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William Charlson's Blog

By William Charlson | Agent in 29579
  • Custom Homes in Sago Plantation - Myrtle Beach, SC

    Posted Under: Going Green in Myrtle Beach  |  August 6, 2009 6:22 AM  |  180 views  |  No comments
    Sunbelt Homes of Myrtle Beach  new construction model home in Myrtle Beach’s Newest Natural Gas Community, is now open seven days a week.

    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

  • Sago Plantation Announces It's Newest LEED Green Community Builder

    Posted Under: Going Green in Myrtle Beach  |  July 25, 2009 7:40 AM  |  158 views  |  No comments


    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.
  • If you thinking of building a home at Sago Plantation in near future here's what you need to know

    Posted Under: Going Green  |  May 20, 2009 7:45 AM  |  176 views  |  No comments
    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.
     

  • Stimulus Incentives for Residential Geothermal Heat Pumps

    Posted Under: Going Green  |  May 20, 2009 7:36 AM  |  264 views  |  No comments

    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

     

  • Why allowing Geothemal Heat pumps at Sago Plantation is so important.

    Posted Under: Going Green  |  May 20, 2009 7:28 AM  |  228 views  |  No comments
    US Geothermal Industry Picking up Heat

    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.

  • What's so great about having natural gas at Sago Plantation?

    Posted Under: Going Green  |  May 20, 2009 7:18 AM  |  191 views  |  No comments

    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.
 
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