What is the AFUE rating on my furnace mean??

Most of our heating devices are rated on an efficiency standard. This video explains some basic facts about the rating system AFUE.



I always recommend you purchase the highest rated AFUE furnace that you can afford. Also check on the rebates that are available. Normally the more efficient the units have better rebates becasue of the longer term energy savings.

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Prevent Lvestock Water from Freezing

Owners of livestock have to worry about water for their animals during the winter months. One of the solutions is to put a heater in the drinking water tank, this helps keep the water warm and prevents it from freezing during winter months. This solution requires electricity to power the heater.

A more modern and efficient system is a Livestock Watering Fountain. This is an engineered insulated device that keeps the water from freezing without the used of electricity. Please watch the following video to see how it works.



Please forward this link to anyone you know with cattle or horses. There are some rebates available. Check with your local utility for details.

Energy Efficiency isn't just for Home Owners

One of the larger expenses in the world of agriculture for our part of the country is electricity. Electricity is used to power the pumps that provide water for the crops. Often times we drive down the road and see these large wheel lines or pivot irrigation systems watering crops. As these systems age they often leak, these leaks are a waste of water/energy. Here is a quick video that an Eastern Oregon utility has posted. It explains some of the rebate programs that are available to farmers for improvements on their irrigation systems.



There is a real science to a modern irrigation system to water a crop. New systems use integrated management that are very efficient compared to the older manual operated systems. Not only are farmers trying to save water or energy, but there are several other items such as soil erosion and wasted fertilizer that calculated into the design of modern irrigation systems.

Simple Energy Saving Tips

Use your head to save energy. There are a few simple solutions to save a ton of money that doesn't cost a ton. Remember the number one way to save energy and be "GREEN" is to conserve. Here's a quick little video with some good thoughts. Enjoy!!

Ductless Heat Pump

Several of the local utility companies are offering rebates on these new super efficient Ductless Heat Pumps. Here is a quick video from Cowlitz County PUD. These systems are very nice. Check with your utility to see if you are eligible for a rebate in your area.




Check this out, I think you will be very happy. You will want to make sure it's right for your situation.

Save Money and Increase Comfort...

Here is a web based application to help you save money and increase the comfort of your home. There are 4 basic categories to work with: Climate, Equipment, Fuel Cost, and Efficiency.

HOME ENERGY CHECKUP (Click Here)



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Seal It UP...

Sealing and Insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient—and you can do it yourself.

Use This Guide To:
1. Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks
2. Determine if your attic insulation is adequate, and learn how to add more
3. Make sure your improvements are done safely
4. Reduce energy bills and help protect the environment

Energy Star Sealing and Insulating Guide (Click Here)



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

New Solar Power Information

Take a few minutes to view this National Geographic video. It talks about some of the new modern solar plants and facts, how areas of California are ahead of the rest of the world with their solar energy generations.

"As sure as the sun rises, solar energy is begining to fullfill it's promise."




Oh...Did you know Sunchips from California are made with Solar Energy?



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Carbon Free Diet.....New Rage...

I can't believe I missed this...I was sitting in the Doctor's Office this past week and looked at the magazine rack. The March issue of National Geographic talked about energy conservation and how we are on a "Carbon Diet". Did you know that the average american is 40% more efficient than we were in during the 1970's energy crisis, this is a huge acheivment.

I was very impressed with this article. I have been performing energy audits and Infrared Scans in our area for nearly 2 years. Normally people are a little skeptical of our service when we arrive, then after we show them and explain how we can help them they are very thankful and glad we were able to help them out. The thermal imaging camera is a great tool to help identify areas of air & moisture intrusion, locate missing insulation, and find other energy robbing conditions. We can show them a picture of the problem, Infrared Thermal Imaging is a unique way to visually see these energy saving opertunities.


Here is the link to the online version of the March National Geographic "Energy Conservation -- It Starts At Home". Enjoy

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Fast...Easy Green Tips for Everyday Live on a Butget

If the current economy has you thinking you don't have the time or money to reduce your impact on the environment, think again -- you might be surprised to know that living a greener lifestyle can actually put money back in your pocket. It’s a matter of figuring out what works best for you and making simple changes that often require little or no time or investment.

To shave your budget and also do your part for the environment, consider these easy environmentally preferable, money-saving tips.

Make Fewer Trips to the Grocery Store

Frequent shopping trips add up, and not just in the cost of what you’ll spend at the store. Minimize trips to the supermarket by creating a weekly meal plan and taking note of the ingredients you’ll need to pick up. Take advantage of off-peak shopping hours that offer better in-store sales, utilize your coupons and stock up on frequently-purchased pantry items and dry-goods. And always be sure to review the contents of your pantry and freezer before heading to the store – it can save you money and repeat trips.

Pick Up Environmentally Preferable Entertaining Supplies

When entertaining, consider convenient and energy-effective alternatives. The average dishwasher uses six gallons of water per cycle, so when hosting parties, pick up environmentally preferable tableware such as Bare by Solo cups and plates. Bare products are made with recycled plastic or annually renewable resources like bamboo, sugarcane or corn. You will have fewer dishes to wash and use less water – and enjoy more time with your guests.

Reduce Your Electricity Usage

Shut your computer down when not in use to cut down wear and tear on your hard drive and save on energy costs. The Department of Energy recommends shutting off your monitor if you aren't going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you're not going to use it for more than two hours. Doing so can save you an average of $90 of electricity a year.

Opt for a Paperless Billing Option

Save natural resources by opting for online bill-paying options. Going paperless will save trees, save you money spent on stamps and eliminate the energy needed to mail and process billing envelopes.

Cut Back on Your Water Waste

Take low-flow short showers and try to keep the temperature at a lukewarm setting for the last few minutes while you rinse. The change in temperature will help prepare you for the drop in temperature as you step out of the bath and save on the cost of heating. Apply that same idea when washing your clothes. Avoiding the hot cycle will save on water heating costs and extend your wardrobe’s useful life.

Taking a few minutes to make simple adjustments can lead to more savings for you as well as for the planet. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to do your part on any budget.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Trees Help Save Energy...

Check out this video to learn How to Use Trees to Save Energy:

Trees Save Energy Video Link


We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Waterbottle Lights...

You have to check out this Youtube.com video. This is an ingenius idea, and very affordable. You probably wouldn't want to do this in Portland or Seattle where it rains all the time, even though they state the lights don't leak.




We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Hood River Home Inspector Braves The Radio

Hood River Home Inspector Braves the Radio....Well online radio that is.

So here is the link to my first online radio show. This is about 15 minutes long. Take some time to listen in, then give me some feedback. If you have a show idea let me know. Online Radio Show...Free Ways to Save Energy In Your Home

Enjoy!!

Robert AKA the "House Detective"



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Cool Spray Foam Product...

Ok, so we have all seen the small cans of spray foam sold in the hardware store. There is also a product out there called Versi-Foam, this is sold in larger canisters. you can use this for larger projects. Here is a quick application "how to" video to give you a few basics. How To Video

Check them out on the web www.rhhfoamsystems.com

This is a Energy Star approved product for Home Sealing. Sealing up your home is typically the number one way to save energy, reduce the heat loss.

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

R-Value...

I had someone ask me the other day, "What is R-value and how does the rating number work??"

R-Value is the thermal resistance to prevent heat transfer. The reason we have insulation in the walls and ceilings of our homes is to prevent "heat transfer". So in the winter time, we want to keep our homes warm and in the summer time we want to keep our homes cool.

The higher the number the less heat transfer, or the better to a point. So a R-38 of attic insulation is better than a R-19. The next time you see some insulation, look on it and you will see that it's rated with a "R-Value"



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, live more Green, have a more comfortable home, and add to your home's value.

Premier Home Energy Audit Partner in USA Today

Steve Luxton is a Home Energy Scientist that I have been working with. He developed the Home TuneUp program that we use. USA Today just published an article where two families are competing to save the most energy. Steve Luxton helps the families with this challenge.

Here is a link to the USA Today article:

USA TODAY SAVE ENERGY

There are some good points mentioned in this article.

Enjoy!!

Premier's New Thermal Imaging Commercial...

Recharge America: Home Energy Tune Up

Here is a video with several items you can complete around your home, all these will help reduce the amount of energy you use. This is part of the Recharge America Program. For more information go to rechargeamerica.com

The Story of Stuff...

Here is a very interesting story about how we purchase items we don't need and how "happy" the American consumer is. You may or may not agree with the statements in this video, but I think at the end of the day there are several true statements. I think this current economic condition has a lot of people thinking, do we really need all this extra stuff...where is my money going...



(It's about 20 minutes long, it takes a few minutes to load.)

Leave a comment, let everyone know what you think.

FREE Energy Savers Booklet

I found a great FREE booklet from the US Dept of Energy. This booklet has some really good information. Saving energy in our homes is really becoming a hot topic. We have been busy using our thermal imaging camera helping several home owners identify areas in their home that can be sealed and insulated. If your interested in an Energy Audit or Thermal Scan please call me on my cell phone (541) 993-2410.

Here is the link for Energy Savers Web Site:
http://www.energysavers.gov/


Here is the link for Energy Savers FREE Booklet:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf


Here is a link for FREE "No Cost and Low Cost Tips to Save Energy This Winter"
http://www.energysavers.gov/tips.html

Free is always a good price!!

Green Classes Comming Up

Columbia Gorge Community College is offering some classes that may be of interest. These are at the new Hood River Campus. I encourage you to attend these classes to learn more about the options we have to conserve energy.

• 2/2 Residential Sustainable Development, Introduction
• 2/9 Passive Solar Home Design Principles
• 2/16 Alternative Building Methods
• 2/23 Intro to Renewable Energy: Photovoltaic, Wind & Micro Hydro
• 3/2 Solar Hot Water, Introduction
• 3/9 Rainwater Catchment & Greywater Systems
• 3/16 Solar Energy Discussion
• 3/23 Commercial Scale Renewable Energy

Here is the link for the Columbia Gorge Community College class schedule for Winter 2009.



See you there!!!

Oregon's FREE E-Cycle Program

Have you heard about Oregon's New FREE E-Cycle Program...

As of January 1, 2009 the State of Oregon has started a program to recycle unwanted computers, monitors, and TV's. This does not include speakers, keyboards, printers, scanners, or other electrical devices.

The local drop off sites are at The Dalles Disposal and Hood River Disposal.

This sounds to be a great program!!!

Here is the official link to the program for more information:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/ecycle/index.htm

How To Recycle CFL's Light Bulbs

Ok, so the new trend is to use the newer style CFL Bulb (Compact Florescent Light). Energy Star has a program called "Change a Light, Change the World", this encourages consumers to replace their older incandescents with CFL's. They claim if each home in the US changed just one bulb, it would save $600 million a year in energy cost. On average, about 20% of a home's energy bill is for lighting.

Well this is all good, but the downside is each of these CFL's contain about 4 milligrams of mercury. The EPA actually has a procedure for cleanup if the light gets broken.

So do we just throw these lights in the landfill when we are done with them?? No, they should be recycled. The easiest way to recycle these CFL's is to take them to your local Home Depot. Every Home Depot store in the US has a program to recycle these bulbs. Here is a information bulletin from Home Depot describing the program

http://www6.homedepot.com/ecooptions/pdf/CFL-RecyclingProgramRevised.pdf

Home Depot started this program in June of 2008. The bulb can't be broken or damaged and must be in a plastic bag. Good Job Home Depot for helping protect the environment!!

Premier Inspection's Home TuneUp Program

We offer a home tune up program that is much more in depth than the "Weatherization Program" audit offered by many local utilities. Our Home TuneUp program evaluates the entire home, all the appliances, the shading and direction of the house on the lot, type of construction, ect. With our program is also doesn't matter the source of heating a home; we can evaluate most any heat source (Oil, Wood, Natural Gas, Propane, Electric, even Corn) and offer recommendations. There are only three companies in the state of Oregon that Offer this program, and we are one of them.

The average home over 15 years old can save around 25% of their utility bill with some simple improvements. Often times there are a handful of items that can be completed that will have a payback in less than 1 year. One of the common items to replace is the windows, did you know that it can sometimes take more than 30 years to save enough energy to payback the cost of the windows?? With our program we can help with some basic cost estimates and show your return on investment through energy savings.

In addition to the Home TuneUp program we can also do a Thermal Scan of the home with our Infrared Camera. This will easily identify the areas of heat loss, missing insulation, and air intrusion.

The cost of a Home Tuneup is between $250 and $350, if you want to add the Thermal Scan it's an additional $100. With the combination of these program you will be on the way of saving energy and having a more comfortable home. As the experts say, "It's well worth the investment". The idea behind the program is to get the savings in energy to pay for the investment, even if you have to finance the improvements.

Check out hometuneup.com for more information. We will also be posting more information on thermal imaging in the near future.

Home Energy Audit: First Step to Lower Heating Cost

Northern Wasco Ruralite January 2009

If you heat with an electrical furnace or wall heaters and want to cut heating cost this winter, call the energy experts at Northern Wasco County PUD to schedule a free energy audit.

If you have an older home that is heated with electrical baseboard, wall, furnace or heat pump, then you may qualify for rebates through the PUD's weatherization program.

To qualify, customers must complete a weatherization program application and return it to their office before beginning any work.

Applications are also available online. Got to their website: www.nwasco.com and click on "Can I request an energy efficiency audit?"

Once they receive your application, one of their specialist will schedule an appointment to come to your home. They will check your insulation areas (attic, walls, floor, duct work), windows, water heater and heating equipment to see how you can save money and energy when heating and cooling your home.

At the end of your audit, they will recommend what work you need to do to bring your home up to today's insulation code.

Only existing spaces that are electrically heated are covered under the weatherization program and qualify for the free audit or rebates. Room additions, remodeling and new construction do not qualify.

Weatherization rebates are based on the recommended upgrades at the time of the energy audit.

Their energy specialist will provide recommendations based on what will provide your house with the highest energy savings. Fore example, an attic with R-11 insulation would lose more heat than a floor that is not insulated or single-pane windows.

For this reason, the program will not pay to simply replace the windows if the home also has major areas that are not up to the insulation code.

NWCPUD offers a rebate of $0.75 per square foot for insulation of attics, walls and floors for both site-built and manufactured homes. They will pay up to $400 for sealing and insulating duct work in an attic or crawlspace.

The PUD offers rebates of $5.00 per square foot for window replacements that are rated at .30 U values or lower. Rebates apply to primary windows only.

To see how you can qualify for a rebate on the home weatherization projects on your to-do list for 2009, contact PUD energy specialists Steve Holmes or Patrick Urain at 541-296-2226.