Home Energy Improvements Explained

What's Wrong with This Picture?

Homes 10+ years old typically need (1) upgrades to air conditioning and heating equipment, (2) improvements to the duct system, and (3) weatherization measures.

Potential problem areas include:

• Inefficient, incorrectly sized air conditioning and heating equipment older than 10 years old
• Poorly-designed, uninsulated, leaky air ducts
• Lack of weatherstripping and sealing for doors and other areas
• Inadequate attic insulation
• No solar shading on windows

Air Conditioning and Heating System Improvements

Upgrading your cooling and heating system is a step in the right direction! Old, inefficient systems lose performance over time, and as a result will increase your energy usage and your bill.

But don’t stop there! Addressing ductwork and weatherization can maximize your savings and benefits.

Benefits include:

• ✓ Reduced risk of mold to increase the home’s health
• ✓ Savings with more efficient unit running for less time
• ✓ Increased comfort with the correct amount of cooled air in the home
• ✓ Smart thermostat access for greater temperature control and energy conservation

Air Conditioning and Heating + Ductwork System Improvements

Almost there! When you repair or replace your ductwork system at the same time as your air conditioning and heating upgrade, your energy savings really start to add up while your indoor pollutants and discomfort start to go down.

Benefits include:

• ✓ Controlled humidity
• ✓ Savings from prevented energy waste
• ✓ Equal temperatures in each room for greater comfort
• ✓ Increased health with fewer airborne pollutants and particles to improve indoor air quality
• ✓ Reduced risk of mold to increase the home’s health
• ✓ More efficient unit running for less time
• ✓ Correct amount of cooled air flowing throughout the home
• ✓ Smart thermostat access for greater temperature control and energy conservation

Air Conditioning and Heating + Ductwork System Improvements + Weatherization

Now that your heating, air conditioning, and ductwork systems are optimized, you can lock in the good, controlled air, eliminate air leaks, and reduce heat gain. Weatherize your home by adding attic insulation, sealing-off pesky leaks around doors and pipe penetrations, and adding solar screens or film to your windows.

Congratulations! With all recommended improvements complete, your home can now reach peak performance. Keep those energy savings tips in mind and monitor the changes in your energy use through City of Austin Utilities Online Customer Care.

Benefits include:

• ✓ Improved indoor air quality
• ✓ Energy and cost savings from fewer leaks
• ✓ Increased comfort with reduced heat gain from windows, attic and leaks in home shell
• ✓ Reduced access for pests
• ✓ Controlled humidity
• ✓ Savings from prevented energy waste
• ✓ Equal temperatures in each room for greater comfort
• ✓ Increased health with fewer airborne pollutants, dust and particles
• ✓ Reduced risk of mold to increase the home’s health
• ✓ More efficient unit running for less time
• ✓ Correct amount of cooled air flowing throughout the home
• ✓ Smart thermostat access for greater temperature control and energy conservation