As the seasons change, it's important to ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient. Weatherizing your home can not only improve your comfort but also lead to significant savings on your energy bills. For Texans, there are several programs and simple practices available to help reduce monthly energy costs through effective home improvements.
Key Programs to Know
Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)
AACOG offers a weatherization assistance program that includes:
- Insulating attics, walls, and floors
- Installing solar screens Replacing window AC units
- Weather-stripping, caulking, and other measures to reduce air leaks
While the program doesn't cover major home repairs, it helps enhance your home's thermal efficiency, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Casa Verde
CPS Energy’s Casa Verde program provides free energy efficiency improvements for qualifying low-income homeowners and renters, including:
- Insulating attics and walls
- Sealing air leaks
- Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs
- Sealing ducts Installing solar screens
Casa Verde plans to invest $82.5 million to weatherize up to 16,000 homes and 20,000 multifamily units over the next three to five years.
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU)
NBU offers rebates and resources for updating appliances and HVAC systems. More information is available on their website.
Design Roofing & General Contractors
For those not eligible for funded programs, Design Roofing & General Contractors provide roof repairs and replacements through financing or insurance. They also offer free roof inspections.
Additional Resources
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
TDHCA runs the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program helps low-income households lower energy costs through:
- Caulking and weather-stripping
- Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors
- Repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems
Home Weatherization Tips from TDHCA
- Run dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night.
- Replace HVAC filters monthly.
- Adjust thermostats to lower settings in winter and higher in summer when away or sleeping.
- Use water-saving shower heads.
- Close drapes or blinds and lock windows to reduce drafts.
- Upgrade to Energy Star appliances.
- Insulate water pipes.
- Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer; turn off fans when leaving a room.
By utilizing these programs and tips, Texans can enhance their home's comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
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Guzman, Thalia. “Home Weatherization Resources You Need To Know.” Community Impact, Community Impact, 18 June 2024, communityimpact.com/san-antonio/new-braunfels/real-estate/2024/06/18/home-weatherization-resources-you-need-to-know?utm_campaign=Impact%3A+Round+Rock&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ZpHCvrNBgtbyz-PqN_zaCohoA0Vff2VkcgVRcQiFpxIaCYP15C8peqLuu57VkK4_hBVb0QM1Q-vJhukFNBuAtHyrBXQ&_hsmi=314559605&utm_content=314559605&utm_source=hs_email.
