Save Time and Money Buying Your Next Refrigerator (443) (NewsUSA) – Nearly everyone is more cautious with money these days, so major purchases are approached with additional consideration and planning. A new refrigerator, for example, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and may be in your home for 10 or more years. So when it is necessary to replace, budget-focused consumers may first consider the purchase price. However, a refrigerator’s reliability, energy efficiency, usable features and ability to store more-affordable bulk foods are also important factors and can offset the initial cost. Since consumers are in the market for appliances so infrequently, the purchase process can easily become confusing and overwhelming. The tips and guidelines below will help even the most discerning and energy-minded shoppers navigate the showroom floor and identify a reliable refrigerator that will meet their needs. Compare the capacity and storage. Models with more shelves and bins have a greater surface area, which creates more space for fresh and frozen food deals bought in bulk. Consider a model that will not only fit everything, but will also provide easy access to the most-used items. The Maytag® ICE2O® refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer drawer that features a SmoothClose™ track system with heavy-duty ball bearing slides that can hold up to 120 pounds of food. The wide drawer can hold deli platters, while durable bins and four Spill-Catcher™ glass shelves help store food in an organized way. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The refrigerator consumes more energy than any other kitchen appliance. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a model from the 1980s with an ENERGY STAR-qualified model will offer a savings of $100 per year on utility bills, or $200 per year if the model is from the 1970s. Features such as a door alarm, power outage indicator, airtight door seals and easy-to-use temperature controls will help maintain a constant temperature and contribute to the efficiency rating. Consider the usability of the features. Add-on features can save time and money if they eliminate a cost or save a step. A removable ice bucket can be easily brought to the table or cooler. Filtered ice and water dispensers can help save money and the environment by preventing the disposal of plastic water bottles. Some of the newest refrigerators also have ice makers that produce smaller cubes that fit into refillable water bottles. Examine the hardware. How durable the handles are and how strong the hinges are will directly impact the life of the refrigerator. Open and close the door and drawers to test their strength, and look for heavy-duty stainless steel handles that will remain secure even in the most active households.

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(NAPSI)-Information that many older adults may greet warmly is just what types of energy assistance might be available to them. To help, the Eldercare Locator offers resources and tips:

• To find out about energy assistance programs, contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov and get connected with your local Area Agency on Aging.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and no-cutoff eligibility programs from utility providers.

• Make sure your home is energy efficient. Information is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Get a free, helpful brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” by calling (800) 677-1116.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).

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(NAPSI)-If you have a warm spot for portable space heaters, you’re not alone. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, they’re used by more than 53 percent of Americans to supplement heating in their homes.

One reason may be that, as the Alliance to Save Energy points out, lowering your thermostat by just 1 degree in the heating season can save you 5 percent in heating costs. You can save hundreds of dollars in heating bills annually—an entire oil or gas bill, for many homeowners—if you simply turn down your central heating and turn on a portable heater in the room you’re in the most.

Home Heaters Today

Portable heaters are as safe to use as any kitchen appliance if used properly. They use the same amount of electricity as a coffee-maker, electric griddle or toaster oven. Numerous safety features include cool-touch handles and casings, devices to prevent overheating, and tip-over switches that automatically shut the heater off when tipped over. A few Honeywell heaters also offer an Auto-Off Safety Sensor that senses when an object gets too close and shuts the heater off until the object is removed-a great feature for active households with children or pets.

The digital controls, programmable thermostats and Energy-Smart controls on some Honeywell heaters help portable heaters use energy more efficiently while maintaining room comfort.

There are many designs—sleek towers, compact units or baseboard styles that fit into any home decor. They come with new features such as oscillation and 36- degree heating or with special finishes in many shades. For the nostalgic, the traditional radiator style is still available.

What Else You Can Do

Other ways to save on energy costs, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests, include:

• Caulk and weather-strip windows and exterior doors.

• Carefully select, install and use window treatments or coverings.

• Properly insulate and air-seal your home.

• Plant windbreaks—trees and shrubs—around your home.

See How You Can Save

For more information, including how much money portable heaters could save you, see www.honeywellheatsavings.com or call (800) 332-1110.

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Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood

(ARA) – What is it about “going green” that is so appealing? Even if it’s not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs.

You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home.

If the cost of a project is holding you back, you still have time to take advantage of the 2009-2010 Federal Energy Tax Credit for making energy-related home improvements.

The tax credit allows homeowners to claim tax credits equal to 30 percent of product and installation costs – up to $1,500 – for qualified energy-related home improvements. It applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. You’ll have to make a decision soon, because the 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit expires at the end of this year.

The most helpful step you can take when transforming your home into a completely green living environment is planning. These tips can help green light a well-planned renovation:

* List your needs and goals before you do anything. Find a contractor who is skilled in traditional building trades and understands how to design projects to be energy-, water- and resource-efficient.

* Work with your builder on a master plan for your project. Think about downsizing your current space.

* Consider heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) needs by upgrading mechanical systems. A hybrid comfort system, like those from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, is ideal for a green renovation. A hybrid system alternates between two different energy sources depending upon temperature, settings and efficiency, making it one of the most efficient and flexible heating and cooling systems available.

* Design systems that minimize water use and maximize water distribution efficiency. Plan for future wiring and cabling needs when considering the lighting, electronics and appliances.

* Reuse old materials or take them to a company that accepts well-preserved demolition waste and intact building materials. Buy reclaimed material, such as reclaimed pine timbers, for flooring.

* Purchase materials that are durable, easy to maintain and will age gracefully. Research products that contain recycled content and are sourced locally.

Once you’ve completed your renovation it’s important to maintain your green renovation efforts so they last for years. The longer you stay a part of the green scene, the smaller your carbon footprint.

Hybrids aren’t just for cars anymore

A hybrid comfort system combines an electric heat pump with an oil or natural gas furnace for warmth and comfort for the cold nights, and effective, efficient cooling in the summer months. A heat pump doesn’t use up fuel making heat, it just moves it. With a hybrid system you have ultimate flexibility for greater efficiency in all seasons. To learn more, go to www.americanstandardair.com or contact your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer who can help decide which components are right for your home’s energy sources.

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Smart, simple and wallet-friendly weatherization tips


(ARA) – Getting ready for the coldest months of the year means a lot of things. You need to get warm clothes out of storage, decorate for the holidays and, of course, make sure your house keeps out drafts that can make you shiver and drive up utility bills. While it might seem like a lot to take on, prepping your home for winter doesn’t need to take a lot of time or cost a small fortune.

Sprucing up your home with seasonal decor is great for creating a cozy feeling, but you need to pay just as much attention to what you can’t see. To make your home a warm and inviting haven, think about what’s behind the walls and in the attic – and how you can save energy. After all, what you can’t see can often ends up costing you a lot of money.

To get started on weatherizing your home for fall and winter, follow these energy-efficient tips:

* Find hidden energy leaks in your home. A thermal leak detector that senses changes in temperature can help you find where your home’s weak spots are.

* Insulate. The Department of Energy recommends that you have approximately 19 inches of insulation in your attic. According to the EPA, adding insulation to your home can save your family up to $200 a year on utility bills. For the average attic that has existing insulation, you will need to add R-30 unfaced insulation. The greater the material’s R-value, the better it performs as an insulator. For more information about how to insulate your home, visit lowes.com/insulation.

* Caulk and seal. Gaps, cracks and holes let the warm air out and the cold air in, making your home drafty and sending your energy bills sky high. Air leaks from windows and doors are easy to find because they are easy to feel. Install weather strip or caulk to seal the frame. Air leaks in your attic or basement are harder to find, but cost you a lot in warmth and money. Take time to search your attic and basement so that you can find hidden energy leaks, especially along ducts and vents. A quick fix for these trouble spots is insulating foam sealant.

* Give your windows a check-up. If you’re handy and your windows have seen better days, installing new windows is a good project to take on. Replace single-paned windows that waste energy and require a lot of maintenance with maintenance-free vinyl windows that have many energy-efficient features. For additional savings, make sure the replacement windows you use are Energy Star-qualified models, like Pella’s ThermaStar windows. They can help you save up to $500 a year in energy bills, according to the EPA. With all windows, it’s important they’re installed properly. If you’re not sure of your abilities, call in a pro.

If you’re not sure of where to start with weatherization, there are plenty of resources. In addition to consulting the experts at your local home improvement store, you can find kits like “Weatherizing for Dummies” that will get you started with key items like weather strip, outlet sealers and caulk. With a few simple steps, your home will be more efficient – protecting you from high energy bills, as well as the cold of winter. For more ideas about increasing your home’s efficiency, go to www.lowes.com/31Ways.

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A NEW APPROACH TO EFFICIENT A New Approach To Efficient Tractor Engines Experts say new tractor engine technologies can keep emissions in check while also delivering outstanding performance and fuel efficiency.

(NAPSI)-There’s good news for farmers concerned that they won’t be able to find a tractor that can meet federal emissions standards and get the job done-all while saving money on diesel fuel. A new line of tractor engines may be able to help them meet all three objectives. According to Dennis Bartz, a corn and soybean farmer from Grafton, Iowa, he had concerns regarding fuel efficiency when investigating the purchase of a new tractor for his north-central Iowa farm. “Buying a tractor that is fuel efficient makes good business sense. It’s like buying a car that offers better gas mileage. It’s going to put more money in your pocket at the end of the year. I was concerned that many of the newer tractors with engines that comply with these emission standards might lose fuel efficiency.” Instead, Bartz is just one of an increasing number of growers who have found that new engine technologies can keep emissions in check while also delivering outstanding performance and fuel efficiency. One example of this trend is the AGCO SISU Power 8.4 L engine with e3 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) clean-air technology, which is found in both Challenger and Massey Ferguson high-horsepower row-crop tractors. SCR is a post-combustion process that doesn’t interfere with the engine’s ability to provide power. More efficient engine function leads to better fuel economy, which can mean lower operating costs. “Right now, I can tell you that for the horsepower my [Challenger] MT645C is putting out, it’s running much cheaper than the previous tractors we’ve owned. When it comes to horsepower and fuel consumption, it’s better-by far,” says Bartz. “AGCO has looked at all of the angles. They have the emissions compliance down cold, and there’s no question about the fuel efficiency. All the way around, it’s an ideal tractor for agriculture.” Test results released by the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory support Bartz’s assertion. The Challenger MT600C and Massey Ferguson 8600 Series of 205- to 275-PTO horsepower row-crop tractors delivered from 4 percent to 20 percent better fuel efficiency than competitive tractors in this category. For farmers looking to keep input costs down, this kind of fuel efficiency can be significant to their operation-and to their bottom line. To learn more, visit www.righttractor.com/challenger.

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Plastics Create Oil With Energy to Spare (380) (NewsUSA) – America’s quest to reduce its fuel consumption and dependence on foreign oil may lead it to look for energy sources in new places — like the bottom of a trash barrel. JBI, Inc. (OTCBB:JBII), a global technology company, has developed a process, called Plastic2Oil (P2O), that converts raw, unwashed, unsorted plastic waste into a fuel similar to biofuel. In April 2010, an independent laboratory, Islechem, validated the P2O process through extensive chemical, analytical and process engineering testing. Islechem tested the process over 40 times using multicolored, mixed plastics. The laboratory determined that the P20 process is repeatable and can be done on a large scale. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the hydrocarbon composition in the feedstock is converted into a “near diesel” fuel, while about 8 percent is converted to a usable off gas much like natural gas. In addition, only 1 percent of the plastic becomes residue, and that residue does not contain any highly toxic elements and is safe for landfill disposal. Even better, more energy is produced than consumed by the process. Early data suggest that the process creates twice as much energy as it uses. “It takes energy to produce energy. The key is to get more energy from the final product than it takes to make it,” said JBI, Inc. CEO John Bordynuik. “Our process has a high positive energy balance of 2.0, while gasoline from crude has a negative energy balance of 0.81.” The fuel produced by the P20 process has another major advantage over gasoline from crude oil — its production, including labor, costs only about $10 a barrel. Gasoline from crude oil uses more energy than it produces and currently costs between $75 and $85 a barrel — and yet gasoline companies yield high profits. A process like P20 could revolutionize the market by creating high-quality fuel at much lower costs, while also helping to reduce the amount of plastic that becomes pollution or ends up in landfills. JBI, Inc. is currently in talks to create P20 processing facilities in Europe, Florida, New York, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia and Ohio. The company is also looking for waste disposal or recycling companies, and people with under-utilized facilities to convert into P2O factories. For more information, visit www.plastic2oil.com or www.jbiglobal.com.

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(NAPSI)-When thinking about ways to reduce your environmental footprint, a great place to start being “green” may be the office, whether at home or at work. From paper and printers to lights and furniture, there are many ways to make a difference. Going green can be easy and it can become part of your daily routine. There is a wide selection of products that incorporate environmental features, such as recycled content, environmental certifications and environmentally friendly designs to help you go green. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to reduce your environmental impact at the office:

Eco-Friendly Tips for Any Office

1. Whether it’s reusing old stationery as scratch paper, setting up a recycle bin for cans and water bottles or separating boxes and newspapers, make sure materials in the office are properly sorted to be recycled.

2. Take your old computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any Staples U.S. store and drop them off at the customer service desk to be recycled. All brands are accepted for recycling regardless of where they were purchased. Staples also provides ink and toner cartridge recycling.

3. Set up computers and other energy-draining equipment (copiers, fax machines) to go on standby to reduce energy consumption. Consider ENERGY STAR?certified products, which are 50 percent more energy efficient than standard units.

4. Save materials and important documents digitally on your computer instead of in file cabinets. Consider a printer from the Staples HP EcoEasy line of printers, which use up to 50 percent less paper with double-sided printing.

5. Turn off equipment at the end of the day or before the weekend starts and unplug equipment until it is needed, since many machines consume energy even in the “off” position.

6. Replace any incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs that last up to 10 times longer.

7. Make over your desk with eco-conscious products. In addition to recycled paper, Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products such as bamboo flash drives and remanufactured toner cartridges.

8. Use eco-conscious cleaning products when tidying up the office. Staples’ Sustainable Earth® cleaning products provide powerful cleaning action and minimize impacts to the environment.

9. Look into furniture and cubicles that are Greenguard certified (www.greenguard.org). The materials in these products have been tested for toxic emissions. Products that are under the allowable limits of toxins are defined by the U.S. Green Building Council as Greenguard products.

10. Carpool to work; if you and a co-worker live by each other, riding to work together will reduce polluting car emissions. If you live close to work, think about walking or riding a bike.

For more information on going green, visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.<br><br>

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Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters

(ARA) – More homeowners are deciding solar power is the right thing to do – for the sake of the environment and their wallets. New technologies make it easier than ever to use the sun to heat water in our homes. And Congress is helping make going green a cash-smart move too, by extending the federal solar tax credit another eight years.

Thanks to the tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. “It’s a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs,” says Jim Cika, a solar water heating expert with VELUX America. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, he urges, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be.

“Homeowners need to factor in geographic location, orientation of the roof for solar collectors, costs and tax incentives and rebates that may be available to arrive at an economically sensible and environmentally-sensitive decision,” Cika says.

While a solar water heating system usually costs more to purchase and install than a conventional water heating system, it can reduce energy costs in the long run and is much kinder to the planet.  

Cika says that the cost of an installed ENERGY STAR qualified system from his company will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home. A packaged system consisting of one, two or three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed along with a 60, 80 or 120-gallon solar storage tank. An average installation is projected to cost $6,500 to $11,000, with some complex installations running as much as $12,000. Systems are available for gas, electric and boiler markets throughout the U.S., Cika says.

“On average,” he says, “if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50 to 80 percent — not an insignificant sum when you consider that the Department of Energy says that water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in our homes.”

According to Cika, in the construction of a new home, where the cost of the system is rolled into the mortgage, homeowners can save more on their monthly energy bills than the increase in their house payment. “Solar water heating provides a positive cash flow from the day of move in,” he says, “effectively giving an immediate payback.”

“In the case of an installation in an existing home in an area that has both federal and state rebates and incentives,” he says, “the payback can vary from three to seven years.”

Two primary solar technologies are available in the market right now: solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal. The photovoltaic process uses the sun to generate electricity and solar thermal uses the sun to heat water. Solar thermal often is the technology of choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Kevin Hughes, a writer for GreenBuildingElements.com, who installed a solar thermal system in his San Francisco home, explains why.

“I prefer solar thermal, specifically solar hot water, a much older technology. It is much cheaper to install, much more efficient and has a much faster payback,” he says.  

For homeowners considering an installation, the Internet offers a number of websites that can be helpful with an analysis and then with locating products and installers. Findsolar.com and nabcep.org list certified installers by state. Solar-rating.org lists certified solar equipment manufacturers and certified installers for VELUX units are listed at veluxusa.com.

Eere.energy.gov/consumer includes a link to a calculator for initial cost, annual operating costs and determining payback, as well as a consumer’s guide to solar thermal, while nrel.gov offers a consumer’s guide to photovoltaic. Federal and state tax credit information, by geographic area, is available at dsireusa.org.

Cika says that solar water heating represents a logical first step for homeowners who want to harness the power of the sun because it is relatively simple technology compared to generating electricity from the sun. “The technologies accomplish different objectives,” he says, “but they both will pay increasing dividends to homeowners who utilize them now and in the future.”

For more information on the benefits of solar water heating or natural light and ventilation through skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com.

Courtesy ARAcontent

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Gemini Energy Services, a division of Orion International, has been awarded a $200,000 Workforce Development grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, to create a tailored training curriculum for military veterans that will translate their military skill set into a Technical career within the Wind Industry. Orion International has committed an additional $154,000 to the grant award for training, tools and equipment costs, and will oversee the continuation of the program once the grant funding has been exhausted.

“Veterans are ideally suited for the Wind Industry due to their leadership experience, technical skill, and proven performance under the most difficult of situations, and yet a lack of wind-specific training can present a barrier to entry”

“Veterans are ideally suited for the Wind Industry due to their leadership experience, technical skill, and proven performance under the most difficult of situations, and yet a lack of wind-specific training can present a barrier to entry,” said Mike Starich, President of Orion International. “We are pleased to have been awarded this grant by the DOE, which will allow us to develop an industry leading military-specific training curriculum to eliminate this barrier.”

The program will create an intensive multi-phase training curriculum, combining OSHA, industry-specific, and OEM training segments, as well as on-the-job practical work experience. Participants will be hired as employees of Gemini Energy Services, and will be supplied with all tools and equipment necessary to begin their career as Wind Technicians.

Upon program completion, the Veterans will be fully trained and qualified Wind Technicians, with immediate career opportunities within the Wind Industry. They will have the option to continue their employment with Gemini Energy Services as contract service technicians, or use Orion’s military career placement services to seek permanent employment within the Wind Industry.

According to James Haley, Director of Operations for Gemini Energy Services, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to create a world-class training and employment program for Veterans in the Wind Industry, at no cost to them. It is an added bonus that we will not merely be training these Veterans, but will provide career placement as well, in turn increasing the level of expertise and professionalism within the Wind Industry as a whole.
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