Chris Shaffer has a long track record of running successful businesses and before co-founding Elite Heating and Air Conditioning. He earned a Bachelors degree in Business from the UT Arlington, he owned, operated, and grew several businesses in the home building industry.

austin energy saving simplified

The Austin energy rebate program can be quite complicated, even for those of us in the industry. However, it has a unique and well-funded energy efficiency rebate improvement program that is available to most homes that receive Austin Energy power. It has more money than it uses every year and Austin’s homeowners should SERIOUSLY look into how it could benefit them.

The specific name of the program falls under “weatherization,” which can be confusing and overwhelming to some so it often goes underutilized due to lack of knowledge in the Austin community. We will try to provide some clarity so it doesn’t seem quite so overwhelming.

Essentially, the program provides approximately one third of the cost of 3 basic items in the home that affect the efficiency, comfort and safety of a home. You don’t necessarily have to replace your heating and a/c equipment either.

1. DUCTWORK

ductwork install

Ductwork that does not meet leakage requirements will need to be repaired or replaced. This stops the air you are paying for from leaking into the attic. An HVAC system may be way oversized or very inefficient to overcome leaking ducts.

 

 

2. ATTIC INSULATION

attic insulation

Attic insulation in most older homes in Austin is about 1/3 of what is most beneficial. Ideally there is about 14″ of insulation in the attic. Surprisingly, to some people, attic insulation is really important to keeping a home comfortable during the heating season. Heat rises after all. It is also important in keeping a/c cooling to be most efficient.

 

 

 

3.WEATHERSTRIPPING

weather stripping thermal scan

A thermal camera captured the BEFORE and AFTER we added weather stripping around these patio doors.

Weatherstripping around furnace doors, any older exterior doors and sealing up any holes that may lead to infiltration of air from the outside. This will make the house more efficient and increase air quality by not allowing allergenic air from outside to come in without being filtered.

A typical older Austin home may be able to save 30 percent or more on their energy bills from utilizing this program while also making the home more comfortable. The expectation is that it will pay for itself within 5 years or less after the rebate. There is also a reduced rate loan that goes along with the program. The cost of the loan payment will probably be less than your efficiency gains.

The rebate process is simple and Elite Heating and Air Conditioning has yet to have a customer not receive the rebate they were promised. Most companies are not registered with the Austin Energy program so they cannot get this free money that is available. When it comes to finding a knowledgeable, locally owned company to get you the best rebates on energy efficiency upgrades for your home, call Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to provide you with a quote, estimate of your rebates, and answer any questions you may have about the process. The Austin Energy Rebate Program money is available so let us help you get it and create a more comfortable environment for your family and a lower energy bill.