A common mistake found in homes today is not eliminating enough heat out of the attic.  Most HVAC duct work that travels through the attic is oppressed by high temperatures.  Extreme heat builds up in the attic and makes HVAC system work harder to deliver cool air into the rooms.  The passive ventilation systems found in most homes simply can’t get the heat out of the attic fast enough.  Attic Fans are an essential component and an easy and inexpensive solution to improve the efficiency of existing homes.  Best of all, Solar Attic Fan is extremely quiet and requires no electricity to run.  Attic fans are an essential component of any new construction home, and an easy and inexpensive solution to improve the efficiency of existing homes.

Would you like to take home a Solex Attic Fan?  Enter the raffle at Green Expo 2009 for your chance to take home your very own SOLEX Solar Attic Fan provided by, BMC West, Powered by Home Energy Solutions.

ENERGY STAR(tm) was introduced by the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.  Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the enviroment for future generations.  More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses.

Find our more about ENERGY STAR at Green Expo 2009.

1. GRID-TIED: Your home is tied to the existing power grid.  It also has a renewable energy system- solar, wind or a combination.  Power is either used directly at the production or fed back into the power grid, either reversing your meter or supplementing your grid-fed power, if more power is being used than the renewable is producing.
2. STAND-ALONE: Along with solar panels a stand-alone system incorporates batteries and possibly a generator.  Solar panels charge the batteries and provide energy from the batteries as needed.  If required, the battery charge is topped off with the generator.
3. BATTERY-BACKUP: This is a hybrid system that uses both grid-tied and battery storage for times when the power goes out.  These systems provide power for emergency items like the refrigerator, computer, lights or radio.

Find out more about solar system installations at BMC West powered by Home Energy Solutions exhibit on July 25 in Round Rock at Green Expo 2009.

SAN ANTONIO (San Antonio Express-News) - Homeowners, developers, landlords and anyone else wishing to buy energy efficient appliances will be able to purchase them tax-free Memorial Day weekend across Texas. May 23 through 25, taxes will be deducted from Energy Star-qualified appliances.  This will include air conditioners under $6,000, washing machines, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, light bulbs, programmable thermostats and refrigerators priced under $2,000.

The Energy Star label, developed by the Environment Protection Agency, appears on appliances that use less energy or water than the industry standard to operate.

There is no limit on the number of Energy Star appliances that can be purchased tax-free.