Warm Water

While your HVAC system is one of the largest causes of energy use, there are other areas around your home that can reduce other costs.

Your water heater may also be using an outrageous amount of energy to heat water. Especially since this winter has been so chilly, I'm sure you took your share of warming showers or baths. Think about it - that water was still really warm when it went down the drain. That means that your water heater needed to heat a lot of water - the water that went down the drain, was never used again.

This issue of waste led a Canadian company to come up with an easy-to-install drain/piping system that will convert the heat from the hot water going down the drain, and use it to heat new, clean water coming out of the "hot" tap.

This takes strain off of your hot water heater, because the heated water is being used to heat other water, saving you on energy bills.

Read more about these gadgets to help in your home at: http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2638/74/ or view the EcoDrain Website for more details: http://www.ecodrain.ca/en/

Every little bit helps when you are trying to save energy in your home. The water is completely safe, and it will take a toll off of your water heater. Something to think about at least. Happy showering.

What You Should Know

Especially in this economy, money is important, so when you are looking to make necessary upgrades to your home or business you want to make sure that you are hiring the right person.

How can you be sure that you are hiring a reputable contractor? Don't just take those 6 random numbers on the side of a truck as a "license number" - it is important to protect yourself and your home.

The California State License Board offers some downloadable PDF's and check-off sheets to make the choosing and hiring process more bearable. The original site is here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ And two PDF's that I highly suggest are also available on our website's resource section here: http://www.sinclairair.com/resources/resources.html

Some "quick" things to remember (please also read the brochures - especially if you are looking for a contractor):

1. Contractors should always be able to provide you with a list of references - with at LEAST three names on it. While it may be awkward, it is always a good idea to actually look up these people to see how their experience was with the company. People will more or less be honest with you, and that's a good place to start. If the work is something like a remodel, the contractor should also provide pictures or a sort of portfolio of past work that you can either go see in person, or at least look through at your own convenience (that means without the contractor breathing down your neck). If one or the other is lacking...or if you get any 'gut' feelings, this probably isn't the contractor you should hire.
2. A contractor should also provide you with a written contract. If there are any changes to the original contract, those also need to be put in writing. Please read any and all material BEFORE signing on the dotted line - REGARDLESS of the pressure to do so. If a contractor wants only a 'verbal agreement' it's time to run the other way - and tell all your friends along the way.
3. Don't pay the bill UNTIL you are happy with the work. If something goes wrong, the contractor needs to know, and if it needs to go to arbitration, those steps need to be taken before you are "paid in full."
4. My last tip: COMMON SENSE Common sense, common sense. If it doesn't seem right, IT ISNT. Protect your home and your sanity by taking a couple of extra precautions before hiring a contractor. You won't be sorry.

The PDF's really have some good advice - which I didn't have time to share on the blog - like how to look up if a contractor has had legal action or complaints against them - which is a great idea to know, especially before choosing someone to hire. Plus, the seniors one also has some great information. That brochure should be passed on to elderly friends and relatives. Happy hiring! and GOOD LUCK!

Its going to get HOT!

This summer is going to be HOT!

With all of the anomaly-like weather we have had this year, doesn't it make sense that the summer is going to be 30-40 degrees hotter than normal?

According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, visit for yourself at http://www.cpc.noaa.gov summer 2009, is going to be quite the hot one in Southern California.



What does that mean if you don't have air conditioning in your home? That you are going to be really hot...

What does that mean if your air conditioning system hasn't been serviced this year yet? That it is probably going to "putter" out during the hottest day of the year and you will have family visiting...and no air.

What does that mean if your air conditioner doesn't break down? That it is going to be working over time...and not running efficiently.

How to fix these things?

1. Make sure your air system is serviced before the heat of summer. A qualified technician will ensure that everything is clean, the refrigerant is fully charged, nothing is leaking and/or overflowing, there is no corrosion or build-up and that the electrical and wiring is operating correctly.
2. Run your air conditioner according to the energy star recommendations - set your thermostat to around 75 if you can stand it. Your air system will not cool faster if you crank the numbers down to 60 degrees, so your house will still be the same temperature and your bills will be super high - plus, if your system is correctly sized, if you set your thermostat super low, it will turn off too quickly - before the house is completely (equally) cooled.
3. Make sure your system is up-to-date. If your system was installed in the 1980s or 1990s, it is running at a way lower SEER (efficiency ratio) than units installed today. You want to think about it: If your unit is on all the time (as warranted by 30-40 degrees above normal heat) do you want it to be as efficient as possible? The answer is YES - because that saves you in energy costs. If you run an energy efficient unit, you could save around $40 for every $100 a normal energy bill would come to (meaning you are paying $60 not $100...).

So make sure that you have completely examined your options this summer, before that first energy bill lands on your porch.

UV lights for air cleaning

Americans are growing more conscious about healthy indoor air

and with good reason. Indoor air can be close to 100% more polluted than outdoor air - and since we spend a great deal of our lives...first indoors at schools, then indoors at work...it is important to be breathing safe air.

While larger buildings - such as those that house schools and major corporations have indoor air quality standards that are regulated by the federal government, your home can be just as polluted.

To avoid breathing contaminated air in the home, the heating and cooling industry has developed several ways of dealing with cleaning indoor air. Indoor air quality can be regulated by a couple different means. All air systems use some kind of filter to prevent the re-circulation of dust particles from the home, back into the home through the air conditioning or heating. However, there are different tiers of quality of these filters. The basic filters pretty much catch only large particles.

If the air quality in your home isn't good enough - if family members are having difficulties breathing, or you would like more protection, there are some other filter options. An electrostatic filter catches smaller dust and pollen particles because it has an electric charge running through the filter. These filters are washable, so in three months, you just wash and dry the filter and re-install it.

Filters aside, some homeowners are turning to new air system technology to prevent mold or bacteria in their systems. A popular and up-coming addition to HVAC systems are UV lights placed near the coil or in the duct-work to kill any germs and prevent mold and mildew. For the time being, the cost is a little high (as this is new technology) but the results are so encouraging that with a little more product development, these lights may be common place in houses in a couple of years.

One company, working out of Orland Park, Illinois has already began product development to kill more bacteria and more efficiently utilize the UV lights in a HVAC system. This company is also determined to make their product "green" and avoiding chemicals that might harm the environment. For these reasons, this company is quickly becoming a viable option for homeowners (or businesses looking to comply with EPA standards) to keep their home (or office space) germ free and comfortable.

Source: http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=5812 last access 3/25/09.

Links

At Sinclair Air, we want to educate our customers and keep very current with what is going on in the HVAC industry. As such, our website and our blog are updated often. While we try our best to keep all of the links in working order, occasionally there are mix-ups. If there is every any link to a page that no longer exists on the blog, it is a good idea to just browse our website: www.sinclairair.com because we have easily recognizable categories and you may just find what you were looking for. Also, if you have any questions, there is a question form on the website - or you can always email myself amanda AT sinclairair DOT com. Thank you! Also, when I become aware of links that don't work I fix them as soon as I can. So, while there were previous posts having trouble finding the glossary page - they are now updated and finding everything fine! The English and Spanish tips are also available on their respective posts. So, as far as I know - the blog is now up to date and linked correctly - at least to all the pages that I have control over.

AC efficiency

Okay, so summer is fast approaching! It is time to brush up on the terminology of summer, air conditioning and recent efficiency measurements.

The Federal government has introduced standards for air conditioning and heating because these units require some form of fuel and/or refrigerant. In the past the most common type of refrigerant (that which makes air conditioners pump out cool air) was very harmful to the ozone layer. To combat this and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants, the rating system of SEER came about.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - which is "based on four tests developed by the US Department of Energy. It is measured in Btu's of total annual cooling divided by the energy usage in watt hours."

SEER is usually the number that you will hear referred to most often. The higher the SEER, the more you will save on your energy bills. The lower the SEER, the more energy the unit will use with less cooling output. A lesser known, but equally important number for efficiency ratings is EER.

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. This number is "based on a single test at 95 degree farenheight outdoor temperature. It is the ratio of cooling capacity in Btu's per hour divided by the electrical energy input in watts."

Besides making life more complicated...WHY are there two measurements for efficiency?

Well, SEER complies with Department of Energy requirments and at a certain level, units recieve certification which homeowners can then use to determine their savings. The EER rating is often utilized by energy/electricity companies because the higher the EER, the higher the savings of actual energy watts.

Today, if you are looking at rebate materials from your local energy company, or if you are looking to get a healthy tax break for next year, the requriements are always listed in SEER and EER. Understanding these terms can save you money - especially if you are currently looking for a new unit. The higher the number - the better!

Source: MSI HVAC "Air Conditioner Efficiency Measurements" February, 27, 2009.

Energy Bill Help

If you have recently lost your job and are having trouble making the payments on your energy bills - especially your gas, the Southern California Gas company may be able to help.

For more details on how to qualify as well as complete information, please visit: http://www.socalgas.com/residential/assistance/care/

Basically, this program allows for a 20% savings on residential gas energy bills, through the "CARE" program.

"What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program? The CARE program provides a 20% discount on the monthly gas bill for eligible households. In addition, for those who qualify, and are approved within 90 days of starting new gas service will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge. You will receive your discount once your completed application is approved by The Gas Company.

Households may qualify based on income, or the participation in other programs. You can either apply online or through a mail-in application. If this discount does not apply to you, the Gas Company's website is still a wealth of information. They provide explainations on how to read your bill, where (and why) current gas prices are being charged and even tips to save money on your winter energy bills.

Apartment Energy

So, you live in an apartment and want to save money on your energy bills, but can't talk the landlord into installing a new fridge?

Flex Your Power (www.flexyourpower.org), an energy non-profit based out of Southern California has a recent article that gives 22 low-cost things that you can do to save money in an apartment. Visit their suggestions here: http://www.fypower.org/news/?p=6186 Some of the simple things that they suggest for energy savings are replacing shower heads with low flow versions (and keeping the old shower head) so that you can reattach the old shower head (and take your low flow version onto your next residence). Sealing up cracks and draft-ways are useful in any home. But, being that this residence is less temporary, there are ropes and other temporary solutions that can be added around windows and doors and then removed later. The usual suggestions include setting your thermostat (higher in the summer and lower in the winter) and using blankets in the winter or fans in the summer as well as keeping curtains etc. drawn to keep out the heat of the day. There are many other useful suggestions, like displacing water in your toilet? and changing lightbulbs to CFLS. If you are currently living in an apartment, FYP has some great suggestions that will make a big difference in your energy bills. Also, if you are a homeowner stripped for cash, these temporary fixes might help you out along the way too - but remember these are easy, TEMPORARY fixes, eventually you will need to bunker down and upgrade to more efficient appliances etc.

Question?

Ever had a question about energy use and not known where to go for information?

The aptly named "The Home Energy Saver Answer Desk," here on this site, the Berkeley Laboratories (experts in Energy savings) have brought many of their FAQ pages to a single location so that homeowners can find information on practically any energy question.

Visit them for yourself: http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/answerdesk_dat.html

They highlight questions from how to save energy on your second home to how much savings you can expect from energy star appliances. Here is an interesting Q & A

"What's the single biggest user of electricity in my house? If your house has central air conditioning, the air conditioner will probably be the biggest user by far. Although used only a few months of the year, the annual cost can be much greater than the annual cost of your refrigerator, which is typically the next largest user. In hot climates, the annual air conditioner cost can exceed a thousand dollars. You can get a very rough idea of what your air conditioner is costing you by subtracting the electric portion of your bill in a spring month when you aren't using your air conditioner from the electric portion of the bill in the summer when you do use it. This gives you the monthly cost. Multiply this by the number of months you use your air conditioner to arrive at your approximate annual cost. Refrigerators are typically the largest users in houses without air conditioning or in climates where the air conditioners are used only a few days of the month during the cooling season. If your refrigerator is more than ten years old should consider replacing it. New efficiency standards went into effect in 1992, and older refrigerators are typically two to three times more expensive to run than a new unit. For more information go directly to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's list of most efficient refrigerator-freezers. See our list of typical energy use costs for various appliances and equipment."

Being that your central AC can be the largest energy guzzler in your home (and if not that, your refrigerator) it is important to the bottom line of your energy bills that those appliances are energy star. The higher the SEER on air conditioning units, the more money you can possibly save! What about using heaters to bring that thermostat down? Does it work?

"Should I use portable room heaters to lower my energy bills? With rising energy prices, it's tempting to think about using portable room heaters. It's also worth considering a programmable thermostat, if you don't already have one. If your central heat is electric, you'll almost certainly save money by using portable electric heaters. In fact, part of the savings come because valuable heat isn't being lost in the ducts before it reaches your living area. If your central heat is gas, you might be able to save money by using portable electric heaters, but it's not something to take for granted. Your local energy prices and desired comfort level will determine the answer. Also, a typical central furnace will provide about 20-times as much heat as a portable, depending on its efficiency. Keep in mind that even if the hourly cost of using portable electric heaters is lower than for your furnace, you will be dramatically increasing your home's overall power demand, which contributes to regional power shortages that ultimately can trigger blackouts and price increases. We've put together the following chart to help you find out how much your heating bill could be reduced by using portable electric heaters. To use the chart, follow this four-step process: 1. Find your gas price on the left hand vertical scale and read over to the right until you hit the scale marked "Your Heating Bill." This is the hourly cost of running a 100kBtu/hour central furnace. 2. Next, find your electricity price on the horizontal scale and read upwards until you hit the yellow line corresponding to how many portable heaters you would like have on at one time (one to five). 3. Next read from this point over to the "Your Heating Bill" scale to find the hourly cost of running a typical 1000 Watt portable electric heater. 4. Compare the two hourly operating costs to see which is lower. In the illustrative example provided, a home paying $0.75/therm of gas and $0.25./kWh would save money if using two portable electric units. They would break even using three and would have an increased heating bill for using more than three portable heaters.

So, it all comes down to energy efficiency... This site has a wealth of information in questions and answers. Even if you don't have a question at the moment, it might be a good site to bookmark just in case you ever have questions.

Spring AC action

Source: "5 things to know about buying, caring for central air-conditioning" by Barbara Mahany of the Chicago Tribune - syndicated on dallasnews.com.

Barbara Mahany explains that since it is Spring (in most parts of the country...for as long as the weather cooperates) that it is the perfect time to start thinking about summer air conditioning...and whether or not your present way of managing is going to handle the heat of another summer.

She gives 5 simple things to think about, that will help determine if you should care for your existing unit or prepare for buying a new one.

Her #1 "Montreal Protocol" She discusses what the Montreal Protocol actually is and why it is beginning to affect homeowners. This helps to determine whether or not you need a new unit...or should start thinking about it. Many air conditioners use R-22 (a refrigerant) to help cool down your home. This refrigerant uses a chlorine base and is very harmful to the ozone. As part of the Montreal Protocol it is being phased out. This will begin to affect pricing and availability of a necessary air conditioning component. If you are currently running R-22, you might want to consider whether or not you should upgrade now...or later, because you will eventually be forced to...when prices aren't so favorable.

#2 - "ditch the chlorine" speaks to pretty much what I just explained and goes hand in hand with #1 -however, for information, please peruse her original article (available when clicking the title of this post).

#3 - "how much energy efficiency can you afford" This section examines the higher costs of a more efficient unit compared with the savings from the unit using less energy. Sometimes, if you go for a high/mid level efficiency, your unit can be paid for in reduction of energy bills in a very short time. It is a good idea to talk to a HVAC contractor and see what the pay off ratio is for your unit. You might be surprised, efficiency can save you a lot of money.

#4 & #5 talk about money as well...the suggestion not to "skimp" on the installation and energy efficiency rating if at all possible. The benefits way outweigh the costs.

For more information please visit: www.energystar.gov or read the initial article at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/home/stories/031709dnlivair.1016600.html

And afterall, there is a plethora of information located on our own site: www.sinclairair.com - especially under the information page - FAQ to your heart's content and study some necessary jargon.

Maintenance

It is time to start thinking about the hot summer ahead. Presently, the weather is not too hot, not too cold, just right for Goldilocks to get her air conditioning all checked out and ready to brave the overload of the coming summer. So, Goldilocks calls her licensed HVAC contractor and they send a tech right over. She is then able to take advantage of an efficient system and spends the summer in complete comfort.

Well, in an ideal world, we would all be able to make as many appointments necessary in a day and get everything that needs to be done, completed. However, that doesn't always happen and when air conditioners go out during a heat wave - you can imagine that you aren't going to be the only household suffering. During those times, you might need to wait a bit for some service.

BUT...if you have your unit serviced, it is WAY LESS likely to break down during a heat wave...which saves you the sweating, suffering AND the waiting.

Energy Star (provided on their website www.energystar.gov) are some basic home maintenance techniques as well as different things that should be checked for efficient running of the unit. Whether you are planning on braving this yourself (not recommended as air conditioners have many complicated and high pressurized parts) or paying someone else to do it, this list is beneficial to let you know exactly what the technician (or handy person) is going to be doing and why.

Their maintenance checklist can be found directly at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance
This listing provides a checklist including aspects like to adjust the blower motor to ensure that air flow is moving how it is supposed to be. It also suggests to check the levels of refrigerant, as a lack of could provide warm air.
The list also gives homeowners some things to be aware of that they can complete themselves. Most importantly, homeowners are responsible for changing their filters when it is necessary. A dirty filter can drastically slow down air flow and sometimes prevent it all together. Plus, think of all the dust that should be trapped...but is being recirculated because it has sat in a filter for too long.
Before the summer sun hits, consider a tune-up for your air conditioning, just like you would for your car. It will cost less to upkeep your unit, than to replace it when it dies from misuse.

InspectApedia

Today's Blog entry comes courtesy of http://inspectapedia.com/. InspectApedia

"is an building encyclopedia which provides illustrated, detailed un-biased, in-depth information on detecting, diagnosing, correcting and preventing building defects, failures, and health or safety hazards including environmental concerns."

Even though InspectApedia is based out of New York, many of the common household and otherwise inquiries are also relevant in California. There are many different links to the left regarding building safety and even some highlighted "green" options.

For the guise of my posting, I would like to direct attention to: http://www.inspect-ny.com/aircond/AirConditionerChart.htm. This page discusses how to choose an air conditioner based on sizing and usage needs. (While these numbers won't be exact - New York and California are in different climate areas) This site brings up some things to think about...like whether or not a kitchen or boiler room will be cooled. This influences the styling of the duct work.

Here are some other questions to ask to help understand the types of sizing utilized for your home:

* What are the sun and heat characteristics of the geographic area where the building is located (southern U.S. vs. northern U.S. or Canada, for example)? * How much direct sunlight is falling on the building? * Is it bright hot sun or only partly sunny? * What are the exterior colors of surfaces on which sunlight is falling? * How well the building is insulated? * How drafty is the building? * How many occupants are in the building? * What other heat sources (or cooling sources) are in the building? * How high are the interior ceilings? * How does air circulate within the occupied spaces? * What defects in the air conditioning system need to be overcome, such as duct system errors or damage, dirty filters, blocked cooling coils, etc. ?

The best way to ensure that you are getting a good deal on air conditioning is to first, do your research. Understand terms and jargon that are being thrown around, and if you missed a term or didn't understand it - ASK! There are no stupid questions when dealing with someone who is going to charge you a lot of money. Second, know what your specific needs are - do you want an air purifying option? Do you use your kitchen a lot? etc. Third, get several different quotes and make sure that you are comparing "apples to apples" and "oranges to oranges" if someone is selling you the top of the line equipment and someone else is quoting for low end - OF COURSE their prices won't be comparable. And lastly, don't just choose a company because of their lowest bid. Make sure you understand and trust your company. This is a huge commitment! Happy Hunting. For more information, please visit our "information" page on our website.

SCE Solar

Southern California Edison, the electrical provider for much of the San Gabriel Valley has completed installing solar panels. Well actually, it was just the first installation of 150 proposed solar panels to assist with energy production.

Source: http://www.achrnews.com/CDA/Articles/West/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000522756

These large spans of solar panels are being installed on top of large industrial buildings. At peak performance, Edison boasts that there will be enough energy to provide electricity to 1300 Inland Empire Homes.
Renewable energy initiatives are a large part of how the government is attempting to stimulate local and national economies.
Governor Terminator commented on the recently installed solar panels:

“Here in California, we are taking action to protect the environment by passing laws and setting standards and our companies and entrepreneurs are rising to the challenge,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Edison’s rooftop plan is the nation’s largest solar installation program by a utility and it is just one example of how private companies are helping us reduce our emissions and meet our renewable energy goals. Projects like this one show the world you can protect the environment and also pump up the economy, and I am proud to say it is happening right here in California.”

Edison is also partnering with solar homes and energy star to provide new building projects with incentives to build "tightly sealed" homes that encourage energy efficiency. For more information about possible home incentives visit Edison's page: http://www.sce.com/b-rs/bb/cali-new-homes/faq.htm

For SCE's solar specific page please visit: http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/csi/california-solar-initiative.htm?from=csi This page provides an actual dollar amount for the rebates so a homeowner can estimate how much they will save upon installation of their solar tiles. Pricing depends on how many tiles are installed and what percentage of sun etc. the tiles are expected to receive.

New Technology

Today's cars can send you an email letting you know it's time for service. What would happen if your air conditioning system could do the same thing? Or better yet...tell the technician (who is not even at your home) what's not working in real time over the internet?

A technology company out of Denver Colorado has come up with a product that does just that. Now, this new diagnostic equipment is being used at the present time for large buildings with a BAS (building automation system). The HVAC software plugs into this existing automation system and then controls the performance of the air systems. They can use the data collected from this system to not only diagnose any problems that may arise, but also to look at patterns in efficiency that can determine future needs.
Talk about anticipating a computerized takeover of the world?
However, this new technology could add countless hours of smooth run time. We have all been in that office situation where the air conditioning goes out in the heat of summer (or the heat in the freeze of winter) this software looks to eliminate those glitches. Technicians could fix problems without having to drive out there - virtually preventing the time that is wasted in waiting to get a large service scheduled.
Even better, as this new technology develops, this could be used for the air conditioning and heating units in residential homes. That way, you can be sure what's wrong with your unit and how much it will cost etc. to fix it. Saving time and energy, and assuring that your air system is operating at it's optimum efficiency.

Sources: http://www.optimumenergyhvac.com/products.html Under the heading OptimumHVAC and the article at: http://www.achrnews.com/CDA/Articles/West/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000457190

ECO?

One page PDF providing not one, not two, but TEN easy, FREE tips from the state of Colorado to help homeowners save money on their energy bills. While not all of the information applies in California, it is a good resource, and many of these programs are also available in California under the auspice of various non-profits. You can visit the PDF at it's original home at: http://smartenergyliving.org/Library/PDF/SELfallwinter08/SEL_Fall08_08.pdf or also off of our webpage in the resources section.
So, the best tips off of this particular page?
(Tip #7) Find an ECO Broker. These are real estate agents who have been certified in identifying and selling properties that are going to save you money. This is important because, it has been proven that energy savings appliances will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. And if you are buying a home that already has energy savings measures in place - you reap the benefits of cost efficiency, without having to pay the higher costs of install. It's a win-win situation. You get all the benefits without much of the costs. A property is considered "green" due to the building practices, the types of energy used to run the home as well as even occasionally the types of appliances in the home. The ECO brokers site has the options for both homes and commercial properties.
(Tip #10) Drink bottled water - the fuel used for manufacture and transportation isn't worth drinking from a plastic bottle. Tip? Tap water is regulated by the government. Who is bottled water regulated by? No one. At least you know your poison when it comes out of the tap.
(Tip #6) Buy more food from local farmers markets. Okay, so we don't all have time for this right? But guess what? Other people - and companies do. So even if you aren't going to get up at the crack of dawn and trek to downtown LA, there are companies that will do it for you, and then deliver to your home. While there are some transportation costs (and carbon footprints) here, it is certainly not the same as transporting an orange from Florida or Argentina....or...you get the picture...to California. It's traveling from LA (or Santa Monica...or...you get the picture) to your suburb. A restaurant in Eagle Rock (Auntie Em's) has a farmers market ordering and delivery program. Find more information here: http://www.auntieemsdelivery.com/index.html. By the way - their CUPCAKES are to DIE FOR!
I will let you read the rest for yourself...after all it is only one page...with only 10 tips. I've already shared 30% with you. The others are good ideas too!

50 Home Tips

Daylight Savings is coming! (The 8th to be specific) And while this article explains what to do with the extra hour that you would get in the fall, it is a good idea to check some of these things (like making sure the batteries in your smoke detector work) twice (at least) a year. Source: http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/50-things-to-do-around-the-house-with-your-extra-hour/ This blog lists 50 easy (or fairly easy) things to do around the house that help to weatherize your home, or make it more comfortable in some other way. Many of the suggestions are very useful in being prepared. Numbers 1-5 speak mostly about making sure you have batteries that work - something that can be easily forgotten - until the lights go out. Some of the suggestions speak to basic home up-keep. For example, caulking around bathroom fixtures or replacing water filters. However, in the midst of these suggestions, there are also some 'gems' that will truly help to keep your home warm or cool. Like knowing which direction your ceiling fans are set to. Did you know one direction pushes air down (keeping you cool) and one direction pushes air up (to spread around warm air)? This is a very simple and easy way to keep those ceiling fans in use even during the cold months. They also suggest making use of curtains, to keep sun out...or insulate the glass. All in all, short, easy tips that can be helpful regardless of the season. Just make sure you remember to SPRING your clocks ahead.

Daylight Savings Time

So, twice a year, we turn our clocks forward or back. The usual "spring" forward, "fall" back. This year (because Bush pushed daylight savings time up) daylight savings time will happen on March 8. According to the National Institute of Science and Technology, the official formula is that:

"Daylight Saving Time begins each year at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March. Move clocks ahead one hour at the start of Daylight Saving Time. Standard Time begins each year at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November. Move your clocks back one hour at the resumption of Standard Time. Daylight Saving time and Time zones are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, not by NIST. In 2009, Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8 and ends on Nov.1. In 2010, Daylight Saving Time begins on March 14 and ends on Nov.7."

Their webpage is found at: http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/faqs/qdaylite.htm. They provide more specific information and future dates. If you are one of those nervous types, or have a cell phone that won't do it for you, your exact hours by location can be found at: http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dstevents.html. Just look for your city and it will provide the code (UTC-7) to plug into your computer or cell phone. Don't forget to "spring" your clocks forward on Sunday!