We ve been Green since 1977.

Transcription

1 Energy Services 1

2 We ve been Green since It has long been part of Greenville Utilities practice to promote energy/water savings and advance the use of environmentally responsible energy resources. Essentially, we have been going green for more than 30 years. Since 1977, GUC s Energy Services Office has been a source of helpful information about energy/water conservation. Customers call and visit the office daily for assistance with a variety of energy/water conservation matters from recommending water heater temperature settings to locating air leakage in duct systems. Experienced Energy Services specialists are available at no charge to help you make informed consumer decisions. This brochure provides you with brief descriptions of Energy Services programs available to Greenville Utilities customers. For further information, just call the Energy Services Office at or requests to yakima@guc.com. Contents 3 E Energy Surveys 5 Infrared Imaging 5 Inspection Camera 6 Portable Meter 6 Fuel Cost Comparisons 6 Degree-Days 7 Appliance Energy Efficiency Information 8 Online Information 9 Energy Depot Audit 9 Consulting Services 10 Information Booths 11 Speakers Bureau 11 Booklets & Brochures

3 E-300 Energy Services specialist Jim Rapin Greenville Utilities E-300 award program for residential and light commercial structures sets the standard for energy efficiency in the community. E-300 helps people design and build homes that require the least amount of heating and cooling. E-300 takes a complete systems approach to construction and incorporates the most up-to-date, cost effective technologies, procedures, materials, design and equipment recommendations for building energy-efficient homes in Pitt County. The homes are designed from the ground up to be energy efficient, affordable, clean, quiet, durable and environmentally sound. A study conducted in 2009 by East Carolina University s Department of Engineering determined that homes built under E-300 energy guidelines use significantly less energy than other homes. 3

4 Energy Surveys Energy Services specialist Dan Oglesby GUC offers free Energy Surveys for residential and light commercial structures. Our Energy Services specialists make on-site evaluations, checking for ways customers can lower their energy and water usage. The follow-up written report will enable you to make knowledgeable choices about energy improvements. Energy Services strives to keep up with the newest technology in home audits. We were one of the first in the nation to use blower door technology. A blower door pressurizes or depressurizes the home to pinpoint costly leaks. We also have a duct blaster which detects leaks in duct systems. An energy survey appointment may be made at your convenience by calling the Energy Services Office at or by ing your request to yakima@guc.com. 4

5 Infrared Imaging We also have infrared imaging technology in our energy survey toolbox. Infrared imaging can pinpoint problems by showing heat variations in the area being examined. Used on its own, or in conjunction with the blower door, the infrared imager allows us to identify, evaluate and quantify costly defects in the building s thermal envelope. Inspection Camera New to the energy survey toolbox is the Cen-Tech Inspection Camera. The camera allows for live visual insection of hard-to-access areas. Enery Service specialists can use the camera s flexible tube lens to check areas under refrigerators, within duct work, between walls and behind furniture to easily find, diagnose and solve problems. 5

6 Portable Meter Customers may check the usage of their appliances with Greenville Utilities portable meters. The 120-volt and 220/240-volt meters are available for oneweek loan periods at no charge. Clothes dryers, refrigerator/freezers and window air conditioners may all be metered conveniently in your own home. In consultation with an Energy Services specialist, meter readings are reviewed and customers are advised on ways to reduce operating costs. Fuel Cost Comparisons Cost comparisons are available for various types of fuel such as electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil and kerosene. This service can help you answer the energy question: Which fuels are the most economical? Degree-Days For those customers who record the effect of weather on their energy consumption, Greenville Utilities provides accurate local degree-day information. This information is available for any day, month or year on our website at 6

7 Appliance Energy Efficiency Information Some appliances are more efficient than others. So when it comes time to buy your next appliance, call us first for the energy-efficiency rating. We have information to help you select most home appliances and heating/cooling systems. You can use the information in choosing the following appliances: Refrigerators/Freezers Freezers Dishwashers Clothes Washers Room Air Conditioners Heat Pumps Gas and Electric Water Heaters Heat Pump Water Heaters Gas Furnaces Oil Furnaces Gas and Oil Burners 7

8 8 Online Information

9 You ll find a large collection of energy-saving tips on our website, There are sections for each season, as well as suggestions for ways to save all year. We also have a variety of video tips with easy steps you can take to use less electricity or water and save on your utility bill. Energy Depot Audit Our website also offers Energy Depot, a set of online tools and resources to help customers better understand and manage their energy usage and costs. Energy Depot is a one-stop resource for energy information at Energy Hotline For assistance with any energy-related problems, call our Energy Services Hotline at An Energy Services specialist will be available to answer your questions by telephone or come to your home to offer suggestions in person. Consulting Services Specialists in our Energy Services Office are available for consultations at no charge. Customers may get advice on proper sizing of heating and cooling equipment, new construction, remodeling, and other energy-related matters. 9

10 Energy Services specialist Jonathan Sergeant Information Booths We bring our message to the public several times each year with our mobile displays. Look for us at malls and special trade shows. Energy specialists are always on hand to answer questions and distribute information. 10

11 Speakers Bureau Does your club or group need a speaker? Our energy specialists make hundreds of presentations throughout the year to civic groups, churches, schools, etc. They can even customize their message to your specific needs. To find out more, or to schedule a speaker, call or us at yakima@guc.com. Booklets & Brochures We have a number of informative booklets and brochures on everything from wrapping a water heater to planning a solar home. These informational items are available at no charge. 11

12 Let Us Hear From You We value your opinion and rely on your ideas and suggestions to help us improve our services. Please call the Energy Services Office at , or us at with comments. PO Box 1847 Greenville, NC This brochure is a publication of Greenville Utilities Public Information Office. November 2009