Buy Safe cookware!

We are concerned about chemicals in our food, but another source of toxins is from the cookware that we use in our kitchens. It is important that we understand the different types of cookware and possible dangers. There has been significant media coverage on problems with different non-stick coatings off gassing, especially when subject to high heat.

A leading consumer magazine recently reviewed green pan cookware. Our eyes are always looking for highly rated green cookware. We have covered Teflon coatings on cookware in the past. EWG has plenty of information on Teflon dangers. Ski wax also contains PFOA.

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Many of us have Inkjet Printers that require expensive ink cartridges. They seem to run out fast or dry out after periods of inactivity. Here are some tips to fight back.

Inkjet Cartridges Get more Expensive

In September 2016, HP issued a software update to various printers that PREVENTS them from using non HP Ink! Do not install this.  They reversed course in October 2016 to update the software again and remove this restriction.

The printers affected by the firmware upgrade are HP Officejet Pro 8610, HP Officejet Pro 8615, HP Officejet Pro 8620, HP Officejet Pro 8625, HP Officejet Pro 8630, and HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter, HP Officejet Pro 6830 e-All-in-One Printer, HP Officejet Pro 6835 e-All-in-One Printer, HP Officejet 6812 e-All-in-One Printer, HP Officejet 6815 e-All-in-One Printer

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New PG&E rebates have been added for 2023. Most expire December 31.

Our local utility Pacific Gas and Electric – PG&E has cash rebates and ways to go green and save money. Here are some PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates

PG&E Rebates Read the rest of this entry »

New rebates have been added for 2023

Southern California’s power utility Southern California Edison rebates are here.  SCE has a bunch of cash SCE rebates and ways to go green and save money.

• Smart Thermostat Rebate up to $75
• $1000 rebate heat Pump Water Heaters
• Up to $300 per ton on Central HVAC Heat Pumps
• It pays to drive electric
• $50 rebate on Power Stations
• You may be eligible to save $1,500 or more for purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle.

You can print out rebate forms online and then send in proof of purchase.

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Last Update: January 2023

Get a Free Solar Power Estimate from a local vendor by clicking the link to the right.

2023 continues the very popular residential Solar Federal Tax Credit or Investment Tax Credit first enacted in 2009.  With the new credit, you can claim up to 30% of solar power costs for a new solar electric system off your Federal taxes. Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rental properties do not qualify. 

In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s face it, the harsh weather in Winter can really test your home. Winter is the time of the year to help protect the value of your home and save energy by making several adjustments.  Now is not the time to remodel or repaint your home, but a time to fine tune the operation of your home. You’re basically dialing in any changes you may for Fall, and should move major fixes to springtime.

In October/November when the daylight savings time change occurs, it is time to work on your Smoke Detectors – Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Carbon Monoxide Detector – Smoke Alarms

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Winter time brings on the bugs, seemingly at the same time every year. The ants in our area seem to love to visit our kitchen when the first heavy rains hit. Almost everyone has to deal with pests.  Whether indoor or outdoors, we need to think about eco friendly, green alternatives to toxic pesticides. Here are some Winter Pest Control Tips that we have found from trial and error.

Access control – Finding Where Ants are Coming From

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The average household will spend over $1100 staying warm during the winter.  This cost just keeps going straight up.  You can lower your heating costs by 2-5% for every 1 degree lower you set your thermostat. Easily save $200 a year.

Housing accounts for 20% of total US energy use with heating and cooling consuming a whopping 44% of residential energy use.

We realized that we were not setting our programmable thermostat optimally, when we saw some tips that result in lower energy use. We would set the thermostat to heat to my desired temperature of 65 degrees from 6pm to 7am. Many people will prefer 68 degrees, but we like wearing sweaters at home. (Or are so cheap we have to)

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Solar Panels do not need much maintenance and are pretty reliable. As with anything exposed to the elements, they do eventually breakdown. We will detail our experience with long term solar panel ownership.

Typical Solar Panel Warranty

A reputable solar panel’s performance warranty will typically guarantee 90% power production at 10 years and 80% at 25 years. A solar panel warranty will typically guarantee 10-12 years without failing.

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Last Update: 4/27/2022

Tesla Factory

We recently purchased a Tesla Model S. Much has been written about this excellent electric car—instead of providing a more technical review, we will provide insight gleaned from day to day use of this car in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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