Dear Friends-

We are always scouring the array of efficiency technologies out there in an effort to find cost effective ways to dramatically lower energy use and cost. Although some provide great benefits, a full home insulation job, for example,  can still make a big hit to the pocketbook.

Well, last year we found one of the most “no brainer” technologies of all. Its the Pentair Intelliflo high efficiency “variable speed” pool pump. By simply taking the voltage, amperage, and RPM numbers off of your existing pool pump label, we can do the calculations as to exactly how much energy and money this pump will save you.(and how much your current one may be burning through!) On average, it eliminates about 4,800 KWH’s per year for our customers, with annual savings ranging from $900 (LADWP, PWP, BWP) to $1600 (SCE/PGE). It would take a 3.5 kW solar system to produce this much energy! The average payback for this pump is 12-15 months. (based on past results, not a guarantee of future) We can also upgrade any outdated plumbing to increase efficiency even more. We have seen up to 95% less energy usage in some cases. Outstanding!

How does it work?

Just about 100% of customers we meet with pools have what are called “single speed” pool pumps. They have been the standard for years. Even though they may have fancy names like “Whisper Flow”, and “Ultra-Efficient”, they are in most cases the single biggest energy user in a home, sometimes costing as much as $6.00/day to operate!

They are very inefficient and act like a runner sprinting non-stop for 8 hours a day. The latest advancement in pool pumps is called “variable speed” pumps. They run longer, slower, and use magnets to create the inductive load that single speed pumps need 30% of their total energy just to generate. There is virtually no difference in flow rate, waterfall pressure, etc. With simple modifications pressure can even be increased if desired.

How much do they cost?

We install the Intelliflo pumps for around $2000. This may seem like a lot for a pool pump, until you realize that it may  potentially save you thousands of dollar per year. There are rebates too! Currently, they vary from as much as $500 rebate (LADWP) to $100 (Burbank) and $200 (SCE/SDG&E/PGE) for the Intelliflo Pump and the Intellicom II Controller (included) which will allow seamless integration with your existing pool system.

We will provide all paperwork necessary for your rebate application. All you need to do is sign in a few places, place in the postage paid Priority Mail envelope, and send it off!

Need a testimonial? We have many. One customer just received her first bill since installation, and it was $150 lower than last month. Wow.

If you are already a solar customer, this energy savings should be more than enough to cover an electric car. Or, you will end up with a significant surplus for which Burbank, Pasadena, SCE, and other utilities are starting to issue payment. (LADWP will get there, but not quite yet) If you have yet to go solar, the Intelliflo will reduce the size of the solar system you use through efficiency, likely savings you thousands of dollars in unneeded solar panels.

Have you installed many of them?

Mimeos has been nothing but thrilled with our pool partner, Todd Franzen, since officially working together starting late last year. Todd is quite possibly the most incredible mind when it comes to solar pool heating systems, variable speed pumps, energy efficient plumbing and water flow techniques, and more. We learn new things from him every day! Did you know that by simply changing out those 90 degree PVC bends in your equipment room with smooth sweeps, water flow rate can increase by 35%, and energy use decrease by the same amount? Todd has installed thousands of the Intelliflo “variable speed” pumps.

Questions? Please give us a call! Let’s get your ancient energy hog upgraded!

Thanks for reading!

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