Category Archives: Energy Efficiency
Is Your Zinsco Panel Safe? Key Risks for Homeowners
A Zinsco panel in your home might not sound like a pressing issue, but it can actually pose serious risks to both the safety and efficiency of your home's electrical system. While they were once commonly installed across North America, mainly during the 1960s and 1970s, these panels have since…
Read MoreBest Energy Efficient Space Heaters For Your Home
Key Takeaways:Necessity in the Bay Area: Space heaters are essential for warming cold, older homes in the Bay Area without incurring high energy costs.Types of Heaters: Choose from convection, infrared, or oil-filled heaters, each offering benefits like quick heating, gentle warmth, and energy efficiency.Heater Selection: Match the heater's wattage to…
Read MoreAir Conditioner Inspection Guide: What Bay Area Homeowners Should Know
Key Takeaways: Preventative Maintenance: Regular AC inspections prevent major malfunctions and ensure efficient performance. Cost Savings: Inspections help lower energy bills and avoid costly repairs by addressing minor issues early. Extended Lifespan: Routine checks prolong the AC unit’s lifespan by preventing strain and premature failure. Better Air Quality: Inspections improve…
Read More8 Simple Ways to Reduce Static Electricity at Home
If you've ever experienced the annoying zap of static electricity when touching a doorknob or the constant cling of your clothes, you know how frustrating it can be. Learning how to get rid of static in the house is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment. Static electricity is not…
Read MoreElectric Heat vs Gas Heat Cost: Which is the Most Cost-Effective for Your Home?
Key Factors in Comparing Electric vs Gas Heat Costs:Energy prices in your area (electricity rates vs natural gas prices)Heating system efficiency (AFUE for gas furnaces, HSPF for heat pumps)Climate and average winter temperaturesHome size and insulation qualityInitial installation costs vs long-term operating costsEnvironmental impact and personal preferencesAvailability of natural gas…
Read MoreHere Come the Ultra Low NOx Furnaces!
Starting January 1, 2024, the only type of natural gas furnaces allowed to be installed in the nine county Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) are ultra low NOx furnaces. This change will affect all Bellows customers living in the following nine San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra…
Read MoreWhen Will Electric Heat Pumps Become Mandatory?
The Dawn of a New Era in Domestic Heating in California's SF Bay AreaThe horizon of domestic heating in California’s SF Bay Area is poised to experience a monumental transformation commencing in 2027. This transformation stems from a significant policy change: homeowners will be mandated to replace their defective gas-powered heating…
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