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Author Archives: randy
Homeowner Tax Credits – Quick Guide.
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 this year, 2010, for existing homes only as it relates to the following: • Windows and Doors • Insulation • Roofs (Metal and Asphalt) • HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, … Continue reading
Posted in Featured, Uncategorized
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A Different Kind of Green Hardwood Floor. Well, Blue, Actually.
When you think of green flooring options you tend to think about recycled and repurposed wood, or highly renewable materials like Bamboo. But if you live near the Rocky Mountains you may have heard about something called Beetle Kill Pine, also known as Blue Stain Beetle Kill Pine. Continue reading
Posted in Featured, Floors
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Bulid your own solar panels using new or used solar cells
A solar cell, in itself, is of little value in our energy consumptive world, but when you combine many cells and hook them all together into a full panel you can realize a great deal of energy. Indeed, many homeowners have managed to run their whole house on solar power. Most households use between 500 to 1000 kwh per month. One solar panel produces about 100 to 150 kw of power. Continue reading
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What is a hybrid water heater?
We have water tanks, we have tankless water heaters, but what is a hybrid water heater? A company called “Eternal” has a Condensing Hybrid water heater which is a revamp of its original Eternal Hybrid system. What you end up with is a water heater that enjoys the benefits of a tankless but with fewer drawbacks. Continue reading
Posted in Plumbing
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More efficient than a Tankless?
A plumber recommended the Phoenix modulating condensing water tank to me the other day as an alternative to a tankless. His experience with them is good, and recommends them to anyone looking for a more efficient water heating system. Continue reading
Posted in Plumbing
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Conserve Water by Utilizing Greywater for Home Gardening
Looking for smarter ways to conserve water while maintaining your lawn and garden? Green Landscaping contractors like Dan Finklea of Handy Dan Construction & Greenwise Landscapes have been utilizing greywater for irrigation for years. We had an opportunity to speak with him about this method so that you can see how it works, or even do it yourself. Continue reading
How to Install New Windows
The right windows correctly installed can make a home look complete. But poorly installed windows can detract from the home’s aesthetics and charm, not to mention lead to water damage around the windows eventually causing costly damage. Continue reading
Posted in Windows
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LED Lights as an energy saver
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) overall use less energy and last longer than Incandescent bulbs and even Compact Florescent bulbs. LEDs last about 60,000 hours compared to 15,000 for compact florescent and only 1,000 for regular, incandescent ones. Continue reading
Posted in Electricians
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Why Noritz Tankless? We asked the Expert.
We had the opportunity to talk with an expert on the Nortiz Tankless Water heaters, Mark Perlmutter of All American Plumbing in San Rafael CA. He gave us his professional opinion and some insight about the Noritz unit to help us understand why he uses them, and how they compare to others. Continue reading
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How to Select a Qualified Solar System Contractor
Unfortunately choosing an installer for solar panels is not as easy as choosing an electrician. This is partly due to the fact there simply are not very many homes using solar panels to begin with. California residents will have an easier time with it because it is more commonplace, but regardless of where you live be prepared to insist on answers to the following questions before hiring: Continue reading
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