How to Make Your Buildings Energy Efficient

 Window Tinting for energy efficient buildingsOver the past few years, the buzz-word “Going Green” has been everywhere. Now, various states are looking forward to sustainable and clean sources of energy, rather than relying on conventional source of energy that is fast depleting. California has also geared up to embrace the eco-friendly methods to attain the energy efficiency goals in the year 2014. From saving electricity to using less heat, everyone is helping to save the environment. However, saving electricity is not enough; taking weathering measures like window films and commercial window tinting are equally important. The industrial and commercial utilities need to adopt a proactive approach to energy conservation and use green materials for buildings as well as operations. There are several websites that provide expertise needed in energy management.

Save Energy
CoolCalifornia.org

From changing energy use behavior, to planning a comprehensive energy management plan, and from retrofitting the existing commercial and industrial utilities; this resource has everything that you need to know to about conserving valuable energy. The website also suggests numerous ways to educate and engage residents and business owners to help local organizations implement energy efficiency projects in San Diego and California region.

San Diego County’s Energy Management Program
County of San Diego

This website is a one-stop destination to meet the energy management needs for commercial and municipal buildings. Including implementation of a Strategic Energy Plan for meeting long term and short term energy efficiency goals. Get details about various programs and projects run by San Diego County to minimize the energy usage in your building.

Energy Strategy for a Sustainable Future
Sandiego.gov

Energy Strategy for Sustainable EnergyThis is a complete guide for industrial, commercial and residential buildings; including specific green building measures, how to promote renewable energy as well as means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For those who want specific information on different energy saving efforts, there are specific guidelines to implement and install new technologies to meet the energy efficiency goals.

Advantages of Going Solar
Go Solar California

Businesses looking for solar incentives, this resource is a great place to encourage them to harness the power of solar energy. This website provides complete information about different solar projects along with the savings as well as apprises about the upcoming events such as seminars, training etc.

Federal Energy Management Program
Energy.gov

For federal agencies and municipal buildings, this website is the most significant resource to bring about change in energy usage as well as provide expertise in implementing energy management program.

For more information about energy efficient products such as Home and Commercial Window Tinting and Window Films, please call us at 858.332.1650 —it’s FREE.

4 Facts You Need to Know UV and Fading

Yikes, what happened to my furniture? HELP! my red couch is now pink and my dark wood floors are lighter in front of my windows. Why is that?

4 Causes for Fading Furniture, Floors & Fabrics!

4 Factors of Fading

  1. Heat
  2. Light
  3. UV
  4. Other/Miscellaneous

The Sun Is Your Home Furnishings #1 Enemy

Here in San Diego, the sunlight that we value has that “good news / bad news” thing going for it. The good news is that we love our windows and the beautiful views San Diego provides. The bad news is the furniture, flooring, window treatments, and artwork we love are fading.

Most homes in San Diego have an average of 40 plus windows and the sun shines through most at some point of the day-winter or summer. As you can see by the diagram, UV light by itself is the largest culprit causing 40% of fading.

How Can I Protect My Home Furnishings from Fading?

Modern window films or window tints offer UV protection up to 99%. Phew! That takes care of 40% but what about the variable light (25%) and heat (25%)-combined that’s a whopping 50%! Miscellaneous is ambient light, humidity, moisture, and the quality of some dyes used in fabrics.

Well, that’s where it gets a little trickier. You, the homeowner, have a decision to make. You can reject the heat up to 79% but in order to do that the film will be darker sacrificing some of the light, OR, you can have a lighter film, allowing more light to come through but it won’t cut down as much of the heat. This is where the professionals come into play. We can help you decide the perfect film for your home. Give us a call for a consultation at 858.332.1650 —it’s FREE! (I love free)

5 Most Cost Effective Home Energy Updates — That Won’t Cost You Big $$$$’s

a-energy savingsWe all want to save money on our energy bills and be as energy efficient as possible. Here are some cost effective ways without spending a bundle and a large amount of time.

  1. Replace Those Old Light Bulbs! LEDs are all the rage and compact florescent lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional florescent lights. LEDs have come down in price and are worth a second look.
  2. Install Programmable Water Heater and Thermostat. Considering how much of our day is spent away from the home, you can regulate your heat or air conditioning with a programmable thermostat and cut down on energy waste. A water heater timer works on the same principle.
  3. Install Window Film. A third of energy is lost through the windows in your home. Many new homes have a large amount of windows and older windows in homes have no energy efficiency at all. Today’s window films stop this waste and can provide energy efficient solutions at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. Window film can be installed yourself, or you can have a professional install film for you.
  4. Change Air Conditioning Filter. It sounds simple but not everyone thinks to change their filter on a regular basis—monthly during the summer. Dirty filters drastically lower your AC’s efficiency.
  5. Seal Your Home. Okay, I saved the worst for last. It may seem like a daunting task but the results are worth the time. Gaps and holes in your home’s exterior can account for severe energy waste. Caulk and weather stripping eliminate leaks from windows and doors and usually pays for itself in just one year!

Hot Enough?

kids being kids

Don’t have time to play in the water? Ever thought of putting window film on your windows? It’s amazing what a thin piece of polyester film can do in reducing the heat buildup in your home. It pays for itself by reducing the energy bills you get every month. Plus, it adds protection from flying glass if a window gets shattered by a flying object–like the fly ball one of your kids hit? Or if you live near a fair lane in a golf community? It keeps the glass in place and prevents the flying glass from injuring persons nearby. Another added benefit is the UV protection it offers to your interior furnishings and your skin. It is recommenced by the Skin Cancer Society. Try it — you’ll like it.

Mark the Dates on Your Calendar

ROAD TO HEALTHY SKINThe  Road to Healthy Skin Tour presented by Rite Aid, in conjunction with the Skin Cancer Foundation and Eastman-makers of Vista and Llumar window films, will be in the San Diego Area at these dates and locations:

August 17 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Rite Aid  7100 Avenida Encinas Carlsbad, 92107   and August 15 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Rite Aid  4840 Niagara Avenue  San Diego 92107. Location is undetermined for August 16.

Be sure to bring your family for this FREE skin cancer screening.