Environmental Efficiency by Controlled Air Inc

There are numerous opportunities out there to help businesses convert to energy efficiency. Sometimes that are just difficult to locate. The Connecticut Electric Efficiency Partners (EEP) Program was established by Section 94 of Public Act 07-242 (the Act). The primary intension of the Act is to reduce demand for electricity, particularly peak-demand. Part of this program regulated by the Department of Public Utility Control helps with the cost of gas chillers and ice thermal storage. Department’s website Gas Chillers Gas chillers are natural gas driven devices used to provide cooling for area air conditioning applications or for industrial/commercial process applications. The incentive is for $300/ton for gas chiller installations. There are Minimum Gas Chiller Performance requirements for this grant. This program is applicable both to new installations and for replacement of existing equipment. In the case of replacements, documentation is required showing that the equipment is bein...

We would like to wish you the best this holiday season and thank you for your loyalty and support. I can’t remember when business has been so challenging, but with dedicated customers and supporters like you, we continue to succeed. For the spirit of the holidays we feel that it is important to give to those who are most in need. Each year we pick a special organization that we feel helps children the most. For the last three years we have given to the Connecticut Children's Hospital. So in keeping with this tradition, we are making a donation in each of our customers names to the Connecticut Children's Hospital. These donations help the hospital with the necessary investments in people, technology, and state-of-the-art equipment that allows them to provide exceptional care to the children and their families. We wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year and again thank you for your continued loyalty. Should you ever have a question or comments, please do not hesi...

LEED 2009 is undergoing some revision. It is currently opening to the public for comment until December 31, 2010. They are then expecting to re-open for comment mid 2011 and become official for 2012. Many items that were once for credits will now be prerequisites. Some of the changes include: 1) adding 6 prerequisites and 3 credit categories. 2) Adding a transportation category 3) Adding a performance category 4) It would allow for additional credits to be earned by the project being located in a “high-priority redevelopment areas” 5) Bike racks would be required but allow for no credits when installed 6) Outdoor space must be provided that is equivilant to 30% of the total site area 7) A minimum of 25% of the outdoor space must have ground or overhead vegetation. 8) rainwater collection only allows for one credit, instead of a possible two. 9) All projects with over 1,000 sq ft must reduce their water useage to 30% below a baseline determined by the watersense water budget tool. 10) A...

With the Holidays here it is difficult to focus on energy efficiency, but with the demands on electric and heat because of winter, it is still important to think about. For those of who always "think green" Business New Haven is accepting nominations for Green Businesses in the following categories: Energy Company or Project Green Products Retailing Green Builder Green Building Green Building Development Green Educator or Program Corporate Greening Program Environmental Organization Green Restaurant (ex. Use of Local or Organic Food) Green Personal or Home Products Locally Produced or Organically Grown Food Green Manufactured Product Green Manufacturing Processes Environmental Remediation Green Designer Solar Project or Company Green Advocate (person) Geothermal Project/Company Residential Energy Project Small Business Green Program Commercial Energy Project Overall Corporate Achievement Overall Personal Achievement If you think about green all year long then maybe you should...

It seems like Fall just started, but it is already time for winter. Many have already experienced the first bit of snow and already have the heat on. It is important to make sure that your heating system has been cleaned, greased, oiled, new filters install, and an overall maintenance performed. It is one thing to lose your A/c during the summer, but you do not want to lose your heat during the winter. It will lead to unhappy employees and lost working time. During our maintenance checks we evaluate the whole system. Here is a list of items: Heat Pumps Change Air Filters Grease and lube motors and bearings Inspect evaporator coil Inspect evaporator blower motor Inspect and tighten all electrical connections Check water temp differential Check reversing valve operation Clean condensate drain and trap Check operating controls Check safeties Check water regulating valve for leakage All access panels are back in place All power is restored Rooftop Units Change Air Filters Inspect motors a...

Did you know that October was Energy Awareness Month? Well, neither did I. I only just discovered that it was by chance. The Energy Awareness Month is promoted by the Federal Energy Management Program. I have to say, they fell short. Energy efficiency is so important, that although I feel it need more then just a month during the year to promote, it could of been very beneficial to promote even more during the month. Their theme for this October was, "POWERING AMERICA; We're On Target." Their website is nice, in that it offers many free information packets that can be distributed and downloaded. Federal Energy Management website. Their information is geated toward federal agencies, but it seems that this information would be beneficial to any organization that wanted to promote energy efficiency. I can only hope that next year (Every year October is Energy Awareness Month) they do more promotion further sharing this very important information. Some Information about Ener...

Alexion Pharmecuticals has been awards the 2010 Connecticut Green Council Green Advocate Award for environmental stewardship, as well as receiving two LEED Gold Certifications. They have set an amazing precedence for businesses in energy efficiency. It would be an amazing goal for all businesses to strive for. Alexion has reduced it's water usage and trash, as well as updated their HVAC system and lighting. Congratulations! WHHHXYX4VQ89

The FTC has created guideline that will be used for advertising "green" products and packaging. Whether these guide lines will help make for less false claims will remain to be seen. Hopefully, this will lead to more truth in advertising, so when you see that something is eco-friendly, you know it is truly eco-friendly. Read the full article from Ad Age Magazine: Green Marketing: FTC Goes After Broad Environmental Claims - Advertising Age - News

Sustainability is very ambiguous and unlike many of the other terms used associated with being green, this one has many other definitions. It has been used in business for decades and not related to green until more recently. sustainable from the Collins English Dictionary — adj 1. capable of being sustained 2. (of economic development, energy sources, etc) capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage: sustainable development 3. (of economic growth) non-inflationary Sustainability refers to surviving as a company. Recently the terms usually relates to being sustainable within the environment. Many products claim to be sustainable. Most often they are claiming to be good for the environment, but it is important to read the fine print. Bamboo could be considered sustainable because it regenerates very quickly, unlike trees that can take decades to reach maturity. When it comes to air conditioning and heating, th...

On Monday, October 4th is the Connecticut's Business & Industry Associations Business Energy Conference from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell. We will have a booth offering information about Cogeneration (Combined Heat & Power) and other forms of Energy Efficiency. Drop by and see us! Details: "Hosted by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and the Connecticut Power & Energy Society (CPES), this exciting event brings together industry experts and stakeholders for a day of networking, policy review, education, and the exchange of ideas and information on energy products, trends, and technologies. Register online or download a print registration form. Speakers and panelists—including Rep. Sean Williams (R-Watertown); Kevin DelGobbo, chairman of the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control; and representatives from NRG, Northeast Utilities, and ISO-New England—will offer policy and infrastructure updates and regulato...

I read this article today and felt that it fits right in the with greenwashing discussion. I thought that it was a worthy read. Are There Too Many Eco-Labels and Green Ratings? | Business | GreenBiz.com

To continue with the topic of greenwashing and elaborating on often misused and under explain terms, we will focus on the term "natural". Although the term "Natural" is not often used in the HVAC industry. It is often used when speaking about many items that are "green" or "sustainable." I think it best to include it in our list of terms. Natural defined by Dictionary.com: 1. existing in or formed by nature ( opposed to artificial): a natural bridge. 2. based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature: Growth is a natural process. 11. having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives: natural food; natural ingredients. Compare organic ( def. 11 ) . 25. not treated, tanned, refined, etc.; in its original or raw state: natural wood; natural cowhide. To look at this term quickly, it may also be a Synonym of organic, green and good for the environment, but when used in advertising unfortunately this is not al...

Environmental Efficiency, sustainability, being natural and green, have become very mainstream. But now it seems that it has gone overboard and "greenwashing" has occurred. Businesses and Individuals are bombarded by green and sustainability, but what it truly means is not always explained or claims are false. To help try to explain some of these terms, I will spend the next few weeks trying to elaborate on each term to help you make informed decisions about products and services. By Dictionary.com Greenwashing is described as: a superficial or insincere display of concern for the environment that is shown by an organization the practice of promoting environmentally friendly programs to deflect attention from an organization's environmentally unfriendly or less savory activities; also called greenwashing

We have talked about it before, but I find it really important to bring it up again. Preventative maintenance is important for your business in so many ways. Delaying maintenance can really carry a high cost. The results can range from basic component failure to complete equipment failure. What could it mean for you if your equipment fails? It’s important to not only look at cost savings of deferring your maintenance but to also know the cost in the scheme of things. Each system impacts different areas of your building and wear and tear must be taken into consideration, as well as the risk to contents and people in your building. Sometimes deferring maintenance isn’t the best solution. Deferred maintenance is often a financial decision—spend money now or spend money later. As the facilities manager, it is often your job to ensure funding to support regular maintenance and to cover the backlog of deferred maintenance items. Here are some tips to make an effective business case to secur...

Even with all that Connecticut has been doing to conserve energy there is still going to be major smog levels and poor air quality over the next few days across New England. They are predicting record high temperatures and so increased energy demand. Many businesses will be turning up the ac and increasing their energy usage. The EPA is requesting individuals and businesses to do anything that they can to reduce their energy demand, including turning up the A/C, turning off lights and computers when not using them, as well as car pooling. Unfortunately these are shortsighted solutions for the immediate problem, but they do not address the long term issue of too much energy usage. It is important to do what you can to keep your energy usage low over the next few days, but also to think of some ways that your business can help reduce their energy demand. One ways to analyze the energy your company uses is through a energy analysis. Energy analysis' see how much energy you use through...

Geothermal is one of the many energy efficient heating and cooling methods that is growing in popularity. Geothermal heating and cooling begins with a ground source heat pump (GSHP) which pumps out the heat deep within the earth to use as energy.GSHP are energy efficient and environmentally friendly and are very effective for commercial use. They offer a 25 - 50% reduction in energy usage, depending on the According to the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association: "Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed or open loops, and those loops can be installed in three ways: horizontally, vertically, or in a pond/lake. The type chosen depends on the available land areas and the soil and rock type at the installation site. These factors will help determine the most economical choice for installation of the ground loop. For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's surface. During the win...

Usually we try to remain more educational for our blog, but once and a while it is nice to talk about our staff. John Antosik recently joined Controlled Air. John attended the University of Hartford and holds an S1 Unlimited Heating and Cooling, P-1 Unlimited Plumbing, and MIT, Mechanical Inspector Technician Licenses. John has over 15 years of experience within the mechanical trades with extensive skills in company management, design and the installation of HVAC systems, Cogeneration applications, and engineering including fuel cells & micro-turbines. His last position was at Harrington Engineering, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, where he handled business development, project sales and design. With his experience in project sales and design, business development, and as a previous owner of a HVAC company, John is a great asset to the company. John is informed and skilled with green technologies in the HVAC field, especially cogeneration. Green technology is the major focus at Controlled...

The State of Connecticut is looking for banks to offer special guaranty loans for non-profits, small businesses with less then 50 employees and individuals. These loans will be low-interest and can be used for purchase and installation of insulation, alternative energy devices, energy conservation materials, replacement furnaces and boilers, and technologically advanced energy-conserving equipment. Currently the state has set aside $18 million for this program. At this time the details of this program and which banks will be offering these loans is in the works.The Office of Policy and Management is in charge of this program. When the details are released of where to go to get this funding and the details of the requirements we will let you know.

As well as all the state tax and utility incentives there are also federal tax credits available for energy efficiency. Sometimes the Federal credits can be combined with the other offers to add up to big savings. The Business Energy Investment Tax Credit is a corporate tax credit for:Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Geothermal Heat Pumps, CHP/Cogeneration, Solar Hybrid Lighting, Direct-Use Geothermal, and Micro turbines. The amount vary by the type of energy. 30% of the cost for solar and small wind energy can be taken or $200 per kWh for micro turbines. The money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This credit is set to expire December 31, 2016, so there is plenty of time to get these energy efficiency measures installed. Some details by energy type: • Solar. The credit is equal to 30% of expenditures, with no maximum credit. Eligible solar ...

There has been many grants and funds set aside for things like solar and wind energy, but what do you do with that energy when it is made? Storage! This new act called Storage Technology of Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2010 or the Storage Act of 2010 offers tax credits for installing an energy efficient storage system. Last week, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), along with Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D.-N.H.), introduced a revision of the bill Wyden introduced to Congress last year. The storage systems that are included under this act are: hydroelectric pumped storage and compressed air energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, batteries, superconducting magnetic energy storage, flywheels, thermal energy storage systems and hydrogen storage. Hopefully this new bill will pass and give us the $1.5 billion in tax credits. We will keep you updated and let you know if this passes. Visit our blog post on Ice Thermal Storage To read more

Going green is not just for smaller eco-conscious companies anymore. Many larger corporations are jumping on the bank wagon and are finding they can save huge amounts of money. The changes that they are making vary from a complete buildings redesigns to complete overhaul of their business practices. The outcome of these changes from business to business, but it seems that overall they are helping bring green and sustainable principles to the mainstream of business. Last year Walmart launched a sustainability index and sustainability consortium. Burger King has even opened up a number of stores that are partially powered by wind and solar; Dr. Pepper is upgrading 60k vending machines for energy efficiency and Huggies now makes organic diapers. The term "Green" has been over used and over marketed and many people thought that it was only a phase that would pass like bell-bottoms. But it is not going anywhere and seems to only be growing in popularity. It is wonderful that the...

A little side track from our usually focus on energy, we wanted to congratulate the Derby National Honor Society for raising over 1,700 books for donation to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Our own Frank Lazowski helped with distribution of the books to the hospitals. We like to always recognize the good that our staff does for the community and always support them anyway that we can. Please consider donating any old children's books that you have instead of tossing them. There are always children who would appreciate them at your local hospital.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), the world energy usage is expected to grow by 49% percent by 2035. India and China will make up 20% of the growth. The United States growth is expected to drop from 21% to 16% of the worlds usage. The industrial sector is stated to uses more energy then any other sector as much as 50%, in a report by the EIA. Other points mentioned in the report: * Petroleum and other liquid fuels will remain the largest energy source worldwide through 2035, although higher oil prices are expected to erode their share of total energy use from 35 percent in 2007 to 30 percent in 2035. * World natural gas consumption will increase 1.3 percent per year, from 108 trillion cubic feet in 2007 to 156 trillion cubic feet in 2035. Tight gas, shale gas and coalbed methane supplies will rise substantially, especially from the U.S., but also from Canada and China. * World net electricity generation will jump by 87 percent, from 18.8 trillion k...

We continually discuss all the environmental benefits of going green, but the cost involved in going green can sometimes seem be a bit high. But it really does save your business money in the long run. A partnership was created between Environmental Defense Fund and private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR). KKR asked the companies in their portfolio to use greener business practices and in two years they saved over $160 million dollars. These numbers are huge and help prove the point that not only is going green good for the environment, it is good for your pocket as well. Furthermore the companies saved 345,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 8,500 tons of paper, and 1.2 million tons of waste. Read more about the findings

When you think of Alexion Pharmacauticals, you may not think of green technology or environment efforts, but Alexion is a leader in sustainable business practices. Alexion has written a business plan that leads them to become 100% green. Over the last few years Alexion has installed a company wide filtration system, removing the need for plastic water bottles; all appliances and computers are energy star rated; they have installed solar panels and purchase a portion of the energy from renewable energy sources; replaced windows to high efficiency glass; and two of their major renovations have been awarded Gold LEED Certification. We worked with Alexion in installing a new high efficiency heating and air conditioning system, as well as installing variable frequency drives, and an energy management system that allows for strict control and monitoring over energy usage in the building. What really stands out for us it that they don't even own the building they are renovating in Connect...

I find it to be wonderful that new statistics are showing the Connecticut Businesses are going green. Research by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association found that "Almost three-quarters (74 percent) of those surveyed have adopted sustainable strategies, up from 47 percent in 2007, 59 percent in 2008, and 73 percent in 2009." I can only hope that these numbers continue to grow. I believe that some of this improvement is due to the funding available by the Utility companies and the state. I also hope that these figures encourage other Connecticut to continue the funding. In the current economy much of the funding has come on the chopping block. Some of the other figures found by the CBIA Include: * While their primary goal for going green is reducing operating costs (64 percent of respondents), nearly as important is their commitment to environmental and social responsibility (57 percent). Other reasons include enhancing company image (38 percent), responding to cu...

You may have heard the term EMS when looking into energy conservation, heating or lighting. EMS stands for Energy Management Systems. They are computer run programs that allow you to control and monitor the energy usage in a building. It also allows you to track to see how much energy you are using and when you peak usage may be. You could be away on vacation in hawaii and if you have internet access you can see how many kWh are being used at your company. We use them to monitor if there are any problems with a heating or air conditioning system. We get a warning that some things is running differently in a system before a major problem can arise. Installing a EMS system from scratch can seem like a big cost, but in the long run it can save thousands of dollars. Being able to see how energy is being used in a building, it allows to develop strategic ideas on how to save energy and money. The more information you have the easier it is to make effective plans. Further these systems can v...

The EPA just recently rolled out a program to help utilities and their partners, help businesses with the programs and funding offered by local utilities. So this will work with the programs that are already in place. Currently they are testing the program with Energy Star partners Commonwealth Edison, Mass Save, MidAmerican, National Grid, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and Focus on Energy. The program was modeled after their residential program. The EPA's Press Release states: The program will help energy efficiency programs achieve deeper, more comprehensive energy savings in commercial buildings by: * Packaging EPA’s successful business energy management and building upgrade strategies along with the powerful ENERGY STAR brand to enable programs to harvest more energy savings from commercial buildings. * Targeting businesses interested in an ongoing relationship with their utility or state program sponsor around st...

The brand new Soundview YMCA that will be opening in Branford next month is using Cogeneration. The YMCA has an incredibly high demand for energy because of the necessity to heat two pools 24 hours per day, hot water for showers, general electricity and running a dehumidifier in the summer months. By using cogeneration they are saving 360,000 KWh per year. That is a lot of energy saved. That not only breaks down a huge fiscal savings, but also saves 5800 trees, 493,000 pounds of Co2, 9,000 gals of crude oil, and 9 mil gals of water saved. Installing the cogeneration system in the YMCA is a great achievement for the Branford Community, as well as the environment. Cogeneration also called CHP or combined Heat and Power is an integrated energy system that can be used in power plants, commercial buildings, and residential homes to create heat as well as electricity. "Cogeneration is one of the most eco-friendly energy forms in existence," states Vincent Chiocchio, President of Co...

Well it has been good to hear that the EPA has quickly set to fix the problem with the energy star ratings. Last month is came out that products were able to get through the energy star process without really being energy efficient, if fact a few products didn't exist at all. The EPA took a lot of fire from consumers. We are consumers have come to depend on the energy star rating when choosing which products to buy, so it is great to know that the problem is fixed. To read more about this go to: Consumer Reports Home & Garden Blog: Overhaul of Energy Star product-certification process represents progress, but DOE and EPA have more to do

Not everyone has taken advantage of the recent utility deregulation. Deregulation allows customers in Connecticut to choose who they buy their utilities from. You no longer are forced to use the one main utility company. Now unfortunately their are still a few towns in Connecticut where it does not apply yet. In a New England Energy Alliance report their have been many benefits from the deregulation including a reduction in carbon emissions and more choices in clean energy. Not only that, but their is a greater option to save money on utilities. We have taken advantage of the deregulation by partnering with Titan Energy offering you a chance to save money, by purchasing your utilities from someone else. For more information about the report go to: New England Energy Alliance Or read the full article in the Hartford Business Journal NEEA: CT benefits from electric deregulation | Hartford Business

There is a loan program available that offers low interest loans for retail customers for installation of Photovoltaics, Wind Fuel Cells, and Cogeneration. The loans are at a fixed rate, not greater then the prime rate. This loan can be used in combination with some of the CT Clean Energy Fund, CL & P, and UI conservation energy programs. The maximum loan is $1,000,000. This is great way to be able to afford these upgrades with other funding from the other funds. There are a few conditions to this loan such as a minimum capacity of 50 kW and a maximum capacity of 65 kW. Contact us for more information.

The Motor Up rebate is available to update any heating or air conditioning motor to a high efficiency motor. The rebate available varies from $45 - $700 per motor. This program is set to expire 12/31/2010. This is another great opportunity offered by the utility company to help increase energy efficiency and reduce energy use. The Ui contact is : Michelle LeMoine (203) 499-5828 michelle.lemoine@uinet.com. There are a few restrictions with this rebate that dictate how energy efficient the new motor must be. So be sure to contact Michelle to get the details before you replace your motor. The rebate form is available from our website.

Usually we stick with the commercial end of rebates and incentives, but we just wanted to mention a new residential rebate for energy star rated appliances. The money is from the federal government and then split amongst the states. Unfortunately there is not much. I suggest to immediately check out the Energy Star Website . It has details for all the states. I heard that Texas has already run out of money and that Florida has a waiting list. The appliances that are included are: * Boilers * Central air conditioners * Clothes washers * Dishwashers * Freezers * Furnaces (oil and gas) * Heat pumps (air source and geothermal) * Refrigerators * Room air conditioners * Water heaters Don't miss the chance to save money and energy!

The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund has been a wonderful benefit for residences and business alike. Connecticut consumers saved approximately $46 million last year. More than 3,100 businesses and municipalities, shared in the savings. Connecticut is being awarded the third highest energy efficiency scorecard in the nation by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy in 2009, according to the Energy Conservation Management Board. It seems that many people are taking advantage of of this wonderful program. They recently came out with their 2009 report with their goals for 2010 and how the funds were used in 2009. Annual Report It might give you ideas on what you can do with your business, to save you money.

The CTGBC is now accepting applicants for the Green Design Award and the Green Advocate Award. Applicants are being accepted until April 23rd. Nominate yourself or a building or friend that you know that has stood out in Connecticut to help bring Green building to CT. The Design award is based on: •Description and solution of goals and objectives of the project •Quality of design solution •Energy usage •Water Conservation •Choice and appropriateness of building materials •Site design •Indoor Air Quality The Green Advocate Award is looking to celebrate and recognize the individuals, groups and organizations actively transforming the built environment while sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices. The Nominees can be innovators, entrepreneurs, educators and NOM designers – in government, commerce, construction and non‐profits. They are advocates for high‐performance homes ,buildings and schools as well as for communities focused on water and energy conservati...

I saw that the EPA Energy Star Program has been found to not be the most accurate. People were able to enter in false companies and products are receive energy star ratings. This means many of the energy star products out there may be false. This is a huge step backwards for all of us that work hard every day to improve the environment and reduce our energy consumption. I think that this really makes the Energy Star program look bad. I am watching to see what they will have to say about it all. I saw nothing on their twitter. Fortunately we analyze all our products once they are installed through computer monitoring and so we know that the products we have installed are saving money for our customers, but what about all the other businesses and residences out there. Do you know for sure your products are saving you money? Read the full article in The NY Times

Through deregulation in Connecticut you have an option to choose who offers you energy. This is an incredible benefit and can save a lot of money. We have partnered with Titan Energy. Titan Energy offers gas, oil and electric at reduced rates. Titan Energy will do an analysis on current bills to determine how much money each month can be saved. This analysis is absolutely free. Titan Energy offers a fixed rate on utilities for 12, 24, 36 months. Titan Energy also offers green and renewable energy sources. We are now working with Titan Energy and has saved 8% on our utility bills each month. And when the utility rates go up we will be saving even more. You have the option to choose who you get your energy from. You are no longer held to the major utility companies and their high costs. Contact Controlled Air to get a Free Energy Study, which will analyze your current heating and air conditioning system, as well as your utilities and see how much money you can save each year. There are m...

I know summer seems too far away right now to even think about. Especially have we have received storm on top of storm. But winter is almost over and it is time to start thinking about your air conditioning. After sitting for the last 6 months or so, your air conditioning system needs to be cleaned and have the filters changed before turning it back on. Now is the time to schedule you maintenance before time flys by and it is 85 degrees again and you are desperate for some air. If general maintenance is not done, it could lead to bigger problems down the road.

There are so many environmental reasons to use solar and geothermal systems for your electric and heating needs. But to make it even more appealing Connecticut offers a Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems This exemption applies to Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Geothermal resource systems, and other Distributed Generation Technologies. This mean you pay exactly 0% of the sales tax on the systems you purchase. Its like getting 10% off the system. The exemption includes equipment related to eligible systems, and sales of services relating to the installation of eligible systems. The exemption has no expiration date. Tax form (CERT-140) is available on the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website. Contact: Public Information Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Taxpayer Services Division 25 Sigourney Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5032 Phone: (860) 297-5962 Web Site: http://www.ct.gov/DRS

In 1998 the Connecticut State Legislature created the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund or CEEF. It was created to make it easy for residence and businesses to become more energy efficient. The Fund offers all sorts of incentives to help you pay for changes in your current construction or making new construction energy efficient. The program is offering a wide variety of educational programs on energy efficiency, Loans a very low interest rates, and ways to make your home and office more energy efficient and energy star certified. You can't lose taking advantage of these opportunities. Save money now and in the long run on your utilities. Visit the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

The Energy Conscious Blueprint is a special program for New construction of municipal, commercial and industrial buildings of any size. The utility company works with you, your builder and architect to design the most energy efficient building possible. The utility company will help guide you through the whole process to make sure everything is energy efficient and saves you money now and in the future. Items that can be installed include lighting, HVAC, Refrigeration, water heating equipment, and process equipment. Custom and prescriptive rebates are available to help pay for the energy efficient items installed. The rebates are customized to the individual project and will vary likewise. Customer must apply for this program before any construction starts. There are also tax incentives that would be available for doing energy efficient building. For more information see CL&P's website

Connecticut is offering small businesses some wonderful advantages for upgrading them systems to high energy efficient ones. Not only is money saved in the long run from reducing utility costs, there is help to pay for the initial costs. It is a combined rebate and loan program for small business and industrial customers for making energy efficient improvements. Business customers with an average 12 month peak demand between 10 kW and 200 kW and industrial customers with loads below 50kW. A pre-approved contractor will come to your business and do a complete evaluation and submits a proposal of possible energy efficient measures that can be completed and incentives and financing options available for you. That proposal then goes to the utility company for final approval before the work is completed. The loan portion is available at 0% interest. The rebate is up to 30-40% of the initial upgrade cost. It is a great way to upgrade a small business, when you have limited resources. Contact...

As of December 31, 2009 the Cool Choice rebate had expired. But with great luck I am happy to announce that is has been continued through 2010. The rebates aren't as high as the 2009, but it is always good to get a rebate. Numbers range from $50 per ton to $150 per ton. The amount is dependent on efficiency and BTUS. Don't forget pre-approval is required for rebates over $5,000. Contact us for more information. Cool Choice Rebate Form.

Every hour, enough sunlight reaches the earth to meet the entire planet’s energy demands for a full year. Through the use of photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be converted directly into electricity. A photovoltaic cell is a non-mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys. Now there have been new developments that these cells are as small as glitter. Imagine something as small as a snowflake being able to produce electricity for your business? From Scientific Computing Sandia National Laboratories scientists have developed tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells that could revolutionize the way solar energy is collected and used. The tiny cells could turn a person into a walking solar battery charger if they were fastened to flexible substrates molded around unusual shapes, such as clothing. The solar particles, fabricated of crystalline silicon, hold the potential for a variety of new applications. They are expected eventually to be less expensive and have greater efficiencies ...