What Is A SmartMeter and What Are The Potential Benefits? A Southern Vermont Heating Question

January 21st, 2013

If you’re like most people, you get a monthly electrical bill that tells you how much electricity you used and the amount of money that you owe. If you’re like most people, you’d like to reduce the amount of energy that you use not only to save money but also to help conserve energy. At HB Energy, we’re concerned about the environment as well and would love to help all of our customers get the most out of their home’s electrical system. That’s why we offer SmartMeter installation in Southern Vermont. Here is some information about SmartMeters and how they can benefit your home.

What is a SmartMeter?

Right now, your home has a basic electrical meter that has a spinning disc inside of it. This tells you how many kilowatt-hours you’re currently using—but that’s about it. A SmartMeter, as its name implies, gives you more information about the electrical usage for your home. There are also gas SmartMeter models that can give you detailed information about your home’s gas usage.

SmartMeters offer more information because they connect wirelessly to the internet using a secure connection. It will upload data about your energy usage and email you a report on the hourly, daily and weekly electrical usage of your home. It can also email you an alert if your energy usage goes above a certain point.

What Are the Benefits of Using a SmartMeter for Your Southern Vermont Home?

When it comes to energy usage, most homeowners do their best to reduce their consumption. But without more information, making those efforts successful is very difficult. Without knowing which hours of the day you use the most energy will make it difficult to know where to focus those efforts.

With the SmartMeter, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly which appliances are using the most energy. That way, you can target your conservation efforts on their use. With a tool like the SmartMeter, you’re in charge of your home’ s energy use and can more effectively manage your energy use.

If you have any questions about the SmartMeter or if you’re interested in having one installed in your Southern Vermont home, call HB Energy today.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Go Green | Comments Off on What Is A SmartMeter and What Are The Potential Benefits? A Southern Vermont Heating Question

New Hampshire Fuel Guide: Using Bio Diesel in Heavy Equipment

January 14th, 2013

When you use heavy equipment for commercial or farming applications, as many here in New Hampshire and the surrounding areas do, you can plan on going through a lot of gas over the course of a year or even a season. Does it not make sense, then, to try and use the cleanest, most efficient and environmentally friendly fuel available to you? At HB Energy Solutions, we are dedicated to providing our customers with a truly one call customer service experience, and that is why we include Bio Diesel in our comprehensive list of services and products.

Bio Diesel, also known as “neat” Bio Diesel, is a very clean burning alternative fuel source. Many of you have undoubtedly heard of the Clean Air Act. We are proud to offer Bio Diesel to our customers for a number of reasons, including the fact that Bio Diesel fuel is the only option of all the alternative fuel sources to fully satisfy health effects testing requirements put forth by the Clean Air Act. Many compounds used in traditional fuel source have been linked to cancer, and Bio Diesel reduces the presence of these compounds by up to 90%.

Plus, Bio Diesel boasts the highest energy content of all alternative fuel choices. The whole point of opting for alternative fuel sources is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and your carbon footprint, right? Then why not use the most energy packed alternative fuel source out there? With Bio Diesel you get the most bang for your buck.

Bio Diesel does not suffer in performance as a tradeoff for its environmental benefits. In fact its fuel economy, horse power and torque capabilities are comparable to petroleum. This nontoxic, biodegradable fuel source is still able to get the job done.

At HB Energy Solutions, we understand investment that you have made in purchasing your heavy commercial or farming equipment. We also understand that newer, alternative fuel sources make some folks weary of damage to their equipment or decreased performance. We have seen firsthand the opportunities that Bio Diesel has to offer here in New Hampshire. We encourage you to give us a call about this great fuel source and try it out for yourself. You’ll be impressed with the results.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on New Hampshire Fuel Guide: Using Bio Diesel in Heavy Equipment

What to Remember When Having New Wiring Installed in Southern Vermont

January 7th, 2013

The installation of new wiring in your Southern Vermont home is a pretty big project to undertake. In truth, it is one of the most disruptive services you can have completed in a preexisting home. The invasiveness of a complete electrical rewiring is worth the considerable hassle, though. If your electrician has reason for concern enough to suggest the rewiring of your home, you had best listen to that suggestion carefully.

At HB Energy Solutions, we will not promise you that your electrical rewiring will be quick and simple, nor can we make it so. What we can do, though, is to make the process as painless as possible. A big part of making the electrical rewiring service in your home as minimally disruptive as possible is simply to be prepared for it. Here are some things for you to remember in preparation for your electrical rewiring project.

  • Plan on having somewhere large enough to store your furniture…pretty much all of it. Any room that is being rewired will need to have the furniture moved out. Chances are you do not want to trust the New England weather with all your furniture sitting on your lawn. Plan ahead for this.
  • Keep in mind the fact that floor boards will need to be pulled up. If you have laminate floors this can be a pretty big project in and of itself. Be sure to discuss all aspects of the service with your electrical service provider. Do not realize that you have not properly budgeted for this work once it is underway.
  • Expect a decent amount of work once the rewiring is done. We will ensure that your new wiring is convenient, safe and dependable. Plan on spending some time getting your home back to normal.

An electrical rewiring project is always a big one. Even partial rewires require a lot of work and exceptional service quality. When you need electrical rewiring services in the Southern Vermont area, contact HB Energy Solutions. We will make sure that you have the reliable access to safe electricity you need to live comfortably in your home.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Electrical | Comments Off on What to Remember When Having New Wiring Installed in Southern Vermont

Happy New Year’s Eve!

December 31st, 2012

Everyone at HB Energy Solutions wants to wish you a very happy New Years! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new.

If you are a person who makes resolutions, why not try to make your home more environmentally-friendly next year? Upgrading your heating system can reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. You can also save energy by adding insulation and sealing any air leaks. A greener home is not only better for the environment, but it also saves you money by reducing your utility bills. Call HB Energy Solutions to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your HVAC system.

Have a great New Year’s Eve!

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on Happy New Year’s Eve!

Happy Holidays from HB Energy Solutions!

December 24th, 2012

Everyone at HB Energy Solutions wishes you a very happy holiday! We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers who make our business possible. We look forward to working with you in the future. Have a wonderful celebration, and enjoy this time with friends and family!

And a quick reminder, if you haven’t yet scheduled a maintenance visit for your heating system, you could be losing money. Annual maintenance will not only cut down on repair costs, but it also ensures that your system is running as efficiently as possible, which lowers utility bills. A comfortable, efficient home is a gift that everyone can appreciate.

Happy Holidays from HB Energy Solutions!

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on Happy Holidays from HB Energy Solutions!

Southern Vermont Solar Question: Do Solar Water Heaters Work Effectively in the Winter?

December 17th, 2012

Most people associate solar energy systems with the clean, sustainable production of electricity or heat for your Southern Vermont home. It is also possible, though, to use this exceptionally environmentally friendly energy source to heat water for use in your home efficiently and dependably. As is the case with any energy source or water heater, though, a number of factors can influence the success with which a solar water heater operates in your home and on your property. It is important to discuss all of your options and considerations with a qualified solar energy technician. Call HB Energy Solutions today to get all the information you need about heating water with solar energy.

Many homeowners are concerned about the operation of solar energy systems during the winter months. It is important to remember that heat is not what powers your solar energy system but the energy of the sun that is directed at the solar panels. While the days are certainly shorter in the winter time and sunlight is not as continuous as in the summer, your solar panels will still absorb the sunlight available to them.

The success of your solar water heater in the winter time really depends upon such factors as the number of panels you are using as well as the size of your system, the orientation of your property in relation to the sun, and other design points of the system as a whole. If you do not currently have a water heater integrated into your solar heating system, contact a member of our team today to have your system assessed.

Remember too that a backup energy system is often advisable when using solar power for those times when the sun just doesn’t seem to want to shine. Incorporating another fuel source into your solar energy system to supplement your solar energy will help to eliminate these worries. For more information about using a solar water heater in your Southern Vermont  home, contact HB Energy Solutions today.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Southern Vermont Solar Question: Do Solar Water Heaters Work Effectively in the Winter?

Springfield, VT Plumbing Tips: Why You May Need Leak Detection Services?

December 10th, 2012

Leak detection services in your Springfield, VT  area home are important for several reasons. Having one of the professional plumbers at HB Energy can detect any hidden issues and remedy the situation before it becomes a major problem and expense. If you have an older plumbing system, we recommend that you schedule routine maintenance at least once a year to help catch problems early on.

Before you call for leak detection services, you should be familiar with all the signs that indicate a potential leak in your home. These include noticeable damp spots near the plumbing pipes inside walls, below floors, or the ceilings of basements. Large puddles in your yard could indicate a broken main water line. A sudden increase in water bills is another sign.

It is also a good idea to call HB Energy if you’ve had problems with freezing pipes. A burst pipe can cause a major water leak, but you may not know it until it is too late. There are ways to insulate exposed pipes. Any underground pipes that have been damaged by tree roots should either be relocated, or the trees need to be removed.

Call one of our professional Springfield, VT  plumbers day or night if you have a plumbing problem. We can pinpoint the causes of common problems, such clogged or slow drains, system backups, and leaks. Contact HB Energy for all your Springfield, VT leak detection and plumbing repair needs! We provide comprehensive plumbing services throughout the area.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Springfield, VT Plumbing Tips: Why You May Need Leak Detection Services?

Why You Should Replace Your Old Fuse Box: Walpole, NH Electrical Tip

December 3rd, 2012

Years ago, fuse boxes were standard on many homes in Walpole, NH. However, thanks to advancements in technology, most new homes are built using a circuit breaker. However, not all homes have converted to the newer circuit breakers. If you’ve just moved into a home with a fuse box there are a number of reasons why you should have it upgraded to a circuit breaker. Below we describe some of the benefits of doing so.

How Fuse Boxes Work

Electricity flows into your home from the street and into your fuse box. The job of the fuse box is to route the power to where it’s needed. The second job of the fuse box is to protect your house from power spikes. As electricity passes through the copper wires of your home it produces heat. If the wires get too hot they could catch fire. Fuses protect against that by shutting down the flow of electricity when too much heat is present. As electricity flows from the street into your home it has to pass through a fuse which is comprised of a thin metal wire called a filament. If the electric current gets too hot the filament will melt and the connection will be broken. Once the fuse is melted it has to be replaced.

Safety

One of the great benefits to upgrading your fuse box to a circuit breaker is safety. Fuse boxes are obsolete technology. When the fuse is melted it has to be replaced with a new one. Also, when the old fuse is removed, both ends of the electrical connection are exposed leaving the homeowner vulnerable to electrocution.

Insurance and Code Compliance

In many cities, old fuse boxes aren’t in compliance with building codes. This could also mean that the wiring in your home might be out of compliance as well. To get your home back up to code you would need to upgrade to a new circuit breaker. But sometimes, the old wiring and the new circuit breaker don’t interact well. This can cause your circuit breaker to trip a lot which is annoying.

Additionally, some mortgage insurance brokers won’t cover your home if it has an older fuse box. This has to do with the fire danger. But many lenders require you to have mortgage insurance so upgrading the fuse box will be necessary.

Available Power

Finally, many old fuse boxes only had 2 to 4 available circuits for appliances. Obviously, new homes have a much greater electricity demand. New circuit breakers can have room for up to 24 circuits.

If you have an old fuse box in your Walpole, NH home that you would like to have replaced, contact HB Energy Solutions. We have years of experience working with all types of old fuse boxes and circuit breakers. Give us a call today! 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Electrical | Comments Off on Why You Should Replace Your Old Fuse Box: Walpole, NH Electrical Tip

3 Things You Should Look For In a New Furnace in Ludlow

November 26th, 2012

Getting a new furnace for your Ludlow home can be a stressful time. But it can also be an exciting time as you get ready to enjoy efficient and reliable heat for your home this winter. At HB Energy Solutions, we’ve installed countless furnaces for our customers in the Ludlow area. For this blog post, we thought it would be a good idea if we put together the top 3 things to look for in a new furnace.

The Size of the Furnace

One of the most common furnace problems that we see in Ludlow is a furnace that is the wrong size for the home. In many cases, the furnace is too large for the home. Having a load calculation performed on your home is a great way to figure out exactly what size of furnace you need. Here are some of the benefits to having a load calculation performed on your home:

  • Greater efficiency – When your furnace is the right size, it will most likely operate more efficiently.
  • Greater comfort – Furnaces that are too big often cause large temperature swings and hot and cold spots in your home.
  • Reduced wear and tear – When the furnace is too big, it turns on, quickly heats your home and then turns off. When your house cools town, it turns back on again. This causes extra wear and tear on your furnace.

Efficiency Rating

Furnaces are given an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating which measures how much of the fuel they consume over a season is actually converted into usable heat. Many old furnaces have an AFUE of around 60%. This means that 40% of the fuel they consume is wasted. Newer furnaces can have an AFUE of 95% or higher.

Fuel Type

Depending on where you live and many other factors, it might be a good idea to at least consider the fuel options that are available to you. For example, if you already have a natural gas running into your home, you may want to consider switching from an electric furnace to a gas-fired one. In many cases, natural gas is less expensive than electricity. This is all highly dependent on your specific situation and budget.

If you’d like help picking out a new furnace for your home in Ludlow, contact the heating experts at HB Energy Solutions. We have years of experience working with all types and brands of furnaces. We can help you find the correct size and efficiency rating for your home. Call us today! 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on 3 Things You Should Look For In a New Furnace in Ludlow

Signs That You Need Heating System Repair Service in Chester, VT

November 19th, 2012

When it comes to keeping your Chester, VT home’s heating system operating at the levels of efficiency and effectiveness that you demand, a proper installation and regular, professional maintenance are necessary. Of course, even with the best installation possible, a high-quality machine and meticulous maintenance service, your heating system is still going to have some trouble every now and then. When problems do develop with your heater it is important that you procure the necessary, professional heating system repair service you need as quickly as possible. The early detection, diagnosis and treatment of your heating system problems is the best way to ensure uninterrupted heating service as well as to keep the necessary repairs as minimal as possible. When you need heating system repairs in Chester, VT, you need to call the heater repair service experts at HB Energy. We have all the skills, training and experience necessary to get your heater back on track in no time. Of course, before you can schedule heating system repairs you must be aware of a problem with your heater. Here are some common warning signs and indicators that you should call for heater repairs.

Any decline in your home heating system’s performance is reason enough to call your professional heating service provider. If you notice that your home has developed cold spots or if your heater is having trouble keeping your home at the desired temperature, call for repair service immediately. These conditions are indicative of a problem with your heater that will only worsen if given the time.

If you notice an increase in the cost of operating your home heating system but have not made any changes to your heating habits you may have a problem requiring professional repair service. This is clearly a case of reduced heating efficiency, and there are many factors that can contribute to this problem. Call for repair service the moment you notice this heating cost increase.

Also, don’t try to convince yourself that an irregularity or inconsistency with your heater is to minor to be cause for alarm. Sure, strange sounds or odors coming from your heating system may not seem like that big a deal. It is important that you do not put off repair service for these conditions, though. They can be warning signs that a much more serious problem is developing.

For more information about keeping your heater operating efficiently and effectively with professional heating system repair service, call HB Energy Solutions. We’ll help you keep your Chester, VT home warm this winter.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Signs That You Need Heating System Repair Service in Chester, VT

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »