Brower Power Hour Radio Show Archive
About the Show
Brower Home Power Hour: Formerly the CHERP Energy Wise Forum, Brower Mechanical has now recrafted the program to further promote the process of home energy optimization thru home energy audits, insulation, windows, solar and more. Continuing the relationship with the non-profit Community Home Energy Retrofit Project (CHERP)monthly seminars are designed to provide access to virtually free home energy assessments ($300+ value!)that can then lead to maximizing government and utility rebates and incentives to both reduce expense and increase home values. An incredibly informative show to help anyone considering solar or home energy upgrades make the best investment decision utilizing the small solar process by reducing before producing.
Presented in Part by: Ygrene Home Improvement Financing
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Radio Show Archive
OK, so you’re likely stuffed, finished up all your black Friday shopping and are just getting ready for cyber Monday sales. Then you’re done with all that holiday shopping, right? NOT!!!
Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small have some fun with the dialogue today and you’ll have to chuckle when you hear the incredible whole house fan story... It’s a first for all us.
The show shifts to Duane addressing a call from an attorney who is slightly abrasive and wants his HVAC unit repaired but doesn’t want the typical “rip-off” tech coming in and telling him all he needs done when he believes he really needs nothing. Duane sets everyone straight with his real- life story of how he did the job when he was a tech and how things have changed and what to expect. And when it’s time for your evaluation of a new furnace, listen to the options that get presented and described. This is must have information if this is where you are in the process. Is electric heat an option? Do you need gas? How about both? Yes, that option does exist! And it can be done for very little more investment.
Getting things done right are what it’s always all about and when you hear the story from a caller who had an issue done wrong, you’ll want to listen up. Sometimes second opinions really do count.
When is it just right? What’s are the options to heat and cool the home? How does the situation get assessed to determine the best way to go? The solution is simple. Get a clipboard audit. Watch the video on line from the website. Then discuss your goals and objectives and the likely solutions. The folks at Brower Mechanical can help all along the way. Call them today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com... and enjoy the leftovers!
Do you find yourself barking commands in your home when no one is there? And it all seems perfectly normal doesn’t it? There would have been a time when people would have thought you’ve gone mad. Today, it’s just you talking to your smart phone, smart speaker or smart thermostat. Soon it may even be your smart microwave, stove or faucet. Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small talk about so many of the changes taking place with smart technology movement and how it’s going to lead to more home energy efficiency. There’s a lot going on you won’t want to miss and a whole lot more self-talking going on than you ever thought possible!
What is it that makes some companies more referred than others? Listen to a caller as he describes the reason he chose Brower, the next steps he wanted to take and how he felt his service was as provided by the technicians that came out. It’s really quite a statement to a company that cares. The discussion continues as Duane identifies the process and the reasons his team does what is they do. It really is all about customer service, identifying needs, catching problems before they occur and alerting you to options to make things more efficient, less expensive and even healthier!
Interestingly, the show can always come around to starting something on the road to more energy efficiency. It’s about a plan. Taking advantage of the opportunities. Start with the attic and you don’t have to get it all done at once. Get it right. Take your time. Maybe it’s over the course of several years. Things are changing dramatically. Remember, we’re talking about “smart” stuff here. There are HVAC systems that run on both gas and electricity. Are they worth considering? Why would you not if what you’re trying to accomplish is the most return on your investment? This is what it’s all about. Check out the website, watch a couple of the videos and learn what it is you’re thinking about doing. Then make the call and start with a clip board audit or even a home energy audit. Either way, you’re going to find the best way to do things for your personal situation. Don’t make a solar decision without doing an audit. Reach out today to Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get into the opportunities some of you have been asking about. What things can you actually do yourself? And this is the weekend to do something yourself! It’s fall behind time change. Time change means battery change for all your devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and even alarm clocks. If you want to consider even more steps you can take, visit the Brower Mechanical Home Energy Showroom. Get a demonstration on the project you’re considering and be sure it’s something you’re ready to tackle. The help is there for you.
That’s just the beginning of a high energy, exciting show. How do you realize a return much higher than your 401K is likely returning...and tax free? Consider the benefits of a home revitalization that may include solar, that’s how. The example given in the show returned over 18% in tax free benefit! Now, that’s a huge swing that makes sense to reduce your expense and then allow you to put more money into your savings or retirement accounts or kids college account or your vacation plan... Get it? Keep listening. You’ve surely heard that it’s not what you make but what you save. Well, this is exactly what the guys are talking about today. Not to mention, the solar tax credits for this year are coming to a close as the year winds down.
As the show progresses, you’ll hear about some unfortunate situation where a homeowner trying to torch spiders sets the house on fire! Well, spiders are a great indicator of energy inefficiency as they’re coming into the home from leaky areas. Who would have thought our creepy crawly web spinning friends could communicate something to us about the efficiency of our homes?
Closing the show, hear what your energy company has to say about reducing before producing. Get it right before you do solar. Check out the website of whomever it is you get your electricity from. You’ll be surprised what they encourage you to do. Smaller solar is absolutely the answer and you’ll love the case study Duane provides. This will give you all the motivation you need to do what you need to do. Give Brower Mechanical a call today at 916-624-0808. On line at ... you guessed it, www.gosmallsolar.com. Start saving and take the step.
It may seem like a “trick” if you don’t pay attention but could really be a “treat” to lower utility bills. With SMUD moving customers to time of use billing there are opportunities to take advantage of the new billing process. Are you aware? Are you paying attention? This is a big deal and incredible opportunity for you to save money. Did I say “save” money? Yes! But you have to know how to get around the goblins to do it right. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small help you shine light on the process before you get caught in a web of confusion. It doesn’t have to be a spooky experience.
And to match time of use energy consumption, what better way than to introduce what a net zero energy home is today. What does that really mean? Are there different interpretations? Is it even a possibility today? Listen to find the answers. It’s not an invisible situation lurking in a dark space. It’s here today. Find out if you’re a LIFOT home. (Living in Fear of Thermostat) Your thermostat should be a friend. Not frightening fiend. You’ll learn how to tame the darkness of the thermostat by shining a brighter light on home energy. And to shed a little more sunshine on the gloomy vampires casting a cloud on your home, listen to learn how best to evaluate whether you really do need solar as your silver bullet to lower energy expense. There may be other less expensive options when you take it all into account. That’s some good candy in the bag!
Sometimes it’s a good idea to listen to a family referral. Clears the cobwebs, if you will. Hear a caller actually reinforce what his father suggested. This is quite the compliment when you realize there’s a specific person that’s requested and an offer that most wouldn’t even think to share when referring a business to a family member. I mean if it was a creepy experience, would you talk about it with anyone else?
And here’s the best treat of the Halloween show. Don’t breathe the dirt of a dungeon in your home! Indoor air quality is a big deal and you wouldn’t want a bi-plane flying beast blowing thru the house stirring up and leaving dust and particulates all over the place. First, it’s filthy but secondly, you’re breathing that matter too. Stop! That’s just frightening to think about. There are silver bullet solutions to this and ways to exorcise these issues. Rely on your HVAC technician to address the them and recommend solutions to help you get it right. See the light of day. It’s starts with a clip board audit or home energy audit. Then you can begin to formulate the plan to remedy. Prevent those ghostly fears from re-occurring. The trick is getting it right when you assess the rebates and most efficient process to help you be where you want to be. The treat is working with Brower and beating the fear of doing nothing. Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
Energy is at the forefront of discussion today with utility shutdowns, huge rebates and even money back from PG&E. So, you think home energy starts with a thermostat? You’re on the right track and Nest is one of the most respected devices for home energy management. You’ll find out why Brower is a NestPro valued dealer for their training and expertise with the product. If you can hear your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, they’ve got you covered and that’s the service area you can expect them to reach. More likely than not, they can get to your home and get your needs handled. And beware, techs are challenged when the demand is greatest. So, when the season is about to change, check everything in advance. If you wait, you may wish you didn’t. If there are not enough techs to service the demand, you’ll be waiting until they can get to you and you may find yourself bundled in blankets to stay warm!
Need a roof? Well, listen up since the way the energy upgrades happen today they could actually help you pay for the repairs you need. Solar, energy savings and roofing all impact the equation when it comes to home efficiency and if you do nothing else, at least explore the options. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much you can actually get done and the end result by doing so. The rebates are huge right now and you can take advantage of them while they last if you act soon. You may even protect yourself from those unwanted “guests” in your attic know as rodents. Yuck! Getting to the next steps as best you can, should always start with a clipboard audit. Don’t wait for the rain to begin, do something now while the sun is still shining.
Today, Brower is proud to welcome David Kelly from Ygrene to the studio today to discuss the values and opportunities when financing your home energy upgrade. You’ll find out how simple they can make it. The speed for the application process is immediate when you’re ready to make your decision on energy fixes in your home. No waiting, no slow processing. You’ll know right then and there what you can get done and how best to make it happen. And it’s all done with attractive interest and terms. The simplicity of it all is what’s the most important part of it all and the outcome in a more efficient, healthy and comfortable home is something you’ll enjoy for a long time to come.
So...somebody has to help you gather this all up and keep it all in one spot. You surely don’t want to do it yourself. Rebates and financing and best steps to take advantage of what your utility company is offering can get really confusing and even complicated. Let Brower handle the details. Call them today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www. gosmallsolar.com
The guys are fired up. And they want you to get fired up about firing up the furnace for the first time of the season! Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get after it immediately as they share the need to get the furnace ready and how best to do so for the season...and saving money by doing it right! When you use the Brower videos to help you understand why certain things happen in the home, you’ll have a much better perspective on what your next steps to energy efficiency should be. And wait until you hear the information you’re going to get on insulation.
Ducts and wraps and huge thermal variations in the attic of your home will be discussed during the show and there won’t be a single listener who will come away thinking their insulation is “done right”. Unless of course it was just upgraded by a home energy company with the expertise to do so, like Brower Mechanical. This is pretty compelling stuff when you hear it.
Reducing before you produce. You hear about it every show. Today, you’ll hear a caller who listens to the show who really gets it. They understood the message of energy efficiency and asked all the right questions. They even knew where they wanted to start because they’ve heard the message so often and so clearly. What is it? The home energy audit or at the very least, the abbreviated clipboard audit.
And finally, to close the show, how about this? Heat your water with electric and get $3000. Yup. That’s it. Get $3000 from SMUD when you install a new electric water heater. Then, buy 3 solar panels and cover the energy cost of the solar panels with the rebate from SMUD. That means you’re heating your water for free for the life of the solar! Now that’s a deal you can’t pass up. For more information on how you can actually heat your water for free, learn about the energy rebates available to you today or just to get your free clipboard energy audit, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
Now is the time for testing the heater and since the weather is good there’s no better time to run and test the furnace. By firing it up for the first time, you get “that smell”. Yes. It stinks. Is it a problem? Well... your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, get you fired up on good ideas to get squared away for the fall/winter season. And, how you can be prepared with your home’s energy systems. It’s another great show talking about the V in HVAC. AND the “H”. Get ahead of the game and insure everything is ready and raring to go.
Did you know running your A/C more often could be a good thing...only if you’ve had your home analyzed for efficiency. The case study here is quite incredible. But the process saved 29 solar panels on the home in question! The actual net investment was actually less than had the homeowner just gone with the solar alone. It’s a process that started with so much more and it all began when the energy efficiency came into question and was tested.
Two-Two-Two. If your bill averages over $200 and Brower can’t show you how to save 2 solar panels when considering solar, Duane will actually give you $200. Two panels means $2000 in savings if you let Brower show you how it’s done. In this case, how can you lose!!!
Get that annual smell out of the way, get your energy system revitalized and get ready for the season. It’s time to act (What are you waiting for anyway!) Call Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
You may be able to deduce what the “H” in HVAC is and more likely than not, you really know what the “AC” stands for. But what about that V? Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss a lot about that “V” and its’ impact on your home. It’s possibly one of the most significant letters in HVAC. That naturally leads to the conversation on how to best seal your home from the unwanted outside elements while keeping in the intentional interior elements.
Unfortunately, one of those elements of the “V” is dust in the house. Quite often, it’s a by-product of the attic and more often than not, deteriorating insulation. That’s right, you could be breathing in insulation while you’re in your home. At the least, it’s a bunch of junk. And junk you don’t want to be inhaling.
You’ll also hear how Brower handles its’ callers timing requests for service for revitalization or whatever the need is. You’ll be shocked at how they operate and it’s definitely not like your cable company!
Using financing programs to provide your energy efficiency has never been easier since there are now many programs that allow you to do what you need to do to reduce those outrageous energy bills. Hey, with Christmas less than three months away isn’t saving a few bucks a good thing? What if you knew exactly what your bills were going to be? Every month. Fixed. And eventually, you’ll have the financing paid off and very, very low utility bills. In today’s last segment, you’ll hear a great example of a case study that demonstrates exactly what the guys are talking about. If this doesn’t motivate you, nothing will. And to make it even easier, here’s who to call or email for more info.. Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, get after it quickly today with the significance of things that may smell good in the house but could be tragically dangerous to children or pets. Some of those cleaners in your kitchen cabinet under the sink, they’re toxic but smell really good. Maybe good enough to want to eat or drink if you’re a small child who doesn’t know better. But wait, there’s even more that they address and it impacts everyone in the home. Air fresheners. Those things you plug in or pop up or peel off to make the home smell fresh. You know what they’re talking about. They smell great! They’re also potentially toxic to breathe. They’re called Volatile Organic Compounds. VOC’s. What you’re buying is the actual “off gassing” of these VOC’s. Doesn’t sound too healthy does it? It’s not! Don’t overdo it. Let fresh air carry some of the smell in your home without all the artificial and unhealthy smell.
Phew, that’s just the opening. PG&E rebate programs are changing. What is it you need to do to make the most of it? Hint, reduce before you produce. It’s all there on the PG&E website or even the Brower Mechanical site. Watch the 9 steps to getting your house right for energy efficiency it’s easy to access and actually easy to do. Move forward one step at a time in a proper sequencing. Plan. Don’t reverse engineer your system. Do it right the first time. You save in so many ways.
You’ll love the caller on blown in insulation and the response to her concerns about the speed with which the action could be taken. Secondly, the significance of the process to be sure you can trust the representative visiting your home gets a full discussion. There’s a reason for Brower sending you a brief bio on who it is that will be coming to your home.
Finally, and so important is the discussion on time of use energy consumption so you know there’s a way you can save a fair amount of money if you play the game correctly. Summer cooling is one thing but wait until you hear the situation for winter heating. You’ll be very surprised. It’s a huge deal. For more info.. Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.
OK, I teased you into listening. There’s no vacation. But there is a revitalization and that’s what you do for your HVAC system. Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small explain the value of revitalization. When you revitalize, typically it’s heater in the winter and AC in the winter. Why not do both at the same time? One visit, one process, same price as the other guys but that’s for both heater and AC units! That buys you time to make a decision on energy upgrades or even solar. Knowing the best way to reduce your expense for energy, you could then do whatever it is you needed once you decided how to best tackle the issues. Nothing beats a plan when you’re considering options that include energy upgrades, solar potential or simply changing out the HVAC units.
You’ll hear about a case study that brought $400 utility bills down to $50 with smart use of the tools available to make things right. See why smaller solar is a better bet. You’ll even learn what the teeny/tiny solar club is all about and how people have solved their issues with less than 10 solar panels. And those rebates? No hassles when you know what you’re doing and Brower surely does! They’ll handle all the elements to make your end of the deal pain free. The paperwork, the headache of long waits, all the hassles are taken out of your end of the process.
And wait until you hear the call about a difficult HVAC process in a complex house and how the approach was dealt with. It took over a year for the caller to get his research done and had other services simply decline to help. Brower mechanical loves these challenges! Everybody benefits! Positive references, great reviews...that’s what separates companies from one another.
Be sure to get your plan set. Doing things in the correct order could save you a lot of money. If you do it incorrectly, without a plan, you may do things that cost you a lot of money. If you can hear the show, it’s likely you’re in the territory Brower will cover. They’ll help. For more information, call 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com Don’t compromise on your comfort!
