Wanting to eliminate her commute, save office lease expenses, and provide a serene space for her therapy practice, our client had us design and build an office addition to her home.  Making this room addition look as if it had been built with the original structure was an important consideration.  We strive to match roof-lines, architectural features, stucco, and other styling cues to enhance the existing home.

Proper maintenance and care are essential to responsible home ownership.  Investing in seasonal home maintenance and safety can pay off in peace of mind, utility cost savings, durability and even resale value.  As spring approaches it is a good time to set aside a weekend to take care of these easy and money saving projects.

The following will keep your home green and save you some green.

• Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and stove hood.
• Change HVAC air filters monthly.
• Use a household air purifier to cut down on airborne allergens, and save the central air conditioner from having to do all the filtering work in addition to cooling the air.
• Install low flow toilets.  If you are a customer of SAWS you may qualify for two free toilets.
• Change light bulbs to fluorescent wherever possible.
• Vacuum the coils of your coil-back refrigerator at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run much more efficiently with cleaner coils.
• Adjust thermostats to energy-saving settings while at home. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperatures at less comfortable levels when you’re not home or sleeping.
• Keep windows open for fresh air and ventilation.
• Test plumbing for leaks annually. Even small leaks can add up to a large loss and cost without knowing it.
• Repair chalk joints at areas of water penetration.
• Use automatic timers for your lighting, heating and air conditioning and water heater instead of leaving them on all day or night
• Plant drought resistant landscaping.
• Examine fascia or soffit boards. Replace if they are soft or rotting because they may allow rain into your attic.
• Make sure attics are properly ventilated.  Replace broken or noisy fans with solar powered fans.
• Use solar outdoor lighting. Solar lighting doesn’t require electrical wiring, there are no additional charges to your electric bill and you can relocate the lighting any place desired. Solar lights enhance the look of walk ways, landscaping and security.

Rebates & Incentives

CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System offer a variety of programs and incentives for people who choose to go green! See the list below. Please note that some programs have cut-off times. For questions regarding a specific program, please contact the organization that offers it.

You can also take advantage for federal tax credits for making your home more energy efficient. Please contact your accountant and the organization offering credits to verify your eligibility.

Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency

If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Below you will find an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency.

Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.

What You Need To Know

What is included in the tax credit?

Tax Credit:
30% of cost up to $1,500
Expires:
December 31, 2010
Details:
Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.

What improvement qualifies for the tax credit?

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan

An Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan is an efficient fan, or blower motor which blows the air that your furnace heats up through the duct system.
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Requirements

Must use no more than 2% of the furnace’s total energy. Note: If the fan is qualified, but the furnace is not, you will not be able to take 30% off the cost of the entire furnace. Ask your HVAC contractor to break out the cost of the fan in your bill. You can get a 30% tax credit on the cost of the fan alone.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat PumpsHeat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners in moderate climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house; during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.
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Requirements

Split Systems:
HSPF ≥ 8.5
EER ≥ 12.5
SEER ≥ 15

Package systems:
HSPF ≥ 8
EER ≥ 12
SEER ≥ 14

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Central Air Conditioning (CAC)

Central Air Conditioning (CAC) The best way to find tax credit eligible CACs is to ask your HVAC Contractor (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Or, search the Manufacturer’s website.
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Requirements

Split Systems:
SEER ≥ 16
EER ≥ 13

Package systems:
SEER ≥ 14
EER ≥ 12

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Insulation

Adding adequate insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do.

Requirements

Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:

* Weather stripping
* Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
* Caulk designed to air seal
* House wrap

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

Roofs (Metal & Asphalt)

Qualified roof products reflect more of the sun’s rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home.

Requirements

“Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings” and “asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules” that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

Water Heaters

Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater

Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Requirements

Energy Factor ≥ 0.82 OR a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Requirements

Energy Factor ≥ 2.0

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

Windows & Doors

Windows, Doors, Skylights

Energy efficient windows, doors and skylights can reduce energy bills.

Requirements

U factor <=0.30
SHGC <=0.30

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

Storm Windows & Doors

A less expensive approach to replacing old windows/doors, is to use storm windows to improve energy efficiency. When installed in combination with older, less efficient window/door, storm windows/doors can enhance efficiency by creating another barrier between the interior of you home and the weather outside.

Requirements

In combination with the exterior window/door over which it is installed:

* U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
* Must meet the IECC

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

CPS Energy Programs

For full details about CPS Energy’s rebates, please visit their website here

Ground Source Heat Pumps
Rebates are available for ground source heat pumps based on the EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). Rebates are $400 per ton for qualifying units, with an additional $50 per ton for every 1.0 above the minimum EER

Complete details on the Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate can be found here

Solar Water Heaters
Rebates for the solar water heating systems will have a minimum of $400 with a maximum allowable rebate amount of $800 and will be calculated using the Solar Rating Certification Corporation’s(SRCC) calculated Annual kWh Energy Savings Performance table for San Antonio. Rebate funding is on a first come, first served basis. Full details and an application can be found here.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
The CPS Energy Solar Initiative Rebate program is offering an incentive of $3.00 per AC watt based on the calculated expected performance of the system that is less than 100kW. For systems larger than 100kW please contact CPS Energy. Rebates are on a first come, first served basis.

Air Conditioning Rebates
Rebates for central air conditioning systems and central heat pump systems are determined by the overall seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. Central units that qualify for a rebate must have a SEER rating of 15.0 or greater. Your licensed air conditioning contractor or service technician can provide that information. Rebates start at $110 per ton.

Window unit air conditioners that qualify for a rebate must be ENERGY STAR® certified. Window units of 8,000 BTU or less qualify for a one-time $50 credit. Window units greater than 8,000 BTU qualify for a $100 credit. For a current listing of ENERGY STAR® -certified units from all manufacturers, please visit the ENERGY STAR® website at www.energystar.gov.

More details about the Air Conditioner rebates can be found here.

Duct Repair or Replacement – 25 percent, up to $1,500 per system and $2,500 per customer

Duct Testing – 50 percent, up to $250 per system
The Air Flow Performance Certification program will include rebates for the repair and/or replacement of duct work needed to improve the overall efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and for testing that shows improvement to the HVAC system. Rebates are not available for duct sealing.

Attic Insulation Rebates
$.15 per square foot of attic insulation installed. Details can be found here

Spray Foam Insulation Attic & Walls - $0.50 per square feet of the floor plan of the conditioned areas of a home

Spray Foam Insulation Attic Only – $.25 per square feet of the attic floor space over conditioned areas of the home

Details of the Spray Foam Insulation rebate may be found here

Wall Insulation
CPS offers a rebate of $.15 per square foot of the treated wall area. Details can be found here

Windows
CPS Energy offers a rebate of $1.50 per square foot of ENERGY STAR® qualified windows. Details can be found here

Window Screens & Films
Solar screens and films are eligible for a rebate of $.30 per square foot of the installed screen/film. Details can be found here

Cool Roof Rebate
CPS offers a rebate of $.20 per square foot of roof area on an ENERGY STAR® “Cool Roof” Details can be found here

Solar Water Heaters
Rebates for the solar water heating systems will have a minimum of $400 with a maximum allowable rebate amount of $800 and will be calculated using the Solar Rating Certification Corporation’s(SRCC) calculated Annual kWh Energy Savings Performance table for San Antonio. Rebate funding is on a first come, first served basis. Full details and an application can be found here.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
The CPS Energy Solar Initiative Rebate program is offering an incentive of $3.00 per AC watt based on the calculated expected performance of the system that is less than 100kW. For systems larger than 100kW please contact CPS Energy. Rebates are on a first come, first served basis.

Peak Saver
CPS offers free programmable thermostats to qualifying customers. Participants agree to let CPS Energy remotely access their central air conditioners to cycle compressors off for short periods of time (approximately ten minutes each half-hour) between 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, from May through September. This helps manage peak electric demand and the temperature increase inside your home is generally no more than 2 degrees. For more details and to apply, see this page. You can also apply for the program by calling toll-free (866) 222-7645

San Antonio Water System Programs

If you’re a homeowner and a SAWS customer, you can get these great rebates by taking steps to conserve water.

Watersaver Landscape Rebate:
Watersaver Landscapes are lush and green, full of color and texture, providing an interesting retreat for humans and wildlife alike, while contributing to solutions in water conservation efforts. SAWS will rebate up to $525 for landscaping your yard with low-water plants and other steps.

Requirements and how to apply can be found here

Free Water-efficient Toilet:
Through the ‘Kick the Can’ program, SAWS will give you up to two new water-efficient toilets absolutely free. And it’s so simple-SAWS has already found high-quality water saving toilets for you. All you have to do is fill out the application form here and then use the voucher you are sent for a free water-saving toilet.

Toilet Rebate for New Construction:
Any home builder constructing homes within the San Antonio Water System service area is eligible for a rebate on High Efficiency Toilets. Toilets must be purchased between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. They must be dual-flush, classified as High Efficiency, and have a MaP flush rating of 500 or greater. Any builder who qualifies for this rebate will also receive a maximum of two “FREE” Bricor plastic showerheads, rated at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) as well as kitchen and bathroom aerators rated at 1.0 and 1.5 gpm. For more details and to find out if you qualify, please call or email Brandon Leister at 233-3620.

Washing Machine Rebate:
Here’s a dirty little secret about your old washing machine: It wastes water, energy and money. It’s time to consider a new water and energy efficient washing machine. SAWS will give you a $100 credit for installing a high-efficiency washing mahine. A high-efficiency machine can reduce energy use by up to 70% and water use up to 50%.

Choose from a current list of approved models and send in this application form

Hot-Water-On-Demand System Rebate:
Are you still watching water go down the drain while you wait for it to get warm? If so, you’re wasting water, energy and money. It’s time to consider installing a hot-water-on-demand system. You can get a $150 rebate on the system, and start having hot water up to 80% faster than a regular water heater. You can also save up to 10,000 gallons of water a year, which means more money in your pocket. Fill out this application and send it in along with the original receipt to claim your rebate.

More information and a list of approved models can be found on SAWS’ website here

Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations is the local authorized installer for US Sunlight’s Solar Powered Attic Vent System. During our tough Texas Hot Summers, your attic can get over 160 degrees or hotter. Popular ridge vents & other vents need a breeze to work. With this system, you can utilize the sun’s energy to power a vent that will draw cooler air through the attic even when there is no breeze. This system draws air through the current soffit vents around the home and out the Solar Powered Attic Vent.

The solar panel and fan motor have up to 25% more power than other fans, providing much better circulation and improved airflow. The advanced design provides more efficient attic ventilation while using no electricity. One fan alone can ventilate up to 1250 square feet of attic space reducing the energy needed to keep your home cooler in the summer. By running year-round, it can also remove harmful moisture in the winter months keeping your attic space drier, reducing condensation, and the potential for ice daming, mildew and mold.

Helps Cool Your Home

During the peak summer months, your attic’s temperature can rise to 160° or more. This heat buildup can raise the temperature inside your home and increase the amount of electricity used by air conditioners and other cooling equipment.

Removes Damaging Moisture

During the winter months, warm moist air from inside your home rises into the attic and collides with the colder underside of the roof. The moist air condenses and promotes mold and mildew. If you live in an area that has snow, the warmer attic air will heat the roof and melt the snow which drips to the eaves where it can refreeze as ice and form ice-dams under the eaves. These ice-dams will cause water to work back up under the shingles into the attic and down to the ceiling.

Product Features

* Adjustable Solar Panel and Shroud – adding up to 25% more Power
* High Output 38 Volt Motor
* Commercial Grade 12 Watt Solar Panel
* Temperature sensing switch included – shuts off motor on cold days
* Ventilates up to 1250 sq/ft
* Year-round benefits: Cools in the summer – removes harmful moisture in the winter
* The Solar Powered Attic Fan is eligible for a 30% (up to $2,000) Federal tax credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation labor charges, and sales tax.

Where to Purchase

US Sunlight’s Solar Powered Attic Vent System is available at your local Costco Warehouse. You can also call us 210.690.4663 to order a fan and setup your installation.