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Grid Condition for December 5
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS
FOR HOMES
Quick Savings
Peak Tips
Long Term Savings
FOR BUSINESSES
Quick Savings
Long Term Savings
Utility-Provided Energy Efficiency Programs
ABOUT THE GRID
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Long-Term Savings For Businesses
AC & HEAT
If your AC or heater is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient model.
Newer models use up to 40% less energy.
Maintain your AC and heater so they work efficiently.
Check your air and furnace filters each month when in use. Replace them at least every three months. Dirty filters make your system work harder.
Have your HVAC unit inspected and maintained in the spring and or fall by a licensed professional.
Wash the outside coils of your AC. Clear high grass and debris that could block the flow of air.
Limit your use of the vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms. They pull in outside air, making your AC and heater work harder.
LIGHTING
Use electronic ballasts. They increase fluorescent lamp efficiency and light output.
Install skylights to minimize artificial lighting.
Keep your light bulbs and fixtures clean to increase light output.
Replace existing exit signs with more efficient LED exit signs..
COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS
Use the energy-saving features on printers, monitors, copiers, and computers.
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
Drain your hot water tank regularly to remove sediment.
When buying a new water heater, consider a tankless unit. These systems are 35-45% more efficient. Plus, you'll never run out of hot water.
Install low-flow showerheads in any onsite shower facilities.
Install faucet aerators in bathrooms.
Insulate water heaters and supply pipes.
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
Consider replacing broilers with smooth or grooved griddles.
When buying a new appliance, look for
ENERGY STAR
qualified products. These options use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
WINDOWS, DOORS & INSULATION
Save from 10-20% per year on heating and cooling costs by sealing uncontrolled air leaks.
Make sure outside doors have enough weather stripping.
Consider Caulking windows and weather-stripping external doors.
Upgrade to energy-efficient windows. Add solar shades or window tint.
Install Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings on windows. This coating lets light in but blocks the heat.
BUILDING EFFICIENCY
Add trees and shrubs on the east, west, and south sides of your building.
Use insulated night covers on display cases.
Use the Environmental Protection Agency’s
online tool
to compare your building load against similar building types.
Get paid for taking part in a
voluntary demand-response program
that reduces your power demand temporarily during grid emergency conditions. Get an energy analysis of your building to find out your biggest opportunities for savings.
Make sure your building is operating at
maximum efficiency
by re-commissioning your building systems.
For more savings, consider upgrading
equipment, lighting, insulation, and more
. Look for
ENERGY STAR
qualified products. These options use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
BUILDING EFFICIENCY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR RENEWABLES AND FINANCING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Texas offers several exemptions from local property tax. For more information on the property tax exemption involving solar, wind, biomass, and anaerobic digestion for businesses that install or construct such systems check out the
Texas Comptrollers of Public Account website
Some local governments offer the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program which provides low-cost, long-term financing for water and energy efficiency and conservation improvements to commercial and industrial properties. For more information check out the
State Energy Conservation Office’s website
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Texas State Energy Conservation Office