SMUD Introduces Time-of-Day Rates
On the Time-of-Day Rate, you pay different rates for electricity based on the season and the time of day that you use it. Rates are lower during off-peak periods because it costs us less to produce or purchase electricity. Rates increase as demand and cost for electricity increase, especially during the summer months. TOD rates help you control your electric bill when you: Shift your electricity...
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Insulation R-Value
As energy efficiency has become an increasing concern among builders and homeowners, the attributes and performance of building materials and components are being scrutinized more closely. In order to maximize levels of efficiency by examining the details of how each individual component of a house performs on its own and as part of a dynamic system, very specific properties are measured and taken into account....
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10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at Crown Inspections, we want to change that. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in...
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Leaks in Your HVAC System and Energy Loss
by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko Many homes are equipped with central forced-air systems that rely on ducts to transport heated or cooled air from the furnace or heat pump to the rest of the home. If the ducts are leaky, this can lead to poor HVAC performance and comfort problems through loss of heated or cooled air, creating a loss of air pressure in the...
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Home Energy Assessment Basics Explained
Many things can affect the energy performance of homes. An energy audit can identify the factors that contribute to the waste of energy in a home. It can also contribute greatly towards making the home more comfortable for its occupants. This video from the US Department of Energy explains what a home energy checkup is and how it can benefit your household.