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Author Archives: Kent Mitchell
Coming Monday – ENERGY STAR Version 3
ENERGY STAR version 3 requirements are set to begin on any houses permitted after December 31. The builder rebates will continue. We have heard mixed messages about whether the Federal tax credits will continue (we doubt it). The smaller lighting … Continue reading
Solar in the Pacific NW!
As the rainy season begins here in the North West we feel it is a great time to share some information about solar options. It is a common misperception that solar energy is worthless west of the Cascades. However, the … Continue reading
Posted in Clean air, Construction, Energy Savings, Real Estate, Solar, Sustainable Living
Tagged alternative energy, comfort, conservation, construction, energy, energy conservation, energy efficient, green, green building, green homes, Solar, solar water heat, sustainable homes, Swiftsure Energy Services, swiftsureenergy.com
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Builder Tax Credits Expiring Soon
The Federal tax credit for builders is about to expire and looks like it probably won’t be renewed. If you have any energy efficient homes you have built in 2010 or 2011 they may qualify and we can help you … Continue reading
Posted in Sustainable Living
Tagged builders, construction, energy, energy conservation, green, green building, tax credit
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Smart Grid & Utility Bills
You likely have heard of the efforts to build a Smart Grid but are not clear what that might mean? The “smart grid” is an effort to better control & direct power (electricity). Presently America’s electrical systems are isolated and … Continue reading
Posted in Sustainable Living
Tagged conservation, energy, energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR, green building, smart grid
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New Look Rating
To help our builders and remodelers marketing efforts, the signage and marketing tool for ratings has been redesigned. This version is much simpler to understand and should require less explanation. A yard sign is provided for spec & model homes. … Continue reading
Posted in Sustainable Living
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EPG for Homes
Sample EPG for Homes What Builder wouldn’t like to distinguish themselves from the competition including the fore closure home down the street? We have an accepted method to put a rating on a home… similar to the MPG for cars, this is … Continue reading
Heat Pumps for Water Heating?
Over the last several years we have found that heat pump systems are extremely efficient. They take the ambient heat or cold around them and eventually transfer it to what ever we are trying to change the temperature. Geothermal heat … Continue reading
Posted in Sustainable Living
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Energy Code Changes– Are You Ready?
Energy Code Changes– The Inspectors are ready! Are You? The new energy code changes are fairly extensive and are sure to catch the unknowing off guard. We attended several different types of seminars & trainings about the code changes that … Continue reading
Posted in Sustainable Living
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Why build Green?
There are many reasons to build green and entire books are dedicated to it. This blog will focus on just one example – reducing construction waste. One example jumps out from a nationwide builder, Belcher Homes. They have implemented the … Continue reading
Green Building & Energy Conservation in the New Year
2011 looks upbeat for both energy conservation upgrades and green building. Just prior to Christmas break – Congress passed a pretty substantial bill which reinstated tax credits for various energy improvements for homeowners and builders!
Energy Auditing for Real Estate 