Thursday, January 29, 2009

Up to $1350 In tax Credits for Insulation and other renovation upgrades here in the Okanagan


Canada will have to weather large deficits to “do what it takes to keep our economy moving,” including cutting taxes while boosting infrastructure and worker training, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said in tabling the federal budget Tuesday.
Flaherty promises billions of dollars in new spending — ranging from money for infrastructure projects to aid for worker training, and cash for enhanced employment insurance (EI) benefits — to help the country ride out the global economic downturn.
"We must do what it takes to keep our economy moving, and to protect Canadians in this extraordinary time," Flaherty said in his budget speech in the House of Commons.

Help for current, wannabe homeowners
Flaherty also promised action to stimulate the housing sector.
A new home renovation tax credit would give up to $1,350 in tax relief on home improvement projects. The eligible expenses must be at least $1,000, but not more than $10,000, and the work would have to be done between Jan. 27, 2009, and Feb. 1, 2010.
The temporary credit would cost the government an estimated $2.5 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

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Terry Laurin-TLC Energy Solutions
We help you become energy efficient

250-215-8020
http://www.tlces.com/

Monday, January 26, 2009

How do I get a proper ventilated house in Kelowna?

























Do you have High Heating & Cooling Bills?

Have you ever wondered why your house never seems to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter, even though your air conditioner or furnace seems to be constantly running? This is a common problem in homes that are insulated with fibreglass, but are not air-sealed.
The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines, under the siding, in the basement, and in many other places. When you add them all up, it’s about the same as having a four square foot opening letting air in and out of the house. Air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks is the single biggest cause of home heating and cooling loss. This loss accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. With a 400 percent increase in heating and cooling costs over the past decade, air sealing your home is a simple way to save money and make your home more comfortable.

Do you have Drafts & Uneven Room Temperatures?

This problem can usually be traced to air leakage, a poor HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) distribution system and insufficient insulation. The problem can be solved by checking the HVAC system, installing proper insulation and air-sealing all areas that contribute to air leakage in the affected area.

Do you have Mold, Mildew, High Humidity problems?

Mold and mildew problems are typically caused by high humidity in the house. This leads to condensation on cold surfaces such as windows. The resulting humid air causes mold and mildew to develop. Because moist air rises, the problem typically occurs in the attic. When left unchecked, it can cause wood to rot and may lead to respiratory problems for people with sensitivities and allergies. One effective way to minimize the problem is to air-seal and insulate all gaps between the attic and the living quarters.

Do You have problems with Ice Dams?

If you live in the northern parts of North America, you probably have seen icicles hanging from eaves in winter. The hanging icicles are not only dangerous to people passing by, but often are an indicator of potential roof/attic problems that could cause serious damage to the house over time. Ice dams usually occur during heavy snow followed by a combination of melting and freezing temperatures.

In a house that is not properly insulated and air sealed, heated air escapes from the living areas of the house to the attic. The heated air warms up portions of the roof causing snow to melt. Melted snow flows down to another area of the roof which is cooler, and the water refreezes. A small dam slowly builds up as more melted water refreezes. Over time, water backs up behind the ice dam and travels up under the shingles where it begins to leak through the roof and into the living space below. One way to prevent ice dams is to make sure the attic is well-insulated and to seal areas where air can escape from the living area to the attic (e.g. pull down attic doors).

Do you have Insect Infestations?
The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, and plumbing lines and under the siding. These openings are pathways for insects to enter the house. If your house is infested by ants, ladybugs or other small insects, you can minimize the problem by sealing gaps and cracks around the house.

For all your home ventilation issues contact:

Terry Laurin-TLC Energy Solutions
We help you become energy efficient

250-215-8020
www.tlces.com
terry@tlces.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Are you getting the best products and prices on your foams and sealants?

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TLC Polyurethane Straw Foam (24oz) $9.88
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TLC Straw Foam is a one-component insulating foam that is dispensed using an easy to use straw attachment. By screwing the straw attachment on to this lightweight can of foam you instantly have an easy multi-directional solution for your smaller scale gap, crack & void filling needs. TLC Straw Foam effectively blocks air infiltration while adding thermal insulation value.

TLC Polyurethane Door & Window Gun Foam (24oz) $10.88

TLC Door & Window Gun Foam is a low expansion, low pressure foam specifically formulated for use in door and window installation and sealing applications. This low pressure formula will minimize the risk of door and window frame damages caused by the pressure exerted on the frame during expansion. TLC Door & Window Gun Foam is a one-component, low expansion and low pressure gun foam with CFC-free propellants, making this foam efficient and ozone friendly.
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TLC Polyurethane Gun Foam ( 24oz) $10.88

TLC Gun Foam is a one-component insulating foam that is dispensed using one of TLC's professional dispensing guns. By using this type of application method the applicant will be able to control the flow (bead) and obtain more product out of a can. TLC Gun Foam can also reach areas in which other methods cannot. TLC Gun foam effectively blocks air infiltration while adding thermal insulation value.

NuFlex 814 GG-266 Intumescent Smoke & Water Seal (10.1oz) $10.88

NuFlex 814 GG-266 Intumescent Smoke & Water Seal is a 100% silicone firestop sealant ideal for sealing combustible service penetrations in fire rated walls & floors. The GG-266 is an Intumescent product that expands when heated above 300¢XF, crushing combustible pipes and filling voids left by the pipe to prevent the spread of fire, smoke & toxic gases.GG-266 will adhere to aluminum, pre-cast concrete, gypsum wallboard, wood floors/ceilings, insulated pipes, communication cables, galvanized steel, static/non-static pipes & PVC pipes.

Bull Seal (9.8oz) $12.88


Caulk, Seal or Bond. This product does it All!

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TLC Energy Solutions
250-215-8020
http://www.tlces.com/