Green News
Showing posts with label pacific gas and electric. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pacific gas and electric. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

What is a SmartMeter™?



What is a SmartMeter™?
How can we modernize our current electric grid into a Smart Grid that is safe, more reliable and more efficient? One way is through the use of something called a SmartMeter™. It’s a helpful device that connects your home to the electric grid, allowing you to see how and when you are seeing your energy in greater detail.


The SmartMeter™ connects your home in a two-way communication with the electric grid. This helps manage the demand on the grid and increase service and reliability. This also helps you make more informed choices about your energy consumption and have greater control of your monthly costs.
How does it work?
The SmartMeter™ system collects electric and natural gas usage data from your home or business. SmartMeter™ electric meters record residential electric usage hourly and commercial electric usage in 15 minute increments. SmartMeter™ natural gas modules attached to gas meters record gas usage daily. This data is periodically transmitted to us via a secure wireless communication network.
What can it do for me?
The SmartMeter™ system allows you to view your hourly electric and daily gas energy usage data. So now you can easily find out exactly how much energy you are using over the course of the day, week, or month—valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices. Just go to My Energy any time to get a detailed picture of your usage.*
SmartMeter™ technology allows us to become active energy participants where we all can benefit from more reliable power, reduced carbon footprint and cleaner energy development.

Track energy use online
See your energy use by month, by day, by the hour.

Energy Alerts
Get notified by email, text message or phone when your electric use is moving toward a higher-cost tier.

Smart purchases between $1-150


Check your air filters every month

Why?  Heating and cooling consume the most energy in the average home — up to 50% of total home energy use. Dirty air filters make your furnace, central air ... more
Save up to $30 per year
·          

Replace your inefficient light bulbs

Why?  Inefficient incandescent bulbs, despite their low initial price tag, are costly to run and replace in the long term. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) ... more
Save up to $30 over bulb life

Install efficient showerheads

Why?  Showering accounts for up to 40% of the average home's hot water use, but energy-efficient showerheads can cut use in half. Energy-efficient showerheads ... more
Save up to $45 per year
·          

Insulate water heater pipes

Why?  In a typical home, 9% of the energy used for water heating is lost moving water to and from the tank and your faucets — even more in large houses. ... more
Save up to $15 per year
·          

Use LED holiday lights

Why?  Holiday lights can add charm to your home, but they also increase your electricity bill. If you are in the market for new holiday lights, purchase ... more
Save up to $10 per 100 bulbs per season
·          

Make sure refrigerator seals are tight

Why?  If the seal on your refrigerator or freezer door isn't doing its job, your appliance could be leaking 15% of the cooled air it produces. But you don't need to ... more

·          

Choose an efficient dehumidifier

Why?  Dehumidifiers can be very useful for maintaining comfort and preventing the growth of mold and mildew — yet they are surprisingly big energy consumers. ... more
Save up to $30 per year

Maintain your air conditioner

Why?  Your central air conditioner or room air conditioner will use more energy than necessary if it is not properly maintained. In addition to saving energy, ... more
·          

Use a ceiling fan

Why?  If you notice a summer increase in your utility bill, your air conditioning costs may be high. With the help of a ceiling fan, you can raise the thermostat ... more
Save up to $10 per year
·          

Improve shading for windows

Why?  If the sun creates overwhelming heat in your home during the warmer months, you may wish to make targeted investments to improve the way you shade your ... more
Save up to $35 per year
·    

Insulate outlets and light switches

Why?  Outlets and light switches in the walls that separate your home from the outdoors are often overlooked sources of heating or cooling loss. Insulating these ... more
Save up to $10 per year
·    

Add storm windows

Depending on where you live.., Why?  Since heating and cooling can account for about 50% of average energy consumption, air loss should be minimized where possible. Adding storm windows can save ... more
Save up to $35 per year
·         

Reduce heat loss from your fireplace

Why?  A standard masonry fireplace can add charm to a home, but is also an inefficient way to produce heat. You can make a few easy changes to your fireplace to ... more
Save up to $15 per year
·          

Maintain your heat pump

Why?  Regular maintenance of your heat pump will improve its efficiency and extend its life. You should have it inspected and serviced every year in order to reduce ... more
·          

Use motion detectors outdoors

Why?  Though you're rarely awake to see them, outdoor lamps left on all night can consume more electricity than most of your other light fixtures. However, motion ... more
Save up to $35 per year
·          

Use dimmers

Why?  A standard light switch gives you two lighting options — full brightness or none at all. Dimmers give you more control over the level of light in a ... more
Save up to $35 per year
·         

Select efficient home office equipment

Why?  If you have a home office, choosing an efficient printer, copier, scanner, or fax machine could cut its energy use by half. With these smart purchases, it's ... more
Save up to $70 per year
·          

Compare your appliances with a plug-in power meter

Why?  Want to find out how much your energy-saving efforts are paying off? Plug power meters are educational gadgets that can show you the exact amount of ... more
Save up to $75 per year - Ask us about TED. info@browermechanical.com
·    

Use fans instead of AC

Why?  Fans help you stay cool while reducing your air conditioning costs. Since they are targeted to a specific area, they can be more cost-effective than cooling ... more
Save up to $10 per year

Add shade coverings and awnings

Why?  Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and by up to 77% on west-facing windows. They can lower your ... more
Save up to $20 per year
·        

Install sun screens

Why?  Installing sun screens that block the sun’s heat from entering your home can significantly reduce your summer air conditioning ... more
Save up to $20 per year
·         

Test ducts for leaks

Have an energy assessment. Why?  Poorly sealed ducts can lose up to 20% of heated or cooled air before it reaches living spaces, making them a major cause for high heating and cooling bills. ... more
·          

Install window film

Why?  Sunlight entering your windows heats the air in your house. Window film blocks some of this light and heat while still letting you see through your ... more
Save up to $20 per year
·          

Keep your water heater warm

Why?  If you have an older water heater, additional insulation can cut heat losses by 25-45%, saving energy and money. Specially designed water heater ... more
Save up to $20 per year
·          

Weatherstrip windows and doors

Why?  The edges of doors and windows are often not sealed well, allowing cold air to seep into your home or air conditioning to escape. Windows and doors can be ... more
Save up to $50 per year
·          

Seal air leaks

Why?  Gaps and cracks between the inside and outside of your home can allow heated air to escape in the winter and cooled air to escape in the summer. This forces ... more
Save up to $100 per year
·          

Use sensors and timers

Why?  It's hard to remember to turn off lights and other devices when they're not in use. Timers and occupancy sensors work automatically so you can see maximum ... more
Save up to $30 per year
·          

Use and switch off power strips

Why?  Many computers, televisions, and other devices draw power even when they are turned off. Since plugs to these devices can be tough to remove from the outlet ... more
Save up to $75 per year
·          

Choose efficient light fixtures

Why?  ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer an easy and affordable way to save energy and money, but ... more
Save up to $70 over bulb life
·          

Use solar outdoor lights

Why?  It's important for safety to keep doors and walkways well lit, and a brightened outdoor space may be a peaceful getaway spot or add aesthetic value to your ... more
Save up to $45 per light per year


While the comfort, health and safety of your family are your first responsibilities the health of our planet should also be a priority. According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 19 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the united States are caused by energy used in homes. Your home may produce more than your car! Brower reduces your energy consumption by maximizing the efficiency of your home and appliances. By conserving energy you are reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emission and our dependence on foreign oil. Brower allows you to do your part for the environment while saving money on your utility bills for your family!


Monday, October 1, 2012

Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather

Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather

Clear100 Today

Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't compensate for it and properly cool you off. Heat exposure can even kill you: it caused 8,015 deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2003.
Photo: Sunglasses 
These are the main things affecting your body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather:
  • High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won't evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
  • Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.
Here are some facts about which people are at greatest risk for heat-related illness and what protective actions to take to prevent illness or death:
  • People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases
  • But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
  • Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.
Photo: Tourist with bottle of water 
You can take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:
  • Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
  • Pace yourself.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • Do not leave children in cars.
  • Check the local news for health and safety updates.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

PG&E’s NEW Quality Maintenance Program






•Brower Mechanical is a participating contractor with PG&E’s NEW Quality Maintenance Program





What every PG&E commercial customer needs to  know about PG&E’s HVAC Quality Maintenance Program.



•Introducing PG&E's new HVAC Quality Maintenance Program designed for rooftop package and split-system units with a cooling capacity of three tons or more.


Why maintain your HVAC systems?


• Lower your operating, repair and replacement costs.

• Improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort for your employees and customers.

• Experience fewer HVAC unit failures that can threaten your business operations.

• Reduce your carbon footprint and demonstrate your commitment to the environment.


•Designed for rooftop package and split-system units, PG&E’s new program lowers your HVAC operating, repair and replacement costs and minimizes system failures that can threaten your business operations.
•Plus, rebates paid directly to you help offset the incremental cost of your Quality Maintenance Service Agreement. (QMSA)



Neglected HVAC units suffer

•Equipment Failure
•Shortened Life Expectancy of Equipment
•Large Repair Costs
•High Utility Costs



Requirements For Participation

§To qualify, installation address must have a commercial electric account with PG&E.
§Unit must be at least 3 tons

Rebates & Incentives

§This is a 3 year program
§Rebates up to $3,800 per unit


PG&E’s Incentives Means CA$H
15 HVAC systems