Earth Day 2014

Earth Day is just around the corner.   We've compiled a list of suggestions to help you decide the best way for you to participate.  

1.  Water Management

Did you know that a faucet leaking just one drop per second wastes over 1,300 gallons per year?! A leak from a hot water source wastes both water and fossil fuel, creating more greenhouse gasses. You can definitely make a positive impact by fixing any leaks in your home's plumbing AND save money on your monthly water bill. 

2.  Water Temperature

One way to reduce your home's energy consumption is to adjust your water heater's output. Your water heater works constantly to keep water hot and ready whenever you need it. However, as the water sits, it naturally cools down.  This is called "standard heat loss".  Once the water cools, the heating element in the tank switches on to warm it up again.  The higher the water temperature is set, the longer the heating element will run.  Are you beginning to see how this never-ending cycle is increasing your energy and wasting your money?

For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you’ll save 3% to 5% on your heating or electric bill. Most water heaters come preset at 140 degrees, which has the added risk of scalding. The Energy Department recommends most households lower it to 120 degrees. That’s high enough for your needs, and high enough to reduce mineral buildup in your tank and pipes.

Ask us your technician to adjust the water temperature for you on your next service.  

Visit energy.gov for more ways  you can conserve water usage in your home.

2.  Clean Green

Cleaning products that contain chlorine or petroleum distillates expose your family to toxins and then end up in the ecosystem. Choose nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, which are proven effective but won’t cause long term damage to the Earth.

You can find suggestions for environmentally friendly cleaners and directions on making your own non-toxic cleaners here:

3.  Paper Conservation

Every year, pulp mills release over one trillion gallons of chlorine-tainted water as part of the paper making process. Using the other side of the paper can cut that pollution almost in half! And choose recycled paper—especially processed-chlorine-free recycled paper.

At Elite, we use unwanted fax solicitations for scratch paper.  Cindy even takes it home for her grandchildren to color on when they visit.  We think Libbie might be writing a novel on the backs of them ;)

4.  Maintain Your Vehicle

Americans waste over 700 million gallons of gasoline each year just because tires aren’t properly inflated. Millions more are wasted because our vehicles aren’t properly tuned up. Keep your vehicle running in peak condition, and you’ll save money and reduce your carbon footprint!

5.  Bike Or Walk

If people in the U.S. would occasionally ride a bike for a short errand instead of driving a car, over 70 million gallons of fuel could be saved each year! And there’s the added benefit of enjoying the fresh air and exercise! For short errands, take a hike...or ride a bike!

6.  Plant A Tree

Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. It also provides shade that keeps homes and cities cooler!  Consider planting a tree for Earth Day pledge.  

7.  Green Gardening

Herbicides aren’t the only way to control weeds, and they’re certainly not the most environmentally friendly way!  If you're concerned about keeping your yard environmentally friendly, invest in a good pair of gloves and garden tools, and remove weeds by hand.  You can even use apple cider vinegar as a means to kill off pesky weeds instead of using toxic herbicides that can poison plants and wildlife. 

Also, choose natural alternatives to pesticides for getting rid of pests!

Click here for ideas on how to maintain your yard or garden without using toxic herbicides and here for ideas on non toxic alternatives for insecticides.

8.  Compact Flourescents

There’s a brighter way to light your home: new Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Compared to regular bulbs, CFLs last 10 times longer, use only 1/4 the energy and produce 90% less heat and more light per watt! Brighten the future: go CFL!

9.  Recycling

You can start making the world a ‘greener’ place today: use local recycling centers for recyclable waste, donate cell phones, clothing and computers to charities, buy re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges, use reusable grocery bags.  There are hundreds of ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

10.  Buy Local

There are many benefits to buying locally made products.  For instance, buying locally produced goods can reduce fossil fuel consumption.  The average distance our food travels is 1500 miles, mostly by air and truck, increasing our dependence on petroleum. By buying locally, you conserve the energy that’s used for transport.

Buying locally grown food keeps money in our communities.  The American family farmer is a vanishing breed - fewer than 1,000,000 people (less than 1%) of Americans claim farming as a primary occupation. It’s no wonder: it’s hard to make a living when you get less than 10 cents of every retail food dollar. By buying locally, the middleman disappears and the farmer gets full retail price, in turn helping farmers continue to farm.

These are just a couple of the benefits of shopping locally.

Go to earthday.org for more ideas on how you can make a difference.  What are you going to do to help Mother Earth?

2014 PSO Whole House Energy Program

Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22nd, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than by reducing your energy output!  

Did you know you can save up to $5,000 on energy efficient upgrades through PSO's Whole House Efficiency Program?  

If you've been thinking about upgrading your home's HVAC system, there has never been a better time!  

The PSO Whole House Efficiency Program offers incentives for the following energy saving measures:  Attic/Ceiling insulation, knee wall insulation, wall insulation, floor/crawlspace insulation, water heater replacement, air infiltration, duct sealing, duct replacement, solar screens, Energy Star windows and doors, ground source heat pumps and HVAC systems.  

Call Elite for details on how to participate!  918.610.7300

What will energy prices do?

After 2008’s run up in energy prices, oil and gas crashed along with Wall Street’s financial collapse.  Economists will debate the cause for years.  Was it the market, or manipulation?  More significantly, what will energy prices do next?

Robert Bryce, Managing Editor of the Energy Tribune, believed that the oil price run up reflected supply and demand.  He’s now changed, writing:

Today, with prices plunging to near $40 instead of the $145 level seen in mid-July, it’s abundantly obvious that speculators were a key driver, probably the main driver, of the surge in oil prices.

Could it have been as simple as speculation?  According to the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations’ 2006 report, “The Role of Market Speculation in Rising Oil and Gas Prices,” oil prices above $40 to $50 per barrel were caused by speculation and hedge funds, not supply and demand.  This report was issued before the 2008 price run up.

A growing body of evidence suggests that speculation played a significant role in the skyrocketing price of energy during 2008.  When the speculative bubble burst, energy prices crashed.

Could energy be subject to another speculative price run up?  Much of the speculation is suspected to have occurred in “dark markets,” not overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.  With the opening of commodities exchanges in India and Dubai, it will be harder than ever to stop worldwide speculation and market manipulation. 

A speculative frenzy could reoccur, but will it?  The answer, unfortunately, is, who knows?

For now, energy prices are likely to stay low until the global economy recovers when they begin rising.  Higher prices do not mean we are running out of oil, but that we’re running out of cheap oil, that’s easy to extract.   

The Green River Formation in parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, holds 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil by itself.  That’s triple the proven reserves of Saudi Arabia.  Additional oil is available off shore, in the Bakken Formation spanning parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan, in Alberta’s Athabasca Oil Sands, in ANWR, in the Arctic, and on unexplored federal lands in the U.S.

In short, North America has abundant oil, though much of it is unconventional and expensive to extract in an environmentally responsible manner.  So while we will not run out of energy for a long time, we will pay more.

Electricity differs from oil and natural gas.  In the U.S., coal generates 49% of electrical power, followed by natural gas (20%) and nuclear power (19%).  Excluding hydroelectricity, renewable energy accounts for just 2% of electrical power generation, and most of the 2% is biomass.

Coal is abundant and cheap.  Yet, environmental concerns impede the use of coal in favor of renewable energy for the future .  While no one opposes renewable energy, it’s simply not economically competitive with fossil fuel generation or nuclear power.  Reliability issues with solar and wind, for example, necessitate expensive standby capacity.  Utilities will simply pass the increased costs along in the form of higher prices. 

Heating and air conditioning accounts for the majority of home energy use.  Yet, dramatic improvements in heating and cooling technology, as well as improved installation practices can result in dramatic reductions in home utility bills through upgrades of older heating and air conditioning systems.  Since the financial return is based on physics, not the financial markets, it’s the safest investment you can make today.  It can generate an attractive return today and a hedge against higher prices in the future.  Plus, it’s a guaranteed investment.

Call us Elite for a free estimate today!  918.610.7300

© Service Roundtable

Control your thermostat with your iPhone...

Elite Service Co. specializes in creating your ideal home environment.  No we can also give you an unprecedented level of control and security thanks to the Trane Comfortlink™ Remote Thermostat energy management system and the Schlage LiNK™ web based interface.  One interface can control many aspects of your home, from Z-Wave® enabled lights and small appliances to your heating and air conditioning system.  It's total integration from one simple solution.

You can also add optional Schlage® wireless keypad locks that can be controlled remotely for greater peace of mind.

The Trane® ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostat and Schlage LiNK® System.
The Trane ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostat complements and enhances the functionality of your Trane Comfort System and allows remote access through the Schlage LiNK™ interface.

With this system, you can:

• Adjust the temperature remotely from most web enabled cell phones or computers to arrive home to your ideal environment.
• Place your Trane Comfort System into an energy savings mode from anywhere in the world to reduce your utility costs while away.
• Receive text and email alerts when it's time to change the filter or clean your air cleaner collection cells, if applicable.
• Set your system to send text and email reminders when it's time for routine maintenance before heating or cooling season begins.
• Receive an alert message in the unlikely event the system does not maintain the temperature you have set.
• Reduce energy consumption up to 15% with an energy saving schedule.  

System components.

The Schlage® Bridge is the brain of the system 

• Enables communications among system components and between the system and you from the Schlage LiNK™ web interface. 
• Connects most in-home Z-Wave® enabled devices to the Schlage LiNK™ servers through encrypted communications and manages these communications on your Z-Wave® network.

The Appliance Module 

• Allows you to control Z-Wave® enabled lighting and small appliances from Schlage LiNK™ web interface.  
• Incorporate lighting into schedules while on vacation to make your home appear lived in.  
• Multiple Z-Wave® appliance modules can be added to the Schlage LiNK™ system as needed. 

The Trane ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostat 

• Uses Schlage LiNK™ web interface help you control the temperature settings of your home remotely by most web enabled cell phones or computers. 
• Sends text alerts for filter changes and maintenance reminders.  
• 7 day programmable thermostat with up to 4 settings per day.
• Multiple Trane ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostats can be added to the Schlage LiNK™ as needed to control the temperature in different rooms of your home.

Z-Wave® Devices

• Expand the functionality of your Schlage LiNK™ system
• The ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostat system, controlled through the Schlage LiNK™ interface, is based on a secure universal communication standard known as Z-Wave.®  This wireless radio frequency-based technology transforms a single device into  an intelligent network that can be securely monitored an controlled wirelessly.  You can customize with over 200 Z-Wave® enabled devices.

Add ons.

Schlage® Wireless Locks

• Store up to 19 unique user codes and never lose your house keys again.
• Receive text message or email alerts when specific codes are entered at the door.
• Set 24 hour temporary codes from most web enabled cell phones.

Schlage® Camera

The Schlage® Camera lets you remotely see what's going on at home through most web enabled cell phones and computers.

Schalge® Light Module

Turn lights on, off or dim them remotely anywhere by phoen through the Schlage LiNK™ web interface.

What it takes to get started.

• An active broadband internet connection and router with at least one available port
• A computer with internet access and supported internet browser.
• A valid email address.
• A compatible cell phone with an internet data plan and a SMS (text message) plan for remote features.

The Schlage LiNK™ system requires a monthly subscription fee to enable remove access via most web enabled cell phones and computers.  A 6 month subscription trial period is included when purchased from a qualifying Trane dealer.  Subscription service is $8.99/month after the first 6 months.

Text "phone" to MyLink (695465) to see if your phone is compatible, and call Elite for an estimate on your Trane ComfortLink™ Remote Thermostat. 918.610.7300

©Trane Corporation

Winter Tip of the Day: Change Furnace Filters

Mitsubishi Mini-Splits

There is a new type of HVAC system that is taking the industry by storm.  It is the mini-split ductless HVAC system.  The mini splits are small, quiet and unobtrusive while providing top of the line energy efficiency. 

There are several companies producing mini splits, but Mitsubishi is the leader, providing a powerhouse of energy efficiency with a 26 SEER ductless system. 

What does SEER stand for?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating system was developed as a performance standard by the combined efforts between the U.S. government and equipment manufacturers with the intent to create a rating system that is easily understood by the public.

What Do The Numbers Mean?

The number that is associated with a SEER rating measures the British thermal units per hour of cooling or heating, per watt of electricity. The higher the number, the more efficiently a product will produce cool air compared to a product with a lower number.

Today, a standard system has a rating of 13 SEER.  Mitsubishi’s ductless mini-splits have up to a 26 SEER rating.  That’s double the efficiency of a standard unit. 

Some benefits of owning a Mitsubishi ductless system are:

Mitsubishi Mini Split units incorporate eco-comfort technology, dual and triple-allergen filtration, and are whisper-quiet.

Eco-comfort technology makes these systems smarter in how they use energy and minimizes their impact on the environment. Plus there are many advanced features like the i-see™ Sensor, that automatically detects room temperature differences and adjusts for greater comfort. Mitsubishi Electric's advanced multi-stage filtration systems dramatically reduce allergens and help eliminate odors. And our indoor units operate with sound levels starting as low as 19dB(A). That sound is even quieter than a human whisper.

New technology revolutionizes the heat pump.

Unlike older, inefficient heat pumps, there is no cold air delivery with Mitsubishi Electric's Cooling & Heating systems. Larger coils heat faster, and the Hot StartTM system doesn't activate the fan until the desired temperature is reached so it never blows cold air. What's more, select models use Hyper-Heating INVERTER (H2i®)technology that operates effectively down to -13º F. With this improvement these models give true year-round comfort from a single system. Even with this amazing cold weather performance, there are no energy consuming electric resistance heating elements to increase your utility bills.

These units provide easy installation, simple service and longer warranties.
Mitsubishi Electric's units are easy to install with little or no ductwork. They're also designed for easy servicing. Although, with our industry-leading reliability record, you won't have to worry much about that. Better yet, we've extended our warranties to seven years on compressors and five years on parts.

Some of the featured components of the systems include the following items:

INVERTER-driven compressor systems use only the exact amount of energy needed to cool or heat an area. So you can save energy and money while enjoying complete control over your comfort year-round.

Standard and enhanced filtration systems provide air filtration that utilizes washable filters that can last up to 10 years; this feature is good both for you and the environment. Hybrid Catechin and blue-enzyme filters contained in each indoor unit remove allergens; each room has its own filter, therefore preventing cross contamination of air from room to room. Select systems incorporate an additional Platinum Catalyst filter for additional odor elimination.

Mitsubishi Mini-Split systems are perfect for a home office addition or your home gym.

Call Elite to see if a Mitsubishi ductless HVAC system is right for you.  The estimate is FREE!  918.610.7300

How can you reduce your family's impact on the environment?

Annual Heating and Air Conditioning 

Maintenance
 Many people wait until something is wrong before they feel that they can justify the cost of service and repairs. Problem is, by neglecting to have your furnace and air conditioner serviced regularly, you will pay more in the long run; more in energy bills, more in preventative repairs, and face replacements sooner from reduced equipment life. And, you will most likely experience equipment failure in the middle of the summer or winter, times of heavy use when you need your systems the most.

Regular maintenance will catch small issues before they become large issues and prevent total system failure. Also, when your equipment is serviced annually and running at an optimal level you will have much lower utility bills. This is good for the environment and your pocketbook.

Upgrade old, inefficient appliances

Dishwashers, clothes washers, ovens, refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and other major appliances can all run up energy costs quickly if they are not energy efficient or not running at peak performance. It is important to have your major appliances inspected regularly. If you are considering a renovation or upgrade, explore your options. 

Fix refrigerant leaks

Refrigerant is expensive. The longer you put off fixing the leak, the more that’s evaporating (not to mention the harm to the environment). Not only that, if moisture enters  and reacts with the refrigerant, vital components like the compressor can be damaged and you may end up replacing your entire unit. Even if a total replacement is not required, the efficiency of your unit can be greatly compromised.

Seal air infiltration of your home

If your home is not sealed to today’s standards you could be spending 30% or more on your energy bill than necessary. Infiltration refers to airflow through gaps or cracks around windows, or in walls or flooring. Using caulk or other means to fill in the holes you can access will help to seal the building envelop so that less energy will be needed to maintain the temperature in your home. Having a home energy audit conducted will also give you more information about the most cost effective changes you can make to reduce costs.

Seal ducts located outside of the building envelope.

If you have ducts that run through your garage, attic, basement, or crawlspaces they may be susceptible to extreme temperature deviations from the portion of the home where the temperature is regulated. Sealing and insulating these ducts will result in a reduction of energy consumption.

Ceiling fans

A ceiling fan can increase evaporation of perspiration from an individual and create the sensation of a cooler environment. Ceiling fans also cost much less to operate than your comfort system. This allows you to set the thermostat higher and still enjoy a comfortable environment. Be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room.

Motion detector light switches

Are you tired of kids leaving the lights on and wasting money? Install motion activated light switches to automatically turn off lights and conserve energy. They are especially useful in rooms that have ceiling fans, as ceiling fans are only effective if there is someone present in the room to benefit from the air movement.

CFLs

Most people don’t pay a lot of attention to what kind of light bulbs they have in their home, as long they provide adequate lighting. What many don’t realize is that they are wasting money using conventional incandescent light bulbs. The light bulb with the spiral top is called a CLF or Compact Fluorescent Light bulb. The average life of a CFL is approximately 6-10 times that of an incandescent light bulb. Although CFLs are more expensive than compact fluorescent bulbs, they use less energy, providing a yearly savings of $40-60 or more.

Outlet insulators

It may be hard to believe, but if your outlet covers are not properly insulated, air could be entering your home around them. Use outlet insulators to help seal the space behind the outlet and lower your energy bills.

Low flow showerheads

Consumers worry that switching to a low flow showerhead will decrease their comfort in the shower.  In reality, most people using a low flow shower head can’t tell the difference between it and a regular showerhead.

Don’t do everything at once. Pick a few projects to tackle each year. By making just a few of these changes, you could be saving a great deal of money on utility payments. We can help you to prioritize. Elite Service Company is always ready to help with all of your heating and cooling needs.  Call Elite to see how we can help you improve your environmental footprint!  918.610.7300
© Service Roundtable

Tips on reducing your energy consumption (part 4)

Welcome to the final installment of Elite's energy tips!  We've discussed things you can do to reduce your energy usage at home and services you can schedule to correct energy leaks.  We've reached the end of the road.  What do you do when there are no other changes you can make, and your energy bills are still astronomical?

Upgrade your equipment

The biggest savings come from replacing old equipment.  Heating and air condition equipment is two to three times more efficient than a couple of decades ago, depending on the type of equipment.  This means that your can dramatically reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home, simply by upgrading equipment and making your home more comfortable in the process.
Upgrading your equipment does require an investment, but it is less than you might think.  The energy savings usually offset the monthly payments.  Depending upon the age and condition of your existing equipment, you could easily end up with more money in your pocket at the end of the month by upgrading.
You can either pay the utility, or you can invest in an upgrade.  The utility will keep wanting more and more with nothing tangible to show; on the other hand, upgrading your equipment will improve your home’s comfort and continue saving you money long after the equipment is paid off.

To schedule an estimate with Joel or Lowell, call 918.610.7300!

Tips to reduce energy consumption (part 3)

Here it is!  The long awaited third installment of our energy reduction tips!

Preventive maintenance

Your heating and cooling system needs regular maintenance to operate at peak performance.  Consider the benefits of a preventive maintenance agreement.

·        You’ll save money.  A poorly tuned a/c or heating unit wastes both energy and your money.  In fact, by having a system cleaned and maintained professionally, you can save an average of $32 a month on your summer cooling bills.

·        Preventive maintenance can help prevent future emergencies.  Regular maintenance can detect minor heating and air conditioning problems before they turn into major system failures.  Since replacing a compressor can be costly, a small investment in regular tune-ups can mean big savings in the future.

·        Equipment lasts longer.  Operating your a/c during the summer months is like driving a car about 40,000 miles at 30mph.  Without regular maintenance and cleaning, your systems part and major components can break down under this heavy work load.  A well-maintained system lasts longer.

Humidification

Tight houses help conserve energy in the summer.  During the colder months, however, the savings can be counteracted by low humidity.  As the temperature rises, air can hold more moisture.  Heat your home in the winter and the air draws moisture like a sponge.  This causes the moisture on your skin to evaporate immediately, creating a cooling sensation.    By introducing supplemental moisture to the air, humidity is raised and comfort increases despite a lower winter thermostat setting.  Proper humidity saves energy because people feel comfortable with a lower thermostat setting. 
While tabletop humidifiers abound, the best solution an automatic whole-house duct mounted humidifier.  These products sense the humidity in the home and add moisture directly to the air stream as needed.  You can set it and forget it.

Helpful tips to reduce energy consumption (part 2)

In the spirit of being green, we have put together a list of ways to minimize your energy consumption.

The following are reliable ways to assess where your energy leaks are:

Get a blower door test

A blower door is a diagnostic tool that measures the airtightness of a building and helps to locate air leakage sites.  It consists of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home, and an airflow manometer and hoses for measuring airflow.  Knowing the airtightness of a building is useful when trying to increase energy conservation, decrease indoor air pollution and controlling building pressures.

Walk-through energy audits

The best way to determine how to cut your energy costs is to audit your home’s current energy use.  A walk-through assessment is the easiest and least expensive means of identifying and evaluating energy use in your home.  An energy audit’s purpose is to identify places in the home where energy is being wasted and prioritize the projects needed to fix them.  The end result is intended to reduce the amount of energy the home needs to operate and keep occupants comfortable.  While the word “audit” may sound ominous, a home energy audit is just the first step in the process of lowering energy bills by making a home more efficient. 
If you own the home, there is a clearly defined benefit for your efforts.  Many have found that conducting a walk-through energy audit results in significant benefits not only in occupant comfort, but with new ways to save energy by identifying energy inefficiencies.  You’ll start saving money on your energy bills as soon and you identify and fix energy wasters.

Helpful tips to reduce energy consumption (part 1)

Are your electric bills outrageous?  Many Americans want to cut their energy costs in as many ways as possible.  We’ve put together a list of things you can do to help reduce your energy consumption and ease the strain on your pocket book.  Some are inexpensive.  Other options require investments in your home, but the pay off is nearly immediate.

Here is the first installment in a series of energy saving home improvements:

Air infiltration

One of the simplest ways to reduce utilities is by reducing outside air infiltration into your home.  In other words, take your mother’s advice and stop air conditioning the whole neighborhood!

Air infiltration is a bigger problem with older homes than newer ones.  New homes are usually built tighter.  There is not a lot of leakage from the inside out in a newer home.  Older homes, however, were built to different standards in a time when energy usage was less of a concern. 

What to do:  Visually inspect weather stripping, look for cracks and gaps where airtightness might be compromised.  Use an incense stick to check for drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, recessed lighting fixtures, and attic hatches.  Replace old weather stripping and seal the leaks.

Infrared thermal imaging
We know everyone works hard for their money and would like to keep that money from flowing out the doors and windows.  You may not realize how much of your hard earned income is doing just that.  We also know that you would like to reduce your energy bills in the winter months and then again, in the summer months.  A good place to start would be a professional, infrared home-energy efficiency inspection.  Our infrared thermal inspection will physically show you where you are wasting your hard earned energy dollars and can help us to offer you solutions to put an end to needless energy wasting.

Spray Foam Insulation

Did you know that 40% or more of your home’s energy loss is due to air leakage?

The walls in your home are the main structural component of the building.  In wood frame construction, the weight of the roof, shingles, standing rain water and snow can add weight and exert a downward force on the walls resulting in compression.

Strong winds and gusts from storms impose lateral forces on the walls of your home.  These forces can distort the walls with what is called a “shearing force.”

Building codes require that the walls of your home be designed to withstand these various forces and loads.  However, when walls are built to just the minimum standards, while still safe, symptoms of movement such as creaking and shaking during high winds or occupant usage can still occur.

Building envelopes with increased insulation levels are becoming standard practice.  Homebuyers are increasingly involved in the selection of building products used to construct their homes.  The rising cost of energy and the discomfort associated with allergies, asthma, mold and noise pollution have created a demand for products that exceed traditional insulation performance. 

For these reasons, there is no better home insulating material than Spray Foam Insulation (SPF).  SPF insulation can seal your home from air and moisture intrusion, save on costly utility bills, strengthen your home and can help protect your family’s health from dangerous molds.

Higher density, closed cell spray foam insulation inside your stud walls fully adheres to--and reinforces--both the exterior sheathing and the studs.  With this added support, there will be less wall movement due to wind, vibration and occupant activity.  Additionally, your walls have greater than code required resistance to “racking events” such as hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong wind situations.

SPF insulation plays multiple roles to improve the performance of the building envelope.  Spray foam technology expands 120 times its initial volume, sealing all voids, gaps and crevices.  SPF insulation is the perfect fit to fill cavities of any shape, provide and continuous, protective air barrier that practically eliminates air leakage.

Air moves in and out of a home through every hole, crack and seam, allowing one third of all air to seep into your home.  The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling (space conditioning) account for 40-60% of the energy used in the average American home.  SPF open-cell insulation helps to maintain and comfortable indoor climate while using less energy.  The application eliminates unwanted air and heat exchange and decreases the amount of moist air that leaks through the house, reducing the adverse effects  of mold and mildew growth on the inside walls and ceilings.

Basic benefits of SPF insulation are:

Stops air and moisture infiltration

Makes your home more comfortable

Saves on energy costs

Adds strength to the building structure

It is permanent and will not sag

Keep dust and pollen out of your home

Eliminates ice damming

Improves air quality

Reduces capacity requirements, maintenance and wear of HVAC equipment

Meets all building codes

Construction Benefits:

HVAC equipment downsizing:  Installing SPF insulation to the room underside creates a semi-conditioned space for air handling units and ductwork to operate more efficiently.  Tightening the building envelope allows for HVAC equipment downsizing, which means savings for you!

Flexibility in framing:  High R-value allows for stud and rafter size reduction to increase living space.

Simple installation:  Eliminates steps for air barrier and vapor barrier installation where permitted by code.

Stand out from conventional homebuilders by adding Spray Foam insulation to your construction project.  To find out more information on spray foam applications, call Joel or Lowell at 918.610.7300.

Facts about geothermal systems

What is geothermal energy?  Geothermal energy is produced from heat stored in the earth and can be extracted and used to heat homes and to produce electricity.

How does it work?  Geothermal units use a system of loops buried deep in the ground that utilize the constant temperature of the ground to heat and cool your home through energy exchange.

In the colder months, the water in the underground loops absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to the geothermal unit.  From there, it is compressed to a higher temperature and sent as warm air to heat your home.

In the summer, the process is reversed and the loop system siphons heat from your home through the loops and back into the earth.

How can a geothermal system help lower your energy costs?  “With home heating oil reaching $5.00 a gallon, it’s not uncommon for a family in the northern parts of the country to spend $4,000 or more heating their homes during the cold winter season. In the warmer southern areas, electricity bills of $300-$400 a month are not unusual as families battle the heat with inefficient air conditioning systems.”*

Geothermal energy does not use fossil fuels to operate and also uses very little electricity.  The dramatic decrease in electricity consumption can provide you with up to 55-70% savings on your heating and cooling bills.  In addition, a geothermal system produces hot water which can reduce your cost for hot water use up to 60%!

The life expectancy of a geothermal system is much longer (20-25 years) than a standard HVAC system (12-15 years) when properly maintained. While it may cost more on the initial installation, a geothermal system pays for itself in the first few years of operation with the energy savings you will accrue.

How much does a geothermal system cost?  The average cost of a geothermal system varies due to many factors.  However, there are federal and state tax credits (www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm) for those who purchase geothermal systems.

How long does it take for a geothermal system to pay for itself?  It all depends on how you are currently heating your home.  If you are using natural gas, it can take 5-10 years.  If you are using propane, that time is reduced to 2-5 years!

Call us for a quote on replacing your old system with a geothermal system. And be sure to ask us about financing options!

918.610.7300

Do you want to lower your energy bills?  Of course you do!  One of the best ways to lower your energy costs is to install Energy Star rated appliances.   

What is Energy Star, you ask?  Energy Star is an EPA sponsored government program that uses an independent third party to validate your home to be at least 15% more eficient than a house builder under "traditional" methods.  Energy Star is a buiding process which tightens up your home's thermal "envelope" which makes for an overall more efficient, quieter, cleaner environment.  Not to mention being far better for your allergies and overall health. 

Did you know that Elite Service Co. is a certified Energy Star rater?  Energy bills are going through the roof, but yours don't have to.  Call us today, and we can send you all the information you need to start building your Energy Star home today!

Call us at 918.610.7300!