North Central News, June 2010 – Page 17

HOME &GARDEN

HOME GREEN HOME

If it ain’t broke ... replace it!

By Bryan Pavlovic

Think back 10 years: Y2K was a

feared threat, iPods were still one year away from existence, Internet was still dial-up, high definition television sets were 4 feet by 3 feet and weighed more than your teenager, and minimum SEER 13 legislation was set in place to replace the SEER 10 legislation that has been in action since 1987. So, why go from a SEER 10 to a

SEER 13 in the first place? The American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy estimates that the incremental cost of a SEER 13 unit rela- tive to SEER 10 unit is about $171. (Take into account this is a national fig- ure—not our exaggerated use of air con- ditioning.) Central air conditioners last about 18 years; but as we know, technol- ogy, especially in the last 10 years, changes rapidly. Also, if your air condi- tioner was installed in 1991 or later, you probably have a SEER 8 or lower system. The change from SEER 10 to SEER

13 represented a 30 percent improve- ment in energy efficiency. That, coupled with duct sealing—which can increase your efficiency by 20 percent or more— and

utility bills drop! The

Environmental Protection Agency esti- mates up to a 40 percent drop; and Arizona’s APS up to 60-percent reduc- tion in heating and cooling costs over the year with a new Energy Star unit. Replacing your air conditioner with

proper installation typically pays for itself in less than 3.5 years. If prices for power go up, particularly in the sum- mer, the consumer payback will be even quicker. After a decade of SEER 13 standard,

the government is backing these even more efficient Energy Star units, which are SEER 14 or higher. On these quali- fying systems SRP and APS rebate cus- tomers $175-$525, the government pays you back 30 percent (up to $1,500) and SouthwestGas will give you $20 back for your new thermostat—a total of more than $2,000 back on your purchase! In some cases, this is paying for almost half of the total install price.

With these incentives, it is a great

time to take advantage of getting a new unit with R-410A refrigerant, as the old R-22—and the parts to replace them—is being phased out in accordance to the Clean Air Act. While you may still be able to nurse your old unit along, if it breaks after these incentives go away, it could be a costly $2,000 decision. So, that’s why we say, even if it ain’t

broke … replace it!

Brian Pavlovic is manager of A Hybrid Home, LLC, 2824 E. Indian School Road, Suite 9. He can be reached at 602-423-8886. Have an energy efficiency/eco-friendly question you want answered? E-mail your question to edi- tor@northcentralnews.net.

Enjoy a Farmer’s

Sunnyslope

Market on Sundays

Central Slope, a new business in the community

featuring

reclaimed art, eco-friendly home goods, and other Earth-friendly products and edible goods, now offers a Sunday Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The Farmer’s Market is held in the

parking lot at 8801 N. Central Ave. Enjoy Sunday mornings with local farm- ers and artists; purchase fresh breads, jel- lies, herbs, eggs, local Arizona honey, sea- sonal produce, and more. For more information, e-mail info@centralslope.com or www.centralslope.com.

visit

Keep your yard free

of over-height weeds

Recent rains have meant even more

weeds as we head into summer. Homeowners and business owners are responsible for keeping properties free of dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, bush- es, over-height weeds and tall grass (over 6 inches), per

the city’s

Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance 39-7D. Dried and/or over-height weeds present a visual blight and can harbor insects and present a fire hazard. Neighborhood groups listed with the

Neighborhood Services Department may borrow supplies through the Tool Lending Program. Tools include hedge shears, weed eaters, rakes, shovels, garbage bags and gloves. For more infor- mation, call 602-495-0323. To report over-height weeds and

other blight violations, call 602-262- 7844or e-mail blight@phoenix.gov.

30 Years of Quality Craftsmanship

Custom Hardwood Floors

Installation Sand and Finish Recoat

ROC 177350

Prefinished Unfinished Laminates

Bonded and Insured

Naildown Gluedown Floating

Borders Inlays Baseboards

www.maderahardwood.com

Saving money on your utility bills never felt so good.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is an innovative whole-house approach to home improve- ment that can save you money and make your home more comfortable. As a participating contractor in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, sponsored locally by FSL, A Hybrid Home, LLC will identify cost-effective home improvements that will improve energy efficiency and lower your utility bills. At the same time, you’ll be helping protect the environment. And that’s a savings we can all enjoy.

$99 home energy check up through APS!

Plus, APS rebates 75% of insulation, duct sealing, air sealing costs, up to $250 on each system!

SRP customers call for more information.

• Air Conditioning Summer Specials •

Up to SEER 23 Heat Pump Systems!

Computerized Charging on all New Units and Repairs (if needed)!

Call us for the finest quality unit, installed by the highest level of certification, at the BEST PRICE!

602-423-8886

Free Estimates Cary West

602.697.5738

www.aHybridHome.com

Stop by at our shop to see our equipment and learn more about energy savings at

2824 E Indian School Road, Suite 9,

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