Tax Rebate

The whole tax credit/rebate thing can be a bit difficult to understand. So here it is in the very basic form (more info can be found on our website). When: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010. What: a tax credit/rebate to take money off any money you might owe to the government. Qualified Equipment: Air conditioners with a seer higher than 16, Furnaces with an AFUE of more than 95%. MATCHED systems. (talk to your AC installer/tax professional to make sure your units qualify). How Much: 30% of the costs of equipment and installation up to $1,500. Why: To encourage homeowners to upgrade their old equipment, helping the environment, and keeping jobs (in the AC industry) trekking. Benefits: An efficient unit will keep the home more comfortable, and cost less in energy bills than an older unit. Okay, that's the tax rebate in a nutshell. There are also similar rebates being offered for other energy efficient home upgrades, such as installing efficient windows, roofing and solar lighting. You can find information about all of these at www.energystar.gov. For more information, you can always email us: customercare at sinclairair.com or give us a call 626-331-4541.

Edison Rebates

In continuing with my list of rebates and specials regarding energy use/air conditioning etc. The next on my list is Southern California Edison. The electric company has a page dedicated to the residential rebates that they are currently offering in a variety of areas. That page can be found here: http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/ (last access 9/29/09.)

Currently they are listing rebates for lighting, appliances, pool and heating and cooling as well as multi-family and solar/generated energy.

While the best way to save money and live energy efficient, is to combine all of your resources and make a bunch of small changes in different areas, It is also important to remember that your heating and air conditioning take up over 50% of your yearly energy bill. In which case, if you reduce your energy use in heating and cooling, you can save a substantial amount of money.

So, according to the SCE rebate page for heating & cooling (here: http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/heating-cooling/heating-cooling.htm#xD;NRMODE=Unpublished&wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished) there are several things you can do to lower your electricity bill.

Edison advertises five different heating and cooling related ways to save money. The first is their Energy Star qualified room air conditioner rebate. Now as a whole, room air conditioners do not cool as effectively as central air conditioning systems do. However, they are less likely to be energy efficient, and so Edison is providing a rebate for those that are efficient.

The second program Edison offers is the Summer Discount Program. With this, Edison installs a switch in your air conditioner that allows them to turn your air conditioner off at peak times. This in turn, saves you money.

They also provide rebates for installing a whole house fan, which can pull all the hot air out of your home, once it cools down in the evening. Or also for installing evaporative cooling.

They also provide the AC quality program, where if your air conditioner is serviced, they will give you an incentive. This allows the condenser to run at tip-top condition (like a car) and lets out less pollution into our environment.

These programs and the others they offer help to save you money and give back a little to the environment.

Rebates!

We're all looking for a break during these tough economic times. Here are some rebates that you might consider.

All rebates courtesy of the Southern California Gas company, as advertised in their "2009 Energy Efficiency Programs and Rebates For Your Home" http://www.socalgas.com/index/.

APPLIANCES

• Energy Star Rated Clothes Washer - $35
• Energy Star Qualified Dishwasher - $30.

HEATING

• Central Natural Gas Furnace, AFUE of 92% or greater - $200!
• Water Heaters EF of .62 or greater - $30
• Tankless Water Heaters EF .90 or greater - $200! or EF .82 - $150.

INSULATION

• Attic or wall insulation - $0.15/per square foot.

These are just rebates offered by the gas company! I will be cataloging other rebates daily. Or, to find a full list for yourself visit www.fypower.org

New Technology in Air Conditioning

UC Davis, a campus leading the way in many academic areas also leads in environmental advocacy and research. UC Davis holds a national competition (well, several of them) depending on the case, and this year one of the winners was the "Coolerado" Air conditioning system that is designed for light commercial buildings that can cut energy use by 80% over a traditional air conditioning system.

Source: http://www.greentechmedia.com/green-light/post/coolerado-wins-uc-davis-air-conditioning-prize/ - last access 9/23/09, also noted on flex your power's monthly news letter.

These air conditioners were designed to work better in the climates of western states (Southern California). That means that they don't need to waste energy doing processes that may not be needed. These air conditioners would drastically reduce the energy used in the hot summer months. In California, our air conditioners use about 50% of all energy during peek usage. If we could cut that number, we could be freeing up energy for other usage and prevent those rolling black outs.

While this technology is probably out of the price range for most homeowners, the pay offs for larger corperations and industrial buildings are already there. This is just something to keep in mind as our society grows more energy concious and technologically advanced.

Home Humidity?

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Humidity, or the levels of water molecules in the air effects a lot of different things in our daily lives. Here in Southern California, we know that during fire season if the level of humidity goes down, we have the potential of dealing with a larger fire. But how does humidity levels affect the inside of your home?

It's actually pretty important. Humidity is what makes you feel warm in the summer and also what makes you feel like you can't quite breathe during the winter. Too much water in the air, and the heat is unbearable, too little and the air feels very thin. In your home, you want to have the optimum levels of humidity. Why? Well, for a couple of reasons. First, it's the most comfortable. You're nice and cool in the summer and nice and warm in the winter. Second, humidity (too much AND too little) can cause damage in your home. If there is too much humidity in your home, you may notice little condensation droplets on windows, or near the refrigerator. These droplets, if left for long enough can cause water damage and mold. If there is not enough humidity in your home, there may be an excess of dust, which causes allergies.

So, how do you keep your home at the levels of humidity you want? There are a couple of different ways to do this. First, there are some thermostats that allow you to control the humidity levels in your home. Every unit has some type of humidity controlling element, but if you want added protection (if someone suffers from allergies or uses certain types of medicines) you can always add a humidifier. Some units will have an external humidifier that you can plug into a unit, and other times you will need an entirely separate humidifier. In my opinion, it is much easier to run the humidity control through the heating and air system. That way it's on an automatic thermostat control, and each room of your home is adjusted equally. In the summer, if there is high humidity outside, your air conditioning unit works harder to cool your space. Likewise, in the winter your furnace (winter - I know it doesn't feel like it - but it's right around the corner) works harder to warm your house if there is low humidity. So installing a humidifier isn't such a bad idea...

There's a Heat Wave Coming!

This weekend is supposed to be rediculously HOT! Here are some summer tips from the California Science Center to help make that weekend more berable!

Source: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/GenInfo/NewsAndEvents/CAlifestyleTips/EnergyConservation/WarmConserve.php last access 9/17/09.

"Fast and Free Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you.

Use your appliances wisely. To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours—from 4p.m. to 6 p.m.—or anytime an electricity emergency is declared. Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Savings: 4%). Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Save up to 5%) When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (Savings: 0.5%) Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. (Savings: 1%) Inexpensive Energy Solutions Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy saving tools and equipment. Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Savings: 1-2%) Good Energy-Saving Investments Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases. Install a whole house fan. A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. (Savings: up to 5%)"

Buying Ac?

As with anything, when you are buying something as expensive (and life changing) as central air conditioning, you want to be sure that you are getting what you pay for and getting equipment that actually works. Where to start? Well, consumer reports prides themselves with providing consumers with an excellent base of information in various fields. One of those fields, is air conditioning. Here are somethings that you might want to know before settling in on that new air conditioner.

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/air-conditioners/air-conditioner-buying-advice/central-air/index.htm last access 9/14/09.

Learn the lingo

Design

In a "split system," the typical design, refrigerant circulates between an indoor coil and a matching outdoor condenser with compressor. The refrigerant cools the air, dehumidifying it in the process; a blower circulates air through ducts throughout the house. A variation is the "heat pump," a type of system that functions as heater and cooler. When used as an air conditioner, a heat pump discharges heat from the house either into the air or deep into the ground. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the ground or the air to warm the house.

Efficiency

This describes how much cooling the unit delivers for each watt of electricity. Efficiency is expressed as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. At present, a SEER of 10 denotes a low-efficiency unit; medium efficiency is 11 to 14; high efficiency is above 14. New federal regulations that took effect in 2006 set the minimum SEER for a central air conditioner at 13.

Size

A synonym for the air conditioner's cooling capacity, size is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.) or in "tons." One ton of cooling equals 12,000 Btu/hr.

Get the right contractor

Finding a trustworthy contractor to install and service an air-conditioning system matters the most. Here's how to choose:

Ask around

Seek referrals from neighbors, family, or business associates. It's wise to get price quotes from at least three contractors.

Check the background

Contractors who bid on your installation should show you proof of bonding and insurance, plus any required contractor's licenses. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs office for complaint records. It's a plus if technicians are certified by a trade organization, such as North American Technician Excellence or HVAC Excellence, to service residential heating and cooling equipment. These and other similar programs assess the technician's knowledge of specific types of equipment and its proper service methods. We believe that a contractor who has made the effort to get certified and has practiced this trade and learned from several years of service and installation experience, will be a better service provider.

Get specifics

Contractors who bid on your job should calculate required cooling capacity by using a recognized method like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Residential Load Calculation Manual, also called Manual J. An additional reference for assessing ductwork needs is Manual D. The calculations produce a detailed room-by-room analysis of cooling needs. Ask for a printout of all calculations and assumptions, including ductwork design. Be leery of a contractor who bases estimates merely on house size or vague rules of thumb.

Expect maintenance

A service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty is worth negotiating into the overall price. Prices for such service vary widely.

At a minimum, regular inspections should include these steps:

• Check for and repair refrigerant leaks.
• Detect and correct duct leaks.
• Inspect and tighten the electrical connections, checking for damage.
• Clean the coils, drain pan, and drainage system.
• Vacuum the blower compartment.
• Replace filter monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Choose the right unit

If you're replacing an old central-air system, you can expect to pay around $3,000 for the equipment. If you need ductwork installed because you're starting completely from scratch or are upgrading a forced-air heating system, expect to pay $6,000 or more. Improving the system's air-filtration capabilities is also easiest to do as part of a general upgrade.

Brand plays some role in the selection.

Here are other factors that may affect reliability:

• Matching new equipment with old. If you replace only the condenser, you have a "field-matched" system that can be less efficient than advertised and that may require more repairs because of undetected incompatibilities between the two.
• Damper-zoned cooling. A large or multistory house is often divided into several heating and cooling zones to improve temperature control. However, this type of system is complex and has many more moving parts and controls and so may require more repairs.

These are just some suggestions about how to choose the best possible unit for your situation. When talking to an air conditioning professional, it is important to ask any questions you have and make sure that your questions are answered in ways that you understand. This also applies for service. If your air conditioner breaks down, it is important to know what the contractor is going to do to fix it as well as their pricing ahead of time.

Please also make sure that you are dealing with a REGISTERED contractor in GOOD standing!!

45 Ways to Save

"45 Ways to Save" via a brochure from the gas company.

It's that time of year again - the fair is in town. Sinclair Air Systems sponsors a train at the garden railroad and while we were there watching the train, we decided to get some information about how our customers can save money.

I would like to share the contents of a brochure supplied by the gas company offering 45 ways to save.

First, they break up the brochure into 7 different appliances. So I would like to highlight one simple step and one energy upgrade per each. We are hoping to offer these brochures as part of our 'customer packages' so if you are interested in getting a copy for yourself, we would love to pass one on to you.

1. Heater - Simple step: "Keep your heating system tuned-up to operate at maximum efficiency." If your heater has dust/debris in it (especially from the fires this summer) the air is going to have to push past all that dirt to actually get out into your home. Of course you are not going to have the power that you would if it were cleaned. Leaks and other things can come undone over the years. Maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly. Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "When buying a new gas furnace, choose an energy-efficient model. Look for a unit with a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), or an ENERGY STAR label."
2. Air Conditioner - Simple step: "Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher (health permitting)." Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "When buying a new electric air conditioner or evaporative cooler, choose an energy-efficient model. Look for a unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and consider an ENERGY STAR model. An ENERGY STAR central air conditioner saves, on average, 20% on cooling costs."
3. Water Heater - Simple step: "Fix leaky faucets. One drop of hot water per second can waste 500 gallons per year." Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "Install low-flow, water-saving shower heads to cut water use and save up to 10% on water heating costs."
4. Lights - Simple step: "Turn off lights (and other appliances) when they are not being used and when you leave a room." Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "Save up to 10% by installing dimmer switches or lighting motion sensors."
5. Refrigerator - Simple step: "Dirty coils on the back or bottom front of your refrigerator can make it work harder than necessary. Clean and vacuum them at least twice a year." Energy -Efficient Upgrade: "When buying a new refrigerator, choose an energy-efficient model. An ENERGY STAR refrigerator could save you up to 40% on refrigerator costs."
6. Clothes Washers & Dryers - Simple step: "Save up to 10% of hot water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water." Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "Consider switching to a natural gas clothes dryer. Gas dryers are generally less expensive to operate than electric dryers - saving up to 50% on operating costs."
7. Pool and Spa- Simple step: "Keep your pool or spa covered when not in use. Well-fitted pool and spa covers help prevent heat loss for energy savings of up to 50%." Energy-Efficient Upgrade: "Consider purchasing a solar pool cover. It uses the sun to heat the water's surface."

There are many more simple steps and energy-efficient upgrade tips on the brochure, so look it up for yourself.

For more information, contact us or visit the southern California gas company's website: www.socalgas.com