Forbes | Why California Can Afford Green Energy More Than Your State Forbes One major reason Californians use less electricity is because mild weather limits heating and cooling needs (remember that for heating, electricity is second to natural gas but quickly gaining market share, here). ... less energy-intensive service ... |
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Why California Can Afford Green Energy More Than Your State - Forbes
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --
This April, the Air Force joins our nation once again in observance of Earth Day. This year's theme: "Conserve Today. Secure Tomorrow," encourages us to do more than be aware. In addition, Schriever members are encouraged to take action.
The 50th Civil Engineer Squadron leads the effort to remind Team Schriever how crucial energy and water savings are for our nation and the world. These savings only happen when Air Force members are aware of how we consume energy, and engage in taking action to continue using it wisely.
Earth Day reminds everyone that we all share the planet, said Abe Irshid, Schriever energy manager. Sharing the Earth means taking responsibility for what people use and how they use it. It is a day to think about the environmental challenges people face and how to solve them.The best thing anyone can do for the environment is rethink the way they use resources and to use less; the fewer resources and products used, the less waste there is.
The term "energy" consists of fuel oil, electricity and natural gas utilities.The Air Force energy program includes the conservation of water as an important part of the total Energy Program.The Schriever Air Force Base program focuses on reducing demand and cost for electricity, natural gas and water.
Energy, in its various forms, is absolutely critical to the success of the Air Forces operations, said Albert Fernandez, 50 CES civil engineer. Fuel makes it possible for the flight of our aircraft, the launch of our satellites, the running of our support ground vehicles and the power, heating and cooling of our buildings in support of our main weapon systems.
More than ever, it is crucial to understand just how important energy is for our Air Force and why we need to do our part to conserve it.
The Air Force estimates it spent more than $8.45 billion on energy in 2016.Schriever alonespent more than $7.4 million last year to power its facilities, including water costs.
Irshid said the typical way they measure savings is through reduction in the installation's financial obligations for electricity, gas and water.During the past five years, these bills have been reduced by approximately $1 million.
Schriever continues to reduce energy intensity, reduce water intensity and increase renewable energy, he said. Initiatives taken toward this include replacing large boilers and chillers to provide cheaper heat and cooling for buildings, evaluating and reducing building energy loss using aerial infrared technology and searching for aging water pipe leaks.
The 50 CES is also evaluating future efforts such as capturing wind energy, installing solar arrays and replacing multiple facilities interior lighting systems with LED lights.
Conserving water and energy can be accomplished by following a few simple tips everyone can apply to both work and home environments. Some of these include turning off lights and equipment when not in use, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, recycling aluminum cans and not leaving a water faucet running.
Although only one day of the year is dedicated to Earth Day, the goal is to incorporate energy and water savings awareness into daily activities and to continue our efforts year-round, Irshid said.
Prior to Earth Day, the 50 CES will distribute Earth Day posters at the North and West Entry Portals and the outside lobby of the Satellite Dish in Building 300.
Saving energy is everyones business, because it benefits everyone. For any questions, suggestions or comments, contact the 50th CE customer service at 567-2300 or the Energy Team at 50SW.energy@us.af.mil.
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Team Schriever celebrates Earth Day - Schriever Air Force Base
Sick of high energy costs or looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint? There are some simple things you can do to improve the efficiency of your household's energy usage. Which of these tips will you apply to your home this summer?
1. Maintain your heater and air conditioner
Once a year, it's a good idea to have a certified HVAC technician inspect your equipment to check for component failure, refrigerant leaks, and assess ductwork. Changing your air filter once a month and clearing grass and leaves from outdoor units also helps keep your equipment functioning at full capacity.
Clean systems are more efficient and a proper routine maintenance helps your system last longer. If your system is still under warranty, most manufacturers require annual maintenance to maintain your warranty.
2. Fix weather-stripping
Weather-stripping is the material around doors and windows that seals your house from the elements. It naturally breaks down, tears and peels up with age and use. If you see damage to your stripping or feel a draft when you hold your hand near a crack, that's a sign that it's time to replace your stripping.
This Old House estimates you could save 10 to 15 percent on your utility bill simply by improving the insulation around your windows and doors. Stripping is easy to install and usually only requires you to measure, cut and nail it to fix it in place.
3. Install insulating blinds or drapes on your windows
According to Spark Energy, the average home loses 25 percent of its heated or cooled air through windows. Older windows allow the most extreme losses, but even newer double-paned, properly installed windows let some heat and cold seep through.
Installing new windows is a good option when you have the budget and your windows need updating, but if you cannot afford the investment, insulating drapes or blinds could do the trick. There are a variety of options on the market with styles and colors to match any home decor. Plus, most homeowners can install drapes or blinds themselves.
4. Use a programmable thermostat
Rather than manually raising and lowering the temperature on your thermostat, consider buying a programmable thermostat that will handle the adjustments even when you forget.
Programmable thermostats can save money by automatically adjusting temperature at night time or when away. Experts at Addcox say dropping the temperature between 2 and 3 degrees can save an estimated 10% on your utility bills. Dropping the temperature in your house more than 4 degrees can cost you higher utility bills and make your equipment work harder and longer.
All electric systems, may greatly benefit by adding an outdoor temperature sensor in addition to your programmable thermostat. This will give the system the ability to manage when and how the emergency heat is being used. Most utility companies will offer a cash incentive to have a heating contractor install a programmable thermostat and outdoor sensor.
5. Replace old heaters and air conditioners with high-efficiency versions
If your air-conditioning unit is 10 years or older or your furnace is 15 or older, it could be time to replace them with upgraded units. Energy Star says you could save 20 percent on your utilities with a high-efficiency air conditioner and 15 percent with a new furnace.
Upgrading your system not only saves you money on your utility bill, but high efficiency systems come with rebates and tax credits from your utility company and the state. According to Energy Star, 2017 will be the last year to get Tax Credit rebates on new heating equipment.
To get your systems assessed, call Addcox Heating and Cooling. The Addcox Heating family has been selling, servicing and installing heating and cooling systems for over 30 years. Addcoxs experts can look over your systems to identify efficiency and duct issues and save you money on your energy bills. Addcox Heating Center offers the best warranties in the industry and can maximize all your incentives on a new system. Learn more at http://www.addcox.com.
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The Top 5 Ways to Save Money on Heating and Cooling - KVAL
From using reusable shopping bags to driving hybrid cars, consumers have been persuaded they can do their part to protect the environment by changing their behavior. Everyones going green these days, even Americas housing industry.
Homebuilders and renovators are installing a variety of high tech energy saving appliances, heating, and cooling systems. And, more and more theyre using cellulose insulation because, they say, it makes homes more energy efficient.
Green advocates back it all even though the use of cellulose insulation (chemically treated recycled newsprint) may not be all it is cracked up to be.
The Better Business Bureaus National Advertising Division dinged a major cellulose insulation manufacturer for using studies from the late 1980s and early 1990s to back up claims its made related to the efficiency of its product. According to the report, the evidence for such assertions as cellulose is from 20 percent to 50 percent more effective than fiberglass and cellulose insulation can reduce your utility bill by up to 40 percent is insufficient, yet these claims commonly appear in industry marketing materials.
This matters because its just these kinds of unsubstantiated performance claims that earned glowing endorsements for the material from many green advocates. Its a concern, obviously, but not nearly so much as the now uncertain claims made about cellulose insulations safety and toxicity.
On some promotional materials, the producers of cellulose insulation claim boric acid the second largest ingredient, added as a fire retardant lowers the risk of some cancers and is six times less toxic than table salt.
That not what the National Institutes of Health thinks. Its a dangerous substance, so much so that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration classified it hazardous under the Hazard Communications Standard. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services toxicology study identified boric acid as a reproductive toxin.
A 2006 joint study by HHS and NIH on cellulose insulation exposure in the work place concluded the research on any association of cellulose insulation and respiratory disease in humans is insufficient. One would hope the lack of any epidemiological studies would prevent the industry from making outlandish claims regarding non-carcinogenicity, but thats not where things seem to be going.
The red flags dont stop there. Per OSHA protocols, workers that install cellulose insulation are required to wear dust respirators and other protective gear when handling the material. You dont have to think too hard about that to conclude the material is dangerous in some form or fashion. Just ask Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe, who tackled the subject on an episode of his hit TV show.
Contrary to claims from cellulose insulation manufacturers, it is also not the cure all for preventing residential fires. Federal government safety agencies require cellulose manufacturers to label their products as fire hazards. Since 2016, there have been multiple fires attributed to cellulose insulation around the country. These fires, in Waterloo and Carroll, Iowa; Rexburg, Idaho; Gladwin and Burtchville, Michigan; Asheville and Kinston, North Carolina; Limerick, Pennsylvania; Layton, Utah; and Yuba City, California, have destroyed homes and apartment buildings alike and left families devastated.
Increasing the energy efficiency of the home is a good idea, just not at the expense of safety. Consumers deserve to know what going into their homes. The cellulose insulation folks need to clean up their act.
Peter Roff: can be reached atPeter.Roff@Verizon.net.
LASER Electrical has come a long way since Gary Edwards started it in 1981.
Back then it was known as Moama Electrical Service before the business joined the Laser group family.
With more than 35 years under its belt, the business has a range of professionals specialising in commercial, domestic, electrical, refrigeration and mechanical services.
That includes four A-grade qualified electricians (including three accredited solar designers and installers), five local electrical apprentices, a fully-qualified refrigeration mechanic and two local plumbers.
Not to mention its three friendly office staff, such as Jo Lowndes.
We have a strong reputation for reliable and quality service and strive to be connected with numerous organisations within the local community, she said.
We dont just install air conditioning, solar and electrical products we are expert designers.
We source quality products and are committed to meeting the needs of our customers; hopefully we can exceed their expectations.
One of Laser Electricals most popular services is advice and installation for its air conditioning products.
Through dealing with both domestic and large commercial sites, it has accumulated years of experience with design and installation of a variety of cooling and heating products, and is a dealer for Brivis, Mitsubishi Electric, Cannon and Real Flame gas log fires.
Ms Lowndes said natural gas was proving popular for heating in the region and customers could access rebates for the coming cooler months.
We have joined the Australian Gas Network Campaign to support gas appliance rebates and can advise on the savings each customer may be eligible for, she said.
The Victorian Government offers additional incentives for turning to gas heating, particularly when you are moving from electricity for heating and hot water.
Laser Electrical is at 32 Meninya St, Moama.
Phone 5482 1380 or contact [emailprotected]
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Laser Electrical delivers a cutting-edge approach - Riverine Herald
Leadwood city officials will soon be conducting business in a brand new city hall building rather than inside the basement of a church or the local fire house as the new structure gets ever closer to completion.
Charlie Lewis, the projects contractor and member of the Leadwood Board of Alderpersons, said his crew is currently working on installing the flooring. Meanwhile, hes waiting on the heating and cooling contractor to finish installing the HVAC system so that his crew can then install the last two portions of ceiling.
Then well set some cabinets and well be done with our part, he said.
Once the new building is finished, it will be up to city officials to make arrangements for the final finishing touches, including leveling the dirt outside the structure and installing an asphalt parking lot.
Theyve got some work outside to do, Lewis said. Get the asphalt done and any dirt work they wanna do.
Providing furnishings and office supplies will, of course, also be up to the city board.
A look around the inside of the new building reveals that the new city hall will look much different than the old structure, with a combination courtroom/city meeting room, an office area for the city clerk and water/sewer department clerk, a public restroom near the entrance and other small rooms along the back of the building.
The room for public meetings and court proceeding will have an elevated bench with seating for the municipal judge during court and for the mayor and alderpersons during city meetings.
The wall (of the bench) is actually bullet-resistant, Lewis said. Its full of sand We built the wall and took it (out) and shot it multiple times to ensure that it was constructed properly."
The city clerk and water/sewer department clerk will also be protected within their work area in the next room.
They get people in from time-to-time that wants to yell at them or whatever, said Lewis, so theyll be able to step back from the counter and tell them when they wanna calm down, theyll finish doing business with them Itll be a lot more secure than what they had before. A lot safer.
A move-in date has yet to be set, but Lewis said it might happen sometime in early to mid- May.
The old building, which was damaged in a fire on Sept. 17, 2015, was torn down about a month later after city officials set up a temporary city hall office in the basement of the Leadwood United Methodist Church, directly across the street from the former city hall.
Although the investigation into the cause of the fire by the State Fire Marshals Office was, and is, still ongoing, city officials were given the go-ahead just a couple of weeks after the fire to begin cleaning out the building and salvaging any content that had not been completely destroyed by fire or smoke.
Less than a month after the fire, in early October, a preliminary insurance settlement was reached and board members began to make preliminary plans for a new city hall. The initial settlement included $39,405 for the building, $25,000 for contents and city property and up to $10,000 to tear the building down.
Despite some disagreement among city officials about the economic feasibility of building a new structure, they began to cautiously move forward with the construction project by soliciting bids from contractors in mid-January.
Some controversy over the bid process ensued after receiving only two sealed bids for the construction project one from then-Mayor Pro Tem Lewis with numerous residents voicing their claims that it was unethical, and perhaps illegal, for Lewis to submit a bid in the first place. It was also argued that his position with the city gave him an unfair advantage in the bidding process.
The vote on the bids was tabled until advice and counsel could be obtained to address the residents concerns, which turned out to be unfounded. The Missouri Ethics Commission and Eric Harris, the citys attorney, both came to the conclusion that Lewis involvement in the project, within certain limits, did not violate any ethical or legal concerns and the project briefly recommenced.
The project stalled again with the upcoming April 2016 election and a chance that the composition of Leadwoods governing body would change rather significantly.
As it turned out, Lewis, who had been serving as mayor pro tem since the previous mayor resigned shortly after the April 2015 election, lost his bid for mayor to Dennis Parks. In addition, the board gained two new aldermen.
Things started to get back on track in June, however, when board members voted (with Lewis abstaining due to his direct involvement in the project) to follow through with getting financing costs from a lending institution in order to determine if the city could actually afford to have a new building constructed.
Despite two aldermen voting against the city borrowing such a significant sum Parks voted in favor to break the tie a measure that established the authority for the city to enter into a lease agreement with a finance agency was approved during a public meeting in late October 2016.
The agreement with FS Leasing, LLC provided the city with $225,000 in financing for construction of the building, which was added to the nearly $40,000 insurance payment for the former city hall building.
The pace of progress picked up immediately with a groundbreaking ceremony taking place on Oct. 28, 2016, and construction beginning less than a week later at the beginning of November.
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New city hall almost finished - Daily Journal Online
Shreveport Heating and Cooling offers experienced services from a business which is celebrating its one year anniversary. The air conditioner repair Shreveport professionals also provide maintenance and installation services.
Shreveport LA: Shreveport Heating and Cooling and Toby Evans are pleased to announce that they have reached the one-year milestone in business. The air conditioner repair Shreveport firm responds quickly to customers who have an air conditioner unit or heating system which is not functioning as it should. The professionals from the company have the knowledge and experience to determine what is wrong and get it working as quickly as possible. The heat and humidity in Shreveport, Louisiana makes it imperative to get the AC system running smoothly as fast as possible.
According to Toby Evans, We take special care of your air conditioning and heating system by providing expert AC repair, furnace repair, cleaning the AC unit, inspection, spring tuneup and HVAC system installations. When your cooling or heating system goes on the fritz and needs repair, our HVAC technicians are only a call away. No repair is too big or small for us to tackle.
The team at Shreveport Heating and Cooling provides air conditioning repairs and AC maintenance services, to heating system services. They are the company in Shreveport, Bossier City and surrounding areas, best positioned to provide necessary tasks. The expert HVAC technicians have the skills to repair older model units as well as the latest technology designs. Service or installation of central air conditioning systems requires a highly trained professional, such as the type of technicians associated with SHC.
There are a number of reasons why a selection of Shreveport Heating and Cooling as the top heating and AC firm in Shreveport. These reasons include integrity in business as a priority, quality services for every project which is undertaken, and dependability. Each HVAC service appointment is completed on time and with the necessary tools in hand. Expert maintenance for AC is a critical element of ensuring a cooling system which stands the test of time.
For more information, visit the web pages at http://www.shreveportheatingandcooling.com/.
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Contact Shreveport Heating and Cooling:
Toby Evans (318) 459-9285 shreveportheatingandcooling@gmail.com 1651 E 70th St Suite 221A Shreveport LA 71105
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Air Conditioner Repair Shreveport Firm Celebrates One Year Anniversary - Digital Journal
The SandPaper | Brown's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in 40th Year The SandPaper Brown's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is proud to observe its 40th anniversary this year, and its business has expanded to serve Long Beach Island and all of Ocean County from its original Monmouth County roots. While speaking with the company owners ... |
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Brown's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in 40th Year - The SandPaper
The April 22 arrival of Earth Day provides an opportunity for consumers to consider ways they can make their homes and their buying practices more environmentally friendly. Your Better Business Bureau has the following advice for reducing your environmental footprint.
Green marketing
Claims of eco-friendliness are everywhere you look these days. Its no exaggeration to say Its a jungle out there when it comes to all the many green advertising and ecological label claims that companies are using. Unfortunately, some of those claims are less reliable than others. The Federal Trade Commission has Green Guides, available online at ftc.gov. The guides are designed to help marketers avoid making environmental claims that could be unfair or deceptive. Consumers can benefit from reading up on the guidelines to help them understand what certain terms on product labels can mean. Some examples:
Consumers should be watchful for vague or unclear green terms on product labels. Its advisable to use the Internet to look up product and service claims and to compare competitors claims.
There is no single magic green initiative that will save the planet. There are, however, hundreds of small things consumers can do around their homes and in the marketplace that can combine to make a positive difference for the environment.
If you questions or concerns about ways to go green, not just on Earth Day but every day, contact the BBB at (800) 856-2417, or visit bbbinc.org.
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BBB tips for making every day Earth Day - Topeka Capital Journal
Special to the Chronicle 11:57 a.m. ET April 16, 2017
Tom Longerbeam, Elder Care Services Emeritus Board member and weekly Meals on Wheels volunteer explains why his Tuesday deliveries are so meaningful to him and critically important to his recipients.(Photo: Special to the Chronicle)
Elder Care Services has launched Support Our Seniors (SOS), a collaborative, community based initiative that aims to raise funds for and educate local seniors about utility assistance and home weatherization. Often times, seniors live alone and cannot afford the costs associated with seasonal climate changes while major weather events cause an even greater hardship.
When a storm brings down a tree in your yard, it is a problem. When its in a low-income or physically challenged senior citizens yard, it can mean the difference between food on their table or medicine in their cabinet, said Elder Care Services Board Member and City Commissioner Scott Maddox. Weve seen too many of these situations in the last few months. Hopefully, a partnership like this will help Support Our Seniors when they are in crisis.
Elder Care Services is an agent for the states Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP), which provides assistance to low-income seniors to help them maintain adequate heating and cooling. The program can pay only one benefit per season (heating/cooling), and funds are usually exhausted by the first week of each month. Elder Care Services must then use donated funds and equipment to ensure clients needs can be met.
Through SOS, Elder Care Services is enlisting partners and donors to help safeguard the communitys vulnerable, low-income senior population.
One of the wonderful things about our community-based approach to caring for seniors is that we maintain a personal connection with each of our clients, said Elder Care Services CEO Mark Baldino. Between our staff and volunteers, we are often the first point of contact for seniors in crisis. We know firsthand how critical a safety net is for seniors, it can be life or death.
As was the case recently, it was Meals on Wheels volunteer John Outland that alerted Elder Care Services to a hazardous situation at a clients home following hurricane Hermine. We provide clients more than just a meal to help them stay in place. We also monitor their overall well-being and identify other needs as we talk with them on a daily basis, said Outland.
One of the first community partners stepping up to help is the City of Tallahassees REACH program. The REACH program is designed to assist neighborhoods with older homes by helping residents to lower their energy use and utility bills. Customers receive free home energy assessments, free installation of energy-saving products and energy efficiency tips. Since this innovative program launched in 2010, it has served nearly 10,000 residents across Tallahassee.
The City of Tallahassees REACH program already has boots on the ground and folks in homes assessing their vulnerability to potential weather damage, Maddox said. I see this as a perfect partnership to kick-start a community wide effort to keep seniors safe in their homes.
Every year, Elder Care Services triages more than 2,000 emergency and urgent requests. A significant portion is for utility assistance and/or weather related emergencies. Many seniors live alone and cannot afford the significant utility cost increase that winter and summer bring. During cold snaps, Elder Care can receive 10 or more calls a day requesting utility assistance.
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Edler Care launches 'SOS' program - Tallahassee.com