1st Choice Energy

Whether you need a replacement HVAC system, new ductwork, improved insulation, an energy analysis or solar screens, 1st Choice Energy offers energy efficiency services for property owners in the greater Austin area. We use our building performance technology and years of experience to assess, understand and then identify where we can improve your home's comfort and efficiency. If you'd like to improve your comfort, save money and conserve energy, we'll make recommendations based on proven building science principles, install those energy efficient upgrades, then help you get the maximum rebate or tax credit at the local and federal levels.

Owner David Malone started 1st Choice Energy to provide specialized services to help his customers reduce energy use, increase efficiency and lessen environmental impact. After completing his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas - Austin, he put his engineering skills to work in improving home performance with well-designed HVAC systems and other energy efficiency services. He is certified with RESNET and ENERGY STAR efficiency programs and is dedicated to helping his customers make their living spaces more comfortable and energy efficient all year long.

Weatherization is an important component to improving your home's energy efficiency and comfort. The goal of weatherization improvement is to seal your home's exterior shell (or "building envelope"), to keep your conditioned air inside and outdoor air outside. To assess what weatherization measures are necessary, 1st Choice Energy will take a whole home approach to assess where air sealing could stop heated or cooled air loss through gaps, cracks or missing insulation. We assess several systems and parts of your home when determining how well your home is performing.

If your heating and cooling system is 10 years old or older, it's probably time to take a look at a high-efficiency residential HVAC system. We take a whole house approach to analyze your usage, your home and your energy costs to design a HVAC system that is sized correctly for top efficiency and comfort. 1st Choice Energy can replace HVAC systems in apartments and multi-family buildings of all sizes and configurations in the Austin area. If you've been heating and cooling for more than a decade in your multifamily building, it's probably time for an energy efficient replacement.

Your home's HVAC is a complete system with many different components that combine to keep you comfortable. At 1st Choice Energy, we take a whole house approach to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are efficient, affordable and keep you cozy all year long. Our HVAC replacement services include heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and mini-split heat pumps. We will analyze your home's unique combination of features using a computer program to determine the proper size for your new HVAC system, as well as any duct replacement or sealing, attic insulation or weatherization improvements.

Solar screens are an effective remedy for homes and multifamily buildings that get too hot when the sun shines its brightest in the summertime. Solar screens offer a number of energy efficiency benefits that cost a lot less than expensive window replacements or other remedies. In the Austin area, your air conditioning costs can be as much as 80% of your overall energy bill. For many homes, the effects of the hot sun and solar gain/heat buildup can make your home hot and uncomfortable. Solar screens offer a way to block the sun's heat without giving up visibility and light.

Your home's ductwork is just as important as the heating or cooling unit to which it's connected. Properly sized and sealed ductwork is key to comfort, indoor air quality and efficient heating and cooling in your Texas home. Ducts contain the "rivers" of heated or cooled air that are distributed to all areas of your home. They can function well if they are are the proper size and are well sealed. If the ducts are too small or leak air, they don't deliver enough valuable hot or cool air to the rooms where it's needed.