Desert LivingDesert Lessons

Learn how you can lower the electric billof your Maryvale home by following

three simple steps

MARYVALE SAVE ENERGY, BE GREEN &SAVE YOUR GREEN

DEVELOPED BY

for

MARYVALE

The Power of Energy and Your Home

1. Find it...Many of the homes in your Maryvaleneighborhood are 35 years old or older. Theseolder homes may have some problems thatare increasing your electric bill every month.Some of the most common problems that areincreasing your energy bill are:

1. Leaky and unshaded windows2. Poor insulation on your block walls3. Old and outdated air conditioning equipment4. Electronic equipment that is plugged in when not in use, and still using electricity5. Old air conditioning flex ducts

So let’s find the problems!!!

Become a home energy detective by:

• Finding every leaky window• Touching your interior walls and feeling if they are warm• Finding plugged-in appliances not in use• Calling an air conditioning specialist

Solving some of those issues are alot easier than you think and not that

expensive to fix.

2. Fix it...Windows without shades can increase your electric bill between 10% to 20%, while together leaky and unshaded windows can almost double your bill every month. Hot walls can make your home feel too warm and make your air conditioning unit work beyond its capacity. These problems can more than double yournormal electric bill. Some families end up paying over $300 a month just for electricity.

What you can do

1. WINDOWSShut, Caulk, Cover. These simplesteps will help your windows bemuch more efficient. Make sure allwindows close perfectly. Caulk thejoint between the window frameand the wall. Install a shade orplant a tree in front of it.

2. POOR INSULATIONThis can be an expensive fix.However, planting shrubs andtrees along hot block walls is avery affordable and efficient way ofcooling your walls all summer long.

3. NEW UPDATED UNITSChanging your air conditioningunit can save you money whileproviding better comfort.

4. NOT USING IT?Turn off or unplug electronics andelectrical appliances that are notin use.

5. OLD AIR CONDITIONING DUCTSHave a specialist check your rigid andflexible air conditioning ducts. Theymay need to be replaced.

3. Enjoy it...Your Maryvale home can be almost as energy efficient as a new home. Masonry block walls offer many benefits that wood frame construction does not, helping your house stay cooler in the summer time and warmer in the winter.

Your typical $1,300 to $1,800 annual energy billcan be reduced by 10% to 30% following thesesteps:

• Go to your local hardware store. Window canopiescan be purchased for less than $100 for a 40”window. A caulking tube costs less than $5, which isenough to seal a single 4X5 foot single window

• Trees can be found at your local nursery. A fastgrowing, drought tolerant 15 gallon mesquite can bepurchased for about $55

• Changing your old incandescent bulbs for new CFLs (see this brochure’s front cover) will decrease your lighting bill by 60%

• The City of Phoenix offers multiple programs to help home rehabilitation or weatherization if you qualify. Contact the City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department at 602.495.0700 for more information

Save Energy, Be Green and Save Your Green!