Financial Penalty Used as Incentive for EMR Adoption

As more doctors convert to electronic medical record systems, there is hope to see advances in health care delivery and operations.

The federal government is helping to drive these changes with subsidies that partially cover the expenses of converting to electronic medical health records from paper systems.

Since financial incentives have proven not to be enough to motivate doctors, there will be financial penalties put in place to encourage doctors to implement an electronic system by 2015.

According to an article published on New Jersey Spotlight, the federal government has already given doctors in the state of New Jersey $38 million in subsidies for EMR conversion. Almost 27 percent of the state's doctors have already converted according to Colleen Woods, New Jersey Health Information Technology coordinator. Woods estimates that that number will exceed 80 percent when Medicare imposes financial penalties.

This article explains that what is happening in New Jersey is that many practices are small, with only one or two doctors, and it doesn’t make sense financially to implement an electronic system.

It’s imaginable that many other small doctor’s offices in other states across the county feel the same way.

Starting in 2015, 1 percent of Medicare reimbursement will be withheld by the government for doctors offices that do no have EMR software and systems in place. Small practices will now have to revaluate the financial pros and cons, and when doing so will mostly likely be compelled to join the other digital doctors.

Increasing Energy Efficiency in Old Buildings with Balancing Valves

The current buzz across the globe is all about conservation of natural resources and protecting the environment. World leaders convene in highly publicized venues and invariably fail to reach an agreement that all participants can agree on. It sounds like a monumental task. But what about the things that can be done on a local level everywhere that could have global implications?

Energy Efficient Automatic Balancing Valve Suppliers for Old Buildings

Tackling the inefficiencies in old buildings that are found in every country and every city, small or large can be a very effective way to reduce energy consumption. In fact, one of the main causes of inefficient energy use is the imbalance of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems in these old buildings. Specifically in large old buildings where there tends to be a lot of energy waste, looking into options offered by energy efficient automatic balancing valve suppliers can go a long way.

A major advantage of applying automatic-balancing technology in a heating and cooling system is that it optimizes water flow by limiting flow and automatically compensating for system pressure changes. Automatic shut-off and adjustment functions also help to maximize the system’s energy use.

While small buildings and small systems can be normally balanced by manual controls on each unit that dispenses heat or cold, large buildings tend to have more complex systems that cannot be efficiently controlled by manual adjustments.

In order to find the appropriate valve system, it is best to contact automatic and manual balancing valve suppliers for professional opinions.

Due to their flexibility, automatic balancing valves can be implemented in phases and expanded at any time. They are only needed at terminal units, which help cuts costs, and are very cost-effective for buildings that have are being partially used, such as hotels and hospitals.

To learn more about the HVAC energy efficient products offered by balancing and supply ball valve suppliers read Even Automatic Valves Need a Manual Touch.

Caring for Your Trees in Winter

Cold temperatures, ice, and freezing winds can make winter a stressful time of year for trees in North America. The native regional trees species even experience the extra stress during these cold months.

According to Redmond arborist John Deutsch,

“Trees are biologically complex, constantly undergoing changes. They are subject to similar problems that afflict us...”

Therefore, it is a good idea to look at for signs of tree stress and to take just a few steps that help protect and strengthen your trees during winter.

Watch for Winter Drought

Some areas in North America can be very dry during winter time causing trees to fight dry out. By laying down a thick layer of organic mulch at the base of the tree in late fall or early winter months, you can help slow moisture loss and water runoff.

Check for Rodents

If you see rodents or deer eating away at your trees, you can consult a local tree care specialist to find ways to repel animals from eating your trees.

Plant Native Species

If you notice that your non-native tree species do not make it through the winter months, you may want to consult an expert on what species do best in your area. Arborist, tree maintenance, and hedge trimming Bellevue specialists, for example, help their client get the most out of their property by recommended the right species, and proper tree care.

Solar Power Method Photovoltaics on the Rise

Unlike traditional methods of heating and powering our homes and businesses, solar energy is sustainable. In other words it will never run out.

Not long ago, there were not many solar providers to choose from in the United States, making prices high and the return of investment far out of sight. Now, especially throughout California you will find a number of solar energy companies with affordable pricing, and state of the art technology, such as Solaire Energy Systems, a leading photovoltaics and SunPower dealer in San Diego.

SunPower Corporation, a component of the Dow Jones Oil and Gas Index, is a designer and manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, roof tiles, and solar panels for residential, business, government and utility customers. Their photovoltaic products are based on a silicon all-black-contact solar cell invented at Standford University.

Photovoltaic technology, due to growing demand for renewable solar energy, has greatly advanced in recent years. It is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors. Currently more than 100 countries use photovoltaics and it is growing rapidly.

Solaire Energy Systems in San Diego promote photovotoaic solar energy as a profitable investment, and report that their clients see payback in as little as six years and have a yearly return-on-investment of up to 18%.

Be Safe with These Tips for Proper Hedge Trimming

An important part of being a property owner is managing and caring for the landscape and vegetation. Without proper skills and training, it is easy to make a mistake.

According to specialists in hedge trimming Bellevue, Washington at Certified Arborist Tree Care, LLC, many homeowners are seriously injured while working in tall trees or hedge-trimming off of high ladders.

In addition to the increased risks of injury and accidents, lack of professional training may have someone remove trees needlessly and damage a tree by trimming and cutting improperly.

The good news is that with a bit of interest, it’s easy to learn many pruning skills on your own. Although they don't take the place of hiring a professional arborist, these tips can help you on your way to a healthy landscape.

1. Remove hanging branches immediately. These branches are already at the verge of falling.
2. Diseased and decaying wood can be removed at any time of the year.
3. Make sure to prune at the proper time of year. Professional can advise you on the correct time for different trees. some trees should only be pruned at certain times of the year.
4. Remove diseased or insect-infested branches.
5. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the canopy.

For more information on safe pruning and tree care see what this arborist report Seattle area expert has to say.

Three Tips for Hiring a Seattle Arborist

Hiring a Seattle arborist is an investment into your landscape that has has many factors to consider. While many just shop around for the cheapest bid, it is important to understand how the arborist business works so that you can make the best possible choice for the health the security of your property.



Property Damage
In an area like Seattle where the trees are large and heavy, tree pruning and removal can be a very dangerous task not only for the individual doing the job, but for the property surrounding the tree. Special care needs to be taken to protect the surrounding landscape and other structures such as your home and fence. Hiring a Seattle arborist who does not have the experience or skill can increase your risk for damage. Also, many companies do not have insurance – therefore any damage that is incurred will be you responsibility to fix. Well-established arborist Seattle companies such as Certified Aborist Tree Care rarely have mishaps, however if they do occur they will fix the damage for you under their own insurance policy.



Estimates
Any estimate given to you by an arborist should be in writing. This will serve as your contract in case there is any dispute about the work preformed. The estimate should include an itemized list of all work including the percent of canopy to be removed (if a pruning job) or exact measurement of how the canopy will be changed. Also, keep in mind that good quality companies do not add on fees, such as for waste dumping, after the estimate is complete.

Prices

While it may be tempting to shop around for the lowest price – remember you will probably get what you pay for. To many a tree is just a tree but to a Seattle arborist many factors such as fungal and viral infections of the tree and landscape, danger to surrounding vegetation and property, etc. are all taken into consideration when performing a job. High quality arborists do not cut costs and carry insurance, both of which will increase the cost of the job for you. However, this is a highly valuable investment that will be worth it should you run into any complications with your arborist.



For a complete arborist report Seattle visit CertifiedArboristTreeCare.com
Further reading: What is an Arborist and When Do I Need to Call One?

Solar Pool Heating: Keep Swimming Through The Fall

This week is the first day of school for many cities and with it comes our associations of all things fall:  leaves turning color, hot apple cider and the start of the NFL season.  While many close up their outdoor pool for the winter in the fall months, installing a san diego solar pool heating system will allow you to enjoy your pool into the cooler months.

Solar pool heaters are relatively low-tech, low-cost and will get you more money's worth out of your pool per year.  They are ideal for stretching out the warmth from the summer months that still trickle into the fall, where the days are warm but the nights are windy and cool.  The purpose of a pool heater with a rooftop solar collection array is to produce solar hot water san diego to be circulated back into the pool and elevate the water temperature.

The flow of a solar pool heating system is quite simple, which is even more reason to choose renewable energy:

1. Water from the pool gets pumped into the rooftop solar collector.  The water circulates around the collector as the sun heats it.
2. The heated water gets pumped from the collector through a filter to separate the dirt, leaves and debris that it might have accumulated while in the collector.
3. The heated water then gets pumped back into the pool.
4. The water temperature is kept in check by a flow-control valve.  If the water is already at the desired temperature, it will bypass the solar collector and continue circulating through the pool.
5. Keeping a solar pool cover on while not in use will also help the water maintain its warmth. 

Is My HVAC System Energy Efficient?

In modern times of economic struggle, everyone has to pinch pennies and find a way to save a buck however possible. Cutting out the things you don't need is easy: going out to eat, cable TV and lavish vacations.  However, the things you do need are a bit harder, but saving can be accomplished.  Today’s mantra is also to be eco-friendly as well, so everyone knows how to be more energy efficient through using Energy Star light bulbs, keeping the lights turned off when not in the room and taking shorter showers.  Another inevitable part of our modern lives is having an HVAC system in the home or office, especially in places that have extreme temperatures.  Did you know that your HVAC system can be optimized to be energy (and economically) efficient as well? 

Is one part of the building or home warmer or colder than the other?  Does the building take forever to reach its goal temperature?  If so, chances are your HVAC system is not energy efficient.  The use of balancing valves enables a balanced water flow in your HVAC system.   An imbalanced water flow will cause one side of the house/building’s circuit system to draw more than enough hot or cold water through its side, leaving very little for the other half.  An imbalance in the flow can create not only discomfort from the discrepancy in indoor temperatures from room to room, but is an enormous drain on your wallet from all the extra energy and water being spent.  Measuring device balancing valves, such as the supply ball or SB valve, attached to each water terminal will regulate the water running through the circuits.  With its pressure/temperature test port, flow problems can easily be identified by attaching a gauge and the valves can be calibrated to control temperature and pressure.  By keeping your home or office HVAC system balanced, it runs optimum level, 
using only the resources that it needs.    

What Is A Venturi Flow Meter?

In order for hydronic systems in HVAC layouts to function properly, they need to be balanced for equal water flow distribution.  Imbalanced water pressure in the system result in uneven and inconsistent water and air temperatures throughout the building, much like poor cardiac circulation can leave your hands and feet cold.  In order to maintain pressure balance, calibrated measuring devices need to be installed throughout the hydronic circuit system.

A venturi flow meter is used to measure the differential pressure, or the difference in the flow rate at the widest point and the narrowest point of the conical-shaped tube.  Differential pressure gauges are used to measure the rate of flow between the two pressure taps in the venturi meter.  Because the venturi flow meter has less head loss, it has an advantage over other measuring devices like orifice plates and nozzles.  Some brands of balancing valves conveniently come with the venturi design and meter built in them, like Flo-Pac's manual balancing valves.

How Solar Energy Works

The San Diego solar energy industry is aglow right now.  The Department of Energy offered a partial loan guarantee last week that will fund Project Amp, a $1.4 billion plan that will put photovoltaic panels on rooftops all over the United States.  The panels are to be installed on the rooftops of warehouse buildings in 28 states run by Project Amp's co-owner, Prologis.  A loan guarantee for $1.4 billion project is a pretty big deal, so let's find out what this solar energy hype is all about.

How It Works

Photovoltaic energy (solar energy) works off of sunlight.  Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar panels, are made of two slices of silicon.  One is positively charged and the other negatively charged, both enclosed together in glass casing with a metal frame.  Silicon is commonly used in PV cells because it is a semi-conductor.  The space between the two opposite charged slices is called the P-N junction, which allows electrons to pass from one slice to the other.  When sunlight hits the cell, it knocks electrons off the positively charged silicon and they move toward the negatively charged slice.  Electrons from the negatively charged silicon can only travel to the positive side if there is an internal circuit.  In the PV cell, thin wire on the negative silicon catches the free electrons, creates an internal circuit and creates electrical current.  When connected to an external electrical circuit, the current can be used to power your home.  According to the experts in solar electric San Diego, Solaire Energy Systems, any leftover electricity is sent back to your local power company grid and stored as a 'credit' for you to use during non-daylight hours.

Stay tuned to find out how installing solar panels benefit you, your home and the environment.
Suggested Reading: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Our Blog

Welcome to our Energy and Industry blog.  Here you will find the latest news in green energy and the construction, HVAC and plumbing industries.  Along with news articles, we'll features helpful informational and how-to guides as well.  We hope you enjoy and keep coming back!