.
5. Proper whole house air circulation

A quality home remodeler builds tighter and better without breaking the bank.

Cutting your gas and electric spending is easy.  Here are a few no or low cost ways of lowering your energy bills:

 1. Turn down your water heater thermostat.

 2. Make sure your recessed can lights are sealed.  This will keep your attic cooler.  Low expansion foam or caulking is all it takes.

 3. Change your furnace air filter regularly.  A new filter costs about $5.

 4. Buy programmable thermostats. You can program heating and cooling so if you forget to turn it up or down, the system will reset to save energy.

 5. Set or turn your audio video components like DVR’s to off.  Some components are in the “ready” position which uses energy 24/7.  Be willing to wait a few seconds for your TV, DVR etc. to power up.

 6. Inspect the indoor/outdoor caulking around the electrical boxes and water pipes entering your home. Fill any holes or gaps with caulking or foam for better insulation value and water control.

 7.  Repair water leaks. A dripping faucet will waste over 2,000 liters a month. Use flow restrictors on faucets and shower heads.

 8.  Lastly, ask your family members to turn off lights when the leave an unoccupied room.

For more information, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/