Receive up to $75* when you tune up your central air conditioner, heat pump or geothermal system, and up to $400 when you upgrade to a new high-efficiency system.
Go to http://energysavepa-home.com/hvac/residential-hvac for more details.
To learn more about residential energy-saving programs, visit www.energysavePA.com.
* Rebates offered through FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities.
Most of our water supply comes from ground water. As the water moves underground through soil and rocks, it dissolves minerals that will become part of the water. Hard or soft water is determined by the amount of minerals found in the water.
Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals that will cause hard water. The higher the concentration of each of these minerals, the higher the level of hardness in your home’s water.
The most obvious signs of hard water can be that white crusty residue on sink drains or shower heads, your hair and skin may be dry, or you may see spots on your dishes after they dry.
What are some of the problems that hard water causes?
1. It can cause crusty scale to form on the insides of pipes, water heaters, and sink and tub drains/faucets.
2. It combines with soap to make that sticky, filmy soap scum and it makes it hard to get soap to lather.
What are some options for treating hard water?
1. A traditional water softener removes calcium and magnesium. Inside the softener tank, there are plastic resin ”beads” that are coated with sodium ions that swap places with the calcium and magnesium. The calcium and magnesium stick to the resin and the sodium ions are released. When the resin becomes full and there is little sodium left, the water softener creates a salty brine solution that loosens the unwanted ions from the resin. The salty rinse water, calcium and magnesium get flushed down the drain and the process is ready to begin again. This is why salt is necessary for the softener.
2. A water conditioner will condition your water and make it softer but will not remove the magnesium or calcium from the water.
How do I know if I have hard water?
Contact Jim Landis Inc. to have your water tested for free (within a 10 mile radius.)
Let us help you decide what the right option is for you to treat your water!
If you didn’t take advantage of last year’s energy tax credit, here’s what’s new for 2011:
I have good news and not so good news. Well, the IRS did extend the tax credit for January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 but the credit has reverted back to the lifetime caps from 2005. The maximum credit is $500.00. This means that if you have taken this credit in prior years, you may NOT be eligible to receive any additional credit if you have already taken $500.00 or more. The improvements must be on your primary residence – vacation or rental homes do not qualify.
You must also keep in mind that not every product will qualify for this credit. Below are some of the requirements and credit amount available:
Central Air Conditioners – 16 SEER and 13 EER = $300 credit
Heat Pumps: 15 SEER and 12.5 EER = $300 credit
Natural Gas Furnaces: 95% AFUE = $150 credit
Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan: ECM Blower = $50 credit
Ductless Split System Heat Pumps: 15 SEER, 8.5 hspf, 12.5 EER = $300 credit
Ductless Split System Air Conditioners: 16 SEER, 13 EER = $300 credit
Water Heaters: EF of 82+ = $300 credit
Boilers: AFUE of 95%+ = $150 credit
Please visit the energy star website to get more information on qualifying products: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.
There is good news if you are considering geothermal heat. The credit for 2011 (for geothermal only) has remained at the previous 30% levels through December 31, 2016, and have no cap.
If you have questions about whether you will qualify for the credit in 2011, please consult your tax advisor.
2/14/2011