Posts Tagged ‘Energize Phoenix’
Energize Phoenix, get on Board!
As utility costs climb and you look for ways to lower your bills, consider energy-efficiency upgrades – upgrades that could cost you zero! Now through the end of October, residents within a 10-mile stretch of the light rail line can take advantage of a rebate offer to get a free home energy check-up worth $99.00.
Energize Phoenix is offering free home energy check-ups for owner-occupied single-family detached homes within the Energize Phoenix program boundaries, from 40th Street and Washington Street to Central Avenue and Camelback Road. See program details below for how to apply and receive your $99 rebate.
If the energy check-up shows you could save money through efficiency upgrades, you can take advantage of one of two Energize Phoenix residential programs: Residential Match and 60/40.
Both programs leverage existing APS rebate programs such as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, Solar and Renewable Energy, Duct Test and Repair and Residential AC Rebate Program.
The Residential Match program provides a matching rebate for energy efficiency projects including:
- heating and cooling system upgrades
- duct leakage repair, air leaks and sealing
- attic insulation
- shade screens
- solar water heater upgrades
The 60/40 program offers a conditional grants for single-family detached low-to-moderate income homeowners along the Energize Phoenix Corridor that meet specific income requirements (annual gross income of approximately less than $89,000 per family of four). The grant for 60 percent of eligible energy efficiency costs with 40 percent provided by the homeowner. Energize Phoenix financing is coming soon.
To access Energize Phoenix program rebates, you must use an Energize Phoenix Approved Residential Rebate Match Contractor in order to access Energize Phoenix program rebates.
To participate in the home energy check-up rebate, visit the Energize Phoenix website energizephx.com or call 602-495-5275 to:
- Find out if your home is located in the Energize Phoenix Corridor
- Select an approved contractor and schedule a time to discuss energy efficiency opportunities for your home
- Contractor provides a home energy check-up to diagnose the energy inefficiencies in your home at a cost to you of $99
- Contractor provides a proposal with an estimate of rebates available
- Decide which energy-saving improvements you want to make, if any, and contractor will assist you with program applications
- Contractor performs applicable work by October 31, 2011
- Complete program application to receive applicable qualified rebate(s) and mail in by December 31, 2011
Energize Phoenix is a program to save energy, create jobs and transform a diverse array of neighborhoods along a 10-mile stretch of the light rail line. It was launched by the City of Phoenix through a $25 million federal grant for the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and is administered in partnership with Arizona State University and support from Arizona Public Service.
Green Living AZ Magazine asked our utility companies to provide their energy-saving tips for the summer! The more tips you use, the more money you can save!
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER
- Evaporative coolers
- Replace cooler pads at the beginning of each season to maximize your cooler’s effectiveness. Chemical water treatments are available to reduce scale build-up.
- Clean and service the unit annually. Protect metal parts with rust-resistant paint. Lubricate the motor and bearings with non-detergent oil. Check the belt and pump to ensure they are working properly.
- If you don’t already have one, consider installing a two-speed motor, which enables you to decrease the cooler’s output and energy use during periods of moderate temperatures.
Commonly referred to as swamp coolers, evaporative systems require good air circulation to cool effectively. To allow air to flow freely, open a window in each room, preferably selecting a window as far away as possible from the supply air register. You also want to:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Clean dirt and dust from condenser coils frequently to help your refrigerator to operate more efficiently.
- Test your refrigerator temperature and adjust the setting to maintain the correct temperature (37-40 degrees F). To check refrigerator temperature, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours. To check the freezer temperature, place a thermometer between frozen packages. Read it after 24 hours.
- Other tips
- Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that carry the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They also generate about 75 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
- Don’t block vents or ducts inside the house. Maintaining clear air paths allows your cooling and heating systems to work more efficiently.
- Conserve hot water
Leaky faucets can waste gallons of water in a short period of time. Save water, fuel, and money by replacing leaking hot water faucets. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets will keep your energy dollars from going down the drain. Using cold-water laundry detergents, along with a warm wash/cool rinse setting, can help you save energy and reduce costs. Remember that it’s the detergent that brightens whites and kills germs. - Turn down the temperature on your water heater
Water heating is the third-largest energy user in your home. To reduce your water-heating costs, turn the dial on your water heater and set it to “low” (120 degrees F.), use an approved water heater insulated blanket (unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise), and insulate the water pipes at the top of the water heater. If no one is going to be at home for one week or more, turn down the dial of your water heater to the lowest possible setting. - Limit the use of exhaust fans
In just one hour, exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom can deplete a house of its warm or cool air. Turn fans off as soon as they have completed their job.
SOUTHWEST GAS
- New air conditioning systems are 40-50 percent more efficient than 15-year-old units. If just 8000 Arizona homes installed more energy-efficient AC units, we could save enough energy to light every home in Yuma for a year.
- Set your thermostat at 79 degrees F or higher during the day and use fans to feel five degrees cooler. For every degree warmer, you will save 2 to 3 percent on your cooling costs.
- Keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain during the cooling season.
- Install a motion detector to control outdoor lighting.
- Line-dry clothes when practicable.
- Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
APS & ENERGIZE PHOENIX
- Tips that require an investment
- Get a home energy audit to identify which parts of your house use the most energy and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your energy costs.
- Invest in proper insulation and sealing air leaks to increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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