As a practitioner of energy efficiency (EE), I often take it for granted that everyday folks understand not only the importance of EE programs but also the role they play in advancing technologies. Did YOU know that EE programs drive technological innovation? One could argue that one of the primary purposes of EE programs is to advance EE technology. To understand this, let’s talk about EE programs and what they aim to accomplish.
Read MoreRecent discussions about water heating technologies—particularly heat pumps and tankless systems—have left many partners feeling there's limited performance information available for different applications. To address these concerns and support decision-making, we're providing insights and resources to clarify the differences and benefits of each technology!
Read MoreAs energy-efficient technologies evolve—like heat pumps, induction cooking, and hydrogen-fueled equipment—so does the need for a skilled workforce to support them. One of the biggest challenges? A growing gap between innovation and the availability of trained professionals to install and maintain these systems. The good news: Solutions are emerging. From workforce development programs to industry partnerships, we’re seeing real momentum in bridging this gap.
Read MoreWhen we think of industrial customers, a specific picture comes to mind. This picture often includes heavy machinery and manufacturing-type facilities. However, the industrial category encompasses a wide range of activities, including agriculture, food processing, commercial laundry, and water processing. Incentives for industrial customers also depend on your utility provider.
Since industrial customers tend to be among the larger utility customers, they are uniquely positioned to realize significant energy savings, often with relatively minor adjustments.
Read MoreHeat pump technology applies to both space and water heating and is a huge step in our transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I would like to take this opportunity to pivot away from theoretical discussions about heat pump technology and share my experience owning one.
Read MoreWe are all about solar plus storage. I know that most people are aware of solar energy, but I thought I would take a quick moment to zero in on the storage part and explain why new solar projects need it to be financially viable.
Read MoreNow, as you read this, you may be thinking, “What is a “DER” and why is it important to me?” Chances are, you encounter them almost every day, but you may not think of them as “DERs.” Distributed Energy Resources refer to systems that produce energy at or near the where it is being utilized. These systems are often renewable.
Read MoreI am sure you know California’s push toward 100% renewable energy. A BIG part of this initiative is building electrification. Building electrification means, converting from using natural gas appliances to appliances that use electricity. There are many cost-effective ways to do this.
Read MoreAs I am sure you are aware, your HVAC system is one of the biggest energy users in your building. In fact, HVAC is often responsible for 20-30% of the energy usage in a building. This is especially true in the Central Valley.
Read MoreWish that you could somehow shift most of your cooling energy load to off-peak hours?Time-of-use rate changes are here and the hottest part of the day (4 pm – 6 pm) will become the most expensive time to use your air conditioner. It may be time to consider an ice storage air conditioner.
Read MoreWe are in the full swing of summer! As such, I thought it would be fun to talk about HEAT! Specifically, I am referring to thermal storage. This is, by no means, a new technology. In fact, the concept has been around for some time!
Read MoreChristmas is just around the corner and while we are busy putting up decorations, planning parties and shopping for loved ones, it is good to remember that there are many ways that we can save energy (and money) during the holidays.
Read MoreToday we are wrapping up our 5-part series on energy efficient appliances and cooking for the Holidays. Although Thanksgiving is still very close in our rearview mirrors, many of us are gearing up for Christmas which can be even more eventful for our kitchens, as well as our pocketbooks.
Read MoreYou may be thinking, I already have a microwave to reheat food and an oven to bake and to keep things warm. Why would I also need a warming drawer? There are a few reasons a warming drawer may be a favorable option.
Read MoreWe touched on convection ovens very briefly in last week’s article when we discussed 5-in-1 ovens. A 5-in-1 oven is special because it has many different capabilities. Specifically, they are a convection oven, a toaster oven, a warming/proofing oven, a precision cooking oven, and a microwave.
Read MoreWe are all done with the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween, and we are looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. November 1st is the unofficial start of the holiday season. This is, by far, my favorite time of the year. However, while we are all gearing up for yet another wonderful holiday season and its traditions, it is important to understand and seek out new and more efficient ways of doing the things that we love, even if they are traditional.
Read MoreAllow me to explain: the duck curve describes the shape of a chart. This particular chart covers a 24-hour period of time during the spring in California. The season is important because during the springtime, there is still a lot of sunlight which translates into solar generation however, people are not using their air conditioning or heating.
Read MoreHe's a 10, but... he bought the 13 SEER to save money… Check out our #TechTuesday to see why this is ALL wrong
The SEER rating is probably the most important number when looking for a new air conditioning unit. I would argue that the SEER rating is more important than the price. How can that be?
Read MoreWhat exactly are we talking about when we discuss water efficiency and conservation? First off, we are still talking about energy efficiency and energy conservation because water and energy are inextricably tied. This is because, in order to use water, we must move it to where we need it. In order to move it, we need energy.
Read MoreWe all know the scenario: it is the middle of summer and the middle of the hottest temperature streak in recent memory. You hear a strange noise coming from your air conditioning unit just before it starts blowing what feels like warm air. Without a doubt, your AC has decided to take an unscheduled hiatus during the time you need it the most! Not to mention the other compounding issues with getting it repaired.
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