So much has happened over the last few months, from the nearly purely political wrangling over rate increases in LA, to the largest oil spill in our history (and 10-times bigger than the oil companies first told us).

But we want to focus on positives that collectively will make a difference, like free, valuable stuff, the value of Tax Credits, especially when you owe the tax man anyway, and finally, incredibly inexpensive High Efficiency Window Films that not only will do wonders for blocking that baking sunlight that heats up your place during the day, lowering cooling bills, and which you will now receive cash rebates, tax credits, and up to 9 LEED points for your LEED project. Wow!

Free Stuff: For anyone that has natural gas service, (Any Sempra Energy Company such as SoCal Gas or San Diego Gas and Electric):

Order a free Water Saving Kit: The kit includes three very easy-to-install faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead to help you save energy and water. These devices allow air to enter into the water stream, maintaining a high-pressure flow while reducing water usage. We’ve installed many and barely notice the difference, really! They will decrease your water consumption dramatically, and with less water to heat, lower your water-heating bill.

Go here to order your free kit:

Socal Gas: http://socalgas.com/residential/EE_kit_promo/

SDGE: http://www.sdge.com/residential/energyefficiencykit/

Tax Credits: Did you owe taxes this past April? Did you get a refund and would prefer to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck over the course of the year, giving you more of your hard earned cash? Tax Credits are a very valuable tool for making this happen as they reduce the taxes you owe dollar for dollar.

The average Tax Credit for our residential solar customers is about $5,000. For business customers it is several times this amount, with additional tax depreciation and sales tax refunds available. If you spend money on a solar system or efficiency improvements, it will cost money, of course, but a large percentage of that cost is an investment that will recoup cash right away through future savings on utility bills, making your property more comfortable, or making your own power. Where will your tax dollars go without this tax sheltering? War, debt interest, a Senator’s flower budget….

If you receive a tax refund each year, talk to your accountant about increasing your allowances on your W-4, receiving more take home pay, and utilizing these Tax Credits at tax time!

High Efficiency Window Films: Free Consultation from our friend Dan Villamil at Window Tints Everything: 323-855-7957. Dan has been an expert in heat/UV reducing films for 2 decades!

Far beyond the window tinting we think of for car windows, virtually undetectable High Efficiency Window Films are absolutely incredible ways to block 100% of UV rays, up to 55% of heat from that baking sun, provide fade protection to your furniture, floors, and carpets, and prevent shattering during earthquakes. If customers notice any difference at all they say that everything looks “crisper, and “better”. Darker films can reduce heat and glare up to 83%!

The cost of these films for your skylights, windows, or doors is about $7.50/sq foot, on average; a bargain for what they will save you on your lower air conditioning usage, especially for commercial buildings.

Yes another recent Energy Efficiency Bill now gives homeowner’s a cash rebate up to $3000 for improvements like these window films, up to 50% of the total cost. The programs are called the Silver Star and Gold Star Programs.

As mentioned above, 9 LEED points can be obtained with low cost window films.

Should you have any questions about these tips or need links for more information, please do not hesitate to call or email.

Thanks for reading!

Brought to you by Mimeos Sustainability Consultants- Solar Energy System Installers for Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay area, California.