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

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.

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

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