Important News
NEW - GeoSpring Water Heater
GE has developed a new type water heater they call "GeoSpring". It incorporated a small compressor that sits atop a 50-gallon water tank. GE estimates over 60% energy savings and utility savings of $300 to $400 per year. The unit has 5 modes of operation that fit scenarios such as vacation, houseguests, etc. You pick the mode that meets expected demand for hot water. Some things to consider:
- The cost is $1400 at the two sites I checked, Lowes and Sears. A high quality standard tank is about $700. Installation cost is about the same as for a standard tank -$300
- GeoSpring requires a space 10' by10' by 7'. If the room is smaller, a louvered door is required.
-When operating, the sound level of the compressor is 57db. I am told that is roughly the same as a microwave oven. If the heater location would be near living areas that might poise a problem.
- There is a federal tax credit of $300 in 2011 for installation of a heat pump water heater.
-GE estimates savings for an average household to be $3200 over a ten-year period
While this product still experiences the passive heat loss of tank systems, the cost to reheat is much less. If going tank less doesn't fit your needs, a heat pump water should be considered if your old tank needs replacing.
Cool Community "Green" Challenge
GFCA is sponsoring a "green" challenge to families in Great Falls - an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint, be part of the "Cool Community" program, and save money!
We are looking for families committed to reducing their energy consumption. We will supply you with an Energy Usage Worksheet. By making simple changes to reduce your consumption, you will gain points. When you've earned 20 points, you will be awarded "Cool Neighbor" status.
The Great Falls Cool Community program continues to grow at an exciting pace. On November 14th we began a partnership with the Great Falls local churches to promote the concept of “Stewardship of the Earth”. We had an information and sign up table at The Great Falls United Methodist Church after their Sunday service. Many people expressed interest and enthusiasm about the program and helped us to continue to strive for our new goal of 500 registered participants.
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Cool Community Team Leaders
Jill Baker
gfgreenteam@cox.net
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Cool Community Benefits:
GFCA will provide energy saving tips, ideas, and support through our website and outreach program. Our goal is to have broad homeowner participation and to have Great Falls recognized as an official "Cool Community" by Fairfax County.
Achieving with Cool Communities
- Slower global warming
- A healthier environment for our children and future generations
- Valued US energy independence
- Energy cost savings for homeowner
The GFCA Cool Community Project has become Fairfax County’s prototype and recognized as the first carbon reduction community project in the county. Presentations of the project have been made to the county’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Coordinating Committee (EECCC) and at county Chairwoman Sharon Bulova’s town hall meetings on the environment. Once residents have enrolled and completed their Energy Efficiency Checklist, Ms. Bulova is ready to send letters to residents in recognition of achieving their “Cool Neighbor” status. The project continues to expand as our green team works with area schools, particularly the eco-school programs starting this fall. Presentations have been made to ecumenical counsels in our community to engage a “Cool” congregation campaign. The team works with local nonprofit organizations, welcoming their help to enlist their members and expand our project. Training is offered to neighborhood enthusiasts who volunteer their time to enroll neighbors and engage local Homeowners Associations.
To join this effort and receive your Homeowners Energy Efficiency Checklist, click this link to email the GFCA Green Team and let us know if you are interested in joining our project green team.
We hope this pilot program will be a fun project for the entire family, a valuable learning experience, and promote our wonderful Great Falls community.
Cool Community Monthly E-Mail
We have launched a monthly e-mail - “Green Tips” for Cool Community participants, providing cost saving ideas, news, and area happenings. We would like to reemphasize last month’s important tax tip: The deadline is looming for one class of federal energy tax credits - with regard to windows, insulation, new HVAC systems, and home sealing. To take advantage of the $1,500 tax credit for 2009/10, the work must be completed by year-end. Consult your tax advisor if you have questions about these tax credits. Contact us to receive a one page IRS summary of these energy benefits. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to green your home and save money We welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please join our effort to move towards a healthier, greener environment for our families and future generations by emailing the GFCA Green Team.
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