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May 26, 2011
Village of Oak Park Helps Multi-Family Building Owners Save
In partnership with Energy Impact Illinois, the Village of Oak Park is offering a Small Rental Properties Rehabilitation Loan Program. As a special incentive, the first five buildings to enroll will receive a free energy assessment!
The Village is offering owners of multi-family rental properties with four to seven units in Oak Park up to $5,000 per unit for general property improvements and upgrades to meet housing quality standards and up to $2,500 per unit for energy efficiency upgrades. The $5,000 per unit is offered through zero-percent interest, five-year, forgivable loans, and the $2,500 per unit offered at a 2% interest rate over three years.
Properties cannot be for sale, in foreclosure, or involved in any legal dispute or court action. Units in mixed use buildings must be located on the upper level. CDBG terms and conditions will apply.
For more information, contact the Village at (708) 358-5410 or e-mail housing@oak-park.us
So start $aving money now and schedule your free in home estimate and take back control of those high ultility bills.
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Money $aving Window Tips You Can Use
Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install ENERGY STAR windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the Sun Belt, look into low-e windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%.
If your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e or spectrally selective). In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.
If you decide not to replace your windows, the simpler, less costly measures listed here can improve their performance.
Cold-Climate Window Tips
Cold-Climate Windows Keep Heat In
Double-pane windows with low-e coating on the glass reflect heat back into the room during the winter months.
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You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months as a temporary solution until you replace them. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
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Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
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Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
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Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
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Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weatherstripping at all movable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
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Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.
Warm-Climate Windows Keep Heat Out
In the summertime, the sun shining through your windows heats up the room. Windows with low-e coatings on the glass reflect some of the sunlight, keeping your rooms cooler.
Warm-Climate Window Tips
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Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
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Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
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Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
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Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.
Long-Term Savings Tip
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Installing, high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you. Many window technologies are available that are worth considering.
Efficient windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and low-e coating(s), which are microscopically thin coatings that help keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Shopping Tips for Windows
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Look for the ENERGY STAR label.
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Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.
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High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.
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Remember, the lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.
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Low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.
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In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.
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Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
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Have your windows installed by trained professionals. Be sure they're installed according to manufacturer's instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.
May 27, 2011
$1,850 Rebate for Chicago Homeowners - Act Now For This Very Limited Time Offer!
Air Sealing. It's the most important Energy Efficiency Measure you’ve never heard of. Chicago homeowners can receive up to $1,850 for participating in a Peoples Gas air sealing and insulation program. Properly air sealing a building can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, improve building durability, create a healthier indoor environment and increase the occupants’ comfort level.
The program includes a pre-work inspection and radon test by auditors from CNT Energy, who refer owners to a qualified contractor. The auditors return after the work is completed to ensure airflow reduction targets are met and homeowners are seeing results.
Participants are assessed a $125 fee at the outset, which is refunded after completion of the air sealing. Peoples Gas offers an 85% rebate of the cost of the air sealing itself (up to $1,000). If the home also needs attic insulation added, Peoples Gas will provide a 75% rebate for the cost of the insulation, up to a maximum of $850.
"Where’s the catch?” There isn’t one. Air sealing is a new service for consumers, and Peoples Gas wanted to test it out in a small pilot program.
The pilot is currently accepting applications. The Air Sealing Pilot Program is available only to Peoples Gas and ComEd customers residing within the City of Chicago in homes of 1 or 2 units. For more information or to apply today, visit www.cntenergy.org/buildings/chicagoland-air-sealing-pilot or call (877) 908-9693.
Hurry! This offer is extremely limited and may be withdrawn at any time!
So schedule your free in home estimate and take the first step to $aving money now !!.
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