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Austin Leads in Residential Efficiency in 2017

November 20, 2018

Every year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration posts an annual benchmark report of all-electric utilities in the U.S. The Final data from the 2017 EIA-861 is now posted. It has mostly good news for Austin Energy (AE) and our city’s energy efficiency. Average Residential consumption continues to be profoundly low for AE. This is in all likelihood because of its conservation programs, building codes, green building program, and progressive rate structure. Austin Energy is part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, which supplies about 90% of the state’s electric load. Only

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The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance

November 10, 2018

If you live in the Austin Metro area, you know you need your furnace in the winter months. Doing regular maintenance on your heating systems can make sure your home stays warm and your heating system works at peak efficiency. Peace of Mind The licensed professionals at Totally Cool can provide you with peace of mind: Your system works when you need it Efficient systems use less energy and can reduce your electric or gas bills Regular maintenance means an efficient system Reduce leaks Find small issues

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The Importance of Weatherization

September 29, 2018

Weatherization describes a series of strategies designed to protect the indoor environment from the potential negative effects of outdoor elements. This is an extremely important way for home and business owners to keep utility costs low by maximizing energy efficiency. Without weatherization, other energy-saving measures won’t be nearly as effective and may even fail. For instance, having a brand new energy-efficient furnace may not result in lowered utility bills if the household heat is all going out through drafty windows and doors or seeping out through inadequate insulation or up through an uninsulated attic. Not only does

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What is NATE Certified?

August 30, 2018

When it comes to heating and cooling systems in your home only the best technicians and the best company are right. It is important that when choosing a company to work on your HVAC system that you look for the NATE certification. It is also important to understand what NATE means and what this certification denotes. What Does NATE Stand for? NATE stands for the North American Technician Excellence certification. This is a certification that is handed out to those technicians that seek the certification and know enough about HVAC systems and operations that they are

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How Can I Save Money on Energy Bills in the Summer?

August 15, 2018

It’s no secret that energy bills can get quite steep during the summer months. One of the main factors contributing to that is air conditioning and cooling energy efficiency. But there are definitely some key ways to save money on those hot-weather energy bills. Turn Up the Thermostat One simple way to save on energy usage is by turning up the temperature on your home’s thermostat. Even increasing the temperature by a couple of degrees, such as from 76 to 78, can make a difference. Keep the Shades Closed During the day

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Tips to Extend the Life Expectancy of Your Air Conditioner

July 31, 2018

Like every machine, air conditioners and their components eventually need replacement. Even so, there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespans and prevent problems during their years of operation. Here are some tips from Totally Cool, an authorized Lennox dealer: Get Regular Tune-Ups Modern air conditioning systems need to be properly adjusted to deliver their best energy efficiency and to prevent problems. A poorly-tuned system suffers from more friction and general wear than one that is looked after on a regular basis. In general, it’s a good idea to have

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Are Air Filtration Systems Worth It?

July 24, 2018

Is it worth it to install an air filtration system in your Austin home? The brief answer is yes because when it comes to survival, clean air is just as important as the water you drink and the food you eat. Unfortunately, many people live their life without the appropriate type of air filtration system in their home, which may have an effect on your physical well-being. Clean air is especially beneficial for those who suffer from allergies and/or other respiratory problems. If you aren’t sure if an air filtration system is beneficial for your home, here are a few

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Should I Keep my AC on “Auto” or “On”

June 25, 2018

Almost all heating and cooling systems in Austin have a thermostat that can be used to control the heating separate from the cooling functions. When you want to use the system to heat the house, you use the control buttons to set it to heat. If you want to cool the house, you use the buttons to set it the cooling option. There is also an option to set the fan to “on.” And a lot of people get confused as to whether or not it’s best to leave the fan on or off. Pros and Cons

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The Importance of Rebate and Loan Programs

June 15, 2018

Your air conditioning system is one of the most important parts of your home during the hot summer months. It can help make even the greatest heat bearable and can help make your home comfortable all year long. For those that have an air conditioning unit in their home, it is well known that the cost of repairing or replacing these systems can be very high. Loan Programs There are some ways that you can help cut the cost of keeping your air conditioning system running and replacing it as needed. The first are loan programs.

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Starting April 1 2018, CO Detectors Will Be Required In Almost All Austin Homes

April 4, 2018

In order to improve safety & reduce risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, Austin City Council adopted an ordinance with an effective date of April 1, 2018, requiring all homes in Austin to be outfitted with a CO detector if they meet the following requirements: There is a gas or fuel-burning appliance in the home (e.g. gas stove, gas dryer, fireplace, gas-powered furnace, etc.) The home is directly connected to a garage (i.e. there is a door leading to garage from kitchen or through a utility room) Follow this Austin Board of

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