New Mexico State University EFFICIENT RESIDENTIAL ENERYGY Fahzy Cooperative Extension Service ______ County

New Mexico State University Efficient Home Energy I.Benefits II.Residential Renewable Energy III.Home Products IV.Appliances and Home Office V.Outdoors VI.Energy Saving Practices

I. Benefits Lower cost –Annual heating, cooling, and water heating savings of $200 - $400 –Tax credits Better performance –What’s the use of the best heating system but heat easily exit the house? New Mexico State University

Benefits New Mexico State University Environmental protection: Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through large win-win-win opportunities with today’s energy efficient technologies and practices –30% savings in many homes

Private Cost Long Term Financial Rewards New Mexico State University

II. Residential Home Energy Renewable energy options: –Wind energy, solar energy –Build energy efficient homes Utility company may buy power back but at lower rate Low energy rate but very high set up cost –Tax credits available –Other costs: Maintenance, rebuilding, removal Other consequences: –Noise, aerial crop spraying New Mexico State University

Tax Credit For (1) new homes, (2)home improvements, and home products/appliances Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for: –Windows and Doors, Insulation, Roofs (Metal and Asphalt), HVAC, Water Heaters (non-solar), Biomass Stoves Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for: –Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Panels, Solar Water Heaters, Small Wind Energy Systems, Fuel Cells – financial incentives in your areawww.dsireusa.org –Multiple incentive may not apply Weatherization Assistance Program New Mexico State University

III. Home products Energy Auditing Edits Insulation Heating and Cooling Windows –Curtains Lighting New Mexico State University Source: 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table , 2005 energy cost data.

Energy Auditing Assess a home's energy efficiency. –Identify specific areas of a home that can be improved in order to increase energy efficiency. Identify specific behaviors that the home's occupants may perform in order to increase and maintain efficiency and conserve energy (such as thermostat settings, filter changes, etc.).” Different kinds of home energy audits: –Blower door testing: to determine home air leakage an evaluation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; an investigation of the home's insulation and building envelope; and an inspection of the home's appliances. –Thermal imaging to determine air leakage, insulation voids, and moisture problems.” New Mexico State University

Energy Auditing Edits Thermal imagingBlower door testing New Mexico State University

ENERGY STAR Labeled Products –40+ products / 1400 manufacturers;, 10-60% more efficient Labeled New Homes –30% more efficient Home Improvement Services –beyond products, ducts / home sealing, whole home retrofits New Mexico State University ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light and uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting, produces 75% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.

IV. Appliances and Home Office It’s not just the tag price –Important: Utility cost, operating cost (e.g. dishwashing liquid) Look for Energy Star label –Use about half the electricity of standard equipment. New Mexico State University

V. Outdoors Strategically planted trees and smart landscaping can save homeowners up to 25 percent on utility bills (Department of Energy) –Shade your roof and windows –Summer daytime air temperatures can be 3°to 6°cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods than in treeless areas But make sure light can get through in the winter so you can take advantage of winter sunlight Outdoor lighting –Energy saving bulbs, solar powered New Mexico State University

VI. Energy Saving Practices Program your thermostat to keep your house comfortably only when you need it. Compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR ® label. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. Plug home electronics into power strips; –turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use –TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F. Take short showers instead of baths. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. New Mexico State University

Tips for Finding a Contractor Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations Look in the Yellow Pages Focus on local companies Look for licensed, insured contractors Get three bids with details in writing Ask about previous experience Check references Check with the Better Business Bureau New Mexico State University