Solar Power Becomes More Mainstream

In an article published by Bloomberg Businessweek on October 23, Jonathan Fahey reports on the high cost of traditional energy and its effect on the growing solar industry.  “Real estate companies are racing to install solar panels on office buildings," he writes.  "Utilities are erecting large solar panel 'farms' near big cities and in desolate deserts.  And creative financing plans are making solar more realistic than ever for homes.”

While San Diego solar energy has traditionally not been the first choice, it’s quickly becoming the most popular alternative energy source for new construction as well as gaining popularity as an installation in older buildings.  While solar is still three times the price to install as traditional energy systems, solar energy installations rose by 102% from 2009 to 2010 – showing an enormous increase in the amount of people willing to pay more for long-term sustainable energy (not to mention no electricity bills).  

The prices of building and manufacturing solar panels are falling quickly, but most Americans are still relying on government subsidies to be able to afford solar panels.  The benefits of solar energy are starting to outweigh the price, and people are more willing to pay for long-term sustainable energy.

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?

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a One-Pipe Main HVAC System

A one-pipe main water system offers a few advantages over a two-pipe return system, but it’s only suitable for a few unique cases.  Where two-pipe systems utilize two main pipes – a supply to deliver water and a return to bring it back to the pump – a one-pipe main uses one main pipe that stretches around in a loop.  Rather than connect each terminal’s supply and return line to the corresponding supply or return main, each terminal’s supply and return is connected to the main.

The one-pipe main system allows for each terminal to be controlled separately by installing the right valves.  Unlike a two-pipe system, the terminal can be shut off or flow can be decreased without needing to disrupt the entire circuit.  Also, if the installers use a pipe of a consistent size around the system plus a circulator, it won’t require balancing valves or control valves.  Even control valve suppliers admit that a one-pipe main system uses up to 40% fewer pipes and valves.  

The system is not suitable for all purposes, however.  If there are more than a few terminals, the water temperature may not be even throughout the entire system – the terminals furthest from the pump and boiler will be colder.  A two-pipe system may be necessary for larger applications requiring even heating.