Tag Archives: energy

How to get a tax break and “decrease” your debt ceiling

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Greenlanta

No- we are not getting political.  I love listening to the debate our our debt ceiling in congress.  No matter what they come up with short term, long term we are still in trouble since the amount taken in is less than the amount spent.  There were a few years in the 90′s that the reverse was true, but for the last 10 years this has not been the case.

Putting politics aside, I found a brilliant (and legal) loophole that ALL Americans can take advantage of effective immediately.  Not even sure if it should be called a loophole since it should be considered common sense and should be standard practice amongst all individuals and businesses.

Many of you are aware of some of the tax credits and local rebates that you can get for going green, but there is even a greater incentive to going green.

Are you ready for this revolutionary concept?

Let me introduce you to the SawHorse Savings plan:

Step 1- Let SawHorse help you with energy savings on your home.  This will give you some savings which we will use later.

Step 2- Calculate the amount of net savings per year (after the improvement costs are taken out)

Step 3- Take this amount and put it into a Roth IRA or other tax free savings plan for your future.

So what just happened?  You are more comfortable and energy efficient and also are saving for your future tax free?  What I did not mention is that if you invest in a traditional IRA, you can actually put more in now since the savings is based on the amount you have left over after taxes are taken out of your pay.  The traditional IRA get a tax break so you can afford to invest more than the savings.

Here are some numbers:

Net savings for the year-  $2000

ROTH IRA                          $2000 + interested earned

Traditional IRA-                $2000 + plus the taxes you did not have to pay (average $2400 for most tax payers.  More if you are in a higher tax bracket)

Bottom line- “A penny not wasted is a penny you can invest tax free.”

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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Update on green incentives for GA Power and City of Atlanta

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Greenlanta

So I heard that solar was too expensive and going green was only for the rich.  Nice try.

Here is an example of a rebate matrix for a job we are starting next week.  This is an example from a real SawHorse client that opted for a new solar thermal water heater, help fixing their ductwork and upgrading their insulation.  They are getting back 89% of the upfront cost in rebates and tax credits for the solar thermal and 67% of the cost of the insulation and air sealing.  On an $12,790 contract our clients will be getting $10,158 back in incentives.  See our custom matrix below to see what is possible.  If you are interested in getting this type of return as well, call us before the money runs out at 404-256-2567.

Posted in Energy Efficiency, Energy Tax Credits and Rebates, Green programs and policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ideas to reduce your Summer energy bills

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Greenlanta

The kids are out of school and the sun is out.  This usually translates into higher energy bills.

Since it is hotter out, the HVAC system will have to work harder. In our house- since the boys are out of school, the HVAC has to try to keep up the the loss of conditioned air when the doors are opened and closed. In addition to loss of conditioned air, there will be more laundry to clean since they like to play outside.

So what are some solutions for the Summer to keep the energy bills down?

If your HVAC or water heater is on it’s last leg, there are systems on the market that cost a fraction to operate. Geothermal HVAC can reduce your heating and cooling costs by over 60% and Solar Hot Water can reduce your hot water needs by up to 90% in Georgia. There are also great green incentives and rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of these systems.

Other simple ideas that have low or no cost include:

  • Installing a programmable thermostat (and programming it!)
  • Turning light offs- they waste energy and produce extra heat (this causes your cooling bills to go up)
  • Find cold water detergents to reduce hot water bills
  • Install a low flow shower head
  • Install a dual flush toilet

For more ideas on how to save watch some of the videos on our Q and A Page.

Contact us today if you need help lower your Summer bills.

Posted in solar water heaters, toilets, Uncategorized, Water Efficiency | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A “green home” starts with a “green design”

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Greenlanta

I once heard that ‘bad architecture is leading to climate change.’ I am not sure if I would blame the design community, however we all need to start with a good design is we are going to build smarter.

You can have a bad design and add lots of energy savings components to that design to help save on energy. OR you can start with a good design and save 20-50% on utility costs, then add energy saving materials to the better designed house.

So what’s the big deal about Southfacing houses? Check out this interview with Prof Lechner who demonstrates with his heliodon on how a smart orientation of the house can save up to 50% on your energy bills.

Bad design orientation has higher upfront and long term costs:

  1. More direct sun on the East and West facing windows causes the heating and or cooling loads to be increased.  This means you have to pay more upfront for a larger HVAC system and you will end up paying more for utilities as well.
  2. A good design allows natural light into you house without increasing the cooling load.  You don’t have to use as much “artificial lighting” if you can get some free sunlight during the day.
  3. Too much direct sunlight is annoying and will be eventually blocked with window shades.   If this happens, artificial lights will have to be turned on increasing the lighting bill and the cooling bill since they put off heat.

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Q. What do you recommend for weatherstripping around a side entry door in Atlanta?

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Greenlanta

Just got a good question from one of our potential clients that I would like to share with you.  The questions was- “What do you recommend for weatherstripping around a side entry door?”

Overall the amount of energy loss is not as great as the amount lost through your attic or crawlspace, however the drafts that you feel can affect your comfort.

The type of weatherstripping you will need depends on the on the style of door and if it was designed already to accept it as part of the jamb.  Here is a picture of a door that has weatherstripping designed as part of the door jamb.  As the assembly ages and gets used the weatherstripping can wear out, crack there for loosing the seam necessary to keep the weather out.  The first picture shows the weatherstripping fully installed.  The second picture demonstrates  how it can be removed so it can be replaced.

If you have an older door that does not a jamb designed for weatherstripping you still have several options.  You can install a metal strip inside the jamb so when the door closes it forms a little better seal.  This is the type that you see on older homes and on front doors since it not seen from the inside or outside when the door is closed.  A more effective solution if a metal strip with a rubber/ foam seal that is fasted to the jamb on the outside of the door.  While it is not ideal for a front door since it is not as aesthetically pleasing as the kind that is hidden, it does perform better.

The best way to see which ones are right now you visit your local hardware store.   Most big box hardware stores have half an isle dedicated to insulation and weather-sealing.

Posted in How To..., Insulation, Weatherization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Energy Rebates through Shine Program in Atlanta

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Greenlanta

When the Shine program was first announced, I did not pay that much attention to it since there was going to be a lot of paperwork and little rebates for my clients.  However, since then, the city has launched a pilot phase for the program increasing the rebates to 25% of the cost of the work up to $2,000.  This is an addition to the GA Power rebates up to $1900.

If you are counting on the federal tax credit still, then you need to act fast.  The credit expires at the end of this year.  That is $1500 that you could loose in rebates if you do not get the improvements before the 31st of December, 2010.

Sample rebate:

Energy Improvement      $8000

Atlanta rebates                   $2000

Federal Rebate                    $1500

GA Power (up to)                $1900

If you add solar or geothermal HVAC you may qualify for even more federal and state tax credits as well.

Here is Mandy Mahoney talking about the Shine Program a few months ago:


About the author

Matt Hoots is president of SawHorse- Atlanta’s leading design/ build firm since 1978.  He also is co chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council, frequently blogs and writes a monthly green Q&A for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine.  Contact SawHorse for more information.

Contact Me LinkedIn Facebook

Twitter Latest tweet: Leaky Houses in Atlanta http://networkedblogs.com/9wuLe

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Green Ink

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Greenlanta

Here is a plug for one of our clients. We made their home more comfortable and energy efficient.

I’m Randy Merrill, the owner of Cartridge World Atlanta and I’d like to share with you an idea to help save you money, help the community and save the planet with no inconvenience to you. We are currently saving Mount Vernon Presbyterian, Pace Academy and The Lovett School thousands of dollars a year on their ink and toner and we would like to do the same for you.

Our business is simple and successful. We take the empty casings of ink and toner cartridges and completely remanufacture them in our Vinings workshop. Through this process, we have a higher success rate vs. original manufacturer for a new cartridge or toner off the shelf. As a result, we are able to provide a savings of 25%-40% on each piece. Importantly, the dollars spent by you and your school go directly into our local economy, not overseas, which helps our community.

Finally, we recycle to reduce landfill waste. One toner casing requires 1 gallon of oil to make, produces 3.5 pounds of waste and remains in the landfill for 450 years. Our remanufacturing process reuses your casing and reduces waste.

We also offer free delivery for orders over $100.

We can save you money, put your printing dollars back into your community, help save the planet and our delivery (orders > $100) is free.

It would be our pleasure to provide you with a quote and you can compare the savings for you and the benefits for our community and planet.

Find out more about us here, check out our videos, and become a fan of us on Facebook!

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“Show me the money” update

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Greenlanta

A few days ago I posted “Show me the (more please) money“.  Here is the result of that effort.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOLAR INDUSTRY APPLAUDS GEORGIA PSC VOTE
Georgia Power Green Energy Program expanded to include more solar

(ATLANTA) – On Tuesday, August 4th, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) voted unanimously to expand Georgia Power’s Green Energy Program. In June, Georgia Power notified the PSC, the current green power program and tariff had exceeded the original cap of 500kW. In an effort to address the issue, Georgia Power filed an amended tariff proposing a 200kW increase above and beyond the 500kW and limited project participation to solar projects 10kW in size or smaller. Walter Brown, Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) Chair, commented “our concern with the amended filing was the chilling effect it would have and perhaps even completely discouraging commercial-scale solar projects from moving forward.”

After the amendment was filed with the PSC, GSEA partnered with the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) which led the effort to educate PSC commissioners and staff about solar energy and the many benefits Georgia could realize if the proper policies were established. “Energy efficiency and solar energy are two ways monthly utility bills can be reduced,” said Ben Taube, SEEA Executive Director. “The decision by the GA PSC Commissioners in coordination with the industry and GA Power will provide the opportunity to encourage more solar in the State as well as provide a framework for larger, commercial-scale projects to move forward. SEEA applauds the leadership of each of the Commissioners that voted on the amendment and the willingness of Georgia Power to assist the solar industry.”

The PSC amendment that was unanimously supported will provide the following within the Georgia Power service territory: first increase the cap for solar electricity by 1.0 MW to a total of 1.5 MW and include both residential and commercial applications of the solar technology; and secondly the program will be reviewed in 6 months to ensure 80% of the premium being paid for by subscribers is going towards purchasing solar electricity.
“The leadership and vision demonstrated by Commissioners will encourage additional economic development, job creation, and financial investment by the solar industry here in Georgia. We will work diligently to get more customers involved in Georgia Power’s Green Energy program with the goal of making the program one of our countries most successful,” said Walter Brown.” Both GSEA and SEEA will continue working with the PSC Commissioners, Staff and Georgia Power to move solar forward in Georgia.

About the Georgia Solar Energy Association
The Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) leads the statewide effort to promote the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy through education, advocacy and industry support. GSEA, a non-profit affiliated with the American Solar Energy Society, is supported by more than 140 members across the state (energy professionals and grassroots supporters) who are working together to help create a sustainable energy economy for Georgia. For more information, visit www.gasolar.org. Find GSEA on Facebook or follow on Twitter @GASolar.

About the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that brings together businesses, utilities, governments, public utility commissions, energy service companies, manufacturers, retailers, energy and environmental organizations, low-income energy advocates, large energy consumers, and universities to promote energy-efficient policies and practices.

Find out more about us here, check out our videos, and become a fan of us on Facebook!

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