Real Estate / Home News
- Is Now the Time To Go Solar?
- Prevention Can Be Better Than A Cure
- Landscaping Timely Tips
Is Now The Time To Go Solar?
According to Kelly Smith, President of Ambassador Energy, Inc. in Temecula, lately it is difficult to pick up a newspaper, listen to the radio or turn on the television without hearing something about “going green.” It is a current phenomenon landing on the short list of true historic revolutions. In our lifetimes, we have seen or been affected by, first the Industrial Revolution; second, the Computer Revolution; and now, the Solar Revolution.
We can probably all agree that, in theory, going green is a good thing. In the past 30 years, environmentalists have committed to living green lifestyles and reducing their carbon footprints. In more recent years, since the turn of this century, a new wave of green adopters has emerged. They are mainstream consumers who are not just looking for ways to improve the condition of the planet, but are extremely concerned about the costs of electricity, as rates increase exponentially and frighteningly.
An effective way to control escalating electric costs is through the implementation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system, either on rooftop, on the ground or on a variety of new products, like free-standing pool cabanas, palapas, and carports. Solar PV (not to be confused with pool solar) has become extremely available and affordable. With help from our government, and material costs reaching a low, a good financial case is often easy to make.
Of course, all situations are different, but one can generally count on the following scenario:
- Federal Government provides a 30% tax credit
- Federal Treasury provides a 30% grant for commercial applications in lieu of the tax credit
- State of California provides a nice rebate, typically representing another 15-20% of the cost
- Almost 50% of the system is paid for by others
With these factors in place, the number of years for payback or Return on Investment (ROI) is usually five to seven years for residences. Commercial systems will often pay back in much less time. In addition, for the financial folks out there, the Interest Rate of Return (IRR) is often in the double digits.
Paying for the system is often confusing, so here it is in a “nutshell.” Just like any new material addition, one may pay cash, finance through traditional means, lease the system, or participate in a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In Smith’s opinion, the PPA should be considered very cautiously.
Now is a great time to become informed. Rebates and credits are high, material costs are historically low and electricity is getting more and more expensive. The easiest way to know for yourself is to have a solar provider do a custom quote, based on your electric usage and site logistics. Be sure to get quotes from a reputable company that include customer costs, ROI, IRR, lifetime savings and even carbon footprint relief.
Prevention Can Be Better Than a Cure
SB/WC Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
According to Rusty Cochran of WC Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., a lot of people take their HVAC for granted, not realizing that 90% of repair calls on heating and air conditioning systems are on non-maintained equipment. Preventative maintenance agreements help avoid costly emergency repairs. What is a preventative maintenance agreement you ask? It’s a service that protects your heating/cooling equipment and provides peace of mind. Most equipment manufacturers require proof of a preventative maintenance agreement in order to keep your equipment warranty valid.
A preventative maintenance agreement should include two visits ― one in the spring to check and service your air conditioner to ensure efficient cooling for the upcoming summer months; the other in the fall to check and service your furnace for your winter heating comfort. Performing these inspections could prevent unwanted breakdowns during peak demand. It could also save the hassle of calling a service company to fix the system in the middle of summer when everyone is busy and can’t get there for days. Having an agreement should put you in the front of the line and ahead of any non-agreement customers.
Be sure your service agreement includes a 21-point heating inspection and an 18-point cooling inspection on your equipment, as well as a full pound of free refrigerant. . The replacement of standard filters should be included, along with inspection of the heat exchanger, check of inlet/outlet gas pressure, test of system safety devices, inspection/ cleaning of outdoor coils, and check of operating pressures and temperatures. As you can see, there is a lot more to a heating/cooling system than just the changing of filters. It is important that preventative maintenance be provided by a company whose staff has been trained and certified. The use of drop cloths and shoe covers to protect your home should be standard practice.
A maintained system can last many more years than a system with no maintenance performed. A system can have poor airflow because the indoor coil was never cleaned, or simply a clogged filter. Simple issues overlooked can lead to much larger and more expensive issues down the line. A dirty coil can cause the compressor to fail. That is one of the single most expensive items. Clean motors, parts, coils and filters will increase airflow, lower your utility bills and provide the end user total indoor comfort. With warmer weather only a few months away, now is the time to investigate and arrange for that important maintenance service. The end result can save you a lot of frustration and money.