New Energy-efficient AC system
RUUD Air Conditioning Systems
 Today's AC systems are much more energy efficient than older models with higher SEER ratings and Energy Star performance. We replaced the Jones family's older, less efficient system with a RUUD R410A 2-stage cooling system, a 2-stage variable speed gas furnace and a RUUD ARI matched evaporator coil. The RUUD system was chosen for it's high SEER and EER ratings and its record of efficiency. This RUUD system will provide the ultimate in indoor comfort.
www.ruudac.com |
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Professional HVAC design and installation
HVAC Direct To You
 The design and installation of A/C equipment is crucial to its performance. Gary Parr's HVAC Direct To You of Houston provided the Manual J analysis of the home to determine the proper sizing. Then the system was designed to maximize air distribution and maximum efficiency. HVAC Direct to You specializes in designing, engineering and installing energy efficient comfort systems.
www.hvacdirecttoyou.com
281-253-8231 |
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Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Simonton Windows
 The windows in the Jones family home were replaced with vinyl windows custom made by Simonton. Selected for their energy efficiency features, the windows meet the .30/.30 energy tax credit qualifications set forth by the U.S. government.  The windows feature tan vinyl, brushed nickel hardware and Energy Star qualified glass packages. Simonton has been ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine.
www.simonton.com |
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Professional Window installation
Norandex Building Materials
The Hightower Company
 The vinyl replacement windows were handled by Norandex Building Material Distribution. Norandex is trusted by top builders, remodelers and contractors nationwide for unsurpassed exterior building materials products. The windows were installed by the Hightower Company of Houston with 26 years of commercial and residential window sales and service.
www.norandex.com
713-691-4111
The Hightower Company
281-326-5174 |
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Home Energy Audit
Direct Energy
 The project began with a comprehensive Home Energy Audit from Direct Energy. A Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) certified expert from Direct Energy reviewed the home's attributes and deficiencies, appliance information and energy usage history. They performed tests such as blower door and duct blaster tests to produce an energy score for the home. The Home Energy Audit showed the importance of the attic renovation and how the AC system and windows would impact overall energy use.
www.directenergy.com/audityourenergy
888-411-3690 |
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Attic Renovation
Kool-Attics
 Kool-Attics of Houston improved the 3 key components of an energy efficient attic; ventilation, insulation and radiant barrier. Michael Warren from Kool-Attics studied the current attic conditions and installed an Attic Breeze solar attic fan to get the air moving. Insulation was augmented to R38. A radiant barrier from Heatbloc was applied. Kool-Attics is a family owned and operated business that treats customers' homes as if it were their own. It is fully insured and bonded with certified, well-trained installers.
www.kool-attics.com
281-398-9688 |
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Solar Roof Vents
Attic Breeze
 Installation of solar attic fans minimize the amount of heat entering the home through the attic and reduce the attic temperature. The Attic Breeze solar attic fan is an environmentally friendly and economical solution to the sun's heat penetrating the home insulation. Plus, you don't use additional electricity! A cooler attic means a more efficient HVAC system and less heat infiltrating the living space.
www.atticbreeze.net
877-288-4234 |
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Radiant Barrier
Heat Bloc Ultra
 The HeatBloc Ultra radiant barrier blocks the sun's heat from entering the attic. Heatbloc Ultra has the highest emissivity rating of any liquid product on the market today. Liquid proved to be the best product for this home due to its ability to cover the attic roof area and its low VOC's. HeatBloc Ultra is an economical way to retrofit a radiant barrier since it may be safely applied in enclosed areas at a low cost. Michael Warren at Kool Attics is a preferred installer of Heatbloc radiant barriers in the Houston area.
www.heatbloc.net
866-403-4328 |
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Hard start for the AC system
The 5-2-1 Compressor Saver
 This device acts like a surge protector for the AC system. It provides a slight boost at the compressor's start up when it uses the most electricity. A typical compressor will start over 6,000 times during a normal cooling system. The 5-2-1 Compressor Saver is approved by all manufacturers and recommended by Gary Parr. The 5-2-1 Compressor Saver will minimize the electricity usage in the Jones family home and extend the life of the new compressor. Ask your AC contractor to install a 5-2-1 Compressor Saver.
www.five-two-one.com
305-691-7768 |
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Tankless Water Heater
RUUD Tankless
Ruud Tankless water heaters combine new technology and functionality in an innovative way to heat water. Studies show that tankless systems can save 50% or more of cost of heating water. Plus, tankless water heaters provide a continuous flow of low cost hot water whenever and wherever you need it.
www.ruudtankless.com |
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Tankless Water Heater Installation
The Hot Water Guys
 Professional installation of tankless systems ise critical to maintenance free performance. The master plumbers at the Hot Water Guys specialize in tankless water heater installation and service. They service all brands of tankless systems and are the Houston leaders in tankless technology. The Jones family is enjoying endless hot water!
www.hotwaterguys.com
832-673-0909 |
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Swimming pool equipment updated
Miller Pools
 Michael Miller replaced the old pump with a new Pentair VS-SVRS variable speed pump that will save 50% or more on electricity costs. Filtration was improved with a new Pentair filter and the Suntouch Automatic Controller will help maximize performance. The new equipment allowed Miller to clear and sanitize the green water within 48 hours without having to drain or refill the pool. Thanks to Pentair Pool Products, Platinum Pools, the Backyard Bay Radio Show and Michael Miller from Miller Pools!
www.millerpools.com
713-944-4444 |
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Energy Monitors
Onset Computer Corporation
 The Jones family home is being monitored by HOBO® Data Loggers from Onset Computer Corporation. Sensors placed throughout the home monitor temperature, humidity, energy usage and run time. This system allows us to see exactly how much energy is being used, where its being saved and how the individual improvements impacted the overall energy reduction.
www.onsetcomp.com |
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Duct System Replacement
M&M Manufacturing
 The most efficient HVAC systems feature sheet-metal ducts from M&M Manufacturing. Sheet metal ducts typically cost more than other options but tests have consistently shown that it is the most energy-efficient material for air distribution. Headquartered in Dallas, M&M Manufacturing has a 50 year history of quality sheet-metal products, ducts and fittings including the new DucTite factory sealed duct fittings.
www.mmmfg.com |
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Duct Sealants
Hardcast
 Reports have shown that 30% or more of HVAC efficiency is lost through leaky ducts. Professionals like Gary Parr choose Hardcast duct sealants for the exceptionally tight seal and years of durability. Hardcast is the most energy efficient way to seal ducts and keep conditioned air from escaping into the attic.
www.hardcast.com |
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Seal the Attic Opening
Rhe Energy Guardian® Kit
 We stopped the hot dusty attic air from entering the home by sealing the opening with The Energy Guardian® Kit from ESS Energy Products. It's an expanded Polystyrene hatch that covers the attic stairway opening. The high R-value will keep the hot air out of the upstairs hallway and seal a major source of cool air escaping through the attic.
www.essnrg.com |
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Thermostat, Media Filter and UV Light
Honeywell
 Programmable thermostats help lower energy costs by reducing the cooling when it's not needed. Media filters and UV lights provide a healthier indoor environment. More than 100 million households around the world trust Honeywell to create efficient, safe, comfortable indoor environments.
www.honeywell.com |
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Duct Insulation
Knauf
 Our thanks to Knauf for providing insulation for the exterior of the air conditioning ducts. Not only will the Friendly Feel Duct Wrap reduce the energy consumption and the efficiency of the AC system, it will make the system quieter as well.
www.knaufusa.com |
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Our thanks to Amy Davis and Local 2 for their coverage of the Energy Savings Makeover. Here are the links to the latest stories.
