The basics

Their goals

When the Casanova family began the TXU Energy Power Saver Challenge 2 they gave a lot of thought to where their home needed the most improvement. Their goal was to take as many steps as they could afford, with the TXU Energy allowance of $5,000, to reduce their energy consumption. They considered replacing windows, adding a radiant barrier to the attic and replacing some exterior doors. They also looked at upgrading to ENERGY STAR® appliances. After their initial energy audit, they chose some very different improvements.

Their improvements

• Replaced all light bulbs with CFLs
• Installed new ceiling fan
• Replaced door from garage into house
• Replaced pool timer
• Replaced refrigerator with new ENERGY STAR® model
• Added window tinting
• Added attic insulation – blown-in as well as R19 batting
• Added ridge vents to roof for attic insulation
• Installed Radiant Barrier over living area
• Installed proper venting and insulation for dryer, A/C condensate lines, hot water pipes and water heater
• Sealed all infiltration gaps (windows, doors, electrical outlets, switches, attic and garage attic)
• Scheduled A/C maintenance check including filters
  

Their story

The Casanova family of Plano, Texas includes – Bill, an electrical engineer; Elvy, a nurse for a major insurance company; and their four children: Nicole, who lives in San Francisco; Natalie who lives in Dallas; and living at home, their two sons, Billy, 11 and Joey, 8. The Casanovas also have two Schnauzers, Rudy and Zoe. Bill will tell you that saving energy has always been important to him. He started recycling at a young age (cans, wiring and bike parts) and continues his commitment to recycling by repurposing building materials, recycling paper, glass and cans and by teaching his children to be “conservation-aware”. Like most families, the Casanovas said they need to manage their expenses wisely. “Any types of improvements we’ve made to our home in the past have been reactive as opposed to proactive. But we’ve always made sure when we had to replace something in our home, that it’s the most energy-efficient make or model,” says Bill. They feel that they had only scratched the surface in energy efficiency improvements until they got involved in the TXU Energy Power Saver Challenge 2.