HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergyNewsletterMore than ever, people are talking about energy, its
rising cost, and how to conserve it. Set to Save is a
unique partnership that offers Palm Desert residents
and businesses a chance to take part in a pioneering
effort to cut energy usage while saving money.
Conceived and designed to be a groundbreaking
model for California’s utilities and
cities to follow, the Palm Desert Partnership
Demonstration Project teams the City
of Palm Desert with Southern
California Edison, Southern California
Gas Company, and The Energy Coalition
as partners in this aggressive conservation
campaign.
The program is designed to empower
the community to save money and energy
by reducing energy consumption and
peak demand within the City by 30%
(adjusted for growth) within five years
through education, added financial
incentives, new technologies and
services, and a variety of community-
wide efforts to heighten awareness and participation
by Palm Desert residents.
With this innovative program, the City of Palm
Desert and its partners offer you a chance to do more
than just talk about this important issue – now you can
take action.
Palm Desert residents and businesses can take
advantage of thousands of dollars in cash incentives by
replacing old heating, ventilation, air conditioning,
lighting, refrigeration, and pool pumping equipment
with new, more energy efficient models.
Energy savings from the early replacement of
inefficient residential air conditioners
alone is conservatively estimated at 4.8
million kilowatt hours per year. That
is enough to supply the annual electricity
needs of more than 695 California
households.
Keep reading this special edition
of the BrightSide to discover the many
ways you can save money and energy
by participating in Set to Save rebates
and programs. In addition, you will
find many, no-hassle tips on how to
conserve electricity and gas at home
and work.
It’s easy to
participate.
For a complete list of
rebates and program
details, just contact Palm
Desert’s Office of Energy
Management.
Get involved and help
Palm Desert lead the way to
a more energy efficient and
environmentally friendly future.
Get ready – Get Set To Save.
It’s Your City Look what’s on the BrightSide...inside!
Get Ready, Get set to save
Winter 2007
What’s Inside
Central A/C Rebates
Up to $1,000
Retire Early and Save
Sealed Ducts
Mean Big Bucks
In the Zone
Getting Started
Awnings
and Window Film –
Money Made
in the Shade
Pump Up the Savings
Energy Tips
for Home & Office
Reduce Peak Load
a publication
of the
City of Palm Desert
S P E C I A L E N E R G Y E D I T I O N
!
Palm Desert Energy Partnership:
Palm Desert Office of Energy Management
73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200-A
Phone: 837-0287
Visit online: www.cityofpalmdesert.org
and click on “Set to Save Energy Partnership”
SERVICES INCENTIVES
SERVICE REBATES DESCRIPTION REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
DUCT $100 Duct testing checks for leakage in your heating, Invoice with printout of test results.
TESTING ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. If test reveals sealing is required,
The contractor must provide a printout of your home’s sealing must be performed.
test results for rebate eligibility. You can apply for
this rebate with or without applying for central
air conditioning replacement.
DUCT $500 Sealing ducts increases the efficiency of your HVAC Invoice with printout of test results,
SEALING system. If a duct test indicates a leakage of 20% or before and after.
more, you can apply for the duct seal rebate if the
leakage has been reduced by at least 50%.
ZONING $500 – 2 zones Increase HVAC efficiency by directing airflow away Detailed description included on
$750 – 3 zones from unoccupied areas of your home using a zoning invoice, specifying the equipment
$1,000 – 4 or system. Zoning employs contractor-installed dampers installed and the number of zones.
more zones and controls to regulate airflow. Note: Zoning is not
having two or more central air conditioning units focused
on different areas of the home.
MAINTENANCE $150 Keeping your HVAC system properly maintained could Minimum 3-Year Contract
CONTRACT save a significant amount of energy and trouble. To be Contract is signed by owner/
eligible for this rebate, sign a minimum three-year resident. Contract specifies
agreement with a qualified C-20 contractor. The contract address and timeframe.
must specify your address and the contract’s term.
! !T P
Air Conditioners
Set thermostat to 78°F
or higher when at home.
Set at 85°F or turn off
when away.
Install a programmable
thermostat to automatically
regulate your home’s
temperature.
The City of Palm Desert
Southern California Edison
The Energy Coalition
Southern CaliforniaGas Company
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING INCENTIVES
EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT REBATES A/C $1,400 REQUIRED TIER REQUIRED REBATE LIMIT DOCUMENTATION EFFICIENCIES (MINIMUMS)
SUPER HIGH SEER 17 $1,000 There is a $1,400 rebate limit for Coil and condenser model
PERFORMANCE (2-speed compressor) every air conditioning system numbers on invoice can be
or EER 14 installed in your home. matched to performance
Homeowners replacing more than data in CEE database
2 SEER 15 and EER 12.5 $600 one system could be eligible for (www.ceehvacdirectory.org).
more money. Rebate eligibility Documentation is also available
is at the discretion of Southern from the manufacturer.
1 SEER 14 and EER 12 $300 California Edison.
Obtain a manufacturer data sheet or a performance printout from the CEE database (www.ceehvacdirectory.org)
to find out what level rebate your air conditioner qualifies for. Ensure that the contractor provides this
and includes manufacturer model numbers for the installed products.
EARLY Verify that equipment $300 Older air conditioners do not Verification by SCE Inspector
RETIREMENT is fully operational. perform at their designed level that unit is:
Call 1-800-736-4777 of efficiency. For your system to
for more information qualify for early retirement, you must: 1) Fully operational/replacement
or to schedule was not required.
a verification 1) Have evidence that your existing
appointment. system is fully operational and 2) You must also install a new
does not need replacement. central air conditioning
system qualifying for one
2) Replace your old unit with a of the above tiers. Your
new system that meets the application must be received
Tier 1, Tier 2, or Super High within six months of the
Performance Criteria. verification date.
Maximum rebate total per system is $1,400.
Set To Save offers a wide variety of energy efficiency
rebates and incentives to help you save energy and money.
The best way to get started is to take an energy
survey. Palm Desert residents can visit the Southern
California Edison (SCE) website at www.sce.com/survey
and take a personalized online energy survey of
their home.
Small business owners can conduct an online energy
survey by going to www.sce.com/_CustomerView/
SmallBusiness/.
Be sure to have a copy of your electric bill handy, as
the survey will ask you for your account number. SCE’s
online surveys utilize
a customer’s service
account number to
tie into their energy
usage history and
provide energy
saving tips tailored
specifically to them.
After completing the approximately 15-minute
survey, the computer performs its calculations, detailing
energy use and how much has been spent on items such
as air conditioning, appliances, lighting, and pool
operation. Mail-in and telephone surveys are also
available from SCE for those without Internet access.
Customers unable to take an energy survey can
contact the City’s new Office of Energy Management and
schedule an appointment for a personal in-home energy
survey. The technician will inspect the home and discuss
potential energy saving measures with the resident.
The technician also will provide a list of contractors
who can install the recommended measures and financial
institutions that can assist with funding.
The Office of Energy Management is located at
73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200-A, Palm Desert.
For more information go to www.cityofpalmdesert.org
and click on “Set to Save Energy Partnership” or call the
Office of Energy Management at 837-0287.
Getting Started
set to save
!Swimming Pools
Consider purchasing
a solar pool cover.
When purchasing new pool
equipment, look for energy
efficient pump and motor
combinations.
Filter during off-peak hours
before 11 a.m.
and after 6 p.m.
Do not run the filter
longer than required.
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!
HOME IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVES
PRODUCT REBATE/UNIT DESCRIPTION
SHADE COVERS $20/ linear ft. Dramatically reduce the heat that comes into your home by installing shade covers and
AND AWNINGS awnings over west, south, and east-facing windows. North-facing window awnings
and trellis style shade covers are not eligible.
WINDOW $.75/ sq. ft. Cut sunshine generated heat further with window film. West, south, and east-facing
FILM windows with clear, single-pane glass are eligible for a window film rebate. Film must have
at least a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
of less than 0.39 or of less than 0.47 with a visible transmittance/SHGC ratio of greater than
1.3. If you installed the window film, you must provide copies of receipts for materials,
window dimensions, and the specification sheet that came with the film.
ENERGY STAR® $75/ unit A list of qualifying models is available at www.sce.com. Click on “Rebates & Savings,”
QUALIFIED ROOM ($25/ unit “Residential,” “Heating & Cooling,” “Energy Star® Qualified Air Conditioner.”
AIR CONDITIONER if purchased at
Point-of-Sale*)
VARIABLE SPEED $500/ unit Reduce the energy cost of operating your pool pump up to 90%. Single-speed and
POOL PUMP two-speed pumps do not qualify. Installed pump must have a controller enabling you to
program the model to function at different speeds at different times. Pumps used solely
for spas, boosters, or fountains are not eligible.
*An on-site verification of the product(s) purchased and installed may be required before the rebate is paid.
Air Conditioners
® Set thermostat to 78°F or higher when
at home. Set at 85°F or turn off when away.
® Save up to 20% of cooling costs by
purchasing a new energy efficient air
conditioner or evaporative cooler.
® Save up to 25% on cooling and heating
costs by installing/upgrading insulation.
® Have air ducts tested for leaks and then
sealed to save an additional 5% to 20%
on cooling and heating costs.
® Install a programmable thermostat
to automatically regulate your home’s
temperature.
® Save up to 5% on
cooling and heating
costs by caulking and
weather stripping
drafty doors and windows.
® Clean and inspect air
conditioner filter regularly.
® In summer, close window coverings to
keep sun out.
® Install and use ceiling fans to stay cool.
® Open windows at night to let cool air in.
Heaters
®
Save up to 20% on
heating costs by
lowering your
thermostat by 3 to 5
degrees. Turn furnace
off when not at home.
® Purchase a new energy efficient gas
furnace with a high Annual Fuel Utilization
Efficiency (AFUE) or an Energy Star® label*.
® Keep furnace tuned up with regular
maintenance.
® Save up to 2% on heating costs by
cleaning or replacing furnace filter regularly.
® In winter open window coverings during
the day to let sun in.
Water Heaters
® Lower the thermostat setting and save up
to 15% on water heating costs.
® Take shorter, cooler showers, which can
account for more than half of hot
water usage.
® Save up to 10% on water heating costs
by installing low-flow showerheads.
® Insulate exterior uncovered hot water pipes.
® Save up to 10% of hot water costs by
washing full laundry loads in cold water.
® Only run the dishwasher
when full.
® Fix leaky faucets.
One drop of hot water
per second can waste
2,500 gallons per year.
® Buy an energy efficient gas water heater
with a high Energy Factor (EF) rating.
Installing a .60 EF 40 gallon water heater
can save up to 10% on water heating costs.
® Consider purchasing an Energy Star®
clothes washer. These models use up to
50% less water and energy per load.
Lights
® Turn off lights when you
leave a room, or when
they are not in use.
® Replace incandescent
light bulbs with compact
fluorescent light bulbs.
Energy Star® compact
fluorescent bulbs can
reduce lighting costs up to 75%.
® Use low wattage light bulbs wherever
possible.
® Install dimmer switches on indoor lighting.
® Install timers, motion
sensors, or photocells
to ensure exterior
lights turn off at the
appropriate time.
® Install more efficient
Energy Star® outdoor
light fixtures.
Refrigerators
® Unplug and recycle your extra refrigerator
or freezer.
® Save up to 50% on refrigeration costs by
replacing your old refrigerator with a new
energy efficient model.
® Clean and vacuum coils twice a year.
Clothes Dryers
® Always dry full
loads. Never
over dry.
® Line dry clothes
whenever possible.
® Clean lint filter before each load.
® Save up to 50% on operating costs by
switching from an electric to a gas dryer.
® Ensure the dryer’s outside moisture exhaust
is open and operating properly. Remove
lint buildup.
Pools and Spas
® Save up to 50% on operation by keeping
pool and spa covered when not in use.
® Consider purchasing a solar pool cover.
® Install a timer to pre-set heating hours.
® When purchasing new pool equipment,
look for energy efficient, variable speed
pump and motor
combinations.
® Filter during off-peak
hours before 11 a.m.
and after 6 p.m.
Do not run the filter
longer than required.
® Reduce pool heater temperature setting.
*Energy Star® – Co-managed by
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department
of Energy, the Energy Star®
program helps consumers identify the most
energy efficient products on the market.
Save Energy And Money At HomeChecklist
Summer Season
® Before season starts, have a qualified
technician test, clean, and adjust your
air conditioning equipment.
® Perform routine maintenance
including replacing dirty air filters,
cleaning intake screens, condenser coils,
supply registers, and return grills.
® Keep programmable thermostats set to
turn air conditioning on 30 minutes
before people arrive and 30 to 60
minutes before they leave. Set them no
lower than 78°F during occupied periods.
® Shade windows, doors,
and skylights with
awnings, sunscreens,
and blinds.
® Shut off exhaust fans
when the rooms they
serve are unoccupied
unless health codes
require constant ventilation.
® Turn off air conditioning when not
needed.
® Remember for budgeting purposes that
the price of a kilowatt-hour of electricity
might be higher in summer than in winter.
Daylight Saving Time
® Adjust timer controls and programmable
thermostats to adjust for Daylight Saving
Time.
® Check all lighting timers to be sure they
are turning interior and exterior lights
on and off at proper times.
Before Closing on Weekends, Holidays,
or Two or More Days
® Lower thermostats for heating or
air conditioning. Each degree can adjust
cooling and heating energy use by
about 5%.
® Turn off circulating pump if your water
heating system includes one.
® Turn off all lights except for safety and
security lighting.
® Turn off all unused office equipment
including computers, monitors, printers,
copiers, fax machines, and scanners.
Winter Season
® Before season starts, have a qualified
technician test, clean, and adjust your
heating equipment.
® Perform routine maintenance including
replacing dirty air filters, cleaning intake
screens, condenser coils, supply registers,
and return grills.
® Check thermostat accuracy.
® Identify and repair leaky or disconnected
ducts.
® Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and
other openings.
® Keep programmable thermostats set to
turn heating on 30 minutes before people
arrive and off 30 to 60 minutes before
they leave. Set thermostats no higher
than 68°F during occupied periods.
® Close curtains, shades, and blinds at night
and during unoccupied periods to help
your building retain heat. Keep window
coverings open on sunny days.
® Gradually decrease the temperature
setting if occupants feel some areas are
too warm.
All Year
Save money by following recommended
maintenance schedules for equipment.
Properly maintained equipment operates
more efficiently and lasts longer. Create a
master calendar for preventive maintenance.
® Update maintenance master calendar as
you add or replace equipment.
® Replace old equipment with more energy
efficient models. Set To Save and the
utility companies offer incentives and
rebates to help businesses do this.
Timely Tips Help Businesses Save Too
The City of Palm Desert
Southern California Edison
The Energy Coalition
Southern CaliforniaGas Company
For a complete list of Set To Save rebates and
incentives that will help your business save
money and energy, contact the Palm Desert
Office of Energy Management at 73-710
Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200-A. Call 837-0287
or visit online at www.cityofpalmdesert.org
and click on “Set to Save Energy Partnership.”
Checklist
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
It’s Your City Look what’s on the BrightSide...inside!
!Lights
Replace incandescent
light bulbs with
compact fluorescent
light bulbs. Energy Star®
compact fluorescent
bulbs can reduce lighting
costs up to 75%.
Use low wattage
light bulbs wherever
possible.
!T P
phone 760/ 346-0611
fax 760/ 340-0574
e-mail:
info@ci.palm-desert.ca.us
Web sites:
www.palm-desert.org
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
n
Richard S. Kelly
Mayor
Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Ferguson
Cindy Finerty
Robert A. Spiegel
n
Increased demand for electricity during peak hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., strains the power grid’s ability
to supply electricity. This demand can lead to rolling brown-outs – a temporary loss of power with
little or no notice.
Peak load control is a smart, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way for people to help
alleviate this problem simply by modifying their behavior.
There are many simple things that businesses and residents can do to reduce their peak electricity
usage; doing laundry and washing dishes during off-peak hours such as mornings, nights, and
weekends. Installing a thermostat and setting it at a higher temperature or turning it off completely
when not at home during daylight hours can also make a big difference.
As part of Set To Save, the City's goals include reducing peak load within Palm Desert by 30%,
adjusted for growth, within five years.
Reducing peak energy use helps ensure reliable and
affordable electricity for everyone, minimizing the need for
new power plants and the pollution they produce. It is much
cheaper and easier to create a “negawatt” of reduced energy
demand than to generate a megawatt of electricity.
Peak load reduction is good for people and for the
environment we all share.
For more information, contact the Palm Desert Office
of Energy Management at 73-710 Fred Waring Drive,
Suite 200-A. Call 837-0287 or visit online at
www.cityofpalmdesert.org and click on
“Set to Save Energy Partnership.”
You Can Help Reduce Peak Load