Show Notes: Live From Reno!

Thanks for listening! Find below the show notes from the Live show in Reno on 17 March 2018.

Green Home Improvements for St. Patrick’s Day!

 No matter what’s on your “honey-do” list this spring, these green home improvements should be at the top of your list:  

Smart Thermostats:

Your energy company wants you to have a Nest Learning Thermostat and start saving energy. 

• Homeowners can save $130-$180 per year in energy costs by installing smart thermostats
• They’ve been proven to save 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling.

Some energy companies send you a $249 Nest Thermostat at no cost when you sign up for certain plans. Others give you an instant $100 rebate – no paperwork necessary. 

Even more energy companies offer traditional mail‑in rebates. One way or another, most energy providers will help you get a Nest Learning Thermostat. 

Energy-Efficient Windows, Doors & Skylights:

Homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit of 10 % by simply replacing windows, doors and skylights with energy efficient models.

• ENERGY STAR windows are proven to reduce energy bills by approximately 7% to 24 %, compared to non-qualified windows.
• Tax Credit: 10 % of cost (up to $500).

LED Lighting: 

According to Redfin, the savings in green energy lighting is found in the payback period.

A generic LED light is about $10 vs. $0.50 for incandescent bulbs, but it uses 80% less energy, and last 25 times long, for a payback period of six months (with annual energy costs of $0.44 vs. $19.70).

LED light bulbs are also mercury-free and stay cool to the touch. 

Solar Shutters:

Solar shutters use photovoltaic panels to feed energy into a small inverter that plugs directly into an outlet, helping to return power to your electrical system. The solar shutters can produce roughly 500 watts per hour. They’ve been tested and proven to reduce heat transfer, including blocking out heat gain/loss better than any other shutter. 

Solar: 

Installing solar can achieve significant tax deductions and overall return on investment, including adding on average $26,000 to the resale value of an average home.

Tax Credit: 30 % of costs with no upper limit.  

According to energysage.com, in 2018, most homeowners are paying between $2.71 and $3.57 per watt to install solar, and the average gross cost of solar panels before tax credits is $18,840.

HVAC Systems & Upgrade: 

The average homeowner spends roughly $2,200 a year on utility bills. New can cost anywhere from $1900 to $5100 according to homeadvisor.com. Believe it or not, half of that cost is associated with the home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. 

Consider a high efficiency heating and cooling system and look for the energy star label when purchasing new equipment. Go to energystar.gov for more information. 

Solar Water Heater: 

This is considered a “capital improvement” and qualifies homeowners for a deduction as high as 10 % of the costs, including installation costs, according to the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit.

Solar-heated water tanks operate just like standard water heaters but also include electric, natural gas or propane backup systems, if needed.

Tax Credit: 30 % of cost, including installation, with no upper limit. 

House Logic says a solar water heater is around $8,000 to $10,000 including installation, but like anything the price tag can go up depending on the size, quality, and complexity of the system.  

 

Click here for some more information!

 

Sources:

https://www.fortunebuilders.com/green-home-improvements-rehabbers/ 

https://www.energy.gov/articles/tipsenergy-saving-home-heating-costs

https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/taxes/tax-credits-solar-water-heaters/

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/#price

 

 

 

Have you told your favorite contractor – builder, landscaper, electrician, appliance repair person – about CareyBrosPros?  

That’s our weekly podcast dedicated to our fellow professionals in the construction business.  

This week we’re learning about a future in the Electrical Engineering field with Gary Golka.   

Catch our full interview with Gary, as well as podcasts on a whole bunch of other topics, at  CareyBrosPros.com!   

 

Shop for Yard Equipment like a Pro

Are you itching to get outside and do some yard work, you’re waiting for the weather to clear up? Well, nothing rains on your proverbial parade more than not having the right equipment for the job.

Fortunately, you have the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s list of things to know when shopping for outdoor equipment.

 

Click here to learn more at Cameron’s Corner!

Source:

http://opei.org/

 

The Verdict on Vented vs. Non-Vented Range Hoods

And what to look for when shopping for a range hood 

 

The thing about cooking—especially frying and grilling—is that it can kick up a lot of smoke, grease, and lingering food smells. A range hood helps keep the air in your kitchen clean.  

 What are the different types of range hoods? 

1. Range Hoods
2. Downdraft Systems
3. Microwaves with Build-In Hoods

What do I need to consider when I’m buying a range hood (unvented or vented)? 

There are a number of factors to weigh, depending on the size and layout of your kitchen, and the type of cooking you do. Some things to consider: 

• Size
• Cubic Feet per Minute
• Noise level
• Type of filters
• Design

You’ll also want to consider such features as adjustable fan speeds and lighting levels (usually halogen or LED), and perhaps automatic shutoff. As always, look for product reviews on consumer websites, and read user comments on the retail sites before you buy. 

For more information visit our full article here!

 

Sources:

https://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodeling-101-vented-vs-non-vented-range-hoods/ 

http://appliances.costhelper.com/range-hoods.html 

 

Your Dream Bath 

Presented by American Standard Walk In Tubs 

Valeri asked: I’m adding a new ADA bathroom in my home for my mom. I would like to make sure the bathroom is always warm for her, without heating up the whole house. What would you suggest for heating the bathroom? 

Scott Rosenbaum from Warmly Yours (https://www.warmlyyours.com) enlightened us on some of the great ways you can warm your bathroom.

Things we talked about: 

• Features & Benefits: Thermostat and timer
• Where to use Warmly Yours
• How to use Warmly Yours
• Cost of Warmly floors

 Listen to the whole segment at the Your Dream Bathroom website  or click here!

 

RECALL OF THE WEEK: 

 INSINKERATOR® Recalls SINKTOP™ Switch Accessory for Garbage Disposals Due to Fire Hazard 

 If you are an owner of one of the 1,400,000 InSinkErator SinkTop switch accessories, immediately stop using it and call InSinkErator at 855 215 5695 to receive a free replacement.

To learn more about this recall, garbage disposals, and more, click here.

Source:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/InSinkErator-Recalls-SinkTop-Switch-Accessory-for-Garbage-Disposals-Due-to-Fire-Hazard

Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Buying Guide 

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are two tools that can help you protect your home and family from these threats, even when they occur in remote areas of the home or at night when everyone is asleep. You can purchase the devices separately or as combination units. 

Power Options 

Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are available in hardwired models that connect to your home wiring or battery-operated models. Some smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms feature built-in power cells that are designed to last the life of the device. 

Device Lifespan 

The lifespans of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and combination units differ based on factors such as device type, model and where they’re installed. In general, replace a smoke detector after no more than 10 years and a carbon monoxide alarm after no more than 5 years. Combination unit lifespan typically ranges between 5 and 7 years.  

 

Features and Specifications 

 

• Photoelectricand ionization sensors are two sensor types for smoke detectors.
• Voice notification on carbon monoxide alarms and combination units lets you program the location of the device from preset selections.
• A linking featureallows you to connect compatible units so all linked units sound an alarm when one detects a threat.
• Home management system compatibilitylets you connect the device to some home management systems to send mobile alerts when the alarm activates. 
• A silencing featureallows you to temporarily stop an unwanted alarm for a specific time period.
• Audible status alerts, such as low-battery and end-of-life, let you know when the device needs attention.
• A display screenshows status information such as battery level, low-battery and end-of-life for the device.
• Low-profile models, micro-design modelsand finish options allow the device to blend with your home décor. 

 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.  

 

For more detailed information click here!

 

Source: https://www.lowes.com/projects/utility-and-storage/carbon-monoxide-detector-buying-guide/project 

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