Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling Solutions is the leader in providing eco-comfort systems for the home and business.Now the split-ductless M-Series STAR LINEUP is available and designed for maximum energy efficiency, including the Energy Star rating, which helps homeowners earn tax credits.
The new STAR LINEUP has been designed to provide a comfortable living environment at a variety of temperatures. Heat pump and cooling-only systems are available the accommodate single- or multi-zone applications requiring energy-efficient solutions and personalized comfort.Select models also provide hyper-heating performance and advanced features such as the “i-see” Sensor. All systems include a wireless remote controller for simple, precise comfort control. For more information about the M-Series STAR LINEUP or any other Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions products, please visit: http://www.mehavc.com/STAR/.
EcoSmart technology features a network of sensors making Bosch the most efficient brand of washer and dryer in the US. The EcoAction option reduces energy usage on the washer by up to 20% and up to 10% on the dryer. Bosch washers exceed Federal Energy Standards by up to 102%. ActiveWater turns 13 gallons into 400 gallons of washing power. Bosch is the most water efficient brand in the US and was named the 2009 Energy Star Partner of the Year.
The Vision Series is available in side-by-side or stacked installation models with a MSRP range of $999 to $1,399.Sears is the only US retailer to offer Vision laundry in an exclusive “Anthracite” color.Bosch is the most water efficient brand in the US and was named the 2009 Energy Star Partner of the Year.For more information, go to: http://www.bosch-home.com/us.
ODL Solar Entry Light:
The ODL Solar Entry Light provides increased security at night, and is a cost-effective solution for illuminating residential entryways.It can be used a several different entry locations, such as a front door, side door, garage entry door, back door or apartment door.
According to The National Neighborhood Watch Program, home entryways should be illuminated with at least a 40-watt bulb to maintain safety and security.The Solar Entry Light provides this protection with bright LEDs.It is powered by a solar panel located on the entry light, and shines for up to 12 hours, depending on the amount of direct sunlight exposure to the solar panel.For more information or to locate an ODL dealer, visit www.odl.com.
MORE INFORMATION AND TIPS:
Available Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Home Improvements:
Homeowners may be eligible for tax credits in the amount of 30% of the cost, up to $1500 for upgrading to qualified energy efficient windows and doors, insulation, certain types of roofs, certain HVAC units, certain types of water heaters, and biomass stoves.The Mitsubishi M-Series qualifies for these credits.
Tax Credits on Energy Star Appliances:
The “Stimulus Bill” provided $300 million to states for consumer rebates on Energy Star qualified appliances, or what is being referred to as “Cash for Clunkers 2” or “Dollars for Dishwashers”.Appliances include (but are not limited to):room air conditioners, washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, and some water heaters.
ØFacts on Cash for Clunkers 2: Each state will develop its own rebate program, and has the flexibility to select which appliances to include and what rebate amounts to offer.
ØState plans are due to DOE by October 15, 2009. Once approved, and the funds are disbursed, states can begin to roll out their programs. Rebates could be available for consumers by late 2009 or early 2010, though this will vary by state.
ØAmounts commonly offered range from $50 to $250, depending upon the product being purchased, purchase price, and other market factors. Federal tax credits and other financial incentives may be claimed for the same products, as long as they qualify under the rules of the programs and are not specifically excluded. ??
DID YOU KNOW?
The majority of money spent in utility bills goes to heat and cool your home… Some studies say 65% in fact.You can save up to 14% of that just by making sure your home is well sealed.It’s best to use a silicone caulk because silicone is waterproof, flexible, shrink-proof, and crack-proof.
Checklist for saving energy in your home:
Starting Today:
-Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees F
-Check to see if your water heater has an insulting blanket… if not, add one.
-Maintain your heating and AC units and if you upgrade, buy and Energy Star Approved Unit
-Change to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs when you can
-Turn off the lights when you leave a room
-Install a Programmable Thermostat
-Replace Filters in your heating and AC units often
Down the Road:
-Caulk Leaky Windows
-Insulate Hot Water Pipes
-Insulate duct work
-Seal up largest air leaks in your home – plumbing penetrations, gaps around chimney, gaps around recessed lighting, unfinished spaces behind cupboards or closets
-Replace aging appliances with energy star appliances
Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STARŪ qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Founded in 1946, Simonton's hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware division of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-winning products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com.
DaVinci Roofscapes has manufactured award-winning synthetic slate and shake roofing since 1999. The polymer roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product. DaVinci leads the industry in tile thickness, the tile width variety and the greatest selection of subtle earth-toned colors. Company products have a 50-year warranty and are 100 percent recyclable. DaVinci proudly makes its products in America and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. For additional information call 1-800-328-4624 or visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.
Kohler Power Systems produces home standby generators from 8.5 to 125 kilowatts, to automatically restore power to a home in a matter of seconds if utility power fails, keeping essential systems like heating or air conditioning, appliances and lights up and running. KOHLER generators provide quiet and clean power, safe enough to run even the most sensitive electronics such as plasma TVs, computers and security systems. For more information on Kohler generators or to locate one of the 500+ KOHLER dealers nationwide, visit www.KohlerSmartPower.com.
Hurricane Preparedness 2009:Are You Ready?
Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
3 major Weather Research Centers are predicting as many as 13-14 named storms in 2009 with 2 – 8 of them becoming major Hurricanes.
Before the Storm Comes - Preparations for Family:
Develop and practice a family emergency plan.
Create a disaster supply kit for the home and a separate one to take in case you must evacuate.
For your “stay at home” emergency kit include flashlights, batteries, tarps, duct tape, non-perishable foods and water for the entire family and pets. Don’t forget a battery operated radio, disposable camera, medicines and critical paperwork.
You can often keep fresh drinking water in your tub.WaterBob offers a clean, plastic bladder that holds up to 100 gallons.For more information go to:www.waterbob.com.
For your “evacuation” emergency kit, include the following in a watertight container: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, important papers (i.e. passports, birth certificates, copies of insurance papers and wills, health insurance paperwork, pictures of furnishings, listing of medications, policies, deeds, stocks and bonds, titles to cars), checkbooks, record of all bank numbers, inventory of valuable household goods, address book with contact information for doctors, insurance agents and relatives, safety deposit box keys, evacuation map of area.
Make sure your homeowner policy is updated and includes flood insurance.
Preparing Your Home for Common Types of Storm Damage:
There are four key “Force Intrusions Areas” of the home that are most affected by hurricanes … roof, windows, entry doors and garage doors.
Severe winds can compromise any of these areas with tragic results.
Protection Your Windows:
The biggest cause of devastation during a hurricane is the ability of wind to enter a structure through a broken door or window. This causes a build-up of pressure inside the structure that can literally blow out the roof and walls.
Impact-resistant Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows and patio doors are MiamiDadeCounty code-approved to withstand flying debris during brutal storms.They work 24/7, without the need for unattractive shuttering systems or time-consuming boarding up of windows and doors.Now available with Energy Tax Credit Glass Package to qualify homeowners for up to $1,500 tax credit savings from the U.S. government when installing in 2009 and 2010.
Protecting Your Roofing:
During a hurricane, your roof will be under constant force from the wind, and few roofing materials can withstand this kind of assault without sustaining some sort of damage.
Impact-resistant DaVinci synthetic slate and shake style roofing tiles resist both straight line winds and pressurized winds during hurricane situations, keeping the roof intact and protecting against severe impact from flying debris.They have achieved Miami Dade and Florida Building Code acceptance, meaning they can be installed in wind zone areas reaching 150mph --- the top range of a category 4 hurricane. Many coastal residents can lower homeowners insurance costs with these roofs.
Get a Standby Generator to Protect Your Home:
Kohler Standby Generators start up automatically when the utility power fails, whether you are home or not.It connects to your natural gas or propane line and can run valuable appliances like your sump pump, refrigerator, even garage door opener.A standby generator will provide backup power for several days, and no messy refueling is needed.
Additional Home Securing Tips as time allows:
Safeguarding Your Home:
Secure all loose objects (such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and planters) that can become flying missiles when hurricane winds intensify.
Turn off your gas, water and electricity before evacuating.
Tape over and seal all soffit vents and roof vents to prevent wind-driven rain from splashing into the vents and flooding the attic.
Add bracing to the interior of garage doors to reinforce them against wind damage.
For “after storm” cleanup, have the following items available: tarps, duct tape, heavy work gloves, gas cans, batteries, chain saws, shovels, rakes, water filters, cleaning supplies, first aid kits and extra strength large garbage bags.
Trim tree limbs near or touching the home.
Evacuation Tips:
Fuel your car before the storm arrives.
Fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
Review your evacuation route.
Get cash in case you must evacuate.
Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio available.
Make sure all family members wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
Make arrangements to board or evacuate pets. Take shot records, rabies certificates and tags and vet information.
