Monday,
October 24 is AACOG Weatherization Day. AACOG is sponsoring an energy
symposium on October 24 in recognition of all the wonderful weatherization
work that is performed throughout the region.
The symposium is called, "An Afternoon
Symposium: Promoting Energy Efficient Housing." Mr. Al J. Notzon III,
AACOG's Executive Director, will be the host/moderator for the event. A
brief presentation on AACOG's Weatherization efforts will be provided.
The symposium will be held at AACOG's Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite
100, from 1:30 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. There is no cost for the symposium,
and the public is invited. Panelists will include: Peggy Colvin with the
Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (focus on the
Weatherization Assistance Program), David Pohler with the U.S. Department
of Housing & Urban Development (focus on HUD's recent efforts to promote
energy efficient housing - public), Daniel Lopez with the Fannie Mae
(focus on Fannie Mae's efforts to promote energy efficient housing, i.e.,
work with VIA Transit). In addition, we plan on having a representative
from City Public Service Energy and a representative from the local
homebuilders. For reservations and/or for more information, please
call 210-362-5211 or 1-800-749-2010.
Energy Tip of the Month: It's
time to start planning for the winter. Here are some fast tips:
* Install a programmable thermostat. This way you
can automatically control the heat when you are not home and overnight
when you are sleeping.
* Check if cold air is getting into your house. If
your house is drafty, you may be in need of insulation. To help stop cold
air from getting into your home you can do the following:
1. Use curtains or drapes. Where windows
face the sun, keep the drapes open in the day, but close all the drapes at
night. Keeping the drapes closed will reduce drafts and you'll reduce
heating costs.
2. Repair windows. Just a small crack can
drive heating bills up! If your window is loose, install weatherstripping.
It keeps cold air out of the house.
3. Install storm windows. Remember to put
them down once winter begins. They pay for themselves by keeping cold air
out and preventing moisture from collecting on the windows.
4. Close storm doors. Seal air leaks by
caulking and weatherstripping doors.
5. Curb fireplace costs. Call a professional
chimney sweep to perform your annual fireplace inspection. Buy "seasoned"
wood which is wood that has been allowed to dry out. Freshly cut wood -
or "green" wood - has too much moisture to burn well. Keep the damper
closed when you aren't using the fireplace. Reduce heat loss when a fire
is lit by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox slightly opeing the
nearest window and closing doors leading to the room with your fireplace.
And, keep a fire extinguisher within reach of the fireplace and flammable
items at least three feet away. (This information was taken from the
2005 Energy Savers Calendar which is a product of Project Energy Savers, a
program of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association.)
Kendall
County - We need you! - The Weatherization Assistance Program is looking
for eligible applicants residing in Kendall County. If you qualify, you
may be eligible to receive free attic, wall and floor insulation,
replacement of your HVAC (heating/cooling) system, space heaters, window
a/c units, gas stove, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and more energy
conservation measures. For more information, please call Rosy Falcon,
Housing Intake Assistant, at 1-800-749-2010 or 210-362-5245.