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/

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

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/

Kelowna Insulation - A guaranteed return on investment in an unstable market!!!

Insulation a guaranteed return on investment in an unstable market!!!!

Yes it is true smart investments exist that guarantee to save and make you money! The quick shift in the economy has effected us all in some way or another and many people are wondering where to invest all of those hard earned dollars?

Many people are finding it harder and harder to find work and make ends meat. The common question is: What should i do with my money and how can I hang on to it for years to come? The answer is a comforting one! Especially with the recent cold snap here in the Okanagan and our consistently long hot summers in mind.

Make sure your home has lots of Insulation!

Insulation is one of the most inexpensive and rewarding ways to upgrade your home. With the grants made available Provincially and Federally the price of doing energy efficient upgrades to homes has been subsidized dramatically. Upgrading your insulation can drop your gas or electric bill by half keeping you warmer for le$$ and extending the life of your heat source. More good things come from this...when your furnace runs or AC runs in the summer they produce Co2 into our environment, this is contributing to global warming. Another good reason to be more energy efficient.

If you are wondering if there is room for improvement on the insulation in your home? Call the experts at TLC Energy Solutions. We offer Free home evaluations and can help you every step of the way to getting Grant money into your pocket!

From now until January 31st, 2009 TLC Energy Solutions will be paying the TAX!

When you need a solution to your energy problem:

Phone: 250-215-8020.
Email: terry@tlces.com

www.tlces.com

"We help you become energy efficient"

Five Ways to save energy in Kelowna BC.

I just ran across a great article on the Top Five Ways to Save Energy. I would like to share it with you. Terry Laurin - TLC Energy Solutions

1. Add a layer to your attic insulation
Many Canadian homes are under-insulated, which means heat can escape through the ceiling, past the roof and into the atmosphere. Up to 15 per cent of your home's energy is lost through the attic. Adding insulation to the attic is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help cut heating and cooling costs. To minimize heat loss, attic insulation should be at least 12 inches thick.

2. Add insulation to other areas of the home
It is a simple equation: add insulation to help reduce energy usage and increase comfort. Supplementing the insulation in your crawl space, under floors and against basement walls is a great way to help restrict the transfer of heat or cold through your house.

3. Install a programmable thermostat
Why heat the house when nobody's home? A programmable thermostat can automatically lower and raise your home's air temperature when you're at work or comfortably nestled under a comforter, resulting in significant savings.

4. Harness the power of the sun
During the summer, help keep your house cool by closing the blinds during the day to block the heat of the sun. Alternatively, during the winter, raise your blinds during the day to make the most of the sun's natural heat.

5. Install energy-efficient doors and windows
Modern energy-efficient doors and windows are designed and insulated to reduce the transfer of heat into and out of the home, which can help reduce energy costs.

To read full article click here

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

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

Home energy solutions with Radiant Barrier-- How does it work?

At TLC Energy Solutions we utilize Radiant Barrier Solutions to achieve significant energy savings for our clients in Kelowna and the Okanagan.

Radiant Barrier Insulation is made with two sheets of 99.5% industrial grade aluminum adhered together to create a two-sided reflector. When installed with your conventional insulation, radiant heat waves absorbed by your roof decking in the summer are reflected by the Radiant Barrier before they have the opportunity of being absorbed by your ceiling insulation, thus keeping your home cooler.

In the winter, the radiated heat waves from within your home are absorbed by your ceiling and conducted up through your insulation into your attic. In this case, the down-facing side of the Radiant Barrier reflects the radiant heat waves emitted from your insulation back down toward your living area instead of allowing them to simply escape into your attic. This process eliminates heat loss through your ceiling, thus saving you money. Radiant Barrier Insulation is also perforated with tiny holes that allow moisture and air to pass through so your existing insulation can breathe.

Radiant Barrier Bubble Insulation when installed with conventional insulation acts as a Vapour Barrier as well as a Radiant Barrier not to mention adding up to 15.4 R-Value. This new product is setting the industry standard in new home construction because of its cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. In addition to the quick payback to homeowners and businesses, this product helps reduce heating and cooling costs, extends the life of heating and cooling systems, and increases the comfort level of your home or business.

Terry Laurin -TLC Energy Solutions
We Help You Become Energy Efficient

Phone: 250-215-8020
Email: terry@tlces.com
www.tlces.com/

TLC Energy Solutions - Radiant Barrier Solutions - Applications for Radiant Barriers

With the benefit of blocking 97% of the radiant heat that attempts to enter building structure, Radiant Barrier Insulation products are useful in a wide variety of locations within residential, commercial, and agricultural building structures.

Attic Installations
Most of the heat entering a home comes through the roof. Radiant Barrier Insulation installed in an attic can reduce attic temperatures by BLOCKING 97% of the radiant heat that attempts to enter your living spaces thereby reducing heat transfer from the attic to living spaces resulting in lower utility bills.
The primary method of installation is to lay Radiant Barrier over the attic floor. This is creating a shield to 97% of the radiant heat trying to enter your home in the summer through the attic and escape through the ceiling in the winter.

Reflective House Wraps
Most people are familiar with extreme heat found in attic, but there is secondary method of heat transfer into a building structure; through the walls. Radiant Barriers installed as house wraps during new construction projects or retrofitted into wall systems can block a majority of the heat that transfers through the walls into living spaces. This revolutionary new product offers the construction industry with a strong weather-resistant barrier, the added benefit of a Radiant Barrier.

Radiant Concrete Flooring Installations
Radiant floor Radiant Barriers help to retain the heat generated by the radiant heating system blocking it from escaping into the ground. Radiant Barrier Bubble Insulation is extremely tough and pliable, and is an excellent vapour barrier for all your radiant floor heating applications. This Product has a Radiant Barrier sealed on both sides by industrial-strength polyethylene bubbles. This patented design protects the aluminum from lime in curing concrete, which deteriorates foil on-contact. Installing Ultra CBF results in noticeably warmer floors, faster slab response times, and reduced BTU consumption of radiant heating systems. Sealing seams with Radiant Barrier White Poly Tape forms a consistent insulator and vapour barrier.

Crawl Space Installations
Radiant Barrier Bubble Insulation installed in crawl spaces below a building structure reflect the heat flows that are flowing downward from the flooring back up into the flooring at a 97% rate providing increased comfort and heat retention. The temperature of the cold floors which cause cold feet will be raised while you're heating bill is reduced, providing for increased comfort. As heat is reflected back into the living area, it warms other objects which then radiate heat back into the room, further increasing your living comfort.

Metal Building Installations
Radiant Barrier Bubble Insulation installed in metal buildings not only block 97% of the radiant heat from entering the building in the summer or escaping the building in the winter, they also provide the necessary thermal break to eliminate condensation problems in metal buildings.

Terry Laurin -TLC Energy Solutions

We Help You Become Energy Efficient

Phone: 250-215-8020

Email: terry@tlces.com

www.tlces.com