What you need to know
Alamo Area Council of Governments
AACOG’s weatherization assistance program can cover attic, wall and floor insulation replacement or repairs, solar screen installation, removing and replacing of window AC units, weather-stripping, caulking, and other air infiltration reduction measures.
Although the program does not address major home repairs, it can help lower the amount of energy used in a home by enhancing the structure’s thermal boundary, ultimately helping a home stay warm in the colder months and cold in the warmer months, according to AACOG officials.
Casa Verde
CPS Energy’s Casa Verde weatherization program assists low-income qualifying homeowners and renters to reduce energy loss and costs with free energy efficiency improvements. The Casa Verde program covers upgrades such as attic insulation, wall insulation, air-sealing, replacement of incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, duct-sealing and solar screen installation. Applicants who meet the requirements are assigned a contractor who will schedule the installation of all possible energy efficiency upgrades to homes within program guidelines.
CPS Energy plans to invest $82.5 million in Casa Verde to weatherize up to 16,000 homes and 20,000 multifamily units over the next three to five years as part of the Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan that took effect August 2022.
New Braunfels Utilities
NBU offers a number of rebate programs and resources when updating appliances and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A variety of resources can be found on their website.
Design Roofing & General Contractors
For homeowners who don't qualify for funded programs, Design Roofing & General Contractors offer roof restoration, repairs and replacements through financing or homeowners insurance. The company also provides free roof inspections.
“Proper roof insulation and reflective shingles for homeowners are cost-efficient on their electric bill, says Adrian Guerra, managing partner.
More to know
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs operates the Weatherization Assistance Program with funds from the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The is designed to help low income customers control their energy costs through installation of weatherization materials and education. The WAP is administered through subrecipients, which collectively cover all 254 counties in Texas. The work consists of caulking, weather-stripping, ceiling, wall, and floor insulation, hole patching, duct work, and repair or replacement of energy inefficient heating and cooling systems.
Home weatherization tips provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs include:
- Use dishwashers, washers and dryers at night.
- Replace filters in heating and cooling systems on a monthly basis.
- Adjust the thermostat to slightly lower temperatures in the winter and slightly higher temperatures in the summer when your family is sleeping or away from the home.
- Use conservation shower heads to eliminate hot water waste.
- Close drapes or blinds and lock windows to ensure a tight seal.
- Replace old appliances with new energy efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label.
- Add insulation to water pipes.
- Check the direction of ceiling fans: in the winter, set fans to move air downward (counterclockwise); in the summer, set fans to move air upward (clockwise). When not in the room, turn off the fan. Fans only move air, which feels good when you are in the room. However, leaving a fan on when not present only adds heat from the fan motor and uses additional energy.
