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Energy Audit
TexasWi$e
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Residential
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TexasWi$e

For more information about these TexasWi$e
Residential programs, call KPUB @ 257-3050 or 1-800-257-2883. Click
on the links below for more information.
PowerHouse
Education Program
Residential Energy Audits
Weatherization
Powerhouse
Education Program
The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) sponsors the POWERHOUSE
education program. This TexasWi$e program is conducted in
the local junior-high schools. Center Point ISD, Ingram ISD, and
Peterson Middle School in Kerrville are currently participating.
Students are provided access to computers, printers and software
designed to teach the benefits of energy conservation. The classes
also reinforce basic science, physics and energy classes. Designed
to complement 7th grade curriculum, the POWERHOUSE program
discusses the production, transmission and distribution of electricity
from the power plant to the consumer. Differing sources of electricity
are explored and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
Students use an energy audit worksheet to investigate
their own home. Different aspects of the home are evaluated including:
heating and cooling, water heating, lighting, recreational activities,
water usage and transportation energy. Students can then determine
their families' energy usage pattern and can target areas to be
reduced. After collecting data at home, students use the computers
to model an energy simulation of their house. Students can then
see the effects of changes in usage habits or improvements to the
home. As stewards of the environment, students learn that conserving
energy helps to preserve and protect natural resources.
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Residential
Energy Audits
The Kerrville Public Utility Board can help reduce your electric
bill with a residential energy audit. This TexasWi$e program
is a free service to our residential customers. A KPUB representative
will inspect your home and with a written report, make recommendations
for improving the energy efficiency of the home. All aspects of
the home are evaluated. Residential energy audits will be scheduled
during normal business hours according to staff availability. KPUB
staff does not make repairs to customer's equipment. An energy audit
can be a valuable tool to help you understand your energy usage
and resulting bill.
Some of the items inspected are:
Air Conditioning:
The number one energy consumer in the typical home is the heating
and air conditioning system. Changing filters and using economical
thermostat settings will save money!
Attic Insulation:
Recommended: R-38, approximately 12". Additional insulation
can be added to existing insulation to save money.
Attic Ventilation:
Allows summertime heat to escape; reduces heat load on the house,
ductwork and extends shingle life. Most homes need more ventilation.
Water Heating:
Lower thermostat settings to 120° F. Wrap exposed pipes and
add a blanket to the tank.
Air Infiltration:
Seal drafty doors and windows with weather-stripping and caulking.
Install double pane windows and treat with tinting or Low-E coating
to reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss.
Lighting:
Replace incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient florescent
bulbs. Compact florescent lamps are now available for regular light
sockets and save 50 to 75% of lighting costs.
Appliances:
Cleaning the coil under the refrigerator will help it run cooler
and more efficiently. Disconnect the power first!
Miscellaneous:
Outside equipment, well pumps & aerobic-type septic pumps, can
often be overlooked as they are seldom visible and can significantly
affect the bill.
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WEATHERIZATION
Program
The Kerrville Public Utility Board sponsors a WEATHERIZATION program
each fall. This TexasWi$e program is designed to assist customers
in lowering their utility bills by increasing the energy efficiency
of their homes. This program is aimed at our elderly, low income
or handicapped customers. The program aims at reducing heat loss
in the winter but also reduces summer cooling loads
The Weatherization program is funded by KPUB and is free to
selected customers. All applicants to the program receive
an energy audit to help identify areas of air infiltration.
The homes selected will have additional attic insulation installed
as they usually have little to no existing insulation. Caulking
and weather-stripping are installed to reduce energy wasting drafts.
KPUB has been assisted by several insulation contractors in providing
materials and/or labor to install the new insulation.
This successful program has benefited over one hundred homes for
KPUB customers. If you are a KPUB customer and own your own home,
you may qualify for the WEATHERIZATION program. Call for more information
or fill
out application online.
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