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!