Is Another New Appliance on My Horizon?

After writing about the appliance rebate program for energy-saving washers and dishwashers, I just read that the Arizona Energy Office has been charged with creating a program for allocating more than $6 million in rebates to purchasers of other energy efficient appliances. It’s undecided just yet what those appliances will be, but I’m crossing my fingers that a refrigerator or stove are somewhere on that list. A couple of years ago, I purchased a condo that was built in the mid-90s, and it still contained the original appliances. They are about as basic as you can get, are extremely unattractive, and are certainly not energy efficient. While I’ve wanted to update the appliances for quite some time, I’ve been waiting for a good reason to do so. After all, they still work. According to an Arizona Republic article, the Energy Efficiency Appliance Program will allocate $50 to $200 rebates to purchasers of energy-efficient major appliances. Couple that with some rebates that appliance manufacturers are offering, and I could save a significant chunk of change! Many retailers are concerned the program will have some drawbacks, similar to those of the Cash for Clunkers program. While there could be some upsides, most namely the boost in sales this rebate program could provide retailers, I can understand their concerns. The Department of Energy has been handed over the appliance rebate program to determine how it will be structured. Time will tell how it will evolve, but it will be great if they can come up with a rebate program that is beneficial for both retailers and consumers.

I’m excited to see my electric bill! In years past, I have dreaded that monthly bill, but now I can hardly wait until it comes. Our photovoltaic system, installed by Harmon Solar of course, went online at the beginning of September and I’m counting the days to see my solar energy savings. Although when the bill comes, I shouldn’t be surprised. Each day I check the meters to see if I’m getting the most out of the panels on our roof. So far, we have exceeded the expected energy produced and as long as we maintain our panels, keep them free of dust and debris, I fully expect to have a nice energy credit by the end of the year.

Getting solar panels has also opened my eyes to other ways I can conserve energy. When looking at my family’s energy usage, you could say we were considered “energy hogs.” Now, my goal is to become energy independent. That means I need to pay close attention to other ways I can conserve. Stay tuned for more… I’ll let you know my first month’s savings.

Julie King

About 6 months ago my washer began making a horrible noise. It sounded as if metal was scraping on metal as the drum turned. In denial that something was seriously wrong with the machine, I continued using it. After heading down the path of denial for about two more months, the machine eventually gave me a tell-tale sign that it was time to part ways – it started to smell as if something was burning. I live on the third floor of a condo complex, so the idea of either accidently burning down my complex or flooding the units below mine was enough to send me on a mad internet search to find my next washer. How exciting! A new washer! Okay, not really. I could think of several other things I would like to spend that money on, but I decided if I was going to spend the money, I was going to upgrade from the very basic machine I had been using. So, I spent hours comparing prices, features, credit plans, delivery options…the whole nine yards. I finally narrowed down my selections to my top few and headed into my local home improvement store. Despite all of my research, I ended up buying a washer that was a step above what I originally had my mind set on. It was priced just right and had all of the features I was looking for, and lucky for me it was also Energy Star rated, meaning it met energy-efficiency standards. Because of budget limitations, originally I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to afford this type of washer. It’s too bad that my washer hadn’t waited a few months to break, because the cost wouldn’t have been as much of an issue. Until the end of this year, SRP is offering a $75 rebate for new washers that meet energy-efficiency standards. The new machines must use 35 percent less water and 50 percent less energy. APS hopes to implement a similar rebate program in 2010. So, if you are an SRP customer and ready to buy a new washer, now is the time to upgrade. Take it from experience; you’ll notice a big difference with your energy efficient washer.

Holly
Public Relations

I found a new government Home Energy Saver website that will allow you to calculate the potential for energy savings for your house. The site provides local information so that it is more accurate. It allows you to enter all sorts of information about your house, from the number of windows, and on what side of the house, to insulation amount in the ceiling, number of appliances, and the fuel they use.

This is a great start to seeing the money and energy that you can save by “going green“.

Jason
Estimator

So, the price of electricity got you down? In these times, many of us are reticent on breaking open our piggy banks. There are options for the brave; options that may seem steep at first but will decrease your dependence on outside energy sources to nothing. Move to the forest and live with nature. In the Arizona heat, that does sound like just the ticket. This drastic approach may appeal to some people. I know the notion of being self-sufficient would appeal to all who own their own home or want to. You also don’t need to move to the sticks to do this.

What do you need to consider in going completely green? Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when supplying your own energy needs. Solar Panels. Yes, Harmon Solar can do a fine job of installing any panels you want. To be self-sufficient, we can design a system that keeps all the energy you produce in your home. You can run your cabin in the pines including lights, computers, televisions, and a host of other items by utilizing more solar panels to capture the bright Arizona sun.

Collecting and storing energy can also be achieved with a private windmill. There are many small and considerable quiet models available. Even with sporadic winds, you can charge your batteries by harnessing every available source.

Another thing to consider in Arizona is water. Your home or cabin will also need a method to capture the scant rain and condensation to be found. A collection and storage method is a must. The sun can also be utilized to heat the water for your use. With temperatures in the shade reaching the triple digits, harnessing that power for your use is a very reasonable idea.

Yes, all these systems will require an investment in thought, time and money. You will reap the benefit of absolutely no electricity or water bills ever again. In good times and bad, that will always be something you can rely on, just like Harmon Electric and Harmon Solar.

Joe
Vice President of Construction