ENERGY COMPANY’S REQUEST RATE HIKES

TXU Energy aims to increase electricity prices 24 percent by January, its largest increase ever as Texans face higher bills for all kinds of energy. About half of the increase would go into effect by early November. TXU said it was responding to record prices for natural gas, a key fuel used to generate power.

The PUC staff recommended approval of applications by TXU, Reliant Energy, WTU Retail Energy and CPL Retail Energy. TXU asked for a 24 percent increase for North Texas by January, with half of the increase coming in November.

The increase would push the average North Texas electricity bill in January to $150 from $110 last year, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. TXU's last price increase was in May.

Question: Should I run my pool pump as long in the winter as I do in the summer?

A: No. Your pool can be cut back about 1/3 the summer rate in the winter. In fact you might even consider running it at night. Many of us have freeze protectors on our pools which have our pumps running on cold nights. Why not use that time to clean the pool and filter the water. Saving the electricity bill from unneeded running of the pumps.

Question: My Electricity Bills are outrageous, what can I do?

A: Every home and family is different. There is no one answer for everyone. We provide a Energy Audit Service, in which we look at your specific situation and provide suggestions based on your household uses and needs. We look at appliances, lighting, insulation, windows, and equipment. Programmable thermostats and CFL lighting are a great way to save money. Call us and schedule us to come and look at your home.

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RADIANT BARRIER

Conventional fiberglass insulation has almost no ability to block radiant heat energy which can account for as much as 93% of summer heat gain and up to 75% of winter heat loss. These products are only designed to slow down conduction heat energy. Mass insulation is only designed to absorb, slow down and transfer radiant energy.

A radiant barrier reflects radiant energy (heat) back towards its source (usually reflecting back over 95%). Without a radiant barrier, an natural transfer of heat from warm objects to cooler objects occurs. A radiant barrier when placed between a warm environment and a cooler environment will alter the systems thermodynamics by interrupting the transfer of heat to the cooler environment.

If you are only relying on an R-valued material to insulate against radiant heat gain/loss remember, these types of insulation are not designed to stop the radiant energy like a high quality radiant barrier. Radiant Barrier, if properly applied, will increase comfort levels and lower utility costs by reducing heat loss or gain, as well as, increase the efficiency and energy consumption of equipment. 

Call and have us give you an idea of how radiant barrier can save you money on your energy bills

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Thermal Loss is Money Loss!

Do you know where you are loosing energy in your home?

Let us do a Energy Audit on your home to help you find out.

Thermal Rise over San Antonio

This was taken recently while performing a commercial inspection on the San Antonio River walk.

Infrared Technology is shows amazing things