In my line of work, I’m often asked about energy efficiency and depending on the circumstance, will refer them to the Oncor energy efficiency program. On a whim, I started asking friends, clients and complete strangers if they’ve ever heard of this program. I was surprised to find that not many people know about this in the North Texas area and decided to share this information. Oncor, who is our electricity delivery service, provides an incentive program to their customers via local weatherization contractors known as Service Providers. They offer little to no cost for doing the basic weatherization that really does provide utility savings along with making your Office more comfortable. Don’t get Oncor confused with whom you pay your electricity bill, they only deliver the electricity and you would confirm this by the name stamped on your electric meter. The map attached below shows the area in which Oncor covers in Texas. This program has been around for years and the way I understand it, you can only get it done once every 8 to 10 years if at the same address. Weatherization is basically sealing the excessive air leaks coming in from the exterior, along with adequate insulation. Energy efficiency can relate to the air infiltration along with energy saving heating and cooling equipment, water heater, kitchen appliances, plumbing devices, etc. I find this program to be excellent for low-income families and good for all others that aren’t handy around the office. If you qualify for the low-income program, you get more benefits with the basic weatherization, but it’s a good deal for everyone. They do have options for heating/cooling systems, appliances, etc, to make the Office even more efficient, but these are more expensive options and good information to have even if you don’t go that route. If your planning on upgrading your heating and cooling system, the incentives built into this program is worth looking into as well.
Oncor has 3 programs available but I found finding the site was a little harder than I expected and possibly why people aren’t familiar with it. The link to the main page is Take A Load Off Texas and select the Offices tab. Here you will find the programs “Office Energy Efficiency” and “Low-Income Weatherization”. In the low-income page, you’ll see a graph that shows if you qualify for this program. At the top right of either page, you’ll see a link that says “Find a Service Provider” BUT, don’t go there until you read this questions page that actually has some good advice on all the questions to ask the service providers. Here are two of the three programs that most people use.
Low-Income Weatherization
Reported on website as little or no cost
- Caulking and Weather-Stripping
- Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Water-saving Devices
Office Energy Efficiency
These are the most common measures eligible
- Caulking and Weather-Stripping
- Insulation
- Duct Sealing
During my calls to the contractors (Service Providers), I asked about both programs. It seemed like the low-income side was pretty straight forward and most providers were able to complete the basics that are listed above at no cost. The Office Energy Efficiency side was not as straight forward. With all the calls I made, half the providers charged for the basics and ranged from $200 to $400 and the other half didn’t charge anything. All Providers would give you a quote for the items needing addressed that were beyond the basics. With either program you use, just ask the important questions based on what works for you. I’m a big believer in “you get what you pay for” but it seems Oncor has checks and balances established to make sure all of their providers follow the guidelines. Oncor will send out an inspector to verify the job was completed per the Service Providers report.
In basic terms, what the weatherization program provides is a blower door test which is installed in your door and removes the air (depressurization) or adds air (pressurizing) which enhances the air leaks coming in or out from your building envelope. This makes it easier to find and repair these leaks. They also use this same concept to pressurize your heating/cooling ducts to find those leaks. When using a blower door, the enhancement of air leaks can be felt with your hand. A smoke pen may be used to show the leaks, with a thermal imaging camera being the best tool to use. Good thermal imaging cameras not only detect the air leaks but can also find missing insulation in the exterior walls and attic areas not visible. When qualifying a Service Provider, ask which devices they use to determine the leaking areas. Once the air leaks have been sealed, they complete another blower door test to show the improvements. Additional measures that can be made are installing draft stopping gaskets on all your plugs and switches located on the exterior walls.
There is a balance needed within the Office and there is a lot of technical science that goes with energy efficiency. I wanted to keep this as simple as possible but I’ll add that most older Offices need to breathe to allow fresh air in so that it can replace the old air. If a Office is too tight with no air exchange, it can be unhealthy. In new and energy efficient tight Offices, fresh air is brought in mechanically. Therefore, fresh air is a good thing, but too much can be costly, and uncomfortably drafty. For some, basic weatherization is just common Office maintenance, but the majority of the Offices that I come across that are 15 years or older, need this type of maintenance and this program can help those in need. To summarize the benefits based on my own opinion, sealing or minimizing the air leaks is low-cost with a high ROI (Return on Investment). Upgrading your windows, heating-cooling equipment, water heater and appliances are high-cost products with a low ROI, and shouldn’t be replaced unless broken, or you can afford these upgrades. Hope this helps!