<![CDATA[William Charlson's Blog]]><![CDATA[More Green Thoughts For Sago Plantation with JellyFish Wind Appliances]]>

 

Jellyfish Wind Appliance: Plug-In Wind Power

  

Seattle, October 20, 2008

The Jellyfish Wind Appliance is a new class of wind turbine that is affordable, quiet, reliable and safe, and that anyone can install.

While wind power is one of the more cost effective sources of renewable energy available, few of the systems available today are either practical or affordable - turn-key systems cost thousands of dollars and are difficult to install. As a result, they lack scale, there's no killer energy app out there - until now.

By developing an affordable wind appliance that is quiet, reliable, safe and that anyone can install, Clarian hopes to enable renewable energy generation of unprecedented scale - similar to the way the PC revolutionized the computing industry. Imagine a Jellyfish Wind Appliance for every household!

  

  Plug-In Wind Power

What if you could plug renewable wind energy into the wall just like a blender or a toaster? Instead of using power, a wind appliance that generates it!


  Jellyfish Wind Appliance Prototype

  

  

  Design

The Jellyfish Wind Appliance is a small 36-inch tall vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a solid-state controller and a variable-speed induction generator that plugs directly into an existing wall socket and automatically generates power whenever the wind blows. The Jellyfish can be mounted on rooftops, wind towers or even existing street light poles - which are already pre-wired to the grid and have the tower already in place! And, it can generate up to 40 kWh per month in moderate winds enough to light an average home using energy efficient light bulbs. With a target price under $400 the Jellyfish would be an affordable option for many households and developing communities looking to harness wind power for the first time. Working in tandem with the existing power grid, the Jellyfish enables large-scale distributed-generation, delivering power exactly where its needed and reducing the demand for costly transmission infrastructure.

Using a proven rotor design that automatically adjusts to wind gusts, the Jellyfish ensures quiet, safe, reliable operation and runs no matter which way the wind is blowing. The elegant helical design combines form and function, allowing it to fit easily into existing urban environments. And because the Jellyfish combines the same principles and proven technology used throughout the wind power industry – only on a smaller scale, it can be plugged directly into the existing power grid without special wiring or expensive inverters - you literally just plug it into the wall, anywhere there's power. With only one moving part and no brushes to wear out, its virtually maintenance free, relying on the same proven design found in everyday household appliances and industrial motors. Plus, the anti-islanding features inherent in the design of the Jellyfish protects local utility workers in the event of a power outage - if the grid shuts down, the Jellyfish immediately stops generating power, without the need for any special wiring or controls.

  

  Smart-Grid Enabled

With onboard Wi-Fi/WiMAX the Jellyfish is also smart-grid enabled. Today, wind and solar-powered homes are operated as autonomous points within the local electrical grid. However, they are an overlooked, yet important electrical power resource. If instead, each were harnessed collectively and tied interactively with the local utility grid as a Point-to-Grid (P2G) power generator, or even regulator, considerable economic, environmental and system reliability benefits are possible. By itself, each of these power sources is indeed small in its impact on the power system. In the aggregate, however, the economic value of P2G power is significant, more than enough to offset the initial cost of installing the required control hardware and integrating these systems with the local utility grid. Equally important, the necessary regulatory and energy distribution infrastructure, and hardware components to enable a number of different types of P2G-based systems are already in place today. The convergence of existing distributed electric power and Wi-Fi/WiMAX technologies creates an emerging market opportunity for technology and service providers to enable and accelerate the introduction of various types of P2G-enabled power generation.

  

  Who Benefits

Given its affordability and ease of use, virtually anyone on the planet connected to a power grid, local community power distribution network or even an off-grid system, would benefit by installing an energy appliance - all thats needed is a wall socket to plug it into. Its the simplicity of this approach, especially in developing communities that rely on renewable sources for power and need to keep cost per kilowatt low. Plugging an affordable energy appliance into an existing electrical socket couldn't be easier - you pick one up at Costco, a department store or local supply depot and have it up and running that afternoon, almost as easy as putting up outdoor lights.

  

  Frequently Asked Questions

There a lot of wind generators on the market. How is the Jellyfish different from other wind generators?
In two words: simplicity and cost. The Jellyfish is designed to be simple to setup and install. You simply install it on your rooftop or a wind tower and plug it in - the Jellyfish can start generating power right away. And, the Jellyfish will be affordable. Unlike other systems that cost thousands of dollars to operate and install, the Jellyfish is initially targeted to cost around $400, with an eventual goal of around $199 at higher production volumes. With rebates, discounts or tax credits available from your local power utility, it would typically take around 7 years or less to recoup the cost of the Jellyfish.

  

Is the Jellyfish available for purchase and where can I buy one?
The Jellyfish is still in the development phase as we work on additional design refinements and ensure that it is compliant with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. We look forward to providing more details about our progress in the near future.


How long would it take to recoup the cost of buying a Jellyfish?
Typically it would take around 7 years to recoup the cost of the Jellyfish, less if there are rebates, discounts or tax credits available from your local utility.

  

What about maintenance and upkeep?
With only one moving part and no brushes or contacts to wear out, the Jellyfish is virtually maintenance free. Using the same proven design found in everyday household appliances, the Jellyfish should only need a periodic inspection from time-to-time to ensure that it’s in proper working order.

  

Can the Jellyfish provide backup power in the event of a power outage?
The Jellyfish is not intended to provide backup power when there’s a power outage but can provide backup power in conjunction with a certified back-up power system since the safety features built into the Jellyfish prevents it from generating power during a complete power outage.

  

Can the Jellyfish be used to charge a battery banks for off-grid systems?
The Jellyfish is not intended to charge battery banks for off-grid systems, but can be used to charge batteries or generate power in conjunction with a dedicated off-grid system.

  

What about high winds and wind gusts? Are there any safety issues?
The Jellyfish's onboard control unit closely monitors wind speed and operation, and will automatically shut down the generator in high winds to prevent any damage to the turbine or your property.

  

What about noise?
The Jellyfish does not turn until the wind speed reaches at least 5 mph. On calm, quiet days, the wind turbine will likely not be audible. When the rotor is turning, the sound of the wind passing over the blades will barely be audible over ambient background noise or other noises caused by the wind – such as wind blowing through trees, around buildings, flag and utility poles, etc.

  

What about birds and wildlife? Could they be hurt or injured?
Because of its unique design, the Jellyfish spins at roughly half the speed of a typical wind turbine, greatly reducing the likelihood of injury to birds and wildlife. And while there is always risk of injury to birds and wildlife with any structure such power lines, utility poles, pane glass windows, communication towers, fences, lighthouses, tall buildings, etc., to put this perspective, the latest research has found that wind power related avian fatalities represent between 0.01% to 0.02% (i.e., 1 out of every 5,000 to 10,000) of all birds killed in the United States and the impact of wind power on bird and wildlife populations has been found to be negligible. And finally, there have been few, if any, reports to date of household-sized wind turbines injuring or killing birds or wildlife.

  

What about safety in the event of a power outage? How would utility workers be protected if the Jellyfish is still generating power during a power outage?
Safety of utility line workers is paramount and the Jellyfish will be UL certified and meet all safety and certification requirements required by local power utilities. The anti-islanding features inherent in the design of the Jellyfish protects local utility workers in the event of a power outage - if the power grid is shut down, the Jellyfish will immediately stop generating power. In fact, it's not possible for the Jellyfish to generate power without the power grid being up and active.


  

What about safety for home owners?
Safety of homeowners is paramount and the Jellyfish will be UL certified and meet all safety and certification requirements, as well as national and local electrical code requirements.

  

Is it OK to put unregulated power back onto the power grid? Won’t that cause difficulties for the local power utility?
The Jellyfish will be UL certified and meet all safety and certification requirements required by local power utilities. The unique design of the Jellyfish ensures that power supplied to your home and to the electrical power grid is phase-matched to the power supplied by your local power utility.

  

Wind speed is variable and changes all the time, how does such a simple system like the Jellyfish handle this?
The Jellyfish combines the same principles and proven technology used throughout the wind power industry – only on a smaller scale. In addition to an onboard control unit for managing and optimizing power output, the Jellyfish relies on a variable speed induction generator to generate electricity. The curious thing about this type of generator is that it was originally designed as an electric motor. In fact, one third of the world's electricity consumption is used by induction motors for driving machinery in factories, pumps, fans, compressors, elevators, and other applications where you need to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, and vice versa. Another reason for choosing this type of generator is that it is very reliable and is less expensive than other types of generators. It also happens to have some mechanical properties - in particular variable speed control and overload capability - which are especially useful in dealing with wind gusts and varying wind conditions.   

Why wind power, why not solar?
Solar and wind power are complimentary and both are great sources of renewable energy, and we look forward to developing innovative products for this market in the future. The primary difference between the two, at least in terms of cost, is related to payback – the payback period on solar energy based on current costs is around 15-20 years (primarily as a result of the cost of solar panels themselves), while the payback period on wind power is typically around 7 years or less.

  

  Tutorial and Guided Tour on Wind Power Technology

A helpful tutorial and guided tour on wind power technology can be found here:

  

  

  More Info...

For more information about our products and services, or to provide us with your feedback, contact:  

Internet: info@clariantechnologies.com

]]><![CDATA[Come See Impressive Green Buildings Newest Model Vittorio]]>Going Green In Myrtle Beach, SC
Everyone’s talking about going green these days, but Tom Baker is doing something about it.  Baker is the owner of Impressive Concrete, a company that fashions everything from swimming pools to homes to commercial buildings out of the latest high-technology concrete materials.

His showroom in  Socastee is a statement of what his company is all about.  It includes many of the new advances in energy efficiency that Tom markets and installs on the Grand Strand.  One of the more impressive aspects of his building is the use of the combination of geothermal energy from the ground, solar hot water, and solar electric panels to cut in half his energy use from the utility company.  On top of these systems—literally—is a wind generator.  Baker estimates that most alternative energy systems can pay for themselves in about six years.  After that, the energy produced costs absolutely nothing.

Anyone who wants to learn how to “go green” through the use of geothermal, solar or wind energy can find what they need at Impressive Concrete.  Come see Tom’s newest LEED home design, located at Sago Plantation.

Model is open 7 days week. Call 843.236.5126
Impressive Geen Building is now offering the greenest home available on the Grand Strand.  Combining an energy-efficient concrete structure with expertly-designed energy features,  Tom guarantees to build you an elegant home of sustainable living that will have a fraction of the energy consumption and costs of a conventionally-built home.  You have to see it to believe it!

]]><![CDATA[Custom Homes in Sago Plantation - Myrtle Beach, SC]]>

Sunbelt Homes  Brookhaven
Featuring a great open floor plan on lake view lot… 3 bedrooms - 2.5 bath – 2 car garage - screen porch… Upgraded cabinets, Granite Counter Tops, natural gas range with Stainless Steel Appliances and much more!

2200 Heated Square Feet

Model phone # 843-236-5165
800-503-9901

]]><![CDATA[Sago Plantation Announces It's Newest LEED Green Community Builder]]>

www.Sago Plantation.com Blog

Impressive Concrete a LEED Green Builder in Myrtle Beach

Sago Plantation is pleased to announce Tom Baker President of Impressive Concrete newest ICF Green Construction meeting all of LEED design features.
This home will be available to all who are interested in most recent LEED energy designs of heating and cooling with solar ,as well ICF construction.
 

Cooling and Heating
Geothermal or ground source heat pumps work efficiently with warm air ducted heat systems or air handler. Geothermal heat pumps provide a new and GREEN way of heating buildings homes and hot water. They make use of renewable energy from heat naturally stored in the ground and provide one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating and cooling buildings. These heating systems are suitable for a wide variety of building types and are particularly appropriate for low environmental impact or "Green" projects.
 
Geothermal systems can be installed using a borehole system, shallow trenches or underground ponds. Heat collecting pipes in a closed loop, containing water (with a little antifreeze) are used to extract the stored energy of the earth to heat space and hot water
Benefits of Geothermal Heat/AC and Hot Water
Geothermal may cut your electric bill by up to 70%!  That's a huge savings.  Commercial/Industrial buildings and residential homes using conventional heat pumps, oil or gas for central heating and hot water can realize a rapid payback on their ground source heat pump investment. Geothermal is a GREEN comfort solution!
 
Adaptable.
Heating, air conditioning and constant hot water from the same quiet and compact unit.
 
Heating comfort.
Geothermal or ground source heat pumps work efficiently with both warm air ducted heat system and air handler systems.
 
Reliable.
Smooth operation, years of maintenance-free service and attractive warranty packages.
 
Safe and clean.
No flame no flue, no odors, no fire hazards as with old oil heat or natural gas units.
Low noise and provides comfort and safe operation year after year.
 
Tax Rebates and Grants
The government, both federal and state, offer special tax rebates for the installation of Geo-Thermal systems in both new construction and remodels. We do all the homework and provide you with the details of what you may qualify for from these sources as well as incentives from your local utility companies.
]]><![CDATA[If you thinking of building a home at Sago Plantation in near future here's what you need to know]]>If you are planning to build your own home in the near future, there is a tax credit available to you as well.

Efficiency product directory
    *   Energy efficient water heaters - ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters. All gas tankless water heaters qualify.
    *   Bio-mass stoves for household heating or water heating
    *   Geothermal Heat Pumps
    *   Small Wind Systems
    *   Solar Systems (water heaters or panels)
    *   Fuel Cells
 
If you are planning to build your own home in the near future, there is a tax credit available to you as well.

    *   The tax credit is a no-cap 30% credit.
    *   The tax credit is available until 2016.
    *   The tax credit is limited to fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters and small wind systems only.

For further details on how the tax credit works and what systems qualify, be sure to visit the Federal Tax Credits For Energy Efficiency website.
 

]]><![CDATA[Stimulus Incentives for Residential Geothermal Heat Pumps]]>The Obama Administration’s Economic Stimulus Package Involves strong tax incentives for residential home owners who install geothermal heat pumps.

Geothermal energy is very efficient, clean and low-cost after initial installation.

The tax incentive provides for a 30% tax credit for Energy Star- qualified systems installed in 2009 or later. For systems installed in 2008 there is a $2000 limit on this tax incentive payment.

In the latter case US citizens should use IRS 2008 Form 5695 for the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit to claim their $2,000. You can You can download that form here

 

]]><![CDATA[Why allowing Geothemal Heat pumps at Sago Plantation is so important.]]>

Dig down a couple of yards below the surface, and you’ll find Florida’s earth stays at a steady 72 degrees, a perfect heater in winter and a cool respite in summer.

“I think there is an enormous untapped potential in the country,” said Jeff Tester, an expert in geothermal energy at Cornell University in New York.

Florida lacks the scorching heat and steam that makes geothermal electricity, but its balmy earth can help Florida save power. By some estimates, home­owners can cut their heating and cooling bills by 50 percent or more. The technology has been around for decades but has only recently begun to gain traction.

“People really don’t know about it yet,” said Fred Mayes, a senior technology analyst at the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy. “People have seen solar panels before, but may not think of geothermal heat pumps.”

Now, with generous new federal subsidies, could geothermal become Florida’s next big thing?

• • •

To sell a geothermal system, you’ve got to start with education, said Todd Boudreau, who has installed dozens of geothermal heat pumps. Few homeowners know how they work.

“It hasn’t been widely publicized the way it should have been, but with things changing in our economy, and rising utility costs the way they are, people are very interested in how to save money,” Boudreau said.

In most ways, geothermal systems in Florida work the same as a regular air-conditioning system, Boudreau said. Both systems use a combination of refrigerant and compression to transfer heat in or out until the house reaches the desired temperature. For the customer, the thermostat is almost exactly the same.

To understand the big difference, think of the Earth as a giant battery heated by the sun. Geothermal taps that natural battery by snaking a pipe a thousand or so feet long under the surface. It is filled with water, or a mix of water and other fluid, like antifreeze. The loop can be laid in horizontal squiggles snaking under a property at a depth of six to 10 feet. If the lot is small, the ground loop can be drilled vertically to depths of several hundred feet.

In Florida’s colder months, the ground loop absorbs the ground’s 72 degree heat and transfers it to a heat exchanger, where it becomes hotter. A fan then draws the home’s air through the system, heating the air and circulating it back through the house.

In cooling mode, a fan sucks hot air from the house into the system, where the heat in the air is removed. Just like your fridge, the heat is removed from the inside and transferred outside, in this case to the cool ground.

Why is geothermal more efficient than conventional systems?

In winter, it uses the ground’s heat instead of burning fossil fuels or using electricity to make heat. In summer, the ground acts as a natural condenser, replacing the electric condenser.

The system is also more efficient because of the ground temperature. For instance, in the summer a conventional unit transfers hot air from the home to the hot air outside. Geothermal systems transfer the hot air to the cold ground. The cold ground is better at absorbing the heat than the hot outside air.

To think of it another way, when you jump into a cold lake on a hot day you lose body heat much faster than if you are standing on the shore.

As a bonus, the geothermal system transfers heat all year long to the home’s water pipes, giving customers free hot water.

The Energy Department estimates that it cuts electric bills by 25 to 50 percent. Boudreau said energy savings in Florida can reach 80 percent.

“The benefits of this are unbelievable,” Boudreau said.

• • •

If it works so well, why isn’t everybody doing it?

“That old four-letter word: cost,” Mayes answered.

Boudreau estimated that a geothermal system costs about two to three times a conventional heating and air-conditioning system. In these tough times, it’s hard to talk a homeowner into parting with that kind of cash.

Andy Bednarz, a pilot, recently installed a geothermal heat pump at his new lakeside property in Lutz. He got a $9,000 estimate for a conventional four-ton system but decided to spend $23,000 on a geothermal system.

His old 2,000-square-foot house had power bills from $265 to $350 a month. His new 2,359-square-foot-house has power bills of about $150 a month.

“It seems like a big bite, and I don’t like to give away money by any means, but I did some higher math, and this should pay for itself in six years,” Bednarz said.

Boudreau agreed, saying the typical payback time is four to six years. The systems are quieter and last 25 to 30 years, two to three times longer than conventional systems. Replacement costs are comparable because the drilling only need be done once.

It’s a logic that appeals to home­owners facing rising electric bills, Boudreau side. His company, Air Conditioning Solutions, has seen sales double in recent years as his handful of satisfied customers spread the word to neighbors, friends and family. Although it’s still just a fraction of his business, he’s seeing more interest than he has in the past.

“People are willing to spend money to save money,” he said.

• • •

Bednarz is part of an upward trend in geothermal.

Florida has been on the leading edge of the growth. The state is home to one of the best-known heat pump manufacturers, and it is among the top five states for installing geothermal heat pumps, and is also in the top five for exporting them to other states.

Shipments of geothermal heat pump capacity increased 53 percent in 2006 and 19 percent in 2007, according to a recent report from Mayes’ office. In 2007, the most recent year Mayes has numbers for, the United States shipped enough geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool 97,000 U.S. homes.

Despite the steep growth, geothermal heat pumps make up a tiny share of the market. In 2005, the pumps were installed in just one in every 1,000 U.S. homes, the Energy Information Administration estimates. Even with the annual growth predicted between now and 2030, it estimates that only slightly more than one in every 100 U.S. homes will have geothermal heat pumps.

The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act might kick-start interest in the heat pumps. The stimulus legislation gives homeowners a tax credit that covers 30 percent of the cost of the system.

]]><![CDATA[What's so great about having natural gas at Sago Plantation?]]>
Natural Gas has a high energy density, meaning its unique, natural properties allow it to work harder and more efficiently with less waste. It's the cleanest burning fossil fuel, with 45 % less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than electricity generated from coal and 30 % less than fuel oil. Consider this: if you were to convert an electric water heater to a Natural Gas water heater, you would save the same amount of CO2 emissions in one year as recycling 1.7 tons of waste.

Water Heating - When it's time to take a shower or wash dishes you want plenty of hot water and you want it fast. That's exactly what you get when you heat water with Natural Gas. You see, Natural Gas heats water quickly and more efficiently. In fact, a gas water heater heats water twice as fast as an electric one so your family always has hot water when they need it most. And because it's clean burning, Natural Gas emits up to half the carbon emissions of an electric water heater. In fact, the use of Natural Gas also reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 69% and all but eliminates sulfur oxide emissions.

Natural Gas tankless water heaters, For even more efficiency, consider a Natural Gas tankless water heater. A traditional tank water heater continues to heat water even when you don't need it. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, only when you need it. This reduces stand-by energy loss from unused water left to cool in the tank. Install a Natural Gas tankless water heater near the point of use and you could save hundreds of gallons of water a year simply by reducing the amount of cold water standing in the pipes between your water heater and faucets.

A Natural Gas tankless water heater pays for itself. The operating cost savings of a Natural Gas tankless water heater will pay back your appliance investment in just a couple of years. They save money with every use, and they last almost twice as long as tank water heaters.

Home Heating - The comforts of Natural Gas home heating. A high-efficiency Natural Gas heating system will keep you warm and draft free, even on the coldest days. You can actually feel the warm air from a Natural Gas system. Whether you're looking into a forced air or hydronic system, Natural Gas is up to 97 % efficient. Natural Gas emits 40% less carbon emissions of an electric heat pump, and reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 55% and all but eliminates sulfur oxide emissions.


Cooking like a pro. Cooking with Natural Gas. These days, the kitchen is the centerpiece of many homes — the hub where family and friends gather to talk, laugh and most importantly, prepare the meals. It's also your showpiece. That's why you wouldn't dream of having a gourmet kitchen without granite counters and stainless steel appliances, or most of all, Natural Gas. Just like professional chefs all over the world, home chefs like you want the same even heat and temperature control that only comes from cooking with Natural Gas. And, with Natural Gas the kitchen is always open, even during a power outage. No wonder everyone ends up there.

In addition, not only will today's gas ranges, ovens, cooktops and grills have you cooking like a pro, you'll save energy and money because Natural Gas is efficient and can be turned on or off instantly. In fact, it costs about half as much to cook with a Natural Gas range as an electric one. Any way you look at it, you can't beat Natural Gas in the kitchen

Outdoor Living - Everyone wants more living space right? Well, why not just create it right in your own backyard? With Natural Gas you can cook, relax and entertain with style, on virtually any deck or patio. Simply start with a clean-burning Natural Gas grill and before you know it every meal is an outdoor getaway. Add a natural gas fireplace and patio heaters and you can watch the stars even when the nights began to cool off. Of course, when it's time to entertain, Natural Gas lights gives "going out for the evening" a whole new meaning. And if you have a pool, heating it with Natural Gas can expand the swimming season deep into the cold winter months, way beyond the dog days of summer.

There's nothing like having a place to wind down and relax right in your own yard. And with Natural Gas you can do it all more efficiently and virtually maintenance free.

Grills. Sure it's a grill, but it's more like having an outdoor kitchen. With a Natural Gas grill, grilling season never ends. You won't miss running out of charcoal or the mess and particulate emissions it puts out. Grilling outdoors also helps keeps AC bills down in the summer because it keeps the heat outside. And, because it is connected directly to the home's Natural Gas system, you'll never have to worry about filling a tank.

Fireplace. Remember those nights snuggled up, telling stories around the campfire? Well now you can without the smoke or mess. Just good ole, clean burning, maintenance-free fun. Natural Gas log sets and fireplace inserts add instant ambiance to an outdoor room. There is no messy wood to buy, chop, haul and clean up.

Patio Heaters. Just because you're outside doesn't mean you can't control the conditions. Natural Gas heaters give you outdoor comfort no matter what time of year it is.

Pool Heaters. If you have a pool or spa, why not heat it more efficiently and with fewer greenhouse gas emissions? You'll feel better even when you're taking a dip.

Outdoor Lighting. From tiki torches to wall mounted lights, you'll create the mood in your backyard living space with Natural Gas lighting.

Laundry, Are you up to your eyeballs in laundry every weekend? Are the clothes in your washer just sitting there wet while the clothes in the electric dryer struggle through multiple cycles? It doesn't have to be that way. Just imagine pulling fluffy dry clothes from your dryer, folding them, and putting them away all before the load in the washer is finished. That's what laundry day is like with Natural Gas.

Generators With a standby generator fueled by Natural Gas you'll always feel safer and more secure during a power loss. That's because your generator is linked directly into your Natural Gas system and turns on automatically in case of a power failure or blackout. From your sump pump and furnace to your refrigerator and home office, a Natural Gas standby generator can power your entire home.

Plus, with Natural Gas, you'll never have to worry about running out of fuel like you do with a gasoline or diesel-powered generator. Natural Gas is also the responsible energy choice when compared to gasoline or diesel because it emits fewer greenhouse gases. And, if you're thinking about getting off the grid and powering your home with an alternative, renewable energy, a Natural Gas standby generator is the perfect eco-friendly backup.

Fireplaces, Relax next to a fire that you control with a switch. A clean-burning, Natural Gas fireplace can bring all the warmth and beauty of a real wood fireplace without cutting down trees, hauling wood or cleaning up soot. It's a great way to bring warmth to your home and bring ambiance into any room in the house. Natural Gas fireplaces are available in a range of styles to suit your home's décor from traditional to contemporary. But they are not only beautiful, they are also a great source of supplementary heat. While some gas fireplaces are designed exclusively for decorative use, others are built to heat a room or even an area of your home.

In many areas of the country "no burn" days are a common way to reduce pollutants when air quality is particularly bad. On those days, it is illegal to use wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or outdoor wood fire pits. But, thanks to the clean-burning nature of Natural Gas, you can continue to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fire anytime, even on those "no burn" days. Gas fireplaces are becoming more and more popular not only because they are cleaner burning, but because they can be easily installed into almost any room in your home. It's easy to upgrade if you have a masonry fireplace and chimney. But a new gas fireplace can be vented through an outside wall or through the roof, without a conventional chimney. And ventless gas fireplaces don't need to be vented at all. That means that you can have that fireplace in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or wherever you are looking to add warmth and ambiance.
]]><![CDATA[What's lurking in your house after you turn off all the lights?]]>
 

The Bite

A "phantom load" is the energy that's sapped by appliances when they're plugged in, but not on. Use power strips or manually unplug DVD players, computers and cell phone chargers to save electricity from disappearing without a trace.

The Benefits

  • Save big on your energy bills. In the average home, 40% of all electricity is used to power home appliances while they're turned off.
  • Lower emissions. If all phantom loads in US homes were stopped, we could shut down 17 power plants.
  • Power strips with surge protectors make it easy to "unplug" many appliances at once.

Personally Speaking

NY Biter Cecily Channell uses a power strip that's hooked up to her entertainment system to turn the cable and TV on and off. At first, her roommates complained because it takes a little longer for the cable box to warm up ("They want their HGTV right now!"), but the electric bill savings they saw after a few months convinced 'em.

Wanna Try?

IDEAL BITE IS NOT INTENDED FOR READERS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

]]><![CDATA[Sago Plantation Video Tour]]>http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2190489&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1]]><![CDATA[Green Building In Sago Plantation located in Myrtle Beach SC]]>Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.

“A green building is one where the qualities of both the indoor and outdoor environments have been considered and protected during its design, construction, maintenance and use.”

Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

Have improved energy efficiency

Conserve water
Have improved indoor air quality
Are more durable and more comfortable, and
Reduce pollution and save natural resources
Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

Two Simple Ways to Help in the Green Movement and to Keep Your Green from Moving out of your checking account.

High performance windows?

Windows, more than any other standard building item, have seen a significant increase in performance resulting from new technologies such as “low-E” glass coatings and gas-filled windows. These improvements make higher costs palatable, or even economic, when the rest of the home’s heating system is adjusted accordingly.

If the windows are a part of an overall energy strategy that greatly reduces the demand on the heating system, the savings gained in going to a smaller furnace can offset the added cost of the windows, and the on-going energy savings will pay back that extra cost more quickly. However, the most frequent selling point for these high-performance windows is the added comfort over a standard window.

Tankless Hot Water Tanks

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters heat water directly, without the use of a storage tank. They avoid the standby heat losses associated with keeping large amounts of water hot. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. Typically, demand water heaters provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons per minute. Gas-fired demand water heaters produce higher flow rates than electric ones. Sometimes, however, even the largest gas-fired model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous multiple uses in large households.

What materials are used in Green Building and what makes those materials Green?

General consensus is that materials and products as having at least one of the following characteristics: nontoxic; recycled content; resource efficient; long life cycle; or, environmentally conscious. Some materials and products have more of these characteristics than others and are, therefore, considered “greener”. Clean Natural Gas is a major component of the “Green” movement.

Are steel studs considered Green Building?

Yes, steel studs are considered to be a Green Material. Steel in construction has about a 70% recycled content. Its resource efficient because there is very little waste and it won’t rot or be susceptible to termite damage. Steel studs are also available with thermal breaks that allow less heat loss than wood. Also, steel is nontoxic because it will not off-gas and contaminate indoor air quality. Since steel screws together, steel members can be unscrewed and reused when a structure is demolished providing a structure for another residence. Steel structures have many environmental benefits and are considered very green.

Does it cost more to build Green?

There are many green products and materials that cost the same or even less than conventional ones. The true savings come in the forms of efficiency over the life of the home and in some areas Tax incentives are given for “Green Homes”.

Why Green and How?

Green products can not only create a healthier indoor air quality for people, but many products have recycled content that reduces waste and environmental pollution. Energy efficiency is without question is the number one reason people “Go Green”. Green building is “state of the art” construction; the first recommendation would be to hire an architect familiar with green building practices, details, and builders. Last and definitely not least research, research, and research always be looking ahead.

Where is Green Building headed?

I found this answer to be very interesting. The Green item coming to the forefront of the industry is use of intelligent, wireless controls and sensors to stop heating, cooling, and lighting “ghost rooms” i.e. rooms that are not in use. This technology is already in use in large corporations that have large office space]]><![CDATA[Sago Plantation Model Lease Back]]>Sunbelt Homes – Model Lease Back - Sago Plantation

Sunbelt Homes of Myrtle Beach has started construction on their Model home at Sago Plantation.  Sitting on an awesome lake lot this open floor plan will have all the bells and whistles.  Boasting panoramic views from the back side of this home this Model Lease Back will feature 3 bedroom 2.5 baths with a two car garage, screen porch, large breakfast nook and walk up attic great for storage.

This is a great opportunity for people that are going to move to the Beach in a few years.  You get to buy the home today at today’s price and Sunbelt Homes, the builder, will lease it back from you and use it as a model.  This is also a great option for people looking to execute a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange.

The Facts

Brookhaven
3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2 car garage
Screen Porch, Walk up Attic, Granite, Fireplace, Moldings
2300 Heated Sq. Feet
3275 Under Roof
$490,000

  

Sago Plantation at Legends is Myrtle Beach’s newest Natural Gas community.  Sago is a gated master planned community featuring: Beautiful streetscapes w/ palm trees, rolling landscape beds, sidewalks, street lights, and all utilities are underground including clean natural gas.  Centrally located to the airport, schools, post office, hospitals, restaurants, shopping and all Myrtle Beach has to offer Sago Plantation will be Myrtle Beach’s most preferred community.

Features

Owners Amenity area w/ large workout room, pool, hot tub, kiddy pool, social area, tennis courts, synthetic putting green, BBQ area, playground and much more.

Golf Membership to Legends Courses with lot purchase

Protected by Architectural Review Board

Brick, Stucco, or Hardie Board construction

No Building Time Frame – Buy Now, Build Later

 

Myrtle Beach Real Estate, Myrtle Beach Homesites, Sago Plantation, Legends Real Estate, Buy Myrtle Beach Real Estate, Model Lease Back, Model Homes


]]><![CDATA[Myrtle Beach Discovery Package for Sago Plantation]]>Sago Plantation Discovery Package

Discover The Good Life

Do you ever wonder what’s left to discover?  We understand! That is why we’re offering you the rare opportunity to explore a lifestyle of the privileged few ~ at a price that many can afford.  Whether you need a break from the pressures of the office, or just want to give your family a taste of the sweet life, Sago Plantation is your destination. Make the Discovery.

 Sago Plantation

Discovery Package
Visit&Understand 

Discovery package - $350.00 per couple

Includes:
Two nights
Breakfast each morning
One (1) golf round for two (2)
Range Balls
$50 Voucher for Ailsa Pub
Private Real Estate Tour 

Sago Plantation at Legends is sure to become one of the most preferred communities in the Myrtle Beach area. Set within the beautiful, pristine woodlands of the Carolina’s, it’s just a short drive from the sandy beaches of the Grand Strand’s Atlantic Ocean. Featuring easy access to world-class beaches, golf, shopping, educational and cultural facilities and so much more, Sago Plantation offers everything one could wish for in a coastal lifestyle filled with recreation, and convenience.

Community to feature: Master planned gated community, Clean Natural Gas, Awesome Home Owners Amenity Center, Rolled curb and gutters, beautiful streetscapes w/ Palm Trees, Architecture Review Board, Golf Membership to Legends Courses included w/ purchase, No building time frame and everything you would expect from a Coastal Lifestyle.

 Call or e-mail today arrange your Discovery pacakage

]]><![CDATA[Another Home under Construcion at Sago Plantation]]>Boasting over 2600 livable square feet this Mediterranean themed home features large crown molding throughout, hardwood floors, custom cabinets w/ work island - natural gas range - wine refrigerator, a great screen porch with summer kitchen, and much more.


The right address is, Sago  Plantation  Legendsis Myrtle Beach’s newest Natural Gas community. It’s sprawling 400 acres are outlined and accented by lush landscaping of Palmetto Trees, Sago Palm trees, and other tropical plants that will make life feel like a permanent Island vacation.  This superb master planned development has numerous features including grand gated entrance’s, beautiful street-scapes, awesome amenity center, tennis courts, synthetic putting green, underground utilities, sidewalks, golf membership to the award winning Legends Resort, and so much more.

Sago Plantation Private Gated Community is a master-planned community with easy access to airports, excellent schools, colleges, fine restaurants, and world-class shopping. Sago Plantation Real Estate has a beautiful natural environment, great water and wooded homesites, picturesque beaches and much more. Contact us today to get more information about Carolina Living at its finest.

Before you decide anything about your new home, be sure to see Sago Plantation. You’ll discover an extraordinary private community that extends far beyond ordinary expectations.

• No Building Time Frame - BUY NOW, BUILD LATER

• Water and Wooded Lots
• Beautiful Street-scapes to include - Palm Trees, Rolled Curbing, Sidewalks, Streetlights, and all utilities are underground
• Protected by Architectural Review Board Guidelines
• Brick, Stucco, or Hardie Board construction
• Amenities Area with pool, hot tub, and tennis courts
• Golf membership initiation fee to Award-winning, Legends Golf Courses included with lot purchase
• Centrally Located - Close to Airport, schools, post office, colleges, hospitals, Carolina Bays Parkway, restaurants, and shopping
• The Grand Strands beautiful beaches are only minutes away]]>