The serious drought this summer affected our lives in many ways.
We all tried our best to keep our grass green, or at least hoped the roots are still alive so they would come back next year.. We watered trees and bushes of course.
But did you remember to water your foudation??
I have been seeing properties with cracked soil/ground around their foundations.
A friend of mine just inquired about it today!
Well it already had happened, you can fill the cracked ground with top soil so you amend the existing clay soil. Start watering around your foundation to keep moisture. Automatic sprinkler systems make your job easier, but you can hose around foundation.
Lastly, do not forget we are still in Stage 2 restriction in Austin.
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/stage2wateringrestrictions2011.htm
Hope we get through this drought soon.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Energy Audit by City of Austin
As a part of energy conservation strategy, City of Austin implemented the new ordinance back in 2009.
This required home sellers to go through an energy efficiency inspection.
Is this really helping to conserve energy? Did it really make it more difficult to buy or sell properties like people were afraid at the beginning?
Reports are about 9 pages. It does outline conditions on your HVAC systems, air ducts, windows, and insulation's, but I just can not say this is beneficial for residents. Generally home owners do not need to be warned unless you have some real reasons to be worried about.
The cost is about $150 per AC unit.
You will need to order an audit if
1. You live in Austin and receive electric service through Austin Energy,
2. Your home is more than 10 years old
You may be exempted from this audit if you have upgraded your home and received rebates from the city. Exemptions are listed below.
http://www.austinenergy.com/about%20us/environmental%20initiatives/ordinance/exemptionList.pdf
Again you do not need to be scared if you own an older home. Instead, you may consider some of the beneficial upgrades if it is time to changes out.
City offers evaluation of your homes. City also has rebate programs if you upgrade your AC systems, hot water heaters, insulation and etc.
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Rebates/index.htm
See another page for more programs the City offers.
Good luck!
This required home sellers to go through an energy efficiency inspection.
Is this really helping to conserve energy? Did it really make it more difficult to buy or sell properties like people were afraid at the beginning?
Reports are about 9 pages. It does outline conditions on your HVAC systems, air ducts, windows, and insulation's, but I just can not say this is beneficial for residents. Generally home owners do not need to be warned unless you have some real reasons to be worried about.
The cost is about $150 per AC unit.
You will need to order an audit if
1. You live in Austin and receive electric service through Austin Energy,
2. Your home is more than 10 years old
You may be exempted from this audit if you have upgraded your home and received rebates from the city. Exemptions are listed below.
http://www.austinenergy.com/about%20us/environmental%20initiatives/ordinance/exemptionList.pdf
Again you do not need to be scared if you own an older home. Instead, you may consider some of the beneficial upgrades if it is time to changes out.
City offers evaluation of your homes. City also has rebate programs if you upgrade your AC systems, hot water heaters, insulation and etc.
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Rebates/index.htm
See another page for more programs the City offers.
Good luck!
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