After the hot, dry summer we’ve had here in Denton, I’ve been wondering – what is the best way to keep my grass green without wasting water?

Have you heard about the free irrigation audits Denton Municipal Electric offers to customers?

Designed specifically for home and business owners who use automatic sprinkler systems, the irrigation audit offers personalized information on how to keep your lawn lush while saving water. Our certified auditor checks each zone of your system looking at how often and for how long the system is set to run. The auditor also checks water pressure at the sprinkler head and takes a soil sample to determine root depth.

The auditor uses this comprehensive information in conjunction with specialized irrigation software to determine the best watering schedule for your lawn. For instance, some customers may learn that a longer, less frequent watering schedule is a better use of water.

Best of all, these audits are completely free.  Call (940) 349-7137 to set up your irrigation audit.

On Saturday,  January 15th, the Solid Waste Department introduced the Square District Solid Waste & Recycling Pilot Program to merchants and residents around the Denton square.  The pilot program was implemented to achieve some of the goals set forth in the Downtown Implementation Plan; to introduce on-site recycling without significantly increasing amount of containers and to locate containers to meet the needs of merchants while trying to maximize parking.   Solid Waste also must determine rates for shared trash and recycling service.

Clearly marked commingled and cardboard recycling containers have been installed on Austin, Cedar, Mulberry, Pecan, and Walnut streets, while reducing the amount of trash containers.  Throughout the pilot program, Solid Waste staff is monitoring service levels, collecting weight and volume data, and providing feedback to merchants.

In week one, 90 percent trash, and 10 percent recycling were collected, by weight.   At week seven, the results were 70 percent trash, and 30 percent recycling, by weight.

Recycling collections have been doubled, while many of the trash container collections have been reduced, showing a great improvement in a very short amount of time!  The City of Denton is very excited to see the enthusiasm of the businesses, and their dedication to making this recycling program work.  The City’s goal is to educate businesses and residents, so together they can divert all recyclables generated in the Square District from the Landfill.

The pilot program will end September 30th. For more information, please contact
Nancy Herod, at (940) 349-8027 or by email at Nancy.Herod@cityofdenton.com.

I live in an apartment. Since I’m renting, I’m not interested in spending money to make the place more energy efficient. Are there ways to reduce my electric bill without spending any money?

You can take significant steps to lower your utility bills without investing any money. For instance, I’m sure you know to turn out lights when you leave a room.

But did you know that your computer, TV, and other electronic equipment can still use energy even when they are “off?” You might expect that pushing the power button would have the same effect as unplugging the device. Instead, it often puts your device in a standby mode, helping it to power up quickly next time you turn it on.

The best way to ensure that a device isn’t using any energy is to unplug it. Try using a power strip to easily shut multiple devices off without having to unplug each one. Some common culprits include: TVs, Cell phone chargers, Laptop and desktop computers, Printers, Gaming consoles, and DVD players.

By unplugging these devices when they aren’t in use, you can save money and make your home more energy efficient without spending a dime. See www.dmepower.com for more energy-saving resources.

If you have a question about energy-efficiency, ask the Energy Expert by visiting www.dmepower.com

Are there any home efficiency projects that are easier or cheaper to do now than in the summer?

Here in Texas, it’s natural to start thinking about energy-efficiency when temperatures and energy bills start to rise. But by getting an early start on your efficiency projects, you can often save time, effort, and money.

Spring is a great time to get up in your attic to add insulation, put in energy efficient lighting, or install an exhaust fan. Attic temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees in the summer, which can make projects longer and more difficult. By completing projects in the attic while the weather is mild, you can save yourself a difficult task in the summer.

Completing your energy-efficiency projects early can also save money. Some contractors offer discounted rates in the spring compared to summer rates. Better deals may also be available on new and used equipment such as energy efficient dehumidifiers and air conditioners. And of course, when you make your home more efficient in the spring, you can enjoy the savings and comfort all summer long.

If you have a question about energy-efficiency, ask the Energy Expert by visiting www.dmepower.com

On December 6, 2010 the  DCTA and DART jointly hosted the “Countdown to Connectivity,” the official kick-off event to count down the days to the opening of DCTA’s new 21-mile A-train regional rail service, which will connect with DART’s Green Line at their Trinity Mills station. The event began at DCTA’s newly completed Hebron Station in Lewisville where DCTA board and staff, elected officials, chamber representatives, and school children boarded the A-train for a four mile trip to DART’s brand new Trinity Mills station where they were greeted by DART board and staff, City of Carrollton officials and Green Line passengers.

“This was a historic day for all of North Texas, as we began to officially count the days to the A-train opening, connecting Denton. Lewisville, Highland Village, Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas via passenger rail, while also addressing our region’s transportation challenges and mobility issues by enhancing air quality, preserving energy resources and expanding transportation options,” said Charles Emery, DCTA Board Chairman and member of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC).

Slated for completion in mid-June 2011, the A-train will connect residents and visitors to Denton County from both Dallas and Tarrant counties via a regional rail system. Construction began on the $314 million project in April 2009. In addition to construction of the 21-mile rail line, the A-train project includes five new rail stations, a bicycle/pedestrian trail, a regional rail operations and maintenance facility and a new generation rail vehicle to be delivered in 2012.

As the agency transitions from rail construction to planning for rail operations, DCTA has worked diligently with local community leaders and interested citizens to prepare for the opening of the A-train. This preparation has included the creation of a new fare structure, the implementation of bus route changes to connect with the new rail stations and the adoption of A-train service levels and hours of operation.  In November 2010, the DCTA board announced that it would honor citizen requests and launch a pilot program during the first year of rail operations to include service on Saturdays and later service on Friday nights.

Denton County residents have been anxiously awaiting the launch since DCTA’s creation in 2002. The recent strategic decisions and preparations made by DCTA illustrate that the A-train is one-step closer to reality.  As construction nears completion, as station canopies are installed and the last pieces of rail are laid, DCTA hopes that you will join them on the countdown to connectivity.  Six months to go!

I’m thinking of installing solar panels on my home to help lower my utility bill. Is this something that you recommend?

Installing solar panels is big step toward making your home more efficient. Relatively few homes in Denton have solar panels, though evidence suggests they are growing in popularity. As long you complete the necessary research, these systems can be a great asset to your home.

Denton Municipal Electric (DME) offers rebates for photovoltaic solar systems through its GreenSense Energy Efficiency Rebate program. Through this program, DME offers up to $15,000 to help offset the cost of buying and installing solar. So far, 10 residents have installed systems using the GreenSense program. Significant federal rebates are also available for installing solar panels.

Even when you consider the rebates available, installing solar panels is expensive. Expect to spend around $30,000 before rebates for a mid-sized system (around 3KW). With this cost in mind, it’s important to know if other energy-efficiency improvements can be made that will have a shorter payback. You may find that it’s more effective to seal your air ducts or add more attic insulation before you install solar panels. Think of solar as the final step in making your home more efficient.

Visit www.dmepower.com to ask the Energy Expert a question or to learn more about GreenSense Energy Efficiency Rebates.