SLC, Utah (PRWEB) September 26, 2014

Sugar House Awning announces efforts to raise consumer awareness about the benefits of awnings and energy conservation. The leading distributor of custom awnings and specialty canvas covers offers quality products that effectively lower usage and overall energy costs.

Excessive use of heating and cooling systems can lead to hefty utility bills. This waste impacts both the environment and consumers budgets by costing hundreds of extra dollars each year. Sugar House Awnings outdoor shading devices promote energy efficiency and increase the protection of a home or business.

Fabric awnings are proven to decrease electrical use by making buildings more sustainable because they radiate solar energy in the summer thus reducing cooling costs.

Educating our customers about awnings and their energy-saving capabilities is important, says Mike Peterson, the owner of Sugar House Awning. Most people are surprised by the amount of energy they can save. Our focus is to create quality products that conserve resources and therefore save money for our customers.

Utahs Rocky Mountain Power encourages home and business owners to install exterior shading devices. Retractable awnings in particular extend savings beyond the summer months. When the awning is withdrawn in the winter, solar radiation penetrates windows and glass doors to warm the interior and lower heating charges.

Energy savings vary according to the structure of the building, lifestyle of the consumer, and the actual cost of power. In 2012, a study funded by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association revealed that fabric awnings and external shades can minimize overall consumption by 10 percent and save up to $200 annually.

The need for awnings in the U.S. has risen sharply over the last decade due to limited budgets and environmental concern. This demand is expected to grow as energy costs continue to rise.

There are further benefits of installing awnings above windows and patio areas, including: added aesthetic appeal and functionality; lower prices than energy-efficient windows; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and their collective use prevents blackouts by placing less of a demand on the overall energy infrastructure.

Regardless of the design, awnings are smart investments that ensure consumers get the most from their energy dollar. Sugar House Awning offers a complete line of exterior shading options in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics. Every project is made with the finest materials and tailored to meet the needs of each customer.

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Awnings Promote Energy Savings According to Regional Power Company

Ground Source Heat Pumps, more commonly referred to as geothermal heat pumps, are one of the most talked about heating and cooling systems in the consumer market today.

Consumers are excited about the incredible energy savings that can be had by installing one of the most efficient heat pumps on the market.

The problem, you ask? Most contractors and homeowners dont understand this new technology and the benefits they can get by installing geothermal. Some history of the technology and some tips can help you select the right contractor for the job.

Ground source heat pumps have existed for more than 60 years. There is a myth of it being a new technology, but the truth is, it is just misunderstood. Some HVAC contractors just choose to not install them for fear of how they actually work, or dont have the knowledge to design it.

These systems can achieve energy efficiency ratios (EER) of 41, and a coefficient of performance (COP) of 5.3. The higher the numbers the less money you spend running it, similar to the gas MPG of your vehicles.

Air source heat pumps cannot reach 50% of that efficiency and dont perform well when the temps drop in the single digits. The rate of return on most ground source heat pumps is three to 10 years or sooner with the benefit of tax incentives or power company rebates. These rebates change yearly so be sure to research these costs as they can save you thousands off the initial investment.

The key to selecting the right contractor for your ground source heat pump is to make sure they are designing the system properly. If designed improperly, the expected energy savings may not be attained.

Make sure the installing contractor does, at a minimum, the calculations called: Manual J and Manual D. Manual J is a calculation which determines the heating and cooling loads on your home based off your homes orientation, outdoor design temperatures, R-Values of the building shell, interior loads, and window performance.

Manual D takes the design a step further and designs the ductwork for optimum velocities and pressures needed for correct air delivery. This is calculated by using design parameters from the equipments blower performance charts and pressure drops on the duct system. Dont be afraid to ask your contractor for a copy of the Manual D calculation report.

The final crucial step for a high performing geothermal system is to ensure the water loop field is designed correctly. Your contractor designing the well systems must research and understand soil types and the ability of the soil to transfer energy. Rock and clay type soils hold more energy therefore the loops may be shorter. Sandy soils absorb less energy therefore your loop field will need to be deeper or more loops may be added.

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What is a Heat Pump and is it Right for You?

FORSYTH COUNTY -- The Better Business Bureau is raising awareness about a scam that affects home and business owners nationwide.

The most recent involves contract asphalt workers.

The BBB receives hundreds of contractor complaints a month from customers who weren't satisfied with a job.

"They have a period of time to respond also in writing reporting their claim, and we take that information back to the client or the consumer, the complainant and see if that satisfies the complaint or if there are additional steps taken. If that's the case, we repeat the process until it's resolved," said Brian Wright, Better Business Bureau, Northwest N.C.

The most recent complaint is about asphalt contractors going door to door telling people they have extra asphalt and they're willing to do work at a discounted rate. Other area contractors say this puts a bad name on the industry but they see it all too often.

"These furnaces were an overstock and the contractor got them for a ridiculous low price, and therefore, he's going to pass those prices onto you. In reality, there is no thing as a free lunch and you're basically paying the premium for the air conditioning system to get the free furnace," said Richard Harrington, Gwyn Electrical Plumbing Heating and Cooling.

To avoid getting scammed, Harrington advises people to ask any question they have and when they pick a contractor to get the job all in writing.

"Asking questions about the price and the scope of the work is key -- what are you going to do, when are you going to do it, how much it's going to cost, all that needs to be put in writing just to avoid surprises and confusion later," said Harrington.

And the BBB adds, never pay full price up front.

"One of the rules of thumb we like to say is, if you're going to have work done make sure the payment is done after the completed job to your satisfaction. There might be a deposit up front which is understandable, but don't necessarily pay up front because it all of a sudden puts the power on the other side," said Wright.

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BBB Raising Awareness About Asphalt Contractor Scam

The Harp administration is looking to change the way it heats and powers government buildings from City Hall to the new police academyat less cost to both taxpayers and the ozone layer.

The ambitious quest is laid out in a request for proposals (RFP) for a five-facility design-build program. (Click here to view the RFP.)

Firms have until Oct. 7 (make that 11 a.m. on Oct. 7) to put in their bid to oversee the remaking of heating and cooling system for City Hall and the 200 Orange St. government office building and the construction of solar panels on the roofs of the Goffe Street firehouse, the old Goffe Street Armory, and the new police training academy and soundproof indoor shooting range planned for the West Rock neighborhood.

The winning construction firm would use both architects and engineers to draw up a design-build plan to carry out the whole combined operation. Thats a trend in modern contracting, unlike in older days where a city would first pay architects or engineers to draw up plans, then hire a construction firm separately, often paying extra unforeseen dollars before a job gets finished.

Right now Chase Enterprises owns and runs a basement heating and cooling system for both 200 Orange St. and City Hall; the city pays for the energy. Its 20-year contract has technically expired. (The company refused to allow the Independent inside to view and photograph the operation, which is in a public space; city officials said they have no power to force them to.) City Controller Daryl Jones and William MacMullen, a city engineer working with him on the project, said theyre confident that a new operator can run the system more efficiently and charge the city less than the $400,000 it pays now every year. They envision an arrangement under which a private operator would have a 20 to 30-year lease for new equipment, with the city having an option to buy it at any time.

Meanwhile, the armory and Dixwell firehouse need new roofs. Under the plan, a private operator would install solar panels on part of those roofs, as well as the roof to go up over the new academy and shooting range. The city would buy the power, which would have to cost at least 30 percent less than it does now, Jones said. Thats the win-win. That has to be achieved, or the deal wont happen. Unused electricity would be sold back to the grid for additional savings.

The armory sits empty right now. As part of the plan, Jones said, the city would prepare the first floor to serve as storage space for old files from the city health, education, and public works department. The city now spends around $600,000 a year to lease space for storage for those files as well as other items, said MacMullen (pictured). Weve had this armory sitting there for four years with nothing going on while shelling out all the storage money. He estimated it would cost around $28,000 to prepare to use the armory space instead. (The top floors would remain available for public uses.)

In an ideal world the city would make those improvements and own the equipment itself. But the city has lots of deferred maintenance to catch up on, and lots of roads and bridges to fix, Jones noted. It already has $48 million budgeted next year for capital projects. It cant afford to bond more money, so it needs to find these kinds of creative alternatives that dont add to indebtedness or contribute to tax increases, Jones said.

MacMullen said he anticipates the city would save $200,000 a year in energy costs just at City Hall/200 Orange complex, and a total of at least $400,000 a year under the entire plan. It depends how far we go with solar and other energy-saving measures like caulking windows.

The current RFP is part of a broader rethinking of how use that strategy to fix all the citys deteriorating 1960s-70s-era firehouses, for instance, and other neglected buildings. Ive been proactive, looking for ways to solve problems before they become acute and cost more, MacMullen said. In some cases, such as with some crumbling public-works property, it might make more sense to build replacements rather than renovate, he said.

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Energy Switcheroos Start With The Boiler

Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 22, 2014

Here in the Northwest, the signs of fall are slowly arriving: cooler temperatures, kids back to school, apple-picking, and dusting off the Halloween decorations. And, according to home performance and handyman experts from Neil Kelly Company, its the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance projects that can make a big difference for you and your home.

Whether you choose the DIY route or have a professional handle them, it's worth the time and expense to get your home ready for the winter, says Neil Kelly home performance expert Chad Ruhoff.

Neil Kelly Companys Top 10 Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Home Energy Audit Knowledge Is key: Learn where you can save money on your heating and cooling bills by signing up for a home energy audit.

2. Furnace & Filters: Before the heating season begins, have a professional give your furnace and HVAC systems a tune up. Its best to replace furnace filters every three months.

3. Water Heater: You can reduce water heating expenses up to 35 percent by upgrading your water heater.

4. Roof Inspection: Check the quality of your shingles, are they loose or missing? Repairs now will prevent expensive repairs come spring. And, while you have the ladder out, clean out the gutters and downspouts.

5. A Blanket for Your Windows: You dont need to replace your windows to make them more energy efficient. Install indow windows to boost your year-round comfort by blocking cold winter drafts and reducing window noise up to 50 percent.

6. Exterior Paint: Each fall, check for signs of peeling or blistering paint. These conditions could let in moisture and cause the siding to deteriorate.

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Fall Home Checklist from Neil Kelly Companys Home Performance and Handyman Experts

There is no question that India and other parts of the still-under-construction world must build green. The building sector is a major contributor to climate change and local environmental destruction because of construction materials used; energy expended for lighting, heating and cooling; and water consumption and waste discharge. This is the threat. There is an opportunity as well. Most of India is still unbuilt - over 70 per cent of the building stock is still to be constructed - so unlike the rest of the already developed world, India can build anew in an efficient and sustainable manner. But how?

This is an issue that has been troubling us at the Centre for Science and Environment. Over the past few years, the idea of green buildings has gained popularity - everybody, it would seem, has turned over a new leaf. Across the country, large and small construction is advertised as being the greenest possible green. To prove that buildings are indeed environment-friendly, the business of certification has also grown. There are agencies that now rate and award stars to individual buildings based on certain parameters. Many state governments are making these same standards of "greenness" mandatory. Some are even providing incentives, such as exemptions on property tax to those buildings that qualify as environment-friendly.

All this is important but the question is, do we know what "green" means?

When we began asking this question, what surprised us was the hostility with which it was received. Nobody, it seemed, wanted the new God to be questioned. Nobody wanted to be asked something as simple as what was the post-commissioning performance of a green building. We realised that the interests - of architects, builders, auditors and certifiers - in this new industry were already entrenched. It was a cozy club, and nobody was keen to give us entry.

We dug in our heels. Buildings are the key to a cleaner and greener future. The building sector uses, already, some 40 per cent of the country's electricity generation. So every effort made to reduce energy intensity of buildings will go a long way. We wanted to know what was happening, and what more could be done to reduce the material-use footprint and emissions of every construction.

What we discovered is not a convenient truth. My colleagues have put together a publication, Building Sense: Beyond the Green Faade of Sustainable Habitat, to bust some myths and explore alternative approaches. What they find is as follows.

First, the general approach is to first build wrongly and then "fit" in the green features. For instance, glass-enveloped buildings are certified green, simply because they install double or triple insulating glass, or five-star air-conditioners to cool places that were first heated up deliberately. In fact, glass necessitates air-conditioning, and so buildings become energy guzzlers. The irony is that these buildings still qualify for a green tag when the air-conditioning system used in glass-cased constructions is more efficient. "Build badly and then sugarcoat it" is the principle.

Secondly, rating systems are being pushed through government and municipal schemes without any evidence that green-certified buildings are actually working. Data on the performance of the green buildings after they have been commissioned were, till very recently, not disclosed. So even though rating agencies say that green-certified buildings save between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of the energy and reduce water consumption by 20-30 per cent, they have no corroborating data.

Thirdly, all these so-called green technologies end up hiking costs to the extent that buildings become unaffordable to most. What India needs are building standards that are appropriate and cost-effective. Green architecture should not be a barrier to inclusive growth.

This is where old knowledge has a role to play. Traditional architecture is based on the principle of "localising" buildings so that they can optimise natural elements and be efficient in resource use. This "science and art" of engineers for nature needs to be infused with the new material knowledge of modern architecture.

Original post:
Sunita Narain: Building green sense

A carbon monoxide leak at North Mac Elementary School in Girard, Illinois sent 140 people to the hospital on Monday, according to WICS, an ABC affiliate in Springfield, Illinois.

Reports stated that students and staff members began feeling sick and were evacuated from the building.

In Illinois and Iowa, schools are not required to install carbon monoxide detectors, although homeowners are. Connecticut and Maryland are the only two states to require carbon monoxide detectors inside schools.

It is an odorless, tasteless gas; unless you have a detector, youre not going to know its even there, Jeni Rochholz said, a service tech for Crawford Company Heating and Cooling.

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood and heating symptoms.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. CO levels between 10-15 ppm, or parts-per million, can be lethal, Jeni said.

When temperatures begin to cool in the fall, Jenis job is critical: ensure there isnt carbon monoxide leaking from her clients furnaces. She said carbon monoxide, scientifically referred to as CO, occurs when carbon in fuel is not burned completely.

On Tuesday, News 8 found that the following schools currently have carbon monoxide detectors: Rock Island Schools and Pleasant Valley Schools.

Officials with Bettendorf and North Scott Schools stated they dont have carbon monoxide detectors.

Moline Schools dont have carbon monoxide detector; however, Dr. David Moyer said the schools dont use gas heating.

Read more from the original source:
More than 100 hospitalized after carbon monoxide leak inside school

Grand Rapids, M (PRWEB) September 16, 2014

Michigan-based HVAC contractor, Schaafsma Heating and Cooling, now offers geothermal heat pumps that qualify for the 30 percent tax credit incentive provided by the federal government. This federal incentive tax credit on geothermal heat pump systems remains effective until December 31, 2016. The system is able to heat, cool, and provide homes with hot water.

Schaafsma Heating and Cooling has several geothermal systems to choose from, said Becky Town, Schaafsmas marketing coordinator. Our geothermal systems can be very beneficial for homeowners and the research shows it. Were hoping consumers take advantage of this feature soon.

Long-lasting and requiring less maintenance, several major advantages of geothermal heat pump systems include economic and energy efficiency. With an efficiency rating of 45 - 50 percent more than the traditional heating and cooling systems, the total annual energy savings from geothermal systems is 8 kWh of electricity and 40 billion BTUs of fossil fuels. This means a substantial reduction of reliance on imported fuel. Homeowners with geothermal heat pump systems save a combined $750 million in a 20-year span, and 95 percent of geothermal heat pump owners claim they would recommend this system to others.

Closed-loop systems (including horizontal, vertical, and pond), as well as open-loop systems, and hybrid systems are available for installation at Schaafsma Heating and Cooling. To learn more about the various types of geothermal heat pump systems, contact an HVAC staff member at (616) 458-7304 or 800-643-0615. Those interested in geothermal system or other HVAC installations may stop by their office location at 25 North Park NW in Grand Rapid, Michigan 49544.

First established in 1905 Schaafsma Heating and Cooling offers a variety of HVAC services throughout Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas, such as air conditioning and furnace, and HVAC and insulation installation. Schaafsma Heating and Cooling contractors are regionally recognized for their outstanding customer service and their expertise in the HVAC industry.

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Schaafsma Heating & Cooling Sells Geothermal Systems Which Can Qualify Customers for Federal Tax Credit

Two Coleman Echelon modulating gas furnaces win Best Buy awards

MILWAUKEE Consumers Digest recently named Johnson Controls Best Buy award winners for two Coleman Echelon Series modulating gas furnaces models for outstanding efficiency ratings, fuel-conserving features and improved homeowner comfort. The designation also considered ease of use, maintenance requirements and quality and reliability.

The variable-speed model features an electronically commutated motor (ECM) that delivers up to 98 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), positioning the unit among the industrys most efficient gas furnaces. The second Echelon model recognized by Consumers Digest uses a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor to deliver a 97 percent AFUE.

Were thrilled to receive this award from Consumers Digest. It is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with quality, energy-efficient products that make their homes more comfortable, said Liz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, Unitary Products Group, Johnson Controls.

Both units are conveniently compact and stand at just 33 inches, making them the ideal solution for applications where space is limited, including closets, attics and basements with low ceilings. Homeowners who install one of the furnaces in their homes will also appreciate the units quiet operation.

These Coleman Echelon furnaces are ENERGY STAR qualified and come with a lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger from Johnson Controls. All other model components include a 10-year limited warranty.

HVAC products from Johnson Controls, marketed under the well-known Coleman brand, include energy-efficient, residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and innovative light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a national distribution network and delivered to home- and building-owners through qualified Coleman heating and cooling contractors. For more information about Coleman, visit: http://www.colemanac.com.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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Originally posted here:
Consumers Digest Recognizes Coleman Gas Furnaces for Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Editors note: This is the second part of a two-part report on the Edward C. Allworth Veterans Home now near completion in Lebanon. To read part one, click here.

LEBANON High-tech electronics throughout the new 154-bed Edward C. Allworth Veterans Home will help staff keep track of inventory and greatly reduce utility costs, according to Kelly Odegaard, the homes CEO.

The medical records of residents will be maintained electronically and staff will be able to communicate using individual phones instead of overhead speakers, all part of the facilitys small home philosophy.

Staff who work in the dedicated Alzheimers building will be alerted by text message whenever a resident gets out of bed or walks to the bathroom or outside of their room.

Equipment and other materials within the complex will be embedded with radio frequency microchips that will allow staff to get a complete inventory of every room with the push of a button on an electronic reader. Staff members will not have to go room-to-room with pencil and paper accounting for every chair or flat screen TV of which there are dozens.

Odegaard added that the microchips are so small they can easily be embedded into personal products, such as hearing aids, that quite often end up tossed into the trash accidentally.

It would be nice to help residents avoid having to replace a $5,000 hearing aid, Odegaard said.

The facilitys lighting system is controlled in part by sensors that detect the amount of ambient light coming into an area and adjust electrically powered lights accordingly.

And thanks to $114,109 in cash incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon, sunlight will generate an estimated 5 percent of the 133,000-square-foot facilitys energy needs, thanks to the installation of 336 rooftop solar panels.

The grant allowed the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to install energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems throughout the four neighborhood building clusters.

Original post:
Solar power, high tech electronics to reduce operating costs at new veterans home