How Much Can You Save with AlabamaWISE and TVA Energy Right

Ioanna FotopoulouAlabama WISE

Alabama households spend the second highest percentage of income on home energy expenses even though electric rates are low. (ACEEE 2013) The AlabamaWISE community energy program is a trusted resource to help homeowners find the best HVAC, insulation and window contractors in north Alabama.

AlabamaWISE has 3 easy steps to help you to take control of energy costs.

Step 1 estimates how much energy your home is wasting and how much you can save with energy efficient air conditioning, heat pump, insulation and energy star appliances in about five minutes using the free TVA home energy widget from the Energy Right program. Homeowners in select counties will also receive a free energy report and conservation kit from TVA that includes:

  • Two compact fluorescent light bulbs – to replace old energy-wasting light bulbs.
  • Outlet and light switch gaskets – to seal air leaks.
  • Filter whistle – to remind you when it’s time to replace the HVAC filter.
  • Two faucet aerators – to save water and energy.
  • Hot water temperature gauge – to prevent scalding and energy waste from hot water heating.
  • Home thermometer – to measure indoor room comfort.
  • “How to Save” brochure

This offer is open to residents of the Tennessee Valley served by TVA and local distributors of TVA power.

TVA Home Energy tool evaluates your home’s existing condition based on the following components for a home’s energy related systems: Enclosure, HVAC Systems, Appliances, Lighting and Electronics. The following home improvements will save money when upgraded by participating AlabamaWISE contractors.

Enclosure

  1. Type of Foundation – Do you have a basement, crawlspace or pier & beam?
  2. Foundation Insulation – Is the floor or foundation insulated?
  3. Wall Insulation – Are the walls completely filled with insulation or little/no insulation?
  4. Windows – Are they single pane, single pane with storm, double pane, or high efficiency low e?
  5. Shading of WIndows – Are there awnings or trees shading direct summer sun?
  6. Drafts – Does your home feel drafty? The best time to judge is on a windy day – can you feel air movement as you hear the wind gusts outside?
  7. Attic Insulation – Look in your attic – If there is insulation, can you see the ceiling framing or are they fully covered by fiberglass or cellulose?
  8. Roof – Most folks have a typical asphalt roof, other options are reflective or cool roof, or radiant barrier.

HVAC Systems

  1. Fuel – Does your heating/cooling use electric, natural gas, oil, propane, or dual fuel electric/gas?
  2. Type of Heating System – Is the primary source of heat inside your home baseboard electric, electric furnace, heat-pump over 5 years old, or a new heat pump?
  3. Secondary Heat – Do you use space heaters, fireplace or other heat sources?
  4. Air Conditioners – Do you have central air conditioning, a through-wall unit, window unit, or no air conditioning?
  5. Temperature Settings – Do you set indoor temperature at 68 degrees during heating season and 78 degrees during cooling season? Do you have a programmable thermostat?
  6. Type of Ducts – Do you have a duct system in your attic or crawl space? Is it “Flex” duct, “Hard” metal without insulation, Insulated hard metal or duct board?

APPLIANCES

  1. Clothes Dryer and Fuel – Is it electric, natural gas, or propane system?
  2. Cooking Fuel – Is your stove electric, natural gas, or propane?
  3. Water Heater Type and Fuel – Is it a tank type or tankless instant water heater using electric, natural gas, fuel oil, or propane?
  4. Refrigerator – Age and type, Is it an Energy Star labeled appliance?
  5. Second Refrigerator/Freezer — Do you have a second refrigerator or freezer (often in garage)?

LIGHTING and Plug Load

  1. How much lighting do you use? Do you light the house up or turn them off when not used?
  2. Mix of high efficiency (CFL, LED) lighting? – Is it mostly standard, a mix with high efficiency, or mostly high efficiency?
  3. Plug Load – How much electronics, computers, entertainment do you have in the home?
  4. Showers – How long are showers taken. Do you have low flow shower heads?

Visit AlabamaWISE Step 1 now to see how much you can save with energy efficient home improvements.

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