Save Money & Energy

KPUB Energy Saving Tips

As a community-owned, not-for-profit utility company, finding solutions that help our customers save money is important to us. If your electric bill is suddenly higher than it used to be, you need to find the source of the problem. Remember—the less energy you use, the more money you save!

U.S. households need energy to power numerous home devices and equipment, but on average, heating and cooling equipment accounts for half of a home’s energy use, followed by water heating equipment, large appliances and electronic devices and lighting. 

Source: Energy Star

    Where Does Your Home Energy Dollars Go
    The weather can have a huge impact on your electricity usage here in the Hill Country, and for most of our customers, it’s the single biggest factor affecting your bill. The summers are long and hot while the winters can be wildly unpredictable with at least a few long cold snaps.

    Luckily, there are things you can do year-round to save electricity, and money, through the hottest summer and the coldest winter. Click the button below for year-round and seasonal energy saving tips from our experts here at KPUB.

    Online Energy Assessment

    Have you ever wondered which electronics and appliances in your home are using the most electricity? KPUB’s NEW home energy calculator can break down how many kilowatt-hours your television, washing machine, dryer and HVAC unit are using. The answer might surprise you, and once armed with this information, could make you a smarter energy customer.

    Click the image below to get started with your online energy assessment today!

    Energy calculator

    KPUB Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

    As a not-for-profit utility company, helping our customers save energy and money is important to us!

    Whether you’re looking to replace an inefficient air conditioner or improve your home’s insulation, our KPUB Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers a variety of ways to help you save.

    Please note that these rebates apply only to home improvement or retrofit projects (new construction does not apply). Applications and installation must be made within the fiscal year program dates.

    Additionally, you must meet all the eligibility terms and conditions listed on the application.

    Questions? We are happy to help. Please contact us at 830.257.3050 or [email protected].

    Central Air Conditioner, Central Heat Pump and Ductless Mini<br />
Splits

    Central Air Conditioner, Central Heat Pump and Ductless Mini Splits

    Half of the average household’s energy costs are for heating and cooling—which means replacing an old or inefficient unit with an efficient model can make a significant impact on your energy bill. In short, more cooling and heating for less money and energy!

    Rebate maximum: $900

    Requirements: To qualify for rebates all units must be at least 15.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER, 8.5 HSPF. Existing system information must be filled in completely to quality for rebate, i.e. existing mfg., existing model existing serial number. Applications must be complete and signed by account holder and include a copy of contractor’s invoice and AHRI certificate. AHRI certificates may be found on
    https://www.ahridirectory.org.

    Rebates are tiered for equipment that has higher efficiency levels than the minimum. These rebates apply to home improvement or retrofit projects only. In order to qualify for rebates, all HVAC equipment must be installed by an HVAC contractor licensed within the State of Texas, with the exception of mini splits. Model and serial number(s) for each inside and outside unit must be included on the invoice.

    Attic Insulation Upgrade

    Attic Insulation Upgrade

    Is your home properly insulated? A well-sealed and insulated attic can make a real difference in your energy bills and how comfortable your home is. Insulation is essential for sealing in the warmth during winter and blocking out hot air in the summer.

    Older houses may be using very old or low-quality insulation, or they may have had their insulation improperly installed. As a general rule, the longer a house has been standing, the more likely it is that your insulation has been compromised and needs to be replaced.

    Rebate: $0.20 per sq ft • Rebate maximum: $300

    Requirements: Attic insulation must be installed between conditioned (air-conditioned living area below ceiling) and unconditioned areas (attic) to qualify. Final insulation must be at least R-38 and existing attic insulation must be no greater than R-14. Degradation due to age and density of the existing insulation should be taken into account. All insulation must be new materials and have R-Value stated on the packaging material. Garages and other non-living areas do not qualify.

    Square footage measurements will be verified against Kerr County property tax records, or inspected by a KPUB employee. Applications must be signed by the Account Holder. Attach an itemized and dated invoice from the contractor (include existing R-value and ending R-value, type and square feet) along with your application form. Installation not performed by a contractor will be subject to KPUB inspection to validate requirements are met. Submission of one photo showing the entire attic floor and one close-up photo of a ruler that shows the measurement of the depth of the insulation before and after is required for
    installation validation.

    Heat Pump Water Heater

    Heat Pump Water Heater

    Heat pump water heaters are energy-efficient alternatives to conventional electric or gas water heaters. They work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the water stored in the tank. This is achieved with a refrigeration cycle; it’s similar to how heat pumps operate for space heating and cooling. The heat pump extracts heat from the ambient air and transfers it to the refrigerant, which then heats the water in the tank.

    By using heat from the environment rather than relying solely on electrical resistance heating, heat pump water heaters can deliver hot water more efficiently, resulting in reduced energy consumption and cost savings.

    Rebate: $300 per unit • Rebate maximum: $600

    Requirements: New or replacement heat pump water heaters are eligible. Installation must be performed by a contractor and is subject to KPUB inspection to validate that requirements are met. Applications must be signed by the account holder. Attach an itemized and dated invoice from the contractor and equipment specifications along with your application form.

    Smart Thermostat

    Smart Thermostat

    A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that automatically adjusts the temperature settings in your home, helping you use less energy and save more money. It creates a home heating and cooling schedule that changes to energy-saving temperatures when you’re asleep or away. Smart thermostats help identify patterns in your energy usage, providing valuable insights that can lower your electric bill.

    Rebate: $25 per thermostat • Rebate maximum: $50

    Requirements: Applications must be signed by the account holder. Attach an itemized and dated invoice from the contractor. Device must be installed at the location associated with account. Thermostats must be programmable and Wi-Fi capable to be eligible. A Wi-Fi connection must be present with the device connected at the time of inspection to be eligible. Installation not performed by a contractor will be subject to KPUB inspection to validate that requirements are met.

    Window Replacement:

    Window Replacement

    Improve the comfort of your home year-round by installing energy-efficient windows. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. (source. Energy.gov).

    Efficient windows can help seal in cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter, reducing your monthly bill and helping you save long-term.

    Rebate: $2.00 sq ft • Rebate maximum: $500

    Requirements: Windows must be new and installed per the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Windows must have a U-Factor of less than or equal to 0.35 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of less than or equal to 0.25. Windows must be National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rated. Garages and other non-living areas do not qualify. This rebate does not apply to new construction. KPUB reserves the right to inspect all windows to verify completion and efficiency ratings.

    Invoices must include the following information: Window manufacturer, model, size, U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGC) for each window installed. Applications must be signed by the account holder. Attach an itemized and dated invoice from the contractor along with your application form and supporting documents.

    Window Unit Replacement:

    Window Unit Replacement

    ENERGY STAR window air conditioners use up to 15% less energy than conventional models. Get back up to $25 on a new, ENERGY STAR certified window A/C unit.

    Rebate: $25 per unit • Rebate maximum: $100

    Requirements: In order to qualify for rebates, all equipment must be listed as an ENERGY STAR-rated piece of equipment. Documentation must include model and serial number(s) for each unit.

    Rebates are for equipment replacement only and must be a one-for-one replacement. Applications must be
    complete, signed by an account holder and include proof the equipment is ENERGY STAR rated. 

    SmartHub App

    SmartHub is a web and mobile app that allows you
    to do business with KPUB like never before
    SmartHub App Phone