September 28, 2012

Its a frequent scenario for many owners of multi-story homes and its an uncomfortable one: Uneven heating and cooling between floors often leaves the upstairs more difficult to cool during the summer and the downstairs harder to heat during the winter.

Common reasons for temperature variances between floors: Restricted air flow from the furnace to the registers. Inadequate or improperly sized and sealed ductwork. A heating and cooling system thats not sufficient for the size of the home.

Angies List, asked highly heating and cooling companies about the options that are available today.

Run the furnace blower continuously: Heating and cooling professionals recommend homeowners switch their thermostat fan to the On position to allow the blower on the furnace to run continuously, which better circulates air throughout the house. First, though, make sure your air filter is clean. Adjusting the vents can also help redirect the forced air to the places its needed.

Add a second system: Certainly the most expensive fix a second system could run upwards of $7,000, but is the best option for two-story homes with one furnace. Adding a second system allows the homeowner to better control the temperature on each floor.

Add a zoning system: Zoning systems are a less-expensive alternative than adding another system. Zoning systems allow a homeowner to control the temperature independently from a thermostat placed on each floor. Zoning systems are easiest to install in new construction, however existing homes can sometimes be retrofitted to accommodate the system. Most zoning systems cost $3,000 and up.

Add a ductless split: Essentially an air conditioner without the ductwork, these small room-based units pass cold air through small air handlers mounted on the wall. The homeowner can control the temperature independently in each room the air handler is installed. Cost for ductless air conditioners typically starts at about $1,500 per unit.

Have ductwork inspected: Improperly sized and leaky ducts are often the culprits. Ultimately, homeowners with temperature variance issues should consult a reputable heating and cooling contractor to diagnose the issue and determine possible solutions. Doing so could not only make their home feel more comfortable, it can help ensure they are using their heating and cooling energy as efficiently as possible.

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Angie's List: Uneven Heating & Cooling

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (UTX) company, today announced that CBS Studios will install six PureCell stationary fuel cell systems at two production locations in California. Three units will be installed at CBS Studio Center, a production facility with 18 sound stages and office space in Studio City, Calif. Three others will be installed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, Calif., housing eight sound stages and office space. The studios, which are used by CBS and other media outlets, produce many of today's top shows, including Entertainment Tonight, The Price is Right, CSI: NY, NCIS, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/NE60332LOGO )

The PureCell systems to be installed at CBS are a proven solution to today's energy challenges, and will provide the studios with lower energy costs through superior efficiency, security and reduced emissions. In fact, the PureCell systems at Studio Center and Television City will produce a total of 2.4 MW of power, satisfying 40 percent and 60 percent of the studios' electricity requirements, respectively. Thermal energy from the systems will be utilized to provide cooling for both studios and will also be used for space heating and domestic hot water at Television City. Additionally, four of the PureCell systems will be configured to operate independently of the electric grid. This important feature will provide energy security for the studios, serving as critical power backups during blackouts, natural disasters and man-made emergencies.

"Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals," said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City. "With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business."

In total, the PureCell systems will prevent the release of more than 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually the equivalent of planting nearly 550 acres of trees. The reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions, when compared to a conventional power plant, are equal to the environmental benefits of removing more than 357 cars from the road. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, these PureCell systems, which operate in water balance, will enable CBS to save more than 2.8 million gallons of water annually, enough to fill 41/2 Olympic swimming pools. With the installation of these clean fuel cell systems, CBS builds upon their legacy of strong environmental stewardship by significantly increasing their contribution to a greener, more sustainable community.

"We are thrilled to provide fuel cells for CBS, a world-renowned company with a long and proud history," said Joe Triompo, Vice President and General Manager at UTC Power. "Our efficient PureCell systems are a great fit for these busy studios and will help CBS to lower their energy costs, increase their energy security and reduce their environmental emissions by producing clean, reliable power on-site."

This project is supported by funding from California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The units are scheduled to be delivered later this year.

The PureCell system is a combined heat and power system that represents a game-changing technology. Compared to typical central generation and other fuel cell offerings, the PureCell system offers customers lower energy costs, reduced emissions, an industry-leading 90 percent system efficiency and an industry-best 10-year cell stack life.

About UTC Power

UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. UTC Power has designed, manufactured, and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cells in 19 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit http://www.utcpower.com

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UTC Power PureCell® systems to power the stars - CBS Studios to install 6 fuel cell systems providing 2.4 megawatts of ...

03 Jul 2012

CBS Studios, the American television production and distribution company, is to install a total of six 400 kW UTC PureCell at two production locations in California. Three systems will be installed at CBS Studio Center, a production facility with eighteen sound stages and offices in Studio City; the remaining three will be installed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, which houses eight soundstages and offices.

The systems will provide the studios with lower energy costs thanks to their high efficiency and low emissions; the fuel cells will meet 40% of the electricity requirement of Studio Center and 60% of the requirement of Television City. High-grade thermal energy from the systems will be used to provide cooling at both locations as well as space heating and domestic hot water at Television City.

Four of the PureCell systems will be configured for grid-independent operation, providing security to the studios in light of possible power outage scenarios. Furthermore, the systems will abate the release of 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

"Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals," said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City. "With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business."

UTC Power expects to install the systems later this year.

Image: CBS Television City lit up blue (Credit: CBS)

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FuelCellToday - The leading authority on fuel cells

COLUMBIACOUNTY Low-income residents who have medical conditions affected by the summers growing heat, but no air conditioning, may be able to get a unit installed thanks to a yearly program from the state and federal governments.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday that the states annual cooling initiative is once again available to qualified low income residents, for whom extended periods of hot weather may pose a medical emergency because of their health issues.

The initiative is funded by Washingtons Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and administered through the NYS Homes and Community Renewal agency, which has set aside $3 million from the federal LIHEAP funds which also provides heating assistance during the winter months for the air conditioner program.

The late spring and early summer, said Cuomo, have already brought several heat waves, which can be life-and-death matters for New Yorkers with serious medical conditions.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer also expressed support for the program. I strongly urge eligible families and seniors to take advantage of this program, he said, to help keep their homes safe and comfortable.

Locally, it will be administered by the nonprofit organizations Columbia Opportunities, Inc., and Community Action of Greene County, Inc.

Columbia Opportunities Executive Director Tina Sharpe said Friday eligibility is determined by three criteria the household must meet the LIHEAP low-income guidelines; at least one member must be diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition which would be aggravated by extreme heat conditions; and there must be written documentation from a doctor that air-conditioning assistance is critical to prevent a heat emergency.

Sharpe also explained that the funding is not for households that already have a working air conditioner, or which have received one from the state either from an earlier round of HCR funding or the states NYSERDA funding.

Sharpe said the purpose of the initiative is not to cool an entire residence, but provide a safe zone for the party needing it. Were not trying to air condition the whole apartment, she said.

Its to create a cool space in the home of a low-income person that has a medical condition, Sharpe said, adding that the zone is usually the bedroom.

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Governor announces cooling initiative

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION:

Tips to Beat the Heat and Save Energy

MADISON - Utility bills can soar during extreme heating periods, and with temperatures across the state expected to jump to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the next few days, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is offering a few tips to stay cool and keep costs down.

Home Cooling

Turn off lights when leaving a room. Check weather-stripping and caulking for leaks around doors and windows. Use a microwave oven or cook outside instead of using the stove or oven. Minimize the amount of time your refrigerator and freezer doors are open. Use natural lighting and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Ninety percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb makes heat. Close blinds and curtains on hot days. Install white window shades or blinds to reflect heat away from your house. For long-term cooling, plant trees/shrubs to shade your house. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of a typical household's energy used for cooling. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air into the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. Most effective when operated at night as the air is cooler outside than inside.

Appliance Usage

Use cold water for doing laundry and air dry clothes on clotheslines. Unplug electronics like computers, televisions, and radios when not in use. Set your dishwasher to air-dry mode and use it only when it's fully loaded. Turn on ceiling fans only when you're in the room. Clean and maintain your air conditioner often. Make sure air filters, air intakes, grilles, and radiators are unblocked and clean at all times. Clean dirt and leaves off coils on outdoor units. When buying new appliances, including air conditioners, look for those that are ENERGY STAR rated, which means they are more energy efficient than traditional appliances.

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HEAT WAVE 2012: Beating the heat in your home

News-Sun staff report June 27, 2012 8:12PM

Updated: June 28, 2012 2:48AM

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Midwest has kicked off the first phase of a $57 million, multi-year project to decentralize the Naval Station Great Lakes steam heat delivery system.

Over the next three years, Newburgh, Ind.-based Kroeschell ESG, L.L.C. joint venture will disconnect 110 of the bases buildings from the central steam plant and instead install individual heating systems in each building. This will improve the bases overall energy efficiency and save the Navy money.

Were looking forward to working with our contract partners on this very important project over the next few years, said NAVFAC Midwest Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Bernotas. This is one of the most significant projects weve undertaken within the region. Not only is it large in scope, but also in future benefit. Decentralizing Great Lakes steam distribution is really about preparing the base and Navy Region Midwest for a future where resources are more scarce.

New infrastructure, including new gas lines and other supporting systems, will be installed around the base. The existing aging steam lines will be removed in a follow-on phase of the project, to be completed in 2017.

While building occupants may not notice a difference in their work areas Navy directives set heating points at 68 degrees and cooling points at 78 degrees each building will be heated more efficiently, saving the Navy money, according to Public Works Department Great Lakes Energy Manager Peter Behrens.

Having heating systems for each building will eliminate the energy loss inherent in having what is essentially a 20-mile-long radiator carrying steam around the base, said Behrens.

NAVFAC anticipates this project will save the base around $9 million per year and reduce the bases overall energy intensity the amount of energy used per square foot of occupied space by 21 percent.

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Naval Station Great Lakes buildings to get new heating systems

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -06/27/12)- This time of year, the heat is literally on to make affordable, sustainable improvements to home comfort. "Our favorite products offer all kinds of savings," says Tom Kraeutler, home improvement expert and syndicated radio show host of The Money Pit. "They save water, electricity and even human energy, with simple installations and everyday convenience."

Kraeutler recommends five sustainable solutions for summer comfort.

Hands-free convenience for the kitchen"The MotionSense Arbor pulldown faucet provides hands-free kitchen convenience," says Kraeutler. "Just activate it with a few simple hand movements, and you can wash hands, clean dishes and prepare meals, all with greater water savings and reduced risk of cross-contamination." MotionSense's Wave Sensor and Ready Sensor allow hands-free water flow, with a side handle for manual operation. Featuring transitional styling, it's available in Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze or Spot Resist Stainless finishes. Learn more about MotionSense at http://www.moen.com.

Easy-care, efficient replacement windows"If you have old, drafty windows that are hard to open or need frequent scraping or painting, replace them with beautiful, energy-efficient windows from Andersen," says Kraeutler. "Andersen's 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung Insert Window is available at The Home Depot and is custom-sized to fit inside an existing window frame, with minimal disruption to your home." Easily installed from inside, it features a tilt-to-clean function for easy care and High-Performance Low-E4 glass. Design an efficient new view at http://www.andersenwindows.com.

Smarter lighting controlLights that are left on can be a big energy drain and bulk up your electric bill. Install the Lutron Maestro Occupancy Sensor, and lights will turn on automatically when you enter a room and off again when you leave. Maestro's sensing technology ensures that lights stay on when a room is occupied, and detects natural light so that fixtures only turn on when needed. It works with all types of light bulbs and doesn't need special wiring. Switch to automatic energy savings at http://www.lutron.com/occvacsensors.

Better bulbs for your bottom line"The right light can do wonders for your home's energy efficiency, ambience and comfort," says Kraeutler. "And Philips AmbientLED bulbs provide dimmable soft-white light that lasts over 22 years, on a fraction of the energy used by incandescents." Philips AmbientLED bulbs are available in a range of shapes and wattages, provide instant-on light, and are mercury-free. Find the right Philips AmbientLED bulb for any lighting fixture at http://www.philips.com/beautifullight.

Customized cooling for summerMitsubishi Electric residential cooling and heating systems provide energy-efficient comfort to specific rooms or a whole house, all without ductwork. "These compact cooling systems are 35% more energy-efficient than central A/C systems and 40% more energy-efficient than window units, and that means big savings during the hottest days of summer," says Segrete. Mitsubishi Electric cooling units have long-life allergen filters, a whisper-quiet sound level, and offer a variety of convenient control options. Design more efficient cooling at http://www.mehvac.com.

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Sustainable Home Solutions for Summer

In todays economy, people are trying to save some green by going green. Rob Rutherford, the president and co-owner of Nelson Homes, located in Arrington, is trying to help his clients do that by offering numerous options to become more energy efficient.

Each of the homes available through Nelson Homes is energy-star certified, a government-backed certification promoting energy efficiency. In order to be certified energy star, the home must be 20 to 30 percent more efficient than a standard home. Some of the things Rutherford offers in addition to the standard energy star appliances and better insulation are geothermal and solar technology.

Were trying to set ourselves apart in the industry, Rutherford said. We want to be the energy experts.

Nelson Homes, a 15-employee operation, sells different types of homes, but specializes in modular homes. The average Nelson Homes home sells between $180,000 and $220,000, including the installation. Nelson Homes has sold more than 400 homes around Virginia since it opened in late 2000. Four other companies branched out of Nelson Homes and include another sale site in Rustburg.

Rutherford committed to being an energy star home builder in 2007. This year, he committed to being a 100 percent energy star home builder.

Since 2007, Nelson Homes has built 39 Energy Star homes, 22 of them in the Lynchburg area with 21 certified in the past 12 months, the most for the area. The next highest is Long Meadows Inc. with 19 total homes, 16 of which are in Lynchburg and three of which were certified in the past 12 months.

One of the things Nelson Homes focuses on is improving the insulation to help keep heating and cooling costs low. Some of their methods are draft-stopping caulk and foam, a wrapped crawl space to prevent heat transfer in and out of the home through the floor, and thicker walls. The walls are made with two-by-six framing, instead of the usual two-by-four.

A tight, well insulated house thats the biggest bang for the buck, he said. About 29 percent of an annual energy bill for a single home is spent on heating and 17 percent on cooling, which are both affected by a homes insulation, Rutherford said.

Alternative technology, like solar electric panels to harvest and store electricity and solar thermal to heat water, are also available to lower energy costs.

People can also install geothermal technology, something Nelson Homes has recently begun pushing. Geothermal systems use consistent underground temperatures to help heat and cool a house. Geothermal usually saves between 40 to 70 percent on home heating and 20 to 50 percent on home cooling, according to Nelson Homes website.

Excerpt from:
Nelson Homes pushing 'green'

Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) June 27, 2012

The Heat Is On And Its A/C Time!

Summer has arrived and A/C units are working overtime. As a homeowner the responsibility of having your comfort A/C system serviced and maintained is an important factor in assuring the longevity of that system and in keeping your home cool when the summer temps sizzle.

A/C Basics

Comfort air conditioning systems are designed to help keep people comfortable and to also provide healthy air quality. A complete air conditioning system is capable of adding and removing heat and moisture and of filtering and removing airborne substances, such as dust, allergens, and indoor pollutants from the space to be conditioned. When designing an air conditioning system, dehumidification and air flow are important factors to be considered in addition to temperature control.

A/C Maintenance

Properly maintaining air conditioning equipment is the best way to preserve your existing A/C system and to hedge your bet against expensive future repairs. A well maintained air conditioner will fail less frequently and will use less power and save you money. Be sure to have youre A/C system serviced no less than once a year, and in high dust areas a more frequent A/C serving may be required. Change your filter every month and make sure it fits tightly in the filter frame. If filters dont fit tightly then apply foam tape that can be found at local hardware store to the inside of the frame to assure a snug fit and to prevent dust and dirt from bypassing the filter.

A/C Repair

A/C Repairs can be expensive, and they can be repetitive. Air Conditioning units are machines and machines have a definite life expectancy. Wear and tear from operation under adverse conditions such as high ambient temperatures, dirty power supply, and transient voltage spikes from lightning storms and power company equipment failures can dramatically shorten the life of youre A/C unit, by causing damage to components and pushing the cost toward economic obsolescence.

A/C Replacement

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Air Conditioning Service Tips For The Homeowner! A/C Comfort 101

The options for sustainable energy in the home are growing beyond solar panels.

Diana Maneta, executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, answered some of our questions about other large and small options. Her answers are edited for length.

What are some of the other options for homeowners beyond solar panels?

There are a few good options:

There is solar thermal for water heating. With a solar water heater, you will have a panel on your house with coils with nontoxic antifreeze, and the heat obtained from the sun heats the coils. You would still need another source of water heating as a backup.

There are small wind systems. Here in Missoula, wind is not a great resource. In other places in the state, where it is very windy, it makes sense to get a small wind system installed. You also need enough space at least an acre and you need to consult local zoning ordinances.

And ground-source heat pumps. These are taking advantage of the fact that a few feet below us, the ground maintains a much more constant temperature. You dig trenches and lay coils a few feet down in your yard. Theyve got this kind of antifreeze coolant running through them, and the ground being warmer than the air, it will transfer the heat into the coils. And its the opposite in the winter.

Theres micro hydropower. Rather than damming a river, you just divert some water from the river or stream, and that water runs through a turbine and produces electricity. This is only available to people with running water on their property, and it should have at least a 10-foot drop. You would also need to have the rights to use the water.

What are some small changes homeowners can make that will save money and make their houses more sustainable?

What we always tell people is before you even think of installing renewable energy, consider conservation and efficiency. There are some simple steps that will save you money and are good for the environment. And if you do decide to install a renewable energy system, you will be able to install a smaller one.

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The benefits of sustainable energy: Little things such as caulking, weather stripping and insulating home can save money