Heat Wave!

(California temperature forecast from air sports net weather 6/29/09).

It's HOT!

Many news agencies are covering the heat wave hitting southern California!

This is only June and we are seeing record breaking temperatures more familiar in August or September at the peak of summer. The heat is only going to get worse. According to the National Weather Association, this year is going to be 30-50 degrees hotter than normal. That means that if you don't have air conditioning, or it's not working - you need to figure out how you're going to wait out the summer. Related Stories: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/21/national/main4200320.shtml http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/19/southern-california-heat_n_108146.html Don't sweat out the summer - Air conditioning units are now more efficient and cost less than ever. Don't miss the opportunity to customize your home comfort because you think you can't afford it. You will need air conditioning this year, especially for pets, young children, those who are ill and older adults. Call today for a FREE estimate!

Energy Controls

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idgGreenComputing/idUS352592697020090625 Thursday June, 25, 2009. Last access 6/26/09.

It can be difficult to keep your energy use in check, but companies like Microsoft and Google are trying to make it easier.

These companies are creating programs that will gather information about your specific home (occupants, year built, types of energy most used) and prescribe ways to cut back or improve your energy use. Now this sounds like a lot of work for no reward, but if you can find ways to cut back on your energy - that cuts your energy bill - which always helps, especially in this economy. Microsoft's version is called "Hohm" and it's in a beta version at the moment. It is a computerized program that allows you to benchmark your home energy use with your neighbors and others in your area. This can also help utilities gather information (Microsoft assures us 'cheaply') and provide different strategies for saving energy and promoting better energy use. Google and other sites allow you to track your carbon footprint and benchmark your energy use without collecting quite as much personal information. So it depends on how comfortable you are with the Internet and whether or not you consider your energy use something private or not. (Recall the row a while back when they released the names of energy guzzlers.)

While Microsoft's working to get its Hohm up and running, Google already has a similar online application to provide you with feedback on your energy usage. But unlike Hohm, Google PowerMeter will only work if your home has a smart meter to feed data to Google's application. Once your smart meter is installed, however, PowerMeter can give you all kinds of information from a history of your personal consumption (post-smart meter installation of course) to how much energy your dishwasher sucked up today. PowerMeter is also privacy conscious and Google says they won't share any personally identifying information with your energy provider. Hohm vs. PowerMeter While both programs look interesting, Microsoft's Hohm may have an edge over PowerMeter, as Hohm will give you specific instructions on how to save money. Hohm will also be integrated with some social networking capabilities, allowing you to trade energy savings tips and see the usage patterns of other people in your area. Of course, it's possible Microsoft's promises won't meet reality. How, for example, will Hohm know if your windows actually need to be resealed? It sounds to me like Hohm's money-saving 'tips' will end up being general suggestions based on probable causes for any energy consumption that is higher than normal. It's hard to know for sure what Hohm entails, as Microsoft isn't providing much in the way of details at the moment. But with both Microsoft and Google in the game, energy consumption tools are definitely the next big thing in green tech. Let's just hope we don't regret handing over our energy consumption patterns to two giant corporations. Hohm is available only in the U.S, but international rollouts planned for the near future may include Germany, France, the U.K. and Canada. Google's PowerMeter is currently available in the U.S., Canada and India in partnership with selected energy providers in each country.

If both of these are a bit frightening and big-brother-like, search for KillAWatt (I've blogged about it before) and I'm sure you could find it on the Internet. A lower-tech alternative and no private information collected.

Gas co. Rebates!

The Southern California Gas Company offers several different rebates for upgrading to energy efficient appliances in conjunction with the federal tax credit. That's like getting paid twice for the same upgrade that is already saving you energy!

Visit their website: http://www.socalgas.com/rebates/residential/ To see what types of appliances are getting money back and how much money a homeowner can get back. The information is all in one place and really easy to get to. They did a great job on the site - it's accessible and nicely laid out. For example, you can save $200 for upgrading your furnace. That's on top of the 30% ($1,500) that you get back in tax credit. Definatley check it out!

Summer Money Tips

Source: Flex your power (fypower.org) a California non-profit committed to saving energy. http://www.fypower.org/res/summersavings/

This is one of the BEST pages for simple, easy to follow steps to save money on your summer cooling bills!

The Best No Cost or Low Cost Tips to Prepare Your Home For Hot Weather Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs. Use fans to make indoor temperatures feel cooler, most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb. Have your air conditioning unit serviced to cut 15% of cooling costs. Don't try to cool the great outdoors — Seal cracks, gaps, leaks and add insulation to save up to 20% on home cooling costs. Keep windows and doors shut and shades closed during the day, to keep your house cool and reduce air conditioning needs.

They also have 5 specific easy to do savings tips that you should check out for yourself!

"Cutting Cooling Costs"

These are all the helpful cooling tips I've recommended on the blog, but in a super-fast video form. Once again, I can't stress enough - CLEAN your filter, turn your PROGRAMMABLE thermostat up and use a fan. Stay cool this summer and save some cash - upgrade to energy star appliances!

Tax Credits

Thinking about making upgrades to your home, but unsure of how your tax credit rebate is actually going to work?

Well, wonder no longer. The non-profit website www.energytaxincentives.org explains all of the energy credits available, who qualifies, what is needed to qualify and any other forms or information one might need. Currently, Incentives are available for a number of different things, including:

• Home envelope - this means sealing the places where air can escape from your home (poorly insulated roofs, ill-fitting doors and windows...). Sealing these places makes your home more efficient by helping your air conditioner (and heater in the winter) to do their job more easily. This keeps cold air in and hot air out. Improvement measures include: insulation, replacement windows, skylights and external doors, window films and even roofs.
• Heating & Cooling - If you upgrade your air conditioning and heating systems now, you can not only spend a comfortable summer (with low energy bills) but also get some money back on your taxes. Air conditioners have to have a SEER of 16 (There is always more information on our website, www.sinclairair.com) and Furnaces need to have an AFUE of 95%. However, there are also incentives being offered on geothermal heat pumps, biomass stoves, fans and water heaters.
• Solar Systems are also getting some cash back. Solar heating and photovoltaic systems have some incentives and there is even a wind system incentive.

For more information on any of these listings, please visit www.energytaxincentives.org and for anything heating or cooling related visit www.sinclairair.com

Hot Hot Hot!

It’s going to be hot!

This summer is going to be hot! Back in February when the weather was crazy this year, I started looking into the National Weather Association’s predictions for what the summer was going to be like.

The National Weather Association puts out national maps for three month periods showing probable climate patterns for different areas. The three-month map of June, July and August that I looked at back in February said that this summer was going to be 30-40 degrees hotter than usual. Now – I looked again today…and there is a big ugly 50 on the screen. This means, that as summer approaches – the predicted temperatures are getting higher. This summer is going to be 33-50 degrees hotter than normal. Now! Is the time to get that AC serviced – or if you don’t have one – to think about getting one.

Check it out for yourself: http://www.weather.gov/climate/l3mto.php

Saving the World in 10%

There is increasing awareness about global climate change and how we can take action to "slow" or stop these changes. One program that describes specific actions to take in the form of a "challenge" is Energy star. http://www.energystar.gov/Challenge

Toys that save energy

It's important to save energy where ever possible. Especially, since now, many children prefer to play with electronic/battery operated toys and don't really know how to function if they are taken away from them. Here's an interesting twist that will help save energy - AND create a unique opportunity for children to experience kinetic energy (and good ol'fashioned fun - with the flashing lights and do-hickies they are so accustomed to). source: flex your power monthly email newsletter & http://www.inhabitots.com/2009/02/17/fastronauts-action-figures-powered-by-play/ last access 6/17/09. These new "green" toys are powered by "play" (seriously, if you have children...or a child-like spouse, you should totally check out the webpage - the toys are "awesome" and really unique.) The "Fastronauts" are powered by biking, or rolling them. Once powered up, they show how much power the child has created "playing" and talk to the children. AWESOME idea. Really. Even if you're not so "Eco-tastic" that you're trying to educate everyone, this idea is super cool.

EPA summer cool tips

Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/12442b82bfbd8047852575b4005722bd!OpenDocument press release from the EPA, last access 6/16/09. So, according to the EPA, there are some simple, and energy effective things that you can do fairly easily when the weather gets hot to help make your space feel a bit cooler. Some of these things I find myself saying over and over...but really, they do help. You should try them. The science and math has backed them up. For example, reverse the spin on your ceiling fans. The Science: humidity is what makes us feel "really" hot - running a fan breaks up that humidity, so we feel cooler. The energy savings - if you feel cooler, you can bear cranking the thermostat up from 60 degrees (which is not cost effective at all...). Here are some more tips:

• Inspect your duct system for obvious signs of leaks and disconnections (most houses leak 20 percent or more). Seal any leaks with foil tape or a special sealant called “duct mastic.” Also consider insulating ducts in unconditioned areas (like the attic, basement or crawlspace).
• Seal air leaks around your home to keep the heat out and the cool air in. The biggest air leaks are usually found in the attic or basement, but also come in around doors, windows, vents, pipes and electrical outlets. Use caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to seal the leaks. And add more insulation to keep your home cooler this summer.
• Maintain your cooling system. Check your system’s air filter every month at a minimum and change the filter every 3 months. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris from around the outdoor components to improve air flow and efficiency. Have a qualified professional tune-up your system with a pre-season maintenance checkup and, if it’s time to replace your old system, look for models that have earned EPA’s Energy Star.
• Turn off office lights and equipment when not in use so they don’t generate unnecessary heat.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs in your desk lamp with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs which use two-thirds less energy and generate less heat than conventional bulbs.

These are some great ideas to help you save energy at home, and really, they're simple to do - so at this point, you really don't have an excuse! Good luck keeping cool. The weather has been ALL over the place this year, and I would hate to have no air during a massive heat wave...start getting prepared for that record-breaking summer heat.

Duct Cleaning

Does duct cleaning really do all that it claims to do? Well, it's a pretty common question at least. Currently, studies are a bit inconclusive about whether or not it's necessary. Here are some things suggested by the EPA to consider before bringing in someone to clean your duct work:

	There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems: Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists. You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it. If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced. If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.
	Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or
	Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

If any of the conditions identified above exists, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected or else the problem will likely recur.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html last access 6/12/09.

Saving Energy

Great site for kids and adults alike. If your children aren't turning off lights when they leave a room, or you just want to have an easy, visual explaination, this website is the perfect amount of energy-concious, easy-to-understand information. 

Source: http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/saving_energy/index.html 

"Professor Questor" gives tips and tricks to save money (and energy) around the house. 

It's a Matter of Degrees! In warm weather, the thermostat at home should be set at 78 degrees. (Don't do this, of course, if it will cause health problems for anyone in your family.) When no one is home, set the thermostat at 85 degrees. That way, you'll reduce the need for air conditioning and you will save energy. If you have ceiling fans or other fans, turn them on. The blowing air can make you feel 5 degrees cooler, without running the family's air conditioner. Fans use a lot less electricity than air conditioners!

In cold weather, wear warm clothing and have your thermostat set to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting. When you go to sleep at night, set the thermostat back to either 55 degrees, or turn it off. When you leave home for an extended time, set the thermostat at 55 degrees or turn it off, too. That way, your family can save from 5 percent to 20 percent on your heating costs. (Don't do this, of course, if it will cause health problems for anyone in your family.)

Don't Heat - or Cool - the Great Outdoors!

Americans use twice as much energy as necessary to heat their homes. That accounts for a lot of wasted energy!

If you have a fireplace, close the damper when you don't have a fire burning. An open fireplace damper can let 8 percent of heat from your furnace escape through the chimney! In the summer, an open fireplace damper can let cool air escape. It's like having a window open!

Make a map of your home, and mark all the windows, heating vents, and outside doors. Take a ribbon and hold it up to the edges of the doors and windows. If the ribbon blows, you've found a leak! Ask Mom or Dad to seal the leak with caulk or weatherstripping.

Think about your curtains. Keeping the curtains closed on cold, cloudy days helps block the cold outside air from getting inside. Also, keeping the curtains closed on very hot days keeps the hot air out!

These are the tips and suggestions will save you money on your energy bill for heating and cooling and this site makes it easy and fun to learn about energy use! 

Filters!

Today we are increasingly concerned about the quality of the air we breathe. There are stricter guidelines on car emissions and everything else. However, with all this attention paid to outside air, many times we forget about the quality of the inside air. The air in our homes can be almost two times as polluted as the air outside. What can we do about it? Well, here is a simple step that can make a big difference. If you have central air and heating, you can make sure that your filter is clean. Sometimes we get service calls because a unit isn't working. One of the common 'causes' - is a filter that hasn't been changed since the family has been in the house! If your filter is so covered with grime and dust and/or dirt that air cannot pass through it - yeah, your air conditioning (or heat) will NOT work.

• So first, make sure you know WHERE your filter is located.
• Then, figure out whether your filter is washable or disposable. If you're not sure, you can always call your air conditioning technician and they should be able to walk you through how to tell.
• If your filter is washable, pull it out of the furnace and rinse it with the hose. Make sure that you get all the particles that you can see off. Also, wait until the filter is COMPLETELY dry before putting it back into the unit.
• If your filter is disposable, measure the filter (or take the old one with you) to your local hardware store. FYI and helpful tip: filters are measured by height, width and length (so you should have three numbers - ex. 25 x 14 x 1). Then just put the new filter in.

Filters should be changed about every three months. In the summer, or during periods of constant usage, some recommend that going up to being changed every month. Keeping your filters clean not only helps to keep your air system running at top efficiency, but it also tremendously helps the air quality in your home. These filters are specially designed to trap any pet hairs, dirt, dust etc. and prevent these particles from re-circulating with hot (or cooled) air.

Home Humidity

Older homes are prone to poor sealing, insufficient insulation which can lead to a decrease in the home's moisture. Newer homes, especially those energy star (R) rated are sealed very tightly, which can cause an excess of moisture in the home. The important thing to remember here is that too much moisture and your home is prone to mold and staining. Too little moisture in the air, and paint may crack and allergies flare up. Neither one of these extremes is good for the home - or the occupants. The trick is regardless of the age of your home, to keep the humidity levels at the optimum point. Source article: Associated Press. "Wrong Humidity Turns Your Home into a Hassle." USA TODAY. Posted 2/1/04. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/basics/2004-02-01-home-humidity_x.htm. last access 6/4/09. What to do about too much (or too little moisture)? There are several options to help your home stay at the right moisture level. Depending on how bad the problem is, it may be as simple as buying a room humidifier. For those looking to make their whole home more comfortable, it may be installing a whole house humidifier or simply installing a new air system (newer air conditioners and heaters have built in humidity control options). During the winter, make sure that windows and doors are sealed (weather striping options are cheap at local hardware stores). This will help eliminate the air from the outside that is getting in and removing moisture from the air. During the summer make sure that you avoid activities that produce extra moisture at the peak of the day. This means cooking, taking showers or doing laundry in the cooler hours (of the morning or evening). If you can, try taking cooler showers. Humidity is the moisture in the air. For most people, this is the 'hot' during the summer that is so unbearable. For your home to stay comfortable, make sure you have humidity levels under control.

Ads & Specials

Check out our newly updated Ads & Specials page! Summer is coming whether you are ready or not - and this year is going to be hotter than ever! Knowing this, we want to make sure that our customers are comfortable and saving money. Here are some suggestions on how you can stay cool this summer:

• Upgrade to a newer, more efficient Air Conditioning Unit - save money on your energy bills and be eligible for a $1,500 tax credit! Check out the discounted prices on our ads & specials page and save!

http://www.sinclairair.com/ads__specials.html

(if upgrading isn't in the budget, here are some low-cost tips to stay cool:)

• Use your blinds/curtains. Keep them closed during the day (to block the heat)
• Turn the air on early (before it gets hot).
• Use fans to decrease the humidity in your home.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Use your programmable thermostat (it takes less energy to maintain a temperature than to try and actually get your house cooled to 60 degrees)

But seriously, check out our website. I try to update it's content constantly so there are always new terms or suggestions on air conditioning and heating. There is also a bunch of fun content to play with.