Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday in Texas

July 5th, 2010 by admin

On Memorial Day weekend in Texas there will be no sale tax charged on purchases of specified Energy Star appliances, thanks to a law in passed in Texas that established the tax holiday for the state.

The law states: “The sale of an energy-efficient product to which this section applies is exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter if the sale takes place during a period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the Saturday preceding the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and ending at 11:59 p.m. on the last Monday in May.”

What Energy Star products qualify for these savings?

• Air conditioners, both room and central units, that cost under $6,000

• Clothes washers, but not dryers

• Ceiling fans

Dehumidifiers

• Dishwashers

• Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs

• Programmable thermostats

• Refrigerators that cost under $2,000

Why are there no tax savings on clothes dryers?

Since most clothes dryers use the same amount of energy, the Energy Star program does not label any clothes dryers.

Purchasers do not need an exemption certificate in order to be exempt from the state and local sales and use taxes on the qualifying items. They may purchase, without limit, as many of the qualifying items they want during this sales tax holiday. Additionally, any delivery, shipping, handling, or transportation charges associated to the sale are tax-free.

Where can buyers purchase these specified Energy Star products without tax added?

The tax savings applies to purchases made at a store in Texas, or from any Internet or catalog seller in business in Texas. The items must be both paid for and delivered during the specified weekend times, or if the seller accepts a paid order during the time scheduled for immediate shipment, even if delivery falls after the weekend.

Layaway plans may be used for the tax-free holiday when final payment is made during the specified times or the seller accepts the order into layaway for immediate delivery after full payment, even if delivery falls after the weekend.

Why is the sales tax holiday happening as an incentive to buy only Energy Star products?

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have established this joint project, assigning the Energy Star label to products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines that these two federal agencies have set.

The voluntary labeling program started in 1992, introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Department of Energy joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1996, with the expansion of types of items to earn the Energy Star label.

The Energy Star website reports that in the year 2009 alone, use of Energy Star items have helped to save enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 30 million cars and has saved consumers, businesses, and organizations almost 17 billion dollars on their utility bills.

This Memorial Day offers even more savings to those who take advantage of the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday in Texas.

Tim Kress writes articles about Avery Ranch real estate, Round Rock Real Estate, Mayfield Ranch homes, Cedar Park Real Estate, and surrounding areas. Other articles written by the #1 REMAX Team in Austin and Austin TX Real Estate can be found online. Tim Kress and team are with REMAX 1 in Cedar Park, Texas.

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Using a Log Splitter Safely

July 4th, 2010 by admin

When it comes to heating a house, wood is still the most economical way chosen by people all over the world. Many people buy it pre cut, but there are others that do it all themselves. Some even make a decent living by selling wood to others. A log splitter is a bonus to them.

They need some special equipment in order to do this quickly and efficiently. A log splitter is a huge asset to those that do this type of work. It can save a lot of back breaking labor to those that do this type of work.

The log splitter has helped many people over the years by removing the need to use a maul as they did in the past. It took away the amount of heavy labour that people would have to use in order to split the logs that they had taken down. There are a variety of different kinds of log splitters that are available to be bought by people. Now a person can choose from a manual. hydraulic, or even an electric log splitter to assist them with their wood cutting needs.

They also come in quite a large range of sizes to choose from. There are smaller ones available for those that are using them at home. Professional models are a lot larger than the ones used by people for personal use. They are either gasoline or diesel powered which makes it handy for those that need them in isolated areas. Usually they are wheeled out into the isolated area and the logs are split right where they are. After split they are then loaded into trucks for transporting to the destination they are intended.

The prices range for log splitters and depend on many things. They can start at a very reasonable price but can get very expensive for the professional models that are available. The size, type of motor, and other things of this nature are all things that are taken into consideration when a company prices them. No matter what type of job you need a log splitter for there is one available that will help you conquer even the most stubborn tree.

Always remember to use proper safety precautions when you use a log splitter. They can prove to be very dangerous and even fatal if the utmost attention is not used. Make sure that you have read the manual for the log splitter that you are using prior to starting your job. It contains important information that can save you from serious injury.

Having too many people using the log splitter is also something that can be dangerous. Try to ensure that the person that is running the log splitter is the only one in the immediate vicinity of it. Also ensure that hands are kept at a safe distance when you start the process of splitting a log. Safety goggles and boots are a necessity when running heavy machinery. They can save you from a lot of grief.

These are just a few tips that can help the job you are doing with log splitters run smoothly. It would be horrible to have to be rushed to the hospital because of a careless mistake. Used properly they can be a huge benefit and make the task at hand go far more quickly.

If you would like to read more articles or reviews or check out our full line of wood splitters please visit us today at http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com

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Grass Pellet Stoves and Fuel

July 2nd, 2010 by admin

More and more countries are beginning to pick up on this new low-cost technology. Canada has research facilities get up on farms in rural locations that pellet a variety of different grass species. Europe is producing reed canary grass pellets in small scale pellet boilers and right here in the US, researchers have noticed that we have a huge amount of acreage of agricultural land that is currently unused. Some of the US’s land is in the conservatory program and is reverting back to woody growth, but there is still ample land available to grow grass and produce an efficient bioenergy. The grass fields can be cut mid to late summer, left to dry or leach right where they lay, then baled and pelleted. This process of leaching removes the drying costs, which automatically makes them cheaper than corn or wood pellets.

Currently there are no manufacturers that are building stoves specifically designed to handle the ash content created by burning grass pellets. However, there are manufacturers that are working closely with researchers at Cornell University; testing different stoves already on the market that would be able do the job. Bixby Energy Maxfire corn stoves, Harman corn stoves, and CountryFlame corn stoves have all burned grass pellets successfully; however they are all corn stoves and not grass stoves. These pellets have a history of causing premature corrosion to the combustion equipment and are said to cause clinkers a lot quicker. You see, it’s not so much the quantity of the ash but rather the composition of the ash that poses the most problems.

Calcium and phosphorus were found in high levels inside of switch-grass, which creates a lower melting point in the ash. The cool part though is that in each study done, grass pellets gave off just as much heat as wood pellets, which makes them just as effective. Moisture inside the grass pellets is actually welcomed unlike corn and wood pellets. Researchers say leaving the grass pellets in the rain helps them burn longer and have a negative impact on greenhouse gas production. As these pellets get more popular, hopefully it doesn’t take the world too long to see that this is a renewable source of energy, we will begin to see our demand on oil, gas, propane and electricity drop in statistical numbers.

Visit my website to learn more about pellet stoves & grass pellet stoves.

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Sony BDVE500W 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray and DVD Disc Home Theater System (Black)

July 1st, 2010 by admin

Sony BDVE500W 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray and DVD Disc Home Theater System (Black) Great product for great price – Suryasuresh –
I bought it last month and I am really stunned by the quality of the pictures. I thought it will display highest quality pictures for blu-ray discs but the DVD quality is also extremely good. Surrond sound installation with the wireless speakers is a breeze and they work pretty good. OVerall its a very good product for the money.
I have been using this system for about a year now and have been very pleased. Every once in awhile I still find myself looking in the direction of the speakers thinking a sound was coming from the living and not the speakers.

Having AT&T U-Verse I was concerned that the wireless speakers would interfere with the U-Verse system but this was not the case. Worked perfectly on the default setting. It is very easy to setup for your cable system as well. This system does include a FM antenna wire that works great for me even stuffed behind the receiver. The system does include a microphone that helps automatically calibrate your system based on the size of the room and the seating position. When I moved from an apartment into a new home I forgot to re-calibrate for several months, but once I did there was a clear sound improvement.

Shopped around a lot before purchasing this and couldn’t find another system comparable in price or quality with wireless rear speakers. If this is your first system I recommend purchasing The Dark Knight (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] as your first one! Even if you own it on DVD (as I did) the difference is amazing and seems like a different movie. Sony: BDVE500W Experience premium high-definition picture quality and sound with the Sony BDV-E500W Blu-ray Disc home theater system. With this all-in-one system you enjoy the benefits of a Blu-ray Disc player – Full HD 1080p and DVDs in near HD picture quality, plus a powerful 5.1 channel surround sound system that decodes DTS-HD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD high-definition surround sound formats. Includes wireless rear speakers for convenient positioning and is upgradeable for multi-room listening – up to 10 rooms (AIR-SA10 sold separately). Sony BDVE500W 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray and DVD Disc Home Theater System (Black)

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Soleus Air PH3-12R-03, 12,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, 12,500 BTU Heater, Dehumidifier and Fan, White

June 30th, 2010 by admin

Soleus Air PH3-12R-03, 12,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, 12,500 BTU Heater, Dehumidifier and Fan, White Very disappointed unit – David Kwok –
Got this unit today and for some reason the unit itself was covered in grease, something like a motor oil.

Anyway, set it up and powered on, after 2 hr running, the unit was blow AIR only even on COLD mode.

Called Amazon to get unit return and they told me I will have to pay – return shipping charge for defective unit.

I will never buy and electric unit from Amazon again. I never have any problem to get full refund from other online retailer.
Soleus Air: PH3-12R-03 12,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Fan has dual motors offering a 3 speed fan with oscillation, along with a 12,500 BTU’s Heat pump heater, a 60 Pint evaporative dehumidifier, and adjustable thermostat with 24 hour programmable timer with memory, from 64° to 90°F. A washable and reusable air filter keeps circulation clean and loss of power protection with auto restart feature. Heavy duty casters and remote control offer you assistance in unit placement and controls. All in one appliance to fulfill all your comfort needs.
Soleus Air PH3-12R-03, 12,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, 12,500 BTU Heater, Dehumidifier and Fan, White

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Frigidaire 70-pint Dehumidifier

June 27th, 2010 by admin

Frigidaire 70-pint Dehumidifier I purchased this product over 3 months ago now. It has ran great and continues to keep my basement free of dampness. The dehumidifier ran continuously for nearly a week before it cleaned out the humidity from my 40×30 unfinished basement (with little to no furniture), but now it runs only three to four times a week for about 2 hours at a time and I empty it only 1-2 times a week. The container that collects the water is difficult to remove at first, but if you read the manual (and press the sides together)the machine is a fabulous addition to your home!! It IS loud, like other reviews are confirming; however, for me- hearing it run is a reassurance that it is working! And it is not so loud that you can not mask it. Reusable filter is great, but needs cleaned often (if it runs often). Also the efficiency on this unit is SO eco-friendly… my electric bill only went up for the first month of use (and it ran for over a week continuously! I emptied it daily!) GREAT PRODUCT!!! STRONGLY RECOMMEND for large basements with dampness problems! Frigidaire: Dehumidifies 70 pints per day in medium size area Continuous operation is possible when unit is located near a suitable drain Easily accessible collection container for complete portability Level indicator signals when container is full Washable filter removes both moisture and airborne particulates Fully portable with casters
Frigidaire 70-pint Dehumidifier

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Wood Stove Parts You Definitely Need

June 25th, 2010 by admin

Before the installation of an outdoor wood furnace, there are different wood stove parts you might be interested in purchasing to make the use and maintenance of your outdoor furnace much easier. If you have little or no idea about the different options you have, here are the most common parts you have to get.

The stove pipe thermometer is one of the most basic and most important parts you can get. This is a big help for when you want to monitor the outside temperature easily and modify the settings of your heating system to suit your convenience. It helps in saving on your heating bill because you’ll know easily when you need to turn down the heating. It makes your unit more energy efficient this way.

Other wood stove parts that you’ll find very useful include the heat reclaimer and the damper. The damper acts as protection for your hands so you won’t burn yourself when gripping the hot handle bars. The heat reclaimer on the other hand also helps in saving money. As the name suggests, it makes use of the lost heat in the flue to heat your home once again. The good thing about this device is that you don’t have to worry about when you should turn it on because it automatically turns on and shuts off when it needs to.

These are just some of the wood stove parts that you need to understand and have when you are planning to have an outdoor wood furnace installed in your home. Not only do these make your handling of the furnace easier, but these contribute to more monthly savings on your heating bill.

Read more about wood stove parts and outdoor wood stoves in general with these online sources to provide you all the information you need.

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Do You Need Humidifiers Or Dehumidifiers at Home?

June 24th, 2010 by admin

There are instances when we do not feel comfortable at home. Sometimes, it feels so warm and it feels like there is no wind at all. There are also occasions when the air feels sticky and we find it difficult to breath. These conditions are brought by humidity. There are instances when the level of humidity is low and there are also instances when the levels are high.

What is humidity, you may ask. Humidity is the presence of water vapor in the air. It is an important factor of the atmosphere as it aids in the regulation of temperature. Humidity absorbs the thermal radiation from the atmosphere. It is not the same from one place to another. This varies because the temperature also varies.

It is essential that the right level of humidity be achieved. This is why dehumidifier and humidifier are used. Problems arise when the humidity is too high or when it is too low. The health issue may not be serious, but it can still cause tremendous problem to children, older people and to those who have existing health problems.

A humidifier is necessary of the level of water vapor in the air is low. You can find several types of humidifier in the market today. Generally, there are warm and cool humidifiers. A warm humidifier will use heat to generate vapor. Examples of this type of humidifier are steam or vaporizer and warm mist. The cool humidifiers on the other hand do not use heat so it is safer but will create more noise. Examples of this are evaporation wick, impeller and ultrasonic.

There are several considerations you have to make before you purchase a humidifier. First, check the level of humidity in your house. In addition to that, you have to consider the noise produced by the device. Some produce very loud noises. This can affect you, your family and your work. Consider the safety features as well.

If the level of humidity at home is high, you will need to use a dehumidifier. This will reduce the level of water vapor in the air. It is essential to reduce the level of humidity because too much moisture in the air will make the environment feel sticky and will make it difficult to breath.

The best dehumidifier is the air conditioning unit. This will suck the moisture out of the air. You can also use an exhaust fan. This is normally used in bathrooms and kitchens. Other types of dehumidifier include heat pump dehumidifier, chemical absorbent dehumidifier and dehumidifier ventilators.

You also need to choose a dehumidifier properly. You need to consider a few factors. Your budget is one. You need to include in your budget the price of the device, the cost of installing it and other maintenance requirements. You also need to check the size of the device you will get. It should also have the right Energy Factor or EF.

Monitoring the humidity at home is important. It is also essential to keep it under control. Humidifier and dehumidifier are essential if your home does not have the right level of humidity. So make sure that you monitor it.

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A Better Idea – Underfloor Heating

June 23rd, 2010 by admin

Do you want to make your home a more comfortable place to live? Do you want to save hundreds of dollars on heating bills every year? Do you want to enhance the beauty of your home? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then now is the time to start considering adding underfloor heating to your home. It is definitely a better way to add warmth and coziness to any room in your home and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to do so. In fact, you’ll more than recover your initial costs because you will be able to save energy each month by not using your centralized heating system as often.

When you install underfloor heat in your home, you’ll only feel the warmth. You won’t see or hear anything, you will only feel the heat radiating throughout your entire body. It will feel extremely good and refreshing and you’ll never want to go out in the cold again. It will feel very much like you are basking on a sun-filled tropical beach. Your feet will be the first to experience this wonderful feeling and quickly your entire body will be warm too! Even the air circulating through the room will be just what the doctor ordered. You’ll breathe a little easier knowing that you’re warm and comfortable.

Not only will your house be warmer, it will be healthier as well. This type of heating makes it much less likely that you and/or your family will be sick in the winter. It is a clean heat because it keeps dirt, dust, pet dander and other bacteria at bay and doesn’t “blow” it around like other heating systems. You will breathe much easier because the air is moist and won’t dry out your sinuses. Asthma and other chronic lung disorders will be much less evident when you heat your home with underfloor heat.

Underfloor heating is a safe and sane way to keep your family warm through the long, cold winter months. The floor is where the heat is and there are no hot surfaces that are just waiting to be touched by your child. The warming components are contained discretely under the floor and you won’t even know they’re there. There is no better way to keep your family safe and warm this winter!

Matt writes more about underfloor heating at http://www.underfloorheatinginfo.com

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Pay Now For Air Conditioning Service Or Pay More Later

June 21st, 2010 by admin

With hot weather just around the corner, it’s a good time to have your car’s air conditioning checked by a reputable professional. This will prevent problems at the height of the summer when there will be a much longer wait for such a repair.

If your air conditioning system isn’t in good shape, chances are it will cost a lot more than a sweaty ride. Many people ignore the signs of an AC system that needs service in hope of delaying an auto repair bill. In reality, this simply increases out of pocket costs and risks causing even more costly repairs.

As cars get more complicated, resources available for struggling components are less available. Manufacturers now plan for vehicles to be well maintained. This is in part due to longer warranties and also because of added electronics needed to meet tougher emissions standards. So the days of saving money by putting off repairs are pretty much gone. That is at least for cars manufactured in this millennium.

Any issue that causes the air conditioning system to work harder, such as driving with the windows down, can be measured easily in additional gas station stops. One should bear in mind that that the extra power draw from an overworked or failing AC compressor accelerates wear on other components, such as the alternator.

In addition, the fuel costs can very quickly add up to an amount that is more than the AC repair. Most car owners are unaware that ignoring that AC problem throughout the winter, costs just as much as in the summer because the AC compressor kicks on whenever the defroster is on. This is to prevent interior condensation and clear windows more quickly.

Obviously, if the AC is on and nothing blows out, your car needs immediate service, but there are other signs of an AC problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If the air conditioning blows warm or doesn’t get as cold as it should, the system could be leaking coolant, have a system vent issue or a vent blockage. In cars equipped with climate control, this means the AC runs continuously and drags down gas mileage.

If the AC randomly blows colder than expected, the compressor may be failing or there could be serious electrical issues. And finally, if there are loud noises when the compressor kicks in or cycles, an inspection at an auto repair shop is needed to rule out any other problems other than a noisy compressor.

Although diagnosing and repairing your own car may seem a good and money saving idea, it’s generally better to have a certified specialist perform AC repairs. The prevalence of proprietary electronics in the newer systems can make diagnosis difficult for the home mechanic. The coolant and specialized tools needed to perform a repair equal to an air conditioning shop are costly and may be difficult work with or obtain.

Not to mention, an improper repair may create new issues that mask the original problem so the car eventually ends up in the repair shop but with a much larger bill. So, consider taking your car in for an air conditioning tune up, as catching issues early can save a lot of inconvenience, time and money.

Eagle Transmission in Rowlett Texas offers the best Rowlett transmission repairs and auto service available. We always do a free computer diagnosis of your transmission before any repairs are started. Call us at 972-412-0242.

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