Brower Home Power Hour: Recent Episodes

Brower Home Power Hour

The Brower Home Power Hour is your home energy show for just about all elements of operating systems in the house. HVAC, Solar, Water Heaters, Attic Insulation and sealing and so much more. The show is meant to educate, entertain and inform to further promote the process of home energy optimization thru home energy audits, insulation, windows, solar and more. This is an incredibly informative show to help anyone considering solar or home energy upgrades to make the best investment decision utilizing a smaller solar process by reducing before producing, improving your home's efficiency in operating and thus reducing the expense in your utility expense.

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Keeping things on a positive note and looking forward to what’s on the horizon, hear about the most significant steps your service technicians are taking, following CDC recommendations in the best interest of the customer and the employee. And there’s more with Ultraviolet germicidal technology available to add an additional layer of support in the home. And if you are looking forward to the summer, remember your generators, especially Generac, need to be serviced by a licensed technician in the first 25 hours of operation. Brower is certified and ready to help.

Electrification is everything now. Prices are less than natural gas and using the resources like induction heating, heat pump water heaters and electric furnaces. So much more and the good news…rebates are bountiful. SMUD and PG&E are both supporting these transitions. More importantly, learn why you need to do an energy assessment BEFORE you can make these improvements work to your best advantage. Duane walks you thru the details you need to know.

Today’s caller is a revelation in comfort. 17 years later, an original Brower installation is due for some attention. This is a great call from a homeowner with a home built in 1981. That’s well before anybody cared anything about efficiency. The system, the attic, the ductwork was all in need of review if not repair or replacement. Listen to the steps the guys discuss and some of the pitfalls many homeowners encounter in the process of evaluation. It’s possible a complete upgrade could be done for the same amount as your utility bill today.

Touching a bit on technology in this segment there’s an in-depth conversation about the changes in solar and battery technology as home energy in an emergency has changed dramatically. And in just a few years. Batteries, standby generators, whole home power generation have all become significantly more sophisticated, complex and efficient. Did you know your older solar system will not provide power in the event of a power outage? New technology is available to change that. What’s best for you? Find out by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small do address germs in the house and steps you can take to minimize them with better ventilation and air purification. With so much more time being spent in the home, being certain everything is functioning as it should be is critical. Service is still taking place and the Brower team is as concerned about your health and safety as they are about the health and safety of their team. Best practices for safety have all been implemented to insure the safety of all parties concerned.

With more time spent in the home, the demand on the HVAC systems will grow and highlight the inefficiencies of your system. Now is a great time to assess the operation since you’re home all day to identify its’ functions. Knowing the available options could lead to rebates and reduce the costs necessary to upgrade. You’ll also hear in detail, the rationale for rebates and why the utilities are willing to pay you to do so. This is a compelling discussion that Duane explains in simple terms.

Today’s caller is a live interview with an incredible story from a very satisfied customer that took some suggested steps to improve the air quality in her home. Impacted with COPD and asthma, Loretta explains the difference an air “scrubber” system with UV germicidal technology has made in her ability to breathe and the story is truly remarkable.

The story from Loretta gets clarified by Duane to be certain the understanding of the UV germicidal is well understood. The explanation does exactly that and it’s important to understand if this might be a consideration for you. It’s not a cure all and still requires responsibility for good germ protection given the current situation. Today, however, it is a consideration worth investigation. For more information on what may work best for you call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Hear from your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address changes taking place in various communities throughout the state as natural gas bans are taking place. Lots of dialogue and many concerns about what this all means to so many businesses. There aren’t solutions yet but many issues.

The utility companies are out to help you change your behavior. They’re offering incentives to change from gas to electricity. Not only is this technology an improvement in reducing expense, it also improves the comfort level in the home. There’s a great case study in the conversation.

Today’s caller has concerns about his wife’s medical issues and PG&E power shutoffs. Here’s a great call relative to the interest people have in getting backup power. There are opportunities to get consideration for the expense when there is a medical issue in the household but you’ll need to know the proper steps to get the most support. Hear some of the suggestions Duane would address to minimize the anxiety.

Battery technology is advancing at an incredible clip and everybody is jumping into the space. You’ll hear Duane and Bill talk about some of the considerations during power outages. Hybrid systems are going to be the norm with solar, generator and battery setups. For more information on what may work best for you call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start the show with a conversation getting into the values of a healthy home. There are many things to consider for the house and Duane describes some of the elements to consider. Some may be obvious but others not so much.

Utilities are a very significant element of your opportunity to maximize efficiency in your home’s operating expense. Knowing your options vs the utility pricing could vary the decision considerably. Duane explains the process to help in the evaluation with some great case study description. If you’re considering upgrades for your home, be sure to listen in. It’s well worth your time.

This is a special segment with a guest interview with Dr. Tom Hopkins addressing the preventative steps you can take in the home to address both Coronavirus and the common flu, a much more devastating disease in our society currently. Very good reminders that can fall by the wayside as the concerns mount.

Dr. Tom spoke about some of the critical elements necessary for safety in the home with regard to many viruses. Yes, that includes the Coronavirus and flu. Duane explains how current technology can support the prevention in your home and some of the steps you can take to do your best for your family. For more information on some of the common steps you can take, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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This episode is a special excerpt from the March 8th weekend broadcast show that focuses specifically on the interview with Dr. Thomas Hopkins. Dr. Tom walks your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small through some of the steps to take to keep your home healthy and possibly prevent Coronavirus or the flu from spreading in your home. Some wise and simple steps to continue to keep your home a safe, healthy and comfortable living environment! For more information on additional steps you can take to improve the overall efficiency of your home's operation, call Brower Mechanical 16 916-624-0808 or on line at www.browermechanical.com. If you would like to reach out to Dr. Tom, he can be contacted thru his website, www.hopkinsmd.com

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start with some of the concerns with generator power as well as some of the options when you must consider a solution to getting power to your home. You do have options and while Generac is the leading provider, Briggs & Stratton is also a choice. Hear more from the conversation as well as next steps on home usage and energy upgrades.

The landscape of electricity usage has changed dramatically. How utilities bill you has changed dramatically as well. Rates are always in play and are most likely to increase rather than decrease. There are options and best practices to understand. Heating and cooling the home are the two greatest considerations to evaluate when you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your home’s energy consumption. The case study in this example is remarkable and one you’ll want to hear. Cooling your home for under $400 throughout the year would likely be considered significant for most of us. The clipboard audit revealed the opportunities.

Now, for those rats… the call to Brower is one with a significant sense of urgency. The situation got so bad it was affecting the health of the inhabitants in the house. Insulation was badly impacted but they had also eaten into the ductwork as well. Not a good situation. But a great solution that accomplished more than one thing.

Back to generators for the home. The state of CA is offering options to help those in need. The qualifications are discussed in this segment. Battery technology appears to be the direction the state of California is taking to offset power outages and PSPS. Hear Duane explain some of the details you’ll want to take into account in the event you may qualify of have a need. For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Generator power is going to be a big consideration heading into the summer season which is really closer than you think. What to consider? Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are turning up the juice with the discussion about utility expense and how it ties into your decision on what to do. And keep in mind Generac generators require service in the first 24 hours of run time. Brower can help.

Whole house fans continue to be a viable option for consideration to save money on your utility bills, or, as you’ll hear in the discussion, they can also reduce your solar requirement. Even up to 5 panels and that means $5,000 in savings too!

The value of workshops is clearly indicated by the caller from this segment as he schedules his home audit. The consideration for his questions is evident in the responses he receives and that’s one of the unique propositions you’ll be sure to get whenever you reach out to Brower Mechanical.

Now, if your water is heated with gas or heated with electricity does it matter. YES!!! Not in the temperature of your water but in the cost of your effort to heat it. Electric water heating is more efficient and less expensive and there’s a huge incentive if you’re in the SMUD territory for service. A $3000 rebate for example. That’s an incredible value to convert to electric water heating and it will also reduce your operating bill each month as well. Learning all the details is critical and that’s the reason to call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are sweating it out today after the record heat this week. So, did you notice anything with your home? Is it ready for the heat? Did you know until recently, your solar would not run your house in the event of a power outage? Find out what the new technology is in this segment as there are options now to have your solar run your home in the event of outages of any kind. The significant emphasis of the clipboard audit can’t be underplayed and they are the answer to your questions.

What’s up with the cost of gas? And we’re not talking gas for your car or gas in your belly. We’re talking natural gas in your house. The costs are creeping up and up and that plays into the decision on what your appliances should be; electric or gas. It’s an important decision going forward as you have to consider what’s happening in the future. It’s also important to know where you are. SMUD territory or PG&E territory. They differ greatly. This is one discussion you’ll want to hear.

Duane breaks into a conversation from a case study and how one customer wanted to connect a portable generator to run his entire home in the event of a PSPS. This was a temporary situation and he eventually wanted a permanent whole house generator. What they found, and the way to make this happen is nothing short of amazing.

Is bigger better? Well, if you know this show, you know the answer. Listen to find out how the explanation goes. You may learn there’s an option for you to save some money if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system. If it takes 13 minutes to reach peak efficiency and it’s too big, guess what? Yes, the answers are here. To learn more, check it out…call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get right into the stories of change as a moment of reflection from the show’s beginning over four years ago to the significant differences then to now. And, wow, are things different. Nobody knew what a PSPS was back then, or electrification with induction cooking, or…

Electricity is all the rage for efficiency going forward. A lot is going on in this field and you’ll hear the story of an ideal situation for the efficiency sake of things, about a homeowner who actually ended up getting a net even deal on top of getting value add with solar and other equipment. This would be a win win all around. Ultimately, this would likely result in a higher home value as well. An intangible until time to sell.

What is the difference between a revitalization and a tune-up for your HVAC system? You may find that many companies are going to send two people out because one is a sales person and the other a tech. The goal of that company is simple. Sell you something. At Brower, it’s just the opposite. You’ll have one person show up and they’ll go thru the process of safety and maintenance with your equipment. If there are issues, not a problem. They’ll give you the report and you can make the choices and decision on your own. That’s a huge difference.

With all the news about natural gas issues and the impact on the average customer, it’s not a bad idea to be aware of what the options are going to be at some point in the future. How do you make the decision to electrify? By getting educated, that’s how. Who better to get that information from? Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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After a little banter on the big game today, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker (Niners!) and Bill Small (Chiefs) dive into the differences we’ve not only seen on the field but in home energy. Gas being banned in some communities, utility companies paying for upgrades, solar becoming more and more efficient. And unique to California is portable generator technology for the home and the best practices when building new. There are so many things to be aware of and the place to get the most current awareness of what they are is a clip board audit.

Now this is a segment for something very new that most people are not aware of and it’s actually taking place in certain community utility districts. There are some areas of the state that will not let you put additional panels on your roof in the event you want to add equipment. They won’t allow you to go into a “Negawatt” condition with your home. So how do you add equipment that would require additional panels to run to keep you home at zero energy use? Maximize the energy efficiency of the home. Then you won’t need to add panels as you’ll not be using as much energy and therefore leaving some headroom with your panel production. Again, identifying the best way to make this happen, would be to start with a free clipboard audit. You’ll be surprised at what the results could be.

What’s that “hold” button on your thermostat all about anyway? Did you know there’s a way you can use it to actually decrease your energy expense? Duane and Bill listen to a call from a customer as she learns how to take advantage of simple thermostat options to help her out. What teed this up is the concern for a newer system in the home when in fact, maybe not so much. And of course, that leads into the discussion of a set it and forget guarantee. You won’t hear that from many companies because you really have to know your business in order to make that guarantee. Now, that’s pretty cool.

Now why would you use the expensive power to your home when you actually have options to use less expensive power? It used to be that gas was the way to go. It was cheaper. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. Now your water heater isn’t a very big deal when it comes to how it gets the water hot. You likely just want the least expensive way to get it there. And that would be electricity, especially if you’re in the SMUD utility district. In some cases it could be up to 50% less than gas. Now when you’re ready for the home heating upgrades, you can only imagine what those savings could be. The best place to know how best to do it, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Hear your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small begin the conversation as it leads down the path to changes in the industry for home energy, solar and the dramatic differences from just a few years back. What’s changed is the myriad of options you now have to do what you need to do to get more comfortable, spend less and live healthier in the home.

Wouldn’t you love to be able to make a “last payment” to your utility company? It can be done with the slight exception of having to pay for the connection, but that’s a minimal number and not one that will be going up as aggressively as power. Not to mention, you don’t want be caught short in the event an emergency arose and you needed utility power. Continuing the discussion, electrifying other elements of the home, Duane explains the value proposition of rebates and reduction of expense that net a gain after the total investment is complete. There are some great stories here that are well worth the time to listen. Case studies clarify the opportunity for you to compare to your own situation.

Our caller today has a 16 year old furnace and a/c unit that is beginning to act up. Sometimes, the problem may not be the symptom for your homes’ energy. Hear what the suggestions may be to optimize the situation in the home do it right.

What is the Brower Power Plan? Learn how Brower Mechanical will give you assurances for your power where there are concerns for the consistency of your utility’s delivery. When you do this process correctly, you’ll save money since your power supply assets will be much smaller than if you don’t execute the plan properly. Hear Duane address many of the elements that are necessary to get this done with examples of things to consider. Then take the next step to get your home assessed and see what your best options are. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, start where the year left off with portable generators for backup power. It’s not too soon to get your home ready for potential power shutoffs. Properly wiring the house to make the generator startup simple and safe is something you’ll want to do sooner than later… before you find yourself with no power. Sooner better than later. This is also an excellent time to have the electrical panel checked while you’re at it.

WII-FM. Everybody’s favorite radio station. What’s In It For Me? Hear the explanation and the relationship to SMUD or any of the utilities as what gets evaluated when determining to get the energy expense under control. It’s always boiled down to what the most benefit to the customer is going to be. Get your home right, sealed tight, rebates earned. Tune into the station and get your home where you want it to be...then you can enjoy listening to that really low utility bill speaking to you.

First in, last out. Last in wins. Old sales adages die hard but when considering what’s best for your home, Brower always wants to be first in. That way you have a great comparison when the rest of the characters come in to try to “sell” you something. You’ll also have a great template to ask questions from when the “other” guys come in. Start first with the true experts in home energy and then engage your other estimates from there.

Better results in writing when it comes to your home’s energy consumption? And really, you’re going to cut the size of the A/C in half? Tell me! Tell me! This is the segment you’ll want to hear. The attic is where the greatest opportunities exist and once correctly sealed, it could reduce the size of the equipment necessary. And, you’ll get a written guarantee on the energy consumption as well. It really doesn’t get much better does it? This is why you need to give Brower Mechanical a call today. Efficiency, health and quiet. The number is 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Yes, you may be thinking that’s how long a furnace can run or your AC unit. Not so true. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, share that it’s Brower Mechanical that’s been around 40 years. That means, they know the “guy”. Or the “girl”. When you need something relative to the home that may not be a service provided, Brower is surely going to know who to send you to for handling that issue.

Continuing into the second segment, you’re going to hear all about zero energy homes and the requirements for the state on all new home construction. It’s more loosely related to zero net electricity usage. However, a truly zero net energy home would be all electric, no gas or other power source. Find out what that really looks like in the conversation and where the trend is headed. You’ll be surprised at the incentives to support the process.

When is too much too much? When you get solar before upgrading the home to energy efficiency. The current average should be 1 panel for every 1500 SF. You can even do better depending on how well your home is sealed. At $1000 per panel, the offset easily can go into those upgrades yielding a much more efficient and valuable home. Address the symptoms of the home before you try to cure the problem. Here’s the elephant in the room. What if you’re considering a backup generator? Then you would certainly want the most efficient home you could create. You’ll need a smaller generator as a result. And of course, saving you money on the size of the generator as well. That’s truly the win-win-win.

Know the end of the game before you start to play. Why would you look forward to a PG&E rate increase? Because you’ve got an efficient home with solar. You’re now saving more money than prior to the rate increase. That makes you smile. If you know what you’re trying to accomplish with the home before you invest in any energy products, you’ll be way ahead of the game. This is what Brower Mechanical does best. To get your free clipboard audit energy assessment, give them a call at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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So you’ve weathered the holidays, you made it thru PSPS, and new year put an end to both a year and a decade. Phew! But now it’s time to get real again. Time to get your house in order and be prepared for anything. Hot, Cold, power or no power. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, start with the clipboard audit to tee the year up right. Home performance is everything. With the new year, get a plan put together that you can act on and take advantage of all the benefits.

Did you hear that there is a possibility that new homes may not have gas lines connected to them, by law! Yes, California is pushing the issue and it’s not just net zero. Hear what that’s all about and how the code is mandating it. This is a big deal and will impact all new construction, possibly even commercial buildings. And if your home is not new, you can still get to net zero as well. That’s all in the discussion this segment and one that couldn’t be more informative.

Looking for long term solutions to your home energy needs? There is a great caller here who has been keeping track of his family’s carbon footprint for 10 years. This is somebody who is aware of home energy consumption and its’ environmental impact. He’s describing, in detail, what he’s looking for. Now here is a great candidate for at the very least, a clipboard audit. Better yet, he would likely appreciate a full energy audit. Hear how the discussion continues into some of the elements and his next steps. This is one of the more informed callers that come into the show.

Closing out the first show of the new year, the real question is, does your new year resolution include improving your home’s efficiency? What does energy independence really look like? Fixing the effect of the construction slop is what getting the home “right” means. And then evaluate your options, of which there are many. This also includes consideration for generator power if you’re in that area. Be sure to start the year right by calling Brower Mechanical and getting your energy expense in-line with what your goals are. Do it now and don’t miss a beat. 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dive right into the holiday discussion with a consideration to energy. Do solar panels impact the ability for Santa to land on the roof? What’s up with Tesla and why is natural gas going up in price?

Duane starts this segment off with a little explanation about why the cost of natural gas is going up vs down when the actual cost of gas is down significantly. (hint: distribution). Following that discussion, why are home values in PG&E areas possibly getting challenged? Fires and power shutoffs don’t do you any favors when you’re looking to sell. BUT, there are solutions and they’re called energy upgrades. How you convey the value if you’re selling in these areas are to be able to demonstrate value with solar and backup power. So, the homes with these options for stabilizing utility costs and minimizing interruptions are going to get the greatest ROI on those investments as they’ll sell first… and likely for a premium.

Does your furnace have issues? The caller in this segment does and it’s quite serious if not addressed. Listen as Duane explains the situation and the significance of ignoring the problem. Carbon Monoxide poisoning could be a very serious concern and one you do not want to mess with. This is a safety concern to be aware of. How does electricity compare in similar situations? You’ll hear it all in the conversation.

OK, so it’s gotten a bit colder out, furnaces are firing up and people are more aware today than historically so they’re realizing that the attic is important to help keep the house more comfortable. It’s not just insulation but that’s a good place to start. Then sealing everything up right and tight and being certain there are no leaks improperly outside and no leaks improperly into the home. The “cool tools” used to identify the issues make all the difference to get it absolutely right. A clipboard audit would help identify this issue so it’s important to start with an assessment to get it right. And…what about those rebates and options? Brower knows. Don’t wait, call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start today’s conversation with generator hookup considerations. Do it right for sure but more importantly, have a plan to keep you and your family safe. It’s not as simple as you might expect and the most simple approaches may be the most dangerous.

Building science and home performance. What? Well, this is going to give you an idea of how this whole thing about getting it right came to be for Duane when he decided to literally change the entire direction of his company. Yes, it’s all about home energy, indoor air quality and comfort. More importantly, that means your inner peace and health. Yes, it’s that significant. Back to that Clipboard Audit, this is where you start. For Free. It’s that simple. Then, Duane goes off on some case studies to really hammer home the values of the outcome of those clipboard audits. And your utility company thoughts on this? Check it out at any of their websites and you’ll see how consistent they are in the process. No surprise, they totally agree to get that plan in place with a audit, FIRST.

Callers are always fun to hear their objectives. This caller is no exception. Educated customers are no surprise given the options on the internet and here is a customer that knows the brand and the fuel type she would like to get a proposal for and hookup. These are the best types of customers Brower loves to engage with as the expectations are clear. The ability to articulate the need and the understanding of the process just makes everything that much better when the decisions need to be made.

So how do you keep up with utility bills in retirement? Can you afford the roller coaster billing from the utility company? Do you even want that sort of fluctuation? Well, there are ways to fix your utility bills so you have some security, especially in retirement. This is an incredibly important segment as there are ways to help you get to the comfort of knowing what that utility bill looks like. No hype, no gimmicks, this is something you should consider if that’s something you would like to see happen. As always, for more information on the topic, give Brower a call at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Opening the show with a bit of a chill in the air, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get a bit more into the detail and process for a clipboard audit. If you’ve been aware, and not fully comprehending the specifics, you’ll get the details in this conversation. Then you’ll hear a bit more on the topic of discussion at every holiday dinner table…generators. It’s probably become a more engaging conversation than politics at the dinner table with relatives with a little less polarization.

Choices are everything and today’s home energy options are so diverse. New homes are no longer using natural gas, they’re totally electric, solar, battery and more. What are some of the reasons, some of the elements to consider, best ways to go? This is the story to be told as the country makes it’s shift to different ways to do things. Even your vehicle is now able to be fueled in your home. No extra stopping at the gas station. No time wasted fueling up. No pollution either. Remarkable. You’ll be sure to learn something you didn’t know you didn’t know.

This is a most interesting call as the caller is fluent in the process of what to do during a PSPS and how best to connect his home. He wants to be most cautious and do it right. He is looking at wiring directly to his home, minimizing the cords and hassle. The Brower representative walks him, and you, through pre-wire options in detail. This is a critical listen if a portable hard-wired unit is something of consideration for your home.

Our guest this segment is David Duffield from Champion Power Equipment. Listen up as this is going to be an informative segment. Hear recommendations and options you have when the power situation is less than stable. Should you choose a portable or a home standby system? There are a considerable amount of risks that you should be aware of. They occur with both the unit itself as well from fuel to carbon monoxide and heat. Then you have the connection. Are you running extension cords? Open windows? Moving appliances to get the cord. Does that open window create an issue in itself? Would you be better off if you ran it through your own home’s wiring instead? Maybe even safer? To make these things happen, help is only a phone call away. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small give you an early payoff on that turkey oriented headline. Yes, it’s a joke from Duane’s nephew and you can’t help but laugh. Bringing a little humor to the program always helps lighten and brighten some of the great information they share like home energy to, well, lighten and brighten your home! As a continuing reminder, the solar tax credit does go down from 30% to 26% in 2020 so this is just about the last call on this to make it in time to get your full credit and solar installed in time.

Energy upgrades are a popular conversation in nearly every show. And what better way to be more thankful during the holiday then to save a little money on your utility bill? Back to energy upgrades, they’re discussed in one way or another and you can be sure the detail of the upgrades can’t be understated. They not only reduce overall utility expense, but they also increase home value. Not to mention this is a much more comfortable, healthier and less expensive home to run and enjoy. These energy upgrades are such a valuable proposition, you absolutely want to get the clip board audit to start the process. This is before you do anything to change the energy scheme in your home. The worst case would be oversizing your solar requirements and then upgrading only to find you need far less solar to fuel the electricity. That would be a terrible situation to find yourself in and the case study today, really exemplifies that. How does going from two HVAC units to one sound as a start? The story ends very well.

The caller in this segment seems to be in need of something that Brower offers and that’s a regularly scheduled visit to do both filters and tune up for both A/C and heat. The automatic activity takes all the burden off your mind. Hear why it’s worth the investment.

Finally, what does it look like when your power is derived from alternatives? Do you think cooking the turkey in an alternative powered oven makes it taste different? Uh, no. So the discussion begins with PG&E power purchase agreement, to solar to more. Would 17 cents per kilowatt for a 20 year fixed price make sense with very little out of pocket expense? How about 14 cents for financed solar? Still way better than the twenty something cents for your utility bill on a roller coaster depending on the month. You can get a fixed payment. You can budget for your utility expense for the next 20 years. And of course, the least expense going forward would be to simply pay cash and buy outright. Then, no significant utility bill. It’s all just math. So there may be 50 ways to leave your lover or, well, 3 ways to leave your utility but a whole lot of things to be thankful for this thanksgiving holiday. Those answers as to what is best for you are all just one phone call away. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open the conversation with our incredible, albeit dry, weather of late. Wow. Who needs air conditioning or heat in paradise, right? Well, the show really is all about home energy so a slight regression occasionally is perfectly OK. So you know something needs to be done, where it is you begin. What do you do? Where and when do you start? You’ll hear this time and time again, get a complimentary clipboard audit. Learn what you need to consider. Are you a good candidate for the idea you have to address your home’s energy needs? In other words, don’t do solar first! Start with an assessment. And then learn your options with rebates. You have many ways to go. You’ll hear it all here.

I’ll bet you didn’t think your fridge, TV or any device in your home might notice a difference on how it gets power…or did you? Well, it doesn’t matter. Electricity is electricity. Doesn’t matter where it comes from. Now, if solar has been a consideration, this is the time to get a clip board audit, determine what your true need is going to be, what you can do to minimize the number of panels and maybe even move on then to get the solar ordered today to take advantage of the full tax credit benefit in 2019. Next year is less. Give it some serious thought and make that decision today, before it’s too late to get it installed. And if PG&E is still making you nervous, there’s always generator power to consider. Hear how proper wiring makes the process so much easier.

Todays’ caller is right in line with what you might expect from a generator call given the recent power shutoffs. You’ll notice he’s is quite aware of what he needs. This is very impressive at the consumer level and you can be sure, he’ll get the best result given his particular situation. Yes, this particular homeowner is a victim of recent power shutoffs and is concerned about what’s going to happen going forward. He’s even got specific goals that he’s looking to meet. A very good call indeed.

So, if you’re giving consideration to solar before the tax credit changes, you’re going to want to seriously consider battery backup as well. They’re both eligible for the credit when you do it right. And that’s the key consideration. How much backup and energy you need on the front side of it all is a big question. There’s one way to find out quickly and that’s to call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Wow. PSPS, Public Safety Power Shutoffs have been all the conversation when it comes to home energy of late. Solutions, temporary or permanent, begin the show and your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get it going right from the start. Even some very simple solutions to keeping the fridge cold and minimizing loss. So what happens when these outages occur and does it impact your home equipment? May be…. are power surges possibly impacting or ruining your home appliances?

Hear Duane explain the details and benefits of solar installation after home energy upgrades, not prior to doing them. Power is a critical thing when you’re used to it so the case studies discussed give great examples of how the proper approach is an efficient way to go. This applies not only to solar but also to generator power. The principals are the same. Get the home right first and then invest the money to keep it as you like it. Exactly as you like it. In every area of the house too. But that’s not all. The outcome and expense in operation of your newly upgraded, energy efficient home is also guaranteed. Yes. You would receive a guarantee on the monthly bill for the use of your newly upgraded home.

Ready to save some big money? How about a $3000 rebate from SMUD on your installation of a new heat pump water heater? That’s literally like getting the water heater free. And, your monthly bill will go down by about 50% if you’re converting from gas. Be sure to explore this option if you’re currently looking or even think you might be in need soon. It’s that worth it.

Closing the show out, the conversation moves to solar and battery backup. Timing is now if you want to get the maximum tax credit on your investment. Next year, the credit reduces a bit. The good news is that there is still time to get it done this year. Plus, if you install battery backup at the same time, the credit also applies to your battery backup as well. Bill calls the seamless process of battery backup power “wonderfulness”. And it is. Nothing for you to do in a power outage. It all happens seamlessly. If you’re in an area prone to short term power outages, this is a fantastic solution to what’s going on in your home. Following the batter backup situation is the generator alternative. Portable or permanent generator? What’s best for your situation? There’s a quick way to find out and that’s to reach out to Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start with some fun that occurs on a regular basis when the team is out on a service call. There were so many unique observations they started a YouTube channel and share what they see on their Facebook posts. Funny stuff. Maybe even something you could apply in your home too! And then it gets a bit more relative with a discussion of “that smell” when your furnace fires up for the first time in the season. Not to worry, it’s just dust burning off from sitting all summer long. BUT, run your furnace now while it’s still warmer out and let it burn that dust off. That way when you really need it, you won’t be having to smell “that smell” when you’re using it to heat the home.

Now, that’s one smell. But there is another smell you may be sensing. Do you hear scratching at night, or have an occasional stench? It’s likely a dead mouse in the attic or wall. Kind of nasty. The answer is to move them to another hotel on your block and the solution is bantered back and forth by your show hosts. It’s fixable but better to nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. A clipboard audit will disclose the problem and if you’re concerned for your health, don’t you think it’s worth it?

Oh my, the calls of late have been good but this is one you’ll really appreciate. For this caller, it was a fixed time that really surprised him. I think we all agree, we would prefer a live person and a set appointment vs a recording and a window of time. You can pretty much expect that live person when you call Brower and depending on your need, you can also get a fixed time. That’s how business should be done.

So what actually happens when you make a decision for a major upgrade? Are you trying to manage the project with the generator guy, the electirician, solar guy, the HVAC person, the cable company, the pool guy, oh, and not to forget the roofing guy? C’mon. That’s crazy! Brower actually handles it all for you. Let Brower be your support team and general contractor you need to keep it together. It will save you money and saving you $$$ is something you also want to be aware of. I’m talking about the solar tax credit. You’ve heard they’re scaling it back in 2020 so why not hustle to get it done? You’ll want to be sure you’re all set by Thanksgiving with your plans or you’re not going to make it in time. The solar must be installed by the end of the year to get the tax credit. And the rebates? What rebates you ask? Well, who to call to be sure??? Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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The goblins are out and your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are having some fun with the holiday coming up. But in spite of the holiday treats, no amount of sugar is going to get the home right and we all know, that sugar high only leads to a sugar crash. Just like your energy usage, it feels good when you’re overpaying for comfort but it sure stinks when you get the bill. Here more of the options as the show continues.

Now, one of the benefits of a Brower home energy audit is what the outcome of it all is. The conversation here is a wonderful case study of how a homeowner got himself battery backup and an energy upgrade all for less than his average monthly utility bill. And that’s not to mention his security of knowing his utility costs month in and month out. If you’re thinking about solar, remember, now is the time to act so it gets installed in time for the tax credit before the credits change in 2020. Be sure not to wait.

This segment has a wonderful caller who has been doing her homework, had a great deal of information and had a great experience with Brower Mechanical before. She knew all about Generac generators and some of the capabilities they could provide. You’ll be surprised to hear her comments on what she would like to see happen.

So in keeping with the holiday tradition, it is Halloween week and it just wouldn’t be right without some comment about the holiday. You’ve heard them all before… Don’t get spooked by the high costs of energy. Keep the ghouls out of your attic by sealing it properly. Electrification used to be for Frankensteins only, now we’re doing it to our homes. Don’t let your utility play tricks when you want to treat yourself to comfort. Hear what Duane and Bill have to say about it all as they close out yet another Halloween holiday. The payoff is more treat than trick. Give the energy experts at Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share a little humor about the more controllable outages...like when a car or truck takes out a power pole. It’s still an inconvenience, it’s still no power but more often than not, the power is back on within hours. So, are generators something you still want to consider? Of course. Any power outages are covered with a generator regardless of the cause. And we’re still not out of the woods with PSPS so why not get ahead of it?

How do you make money with your home’s efficiency? By now you probably know the details of what the guys talk about. Is your home efficient first…then do your upgrades. So now with all the interest in generators, guess what? You’re going to need a much larger generator to run an inefficient home. Get the house right with energy upgrades FIRST; And your generator requirements are going to be reduced. A smaller generator means less expense! That’s the way to do it right, keep your lights on in a power failure and save a lot of money. Plus, you’ll earn a rebate as well. That’s doing things right. The case study Duane shares is one you’ll appreciate as it addresses this issue and saved the family $5000 on the cost of the generator as a result of downsizing. Quite surprising.

The caller in this segment lives cross country and was very concerned about what was happening with the power shutoffs and what steps he could take to mitigate the concerns he had for his home in PG&E territory. He also was well aware of his need and what his options might be for power all or mostly all of his home. The ensuing conversation is spot on with his comments.

So, a Brower Mechanical home energy upgrade, tends to be more efficient than many of the new homes being built today. However, as Duane visits new home subdivisions regularly, there is one builder he’s come across that does an outstanding job on energy efficiency. Hear who that is and what some of the tactics they use to make they’re homes better sealed and more efficient. If you want to learn what you can do it insure the most efficient power for your home, give the energy experts at Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dig into the nature of the PSPS recently activated by PG&E. Hear them discuss the nature of the questions fielded by Brower Mechanical as the power began to shut down. Who did what? How did people prepare? What happened to those not well prepared? What were some of the actions people took to maintain the most important elements of the PSPS?

In a very rare instance, the second segment today is a replay from last week, just a few days prior to the first big Public Safety Power Shutoff, unbeknownst to all concerned. It was a well-timed interview giving tips, instruction and updates on the information PG&E is providing. The discussion covers literally, many of the elements of what just took place in the week prior. It’s a prophetic discussion and deals with the updates, prep and expectations a customer can have in the event of a PSPS. It’s a valid discussion that you’ll want to take notes on to be sure you’re prepared the next time around. It’s an interesting conversation given we’ve got very recent history to compare notes on the good, the bad and the ugly.

Generators start the conversation of this segment helping homeowners understand the values of what a generator can and cannot do. Too many people have unrealistic expectations of what can be done and how. Get an idea of pricing for some of the elements that can help run your home in the event of a power shutoff. Duane discusses the details and some of the challenges he saw this time around that homeowners did not prepare for. It’s not all about generators either. Battery backup if you have solar is another outstanding option. That part of the discussion carries into the final segment of today’s show. Good to know there are choices for you to make the best decision to fit your needs.

Closing out the show, battery backup is a great addition to a solar system but you have to understand what the process should be to be as efficient as possible. This is a great choice and even more importantly, if you are considering solar, what should you do to be certain battery backup remains an option. So you’re wondering how does all this come together and what might the cost be? Got you covered there too. Duane talks about what you can expect for pricing in the event you’re looking at batteries to back up your solar.

And when it’s all said and done, the best choices always revolve around making one simple phone call. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start out reflecting on the most recent seminar where people had particular interests requiring deeper discussion on a topic you may not have expected. To be sure, it was a surprise to hear the interest in heat pumps and home electrification. A very different discussion than the norm. And of course, the highly anticipated conversation took place regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs. What kind of generator power do you need? What about battery backup? What is the best option for your situation? Great stuff and more continued.

What about results when a home is optimized for energy consumption? Why does one home of the same square footage require so much less energy than another? What does that do to the solar requirement? And now, think about this. What sort of generator do I need to keep the home operating comfortably? Just like solar, if your home is inefficient, you’re going to need a bigger generator. Yup, more money. But if the home is energy upgraded, guess what, smaller generator. Here again, you would be saving thousands if the energy upgrade was complete. With rebates and energy savings, they would come close to covering the cost of the backup power. Sounds familiar. The case study Duane shares is amazing. There is every reason in the world to consider a home energy upgrade and for so many reasons. Start with that clipboard audit. It gives you the roadmap to understand what your first steps need to be. The price is affordable to get that done. FREE. Considering solar or backup power? This is the step you must take. Call Brower Mechanical!

This segment is a tutorial on mini-split technology. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s worth the listen to learn a little more about options you have to heat and cool your home…or possibly even your garage. They’re an outstanding option to consider when you don’t have the ability to run ductwork but need heating and cooling. The guys at Brower are experts and can walk you thru the process.

This is an exciting segment as the guys have Brandi Merlo from P,G&E to share some of the information regarding the possibility of a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Did you know there were 100 cameras over the 70,000 square mile coverage area of P,G&E? And if you go to the website www.pge.com/firesafety you can actually watch those cameras and see what’s going on. The prediction of fire safety is handled by 12 meteorologists and they strive to get the information out in two phases, a heads-up and then the actual time of shutoff. For more information you can also call P,G&E at 800-743-5000. And if you want to get something done in the home for one or more of many reasons, here’s what you need to do. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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9-29-19: Hot-Cold, Cold-hot season changes… now what and when?

Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dive right into the conversation with value. How do you know what to do to start? Begin with a free clipboard audit. That’s the answer. You’ll immediately know about your rebate options, your HVAC need, your energy upgrade potential and it’s all free. And it WILL save you money! Guaranteed.

In this segment, the guys shed light on details that are now occurring between local communities and jurisdictions to get a permit to install a generator. If you’re not ahead of the curve proactively, you could be caught short with no power in the event of a PSPS or any other power outage. A good reminder is that battery backup is an option that is tax advantaged along with your solar installation. Reference back to the free clipboard audit to make the determination that is best for your particular application. It’s important to note that all the utilities are focused on more electrification. As a result, you want to be sure you cover all the options in your assessment and that means knowing what you see in your home in the not to distant future.

Now is that special time of year for hear and cooling, back and forth and you’ll hear a fun call on somebody questioning their HVAC system operations. Probably one of the most entertaining callers we’ve had on the show in some time. What it reminds us though is that as we approach the fall season, it’s time to consider revitalizing your system. And when it’s hot days, cool nights, you can actually give both systems a solid check-up and revitalize them. Too cold out, it’s just the heater. Too warm out and it’s just the A/C. So, just like Goldilocks, now is the time that’s just right.

Closing out the show, the discussion moves into a bit of future speak and how artificial intelligence has entered the home energy category as well. Not just consumption of energy but actual home health and how it impacts the people living there. Believe it or not, one surprise benefit on a home energy upgrade that many of the consumers comment on is that things got quieter. Pretty interesting and it’s because noise follows air. Air carries sound! How about that for a physics lesson? All in an effort to get your home more efficient and healthier. There are ways to manage the air in your home to get it to be the best it can be. This stuff really works and to find out how it can really work for you, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808. Or you can visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Be our welcome guest.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open the show with a little joke Duane plays on Bill regarding cleaning your solar panels. As they settle into the show, the direction they take is supporting PG&E and the PSPS warnings. It’s a serious yet complimentary discussion to help you know where to go to get the direct link to the fire forecast and the potential it may have to affect you. The conversation travels into additional energy, backup batteries and generator power.

When is high efficiency not necessarily the answer to higher efficiency? That’s a mouthful for sure but it means something different than it sounds like. How do you actually “get it right” to be sure you’ve got it right? Right! This is where the guys discuss the values of having your home properly maximized on its’ energy efficiency before you begin consideration of more efficient or high efficiency heating and A/C units. Are they really necessary. Hint. No. But there are steps to take into consideration to do so. Could you extend the life or your equipment as well? Yes. Do you need to make a move immediately on your current equipment? Nope. Is there more you’ll appreciate knowing? You bet. It’s all in the conversation.

What’s up with all these “deals” of $45, $42 or whatever per week for your new HVAC? Gimmicks is what you’ll hear. Outrageous in the grand scheme of things. Toss that direct mail piece and if you’re interested in efficiency, call somebody who does it all the time. You know who that might be, of course. Brower Mechanical. Don’t be fooled into wasteful gimmicks for new systems. Often, you don’t even need a new system.

A lot is happening fast when it comes to year end thoughts and solar is one of those considerations. The solar tax credit changes at the end of this year and if solar is a consideration, now is the time to get on top of it. You’ll need to have it confirmed by Thanksgiving to insure you’re able to have it completed in time for the year-end tax prep. It’s the time to act if you’re in this space at this point in time. Who to call? Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small talk about some of the fun things the Brower team comes across on a regular basis as they work in customers’ yards. And yes, trash can speakers really are incredible. And yes, there are even videos that you can watch to help prevent a visit that could cost you a service fee.

How is electrification changing in the home energy realm? It’s significant and the technology is actually providing opportunities to lower your utility bills. And does it make a difference when you need alternative power? Maybe during a PSPS? Batter backup with solar, generators both short and long term?

The caller in today’s show was, we’re pleased to say, a referral from a neighbor. But the issue was pretty severe and making the home uncomfortable with indoor temps over 85 degrees. An obvious description was helpful in getting the home set for the techs when they arrived, likely giving them a little more opportunity to get things done sooner. It’s also a good heads up to say take a look at what your system is doing now, before the season hits.

So it may seem a bit early to talk about revitalizations, but really, now is the best time to have everything done early. You’ll save money, get more comfort and really enjoy your home more. Before the rush. And learn all about the value of a subscription to monthly fee that minimizes the inconsistencies of service a couple of times a year. The money to be saved should more than offset the minimal investment. Learn more and call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open todays show with the significance of Public Service Power Shutoffs as we enter into the fire season in the region. The conversation takes you into the values of a clipboard audit, the CBA, to get your home right as the calendar seasons begin to change. Heat outside is one good reason to do so to keep your home cooler in the summer but as we transition into the cooler outside temperatures, the opposite is true. Maybe your home is well shaded and comfortable in the heat, but it’s tough to escape the cold. Now is a good time to get your clipboard audit done. It’s free, it’s comprehensive and it gives you the road map to the proper steps to take to minimize your energy waste.

Do solar panels mean no utility bills? Usually not! Don’t be fooled into thinking panels or tons of panels on a roof mean no bills. There are many factors that come into play. The case story is wrapped around two homes of similar size with a whopping 20 panel difference on the roofs. If you’re giving thought to solar, this segment alone may save you thousands! This bounces you right back to the values of the free clipboard audit. And the answer is yes, the audit alone could save you money.

So… think about this. Why would you suffer through the summer with no A/C only to get it repaired when you sell the home? That’s the situation today’s caller; Interesting situation, and of course a good result. You’ll enjoy the story.

Closing out this week’s show, the discussion turns to water heaters. If you’re a natural gas user, this is especially key for you to hear. You’ll learn why your natural gas bills may be going up and some opportunities you may have to lessen the impact on your wallet. You’ll also hear how SMUD is going to give you a huge rebate to make the transition to an electric water heater and save money with no real spend difference up front. The details of the rebate and the values will take you down the path to cutting your water heating expense in half. This same technology is also applicable to your home furnace. The explanation is of great value if you’re in that phase of your home’s energy equipment. Don’t miss out on getting the information you need by calling Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808. On-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small have an interesting perspective on novel homeowner situations that they’re going to not only talk about today but actually share on social media. The Brower crew is out there in and out of homes every day. As a result, they see things that may benefit many from hidden safes to garbage collection. You’ll also hear about how you can donate a working window a/c unit to benefit those in need. It’s a project one of the Brower employees adopted. It’s really quite special.

A great discussion continues on the cost of financing solar vs buying power from PG&E. Remember, your utility bill is a one-time expense every month with no equity built and nothing accrued. Bill, pay, repeat. If you were to look at solar and it’s benefits across a period of time, you’ll see how financing solar can be almost 50% less expensive than what you’re throwing out each month without solar. Similar payment, identical power delivery to the home. This does not include future unknown rate increases. It would seem this is a no-brainer. It surely should be!

Alternate energy is a huge deal and that’s now transcending solar. Batteries, portable generators, whole home generators are becoming more and more a part of the home energy strategy. Duane takes Bill’s lead and discusses each of the options, how they function and how they are typically paid for. Remember this all begins with what the end goal is. Find out where to begin with a ClipBoard Audit. It’s free and it gets you started on the path to that end goal.

Why is Brower Mechanical? Well, sort of serious, sort of fun but the bottom line is Brower is so much more than just HVAC, hence the word mechanical. It’s all the systems in your home that are mechanical. That includes heating and air but includes ductwork, solar, water heater, pool pump, attic sealing, etc. Now you know the backstory!

So how much energy does a solar panel provide? What can it power in the house? Well, how about 3 panels to provide hot water for the next 25 years? Yes. That’s it. For possibly the rest of your lifetime! And that’s just the beginning. There are so many things to consider and ways to minimize the solar requirement to your advantage. The insight and knowledge comes thru in actionable terms. Don’t forget, solar tax credits will be diminishing in 2020 so now is the time to act or you’ll be getting less tax credit in the new year. Get your home energy plan started by giving Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808. On-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dig into the local community scene with a conversation on the Public Safety Power Shutoffs and how that message is being disseminated in the community. This is a great and necessary outreach to keep homeowners aware of what they can do for prevention first, then power second. Generators, batteries, solar are all topics of the discussion. Those necessities, or bare essentials are individual to each consumer. The consensus is that a PSPS could be, on average, two to three days. Very important if you’re one of the families affected.

I’ll bet you didn’t know why SMUD might be different than PG&E with regard to Public Service Power Shutoffs. Michael Corbett tells the story. The conversation then drives straight into time of use billing and how you should actually save on the program and how it’s going to benefit in Winter with little to slight impact in the Summer if you pay attention to the peak hours.

The discussion continues with Michael Corbett talking more about why utilities give rebates to use less of the service. You’ll even hear about a big decision you’ll have to make when you purchase your electric vehicle. It has to do with saving money so you’ll want to hear it. Now, about those rebates…why. Start with carbon and emissions reduction. Environmental Stewardship is critical and knowing demand will likely continue to grow, managing it today preserves the future and in the long run, reduces cost to the consumer. This allows each customer to make choices to meet their specific needs to their best advantage. Electrification will be more and more significant in the future and now is the time to get educated.

The case study here is one that literally took advantage of every energy upgrade and rebate available including solar. It’s a compelling story that starts with a solar only option to reduce the expense. You’ll hear how this turned out to be a terrible option. Then, after a home performance evaluation, the steps were taken to completely upgrade the home. The outcome is nothing short of remarkable. Originally bid at 45 solar panels, after all the upgrades were complete, the final solar panel count was 16! 29 panels less mean roughly $30,000! And that does not include all the rebates! If this makes sense to you, and you want to get that same evaluation and potential savings, you have to give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808. On-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Warning: Fun show ahead. Well, you’re not going to really find much out about electric guitars but you will hear about why electric cars are becoming more and more significant to our environment. And you’ll hear an incredible story about a Brower employee who is taking older window units from homes being upgraded and bringing them to people in need and installing them to help them stay just a bit cooler. He’s doing this on his own simply as a service to help. That’s pretty neat or actually, darn cool!

As the show progresses, you’ll hear from a caller with what is nicknamed the www casualty. He’s done the research on the internet and found out that a particular technology may be most efficient to pulling the heat down from 90-100. And he’s correct but it will only work to cool to about 80-85. Not what most would consider comfortable. Duane explains that situation as it’s not an uncommon occurrence.

Flex alerts, PSPS, smart meters, battery backup… you never heard any of these things 10 years ago. Heck, electric cars were barely on the radar. Hear the explanation of many of these terms as they relate to your energy consumption. They’re all behavioral electrical manipulation and we sure hope for the greater good. Smart meters, talking to smart home appliances, talking to you telling you what’s going on…and of course the utility as well. Really neat stuff to look forward to. A glimpse into the future that’s here today. Knowing this all really dictates the need for a plan for your home energy consumption. Think about one of your on-going expenses. Home energy expense is a monthly variable expense every single month. You budget for it as it isn’t going away so why not get a plan together that gives you the most clarity possible? Let somebody who knows something about it, help. Brower Mechanical; Call today at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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It’s hot, it’s been hot and it’s likely going to get a bit hotter yet. Now what? Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small enter into a fun discussion on HVAC monikers and where the description of “mechanical” in the name actually comes from. Fun story and really interesting to hear how much more the industry has changed and how inclusive what used to be just a simple heating and air conditioning company is now so much more. Brower Mechanical now means, HVAC, attic sealing, ducting, solar, home energy assessments, backup power including batteries and generators, roofing, windows and even pool pumps. If it has something to do with home energy, you can be sure your mechanical service company is involved to some degree in many of the options.

So what’s going on now and what’s on most people’s minds? Power. Backup power. What if there’s a Public Safety Power Shutoff? PSPS? Will you be able to have your home powered up? And how are you going to do that? Depends. Do you have solar, do you need a generator? What are the steps to all the processes for all this energy? This isn’t something you’re going to want to tackle on your own. A big investment could go down the drain if you’re unaware of the legal variations in locale. Trust the experts here. It’s covered in the conversation in this segment.

So what happens when you have an A/C unit that just can’t keep up with the temperature you expect? Or not even really comfortable? Well, first off, it depends on if your expectation is realistic. But, in many cases, it could be signaling something bigger and a problem you’ll want to address. The caller case study did just that. Hear about it in this segment.

Solar size and expense is always a critical concern when you’re considering options for home energy. An absolute must is understanding not only today but tomorrow as well. Is there anything you’re going to do differently that could change your home’s energy consumption? Be sure to factor everything in. If not, you WILL make an investment that’s unnecessary. Home energy upgrades planned properly will yield less panels and at $1000 per panel, that could be a significant savings. So, what to do? Pick up the phone and make the call to Brower Mechanical a call today at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Stay cool!

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Yep. I said Free and so do your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small. A couple of things are free. Like the service to provide you the information you need to best assess and get the biggest rebates possible. That would be the free clipboard audit. And the free clipboard audit is what leads you to big rebates which some consider free energy devices or free energy in some way shape or form. Whatever your interpretation, free is free. Listen and learn here.

Solar only may be a good consideration for many of you in the listening area and there’s a case study on two homes with different approaches. Two similarly sized homes with full solar systems are providing energy in roughly 2300SF. One home has 36 solar panels and the other with 13. Both are accomplishing the same thing. The home with energy upgrades is using the 13. At $1000 per panel, that’s a $23000 difference in solar alone! Yikes. What happened? Clearly the home with more panels is consuming much more energy to warrant the panels. What a waste. There’s so much more to solar than just adding solar. This is why Brower suggests reducing before producing.

The case study in this segment is about a referral from a co-worker for a customer that understands the process of solar and knows what she wants. Battery backup, solar and new HVAC. Wow. This is a rare situation but you’re going to find that more often than not, you’re going to be asking these questions as well. Great stuff.

So, you may have heard the “set it and forget it” option you have. Set your thermostat to the temperature you want it to be and get the estimate of what that’s going to cost you. No solar. Just an accurate estimate of what your expense is going to be. You’ll have your energy assessment identify the issues and what needs to be done and from there, the rest is simply completion and confirmation. This is a great report with full data from case studies to demonstrate the accuracy of what’s capable in your individual situation. If this is something you think may make sense for you, give Brower Mechanical a call today at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Stay cool!

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Who doesn’t love an outdoor thermostat reading of 107 degrees! Certainly not your show hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small. Heat is good as it gives them an opportunity to help demonstrate how they can keep your home as comfortable as you like it and do it for less than you would have thought possible. The season of heat is now and the next 6-8 weeks are exactly the reason this show exists.

Whole house fans have been the rage of late since the weather has been mild in the evenings allowing the house to pull in the cool outdoor air and stay relatively comfortable most of the day. By nighttime, more cool air for the home from the moderate night. Repeat daily. Ahhh, the benefits of the whole house fan. And especially so when the nights are cool. The case study here is a great example of how a home was upgraded to accommodate the whole house fan and in the long run, it represented a reduction of 5 solar panels needed for energy. That’s easy math; A savings of $5000 on what would have been needed prior to the upgrades and the whole house fan. Now that it’s getting hotter, what to do? More answers are in the show.

This third segment, our usual segment with a caller from the market is actually very aware of his situation. He knows roughly what’s wrong with his system and he also knows it’s been some time since anyone has looked at his system. Like 16 years. Not a bad run to have nothing done. But just think if he was getting some sort of regular revitalization? Even if it was only every other year, or two or three. Likely, the demise of something in his system would have at least been noticed had he done something about it with regular maintenance.

Finally, we’re all faced with the certainty of Public Safety Power Shutoffs. What are some alternatives to protecting the integrity of your home’s energy? Well, generators for sure, but the big deal now is battery backup. Generators can be expensive but battery backup is reasonable and depending on your expectations, more often the choice of most. Make your home energy system comprehensive and complete. This way you’re able to have some electricity if and when you need to power those things that were in your plan. You’ll also get your neighbors attention if their lights are out and yours are on! You’re either going to become very popular or irritate somebody, but that’s another story. Let Brower Mechanical do what they do to help you get what you need. Give them a call today at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Listen up as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start right in on the increases seen in rates from the utilities just in front of the most demand from air conditioning. That’s not to mention the issue of power shortages or complete power shutdowns. So what’s the deal if power is reduced or completely shut off? What do you do? What are some of the options.? And did you know who uses the most electricity in your town? You might be surprised to know who it is. You’ll hear it in this first segment of the show.

OK, here are 9 tips to help save you money on your a/c expense. Take your notes as you know you can make some of these things happen quite simply. Stage by stage in order of importance, you’ll hear the most to least significant things you can do but they’ll all save you money. The case study here is a remarkable story and demonstrates that when the house is correctly retrofitted for energy efficiency, there are huge savings to be had. This is extremely valuable information that you’ll get here and easy takeaways for knowing what you didn’t know you didn’t know.

Always a popular topic and that’s the one most people are likely to make a mistake on... rebates! It’s where the money is right now. SMUD is way out in front of it with significant rebates to convert elements of your system to electricity. Your water heater is one of the most valued rebates today with a $3000 rebate if you replace it with an electric one. Only if you’re in SMUD’s service area, of course!

What is that anyway money, anyway? Hear how you may be able to get assets, increase your home’s value and flat-line your utility expense in both the short and long-term, all with literally no change in your monthly expense. If you’re going to be spending the money on a utility bill and getting only the service, what if you changed the concept and invested in home energy upgrades, took the rebates and lowered your utility bill…forever? Literally, you’re locking in your utility bill forever! This is what Brower does every day. It’s worth reaching out to learn what you can do and get your free clip-board audit to find out everything you need to know by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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When does revitalization recoup its’ value? How about when it actually pays for almost two solar panels? This is a most interesting story that your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get into at the beginning of the show. It’s an incredible story of an A/C unit running poorly, not needing replacement but just needing some attention. Since the family was also looking at solar as well, this was a critically timed visit saving the family nearly $2000 on a simple revitalization call. Amazing. Hear how here.

Tax credits. Solar. Changing. Did you know that the solar tax credit dips from 30% to 26% next year? Or that if you purchase a battery and solar system together you can still get the full 30% tax credit? It’s true. Learn some of the options you have when making this decision since there have been changes and they mean both money and comfort in your home. With Public Service Power Shutoffs imminent, do you have to go without power should that happen? Or, do you have to suffer the high rates in prime time to stay cool? Well, with batteries as backup, you may find that you’ll barely notice that you’ve even had a power outage or premium time of use expense.

Also, you’ll hear how the Brower teeny tiny Solar club is growing and what those case studies are all about. There are two examples that will really surprise with what can be done with fewer solar panels on the roof.

Natural gas has risen faster in price than electricity when purchasing from PG&E. Fact. That means there are options for you to consider when looking at the equipment your home is using. This is critical. Electricity may be less expensive to heat your home and water now when compared to gas. Not to mention, burnt fuel sucks all the moisture out of the air so your furnace, if it’s gas, is really drying things out. Heat pumps pull less moisture from the air for a higher humidity heat. And humidity is a good thing within reason. This makes electric heat a pretty attractive deal and even more so when you consider the rebates offered by SMUD. Could your bill be even smaller than you expected after installation of more electric home energy systems? Find out in today’s show.

Finally, could your existing home energy system be in trouble after only a few years? Only if it was defective or installed improperly. These systems are meant to last much longer than a few years. They should be good for much, much longer. And many times, you’re replacing the system well before it’s needed. More importantly, you may be a candidate for a much smaller system once your home energy upgrades have been completed. And…small solar. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Now is the time.

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OK, that headline doesn’t really make sense until you hear your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small talk about one of the local utilities that has a $50 rebate for a home energy revitilizaton. Find out which utility that is. You’ll also hear about SIM’s. They’re known as a “SIM”. A salesman in masquerade. Don’t be fooled. If two people show up on a service call, beware. It’s very possible the second person is a “SIM”. They’re only there for the purpose of working to figure out how to sell you something. And more often than not, it’s something big and expensive. Don’t be fooled.

Making your home run like it should to provide you the Independence from the utility that you would like to have is becoming more and more available to every homeowner. What does energy independence look like to you? Knowing that is the first step to getting your plan put together. Technology can be your best friend with all that is going on with electric appliances. Induction cooktops, electric water heaters, heat pumps, even electric cars… and then solar. So many options, so many ways to become independent. One other benefit is the comfort you’ll have both inside your home and in your mind. Knowing what that utility bill is going to be month in and month out is a truly comforting experience.

Now, here’s a first on the show. A home warranty issue. Unfortunately, it was a situation where the warranty lapsed. You’ll hear how the caller’s situation was alleviated, what needed to be done and the next steps. When you take proactive steps with a revitalization, you’ll mitigate the problems most of the time but that doesn’t always happen. Brower knows. And while it’s important to know about your home warranty expirations, sometimes stuff just slips thru the cracks. There’s a good heads up in this segment.

So why is thinking about heat when it’s hot, reasonable? Yes, when it’s hot. Well, listen closely to Duane and Bill talk about why this could make sense for you. Take all the steps necessary to really look ahead. Think about the winter coming up before it’s time to heat your home and pay that big energy bill. What better time to do that than while you’re paying the big bill for the cooling season? This is where most of us are impacted. While we may have efficiencies in our electricity and reasonably inexpensive service depending on our utility, many may have gas for heat. Now’ the time to look at the options since natural gas prices are only going up. So what to do with $10K? Listen to Duane’s picks. Hear what he suggests. Make the right call and do it now. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. There’s never been a better time.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small kick off the show with some fun Fourth of July stories the segue perfectly into home energy like only they could do. Power outages, fires, whole house fans, energy assessments, there’s a little bit of it all in today’s show. The first discussion wraps right around the ability to learn about what’s happening in the home. A clipboard audit, which is free by the way, identifies the opportunities and first places to start with your home energy upgrades.

Listen as Duane explains a case study from one of the home energy upgrades as a great example of the process and the outcome. The story begins with, of course, the clipboard audit. The exercise goes top to bottom and clearly, the attic would be the first place to start. And one of the obvious, no brainers was upgrading the pool pump as well. With rebates and energy reduction, you’ll hear the monthly outcome they were able to achieve. Wouldn’t you like to have your home energy system decrease in size and consumption…by 50%!

UH OH! It’s 95 degrees out and the A/C is not going on. Now what? Well, there are some tips to ensure that you’re A/C is truly the problem. Before you call and pay that service call fee, follow these few simple steps to be 100% sure you’ve got a real problem and not something simple that you can correct in just a few easy steps. These actions alone could be your situation and you’ve likely saved yourself the cost of the service call. All in this segment.

Did you know that Brower can actually monitor your energy systems from afar? If they notice a power event at your home, they can alert you to the fact that something may be going on. Many times, it’s something simple and if you want to hear how “squirrels” can be really be cute culprits, listen in for a little humor and a fun story. Keeping your home running full-time takes planning and it’s not something you can do on your own. Get the security and comfort you need by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or simply visit on-line @ www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get you started on an interesting visual in this really high heat. You can save money by raising the thermostat but what if that gets too warm for you and you’ve gone as far as you can? Yeah, like took all your clothes off. Then what are you going to do? Sweat. Or change something in your home energy plant. This is a fun show today and you’ll hear all about options you have, processes to evaluate and ways to look at bringing down that energy bill.

So now you’ve come to a decision to evaluate solar. Have you taken into consideration all the energy consumption elements before you’ve made a decision on the solar panels? That way, you’ll do it right. You’ll save yourself money in the long run and make a decision that works for your overall goal, not just a short-term fix. If solar is in your future, this is a great segment to glean some significant value from. There’s so much more… don’t miss it.

Rebates, rebates. Do you know what you can do, how much you can get back? It’s huge! Be sure you’ve got an idea of what that means to you in the long run. It may be really surprising for you to learn.

Or simply visit them on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Start saving sooner.

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PSPS. No, that’s not a super-secret, it’s a Public Safety Power Shutoff and before we get into “cool Dads” first a few of the public service messages. Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the impacts and process of what happens when the power is shutoff and how it affects you and your home comfort. It’s a big deal and you do have options in the event the outage takes place. You’ll hear some of those options and the significance of what they look like in today’s show. Did you know there are high fire areas/cities that you can identify on line? These are the same cities that are most likely for a PSPS when the weather gets hot and the wind’s get high. Flex alerts are another option the utilities exercise to pull power consumption back in high demand periods. There’s a great case study here that gives you an idea of expectations and capabilities based on the needs of the consumer.

Louise, a new homeowner, encounters some interesting challenges here with her purchase and she knows who to call. Of course, she reaches out to Brower and gets a whole lot more than she expected. What is it? New roof? Solar? Attic sealing? Ductwork? Find out what some of her issues were and questions she asked. You may have the same concerns. And then, you’ll have some answers!

Thermostat settings are all over the place for comfort as you’ll hear from a local newscast poll. Shocking is what you’ll find in the discrepancy. Swings from 68 to 82. Here’s what’s important, it’s not the room temp as much as it is the surface areas of the home. How’s that for a surprise? Well, radiating heat makes a huge difference and there’s one way to fix that unwanted radiated heat without needing a new HVAC system. It’s fixable for much less investment than new equipment. Find out what your options not only are but actually should be to save the most on your energy costs. Call Brower Mechanical @ 916-624-0808 or visit them on line at www.browermechanical.com. And by all means, keep dad cool!

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OK…we’re into the heat of the summer. What’s important? Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss some of the key elements of what to expect with the new PSPS, Public Service Power Shutoffs. And as you know, this weekend was a test of the system with power shutoffs due to the high winds. What can you do to prevent significant gaps in your energy usage and loss of those things you care about most. Your food. (… or your beer!) There are options.

Whole house fans are always a hot topic of discussion. This show is no exception and there’s a discussion that takes place regarding the value the whole house fan to reduction of energy consumption. They work great for some. Not all. Are you one of those in the pro or con usage? You’ll learn more by listening to this segment.

Next hear from a caller that’s returning to Brower for a solar system with battery backup after a complete HVAC replacement. Something must have gone right! And she’s even getting the same tech out to her home again. Over a year later! Now that’s pretty remarkable. All that and more …

Hardly a show goes by where the attic isn’t a topic of discussion. You’ll hear a great upgrade case study that was critical as the homeowner suffered from a disease that made him sensitive to temperature swings. The outcome included huge rebates on his total investment that could have easily been overlooked by other companies. Not Brower! Everything was completed and the rebates handled by the Brower team.

Closing up the show is a quick discussion of the teeny tiny solar club. If you’re not familiar, give a listen as it’s the story of homeowners who have been able to go with less solar panels to accomplish their goals and save big! Always fun stories. Learn how you can save with on your home energy system by calling Brower Mechanical @ 916-765-9021 or visit them on line at www.browermechanical.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get you started on an unusual phrase today. Yep, the drip and the temp. Your simple way to get quick confirmation your HVAC is working properly in the summer. You’ll have to listen to hear what to do but it’s free! And simple. Doing this simple test could save you thousands this summer.

You’ve heard “set it and forget it” in several of the shows historically. Duane goes deeper into the discussion on what that all means and how it gets completed. You’ll hear the results from a 1500 SF home and the incredible outcome that included more than just the basics. Would $325 annual energy expense to keep your home at 75 degrees all year be reasonable? It is with this home. And that’s a great reason to listen in for this case study. And there were rebates as well! Keeping the heat out and the conditioned air in is exactly what it is you want for your home. It can be accomplished if you take the correct steps.

One stop shopping… is there a place that can handle the majority of the home energy upgrade process? Well, yes, we can think of one that handles the roofing, the attic, the HVAC and the process to remove and replace the solar as well. You really can one-stop shop the majority, if not all, of your home energy upgrades.

PSPS is upon us and home energy issues are becoming of paramount importance. You don’t want to get caught with a Public Service Power Shutoff and not be prepared. Listen to what Duane has to say today about the options you have and steps you can take to be certain your home is doing what it should be doing. There’s so much more to learn than can be shared in the confines of the show. It’s just best to call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. Or simply visit them on-line @ www.browermechanical.com. Start saving sooner.

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It’s whole house fan time and now is when you need to seriously give it consideration before the heat of the season hits. Do you know what you need to know? Have you considered the pros and cons and have you seen the new styles of whole house fans available to you? Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss a lot about how these new fans can have an effect you desire and a few you may not. Pay attention to the segment as it may help you make that decision. Whole house fans are great but may not be for everybody.

Moving into a topic that can help you save more money with rebates, here’s a thought: why wait on an older unit, like a water heater, to fail and miss a rebate when you can pro-actively move and replace the system and get the rebate for that upgrade. Of course you wouldn’t do this on a newer system of any sort but if you have a system you know to be older, maybe on the edge, why not take this step before it’s a panic situation? Then you aren’t in control. Take control. And it doesn’t stop with water heaters. It’s similar with HVAC units as well. Don’t wait for a catastrophic failure. When time is of the essence, you’ll want to move to get ahead of it all. Act now for a win-win-win situation. Rebates-Savings-Confidence. Know you’re set for the future.

There’s a great call you’ll hear in this 3rd segment from someone who had an $800 utility bill…in a month! And that was enough to get his attention to act. Fortunately, he’s doing his homework and even more fortunately, he called Brower Mechanical. Hear his efforts and I’m sure you’ll find some familiar situations. His choices and logic may surprise you.

Lastly, why does a red flag alert from the California Department of Forestry mean anything to you? How about PSPS? A Public Service Power Shutoff is what that means. No A/C. No refrigeration. No WiFi. No good from this writers’ perspective! Do you have options? What to do to support the situation if and when that happens? The answers are in the last segment of this show and you’ll pay attention if you’re in one of the fire prone areas likely to have power shutoffs. If any of today’s information piques your interest, do something give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or visit on-line at www.Browermechanical.com. And finally, with the utmost respect and sincere appreciation, the entire Brower Mechanical team recognizes the sacrifices given and honors those who gave their lives for our country this Memorial Day weekend.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open on a really high note today as Duane shares the recognition by PG&E for their home performance success. It’s all about saving energy and Brower Mechanical is a leader in the process. The shift from home energy successes to whole house fans is one not to be missed. This is one of the best seasons to consider a whole house fan but know the value and the challenges they can present. And yes, you can have Brower give you a guarantee on your utility bill for the foreseeable future. How about that if you’re on a fixed income? It’s all in a jam packed segment.

Oversizing A/C units. Why do so many builders and HVAC firms do it? You’ll learn more when you listen but the bottom line on this is that the efficiency of your home, not the A/C unit, is what’s important. 62% is one of the low points in efficiency which means you’re wasting 38% of that cooling. How could that be? Just a couple of simple reasons. But don’t rush out and buy a new A/C unit. Don’t oversize. Get things right. Your A/C unit needs to run to reach its’ most efficient operation. You’ll use less energy with a smaller system running longer than a bigger system running less. Now that’s a concept that’s not familiar. Learn more when you listen to the discussion.

Did you know there are ways to help you finance the energy upgrades you’re looking for? And that you can also use these same opportunities for commercial use as well? Like multifamily dwellings. Hear what Derek from Ygrene has to say and how you’ll not even need to do a credit app to make it happen!

So what the heck is PSPS? You’ll hear that acronym in home energy circles more and more but it means Public Service Power Shutoff. And that is a clear description that you’re not going to have power. Period. One hour or maybe even up to one week. Hear the guys discuss variations in proper sizing for A/C and solar installations and how they correlate to the correct size of battery system for backup… or generators, or even other options. You may want to consider these if you live in an area with high likelihood of PSPS activity. This is key information and the one place to get it all remains the same. Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808 or on line at www.browermechanical.com

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So you’ve heard the abbreviation before. B-T-U. What’s that mean anyhow and how does it tie into Mother’s day. Well, a BTU is a British Thermal Unit and it’s a gauge of heat. And what’s that got to do with Mother’s day? The more people in the house the higher the energy released in the room and the greater the heat. (I know… it’s a stretch!) So your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small want to get into the value of keeping Mom cool. OK, she may already be “cool” but we’re talking comfortable cool!

You know Mom is special and you want to be able to get her something special for a gift on her day today. So don’t go wasting energy on your home. Spend it on a great gift for Mom. The best way to be able to do that is to reduce the expense of your home energy. How’s that for a great analogy to making Mom happy? But seriously, there is a great deal of energy wasted every day. You’re going to hear an incredible story of efficiencies and air conditioning. If your car was supposed to be getting 20 miles to the gallon and was running at 59% efficiency, that would mean you’re only getting 12 miles to the gallon! The majority of homes that go thru a clipboard audit are producing energy at about that efficiency. 59% of the 100% that’s ideal. Ouch! Simple math for everyone, I hope. Don’t let that be the case with your home. Get that 40% inefficiency back and take advantage of that money…for Mom of course. Get your home from a D- and upgrade to an A+ by making that call for a clipboard audit.

The fire department for a hot water tank? That’s what happened in today’s callers’ inquiry. It blew! And that meant no water. A very serious problem with an excellent outcome. Got a problem? Brower Mechanical to the rescue. And a great suggestion for you to take the opportunity to check your water heater. Just a short visual to be sure you’re OK and not on the receiving end of any surprises. This is important so be sure to listen up when you’re on the podcast. Before it gets too hot, you may want to start practicing your home energy usage to get used to the “Time of use” billing that SMUD introduces beginning in June. One thing you don’t want to find is that you’re a “Superuser” or some of biggest bills the utility sees from customers. Don’t be that person! Have somebody, anybody you trust, get out to the house and see what you can do to minimize the waste in your homes’ energy systems. Higher bills sap your after-tax income. Get things fixed and start saving money sooner than later. Enjoy Mother’s day today and then Call Brower Mechanical @ 916-624-0808, online at www.browermechanical.com. Start saving for Mom next year... today!

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When it comes to energy, efficiency is everything and efficiency is what we’re all about. That’s why you’ll hear your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small talking about the recognition Brower Mechanical has been recognized as the best in the trade at home energy efficiency by P,G &E. In other words, the delta from your prior energy consumption before a home energy upgrade and the energy consumption after your upgrade, was the greatest on those homes upgraded by Brower Mechanical. That’s a long way to say that after 40 years in business, these guys know what they’re doing.

It’s no secret, your energy bills are likely rising and likely to continue rising in the future. If this is a concern of yours, you’ll want to listen closely to better understand that you do have options to reduce your home’s energy consumption. You can be in control of your energy consumption and know exactly what your bill is going to be. Guaranteed! Yes, Brower Mechanical will guarantee your power consumption to be the same for the duration of the solar on your roof. How about that! Stable utility bills for 20 years.

So what are “cool roofs” anyway? Listen as Kathy calls in and asks questions about what she knows and wants to know about “cool roofs” for her home. You’ll get a great overview of what these cool roofs can do for the excess heat in your home. You’ll really appreciate how Neal from Brower shares his knowledge and support with the caller.

Why do the attics continually represent the most significant opportunity you have to improve your homes’ energy efficiency? This is a drum the guys beat often but there are a few tips in this closing discussion today that you’ll appreciate it. Especially if you’re like most and haven’t done anything in that part of the house. As always, when you have questions, give Brower Mechanical a call @ 916-624-0808, online at www.browermechanical.com

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Hey, did your A/C kick on this week? If so, you may need an energy upgrade. It’s not really that hot overall all day long or at night so if your home is correctly insulated and energy efficient, the recent daytime heat should not have caused the A/C to turn on. Hear Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share with you the steps necessary to get there. You know cooling the home means spending money. Not needing that cooling means the opposite. Yes! Savings. Money in your pocket and that feels good for most of us.

Electrification is here. That means things are changing and it’s likely your home is going to be fully electric at some point in time. It’s inevitable. Solar has changed the landscape of home energy and right behind that are batteries. Hear a great discussion of how the next step, the natural evolution of electrification, is taking place and what that means to you, your home’s energy efficiency and ultimately, your energy bill. The case studies are incredible.

How to finance those next energy upgrades? Derek from Ygrene goes a little deeper today into the mechanics and resources to help you build that bridge between product and payment. It really can’t get any simpler, quicker or more convenient. I think you’ll agree.

Quiet, efficient and healthy. That’s how your home should be. What is the number one step to take? If you’re a regular listener, you know. If not, listen up. It’s the single most important element to home energy upgrades. That means it’s the number one change to make to save the most money. This is not complicated. Want to know the reality of what you’ll notice? The answers are in the show. Ready to act? Give Brower Mechanical a call @ 916-624-0808, online at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are really amped for todays show. You’re going to learn a lot about your options when it comes to keeping the power on in your home when the power in your neighborhood is out. Yes, there’s a lot of value in considering battery backups. And you’ll never even see them, like a well-hidden Easter egg. And yes, they come with rebates you didn’t’ even realize existed. Yes, they are now affordable.

One of the benefits of the Brower Home Power Hour is really learning about the benefits and options you have when considering a home energy upgrade. You’ll hear real life case studies that could only come from someone who has been in the business for over 40 years. This segment gives you one of those examples of a customer who saved big on energy upgrades without having to spend a penny more than they were already spending. Call it “anyway” money in your Easter basket. You would have been spending it anyway, right? The benefits are immense.

Now here’s a way that you can get plugged into some great choices. Like deciding between the jelly beans or peanut M&M’s. Evaluate what your best options are with a plan and then build it out to see how you are in control with nothing extra out of pocket than what you’re already used to. It’s like sweet treats for free! You control your own inflation.

In another case study, you’ll hear how the financed solar system will lock in the payments to keep your payment predictable and not change for the life of the system. That makes even the Energizer bunny look tired. You’re locking in your electricity bill for about the next 20 years. How many things can you say for certain will be the same 20 years from now? That’s an incredible feeling especially if you’re on a fixed income. Just think about that. Your friends and neighbors will all be moaning and groaning about the utility expense increase when all you’ll be doing is smiling and eating candy. Learn more by giving Brower Mechanical a call @ 916-624-0808, online at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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What’s that house of yours worth? Same as the guy down the street with a similar floorplan? Hmmm. Maybe not! Listen today as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss how real estate professionals look at homes with small solar. Hint: done right, they’re worth more.

Things to benefit your home energy expense can be tracked. They can be documented. They can give you a road map to where you want to be once you know your objectives. Did you know 2019 is the last year of the full 30% solar tax credit? We’re four months into the new year. You’re still thinking of putting it off? The end of the year is going to be here before you know it. Don’t wait! Start that process now. It’s worth every penny of it.

Now every so often, a very unique call comes in that you really just have to shake your head at. Today’s caller has a situation with her water heating system in an apartment complex that code enforcement has stepped in to request to fix. You’ll never believe what the problem is but you’ll appreciate how Brower steps up to help.

Wrapping up today’s show, you’ll hear about a customer who is using his energy savings dollars to apply toward his mortgage, reducing the life of it by 3 years and over $18,000 in savings! And it’s not a lot of money he pays forward. Hear what it is, how he’s disciplined about it and what the reality of it is like. And not to get too terribly complicated, this is an effortless way to reduce a mortgage. To find out how you can not only live more comfortably and possibly reduce your mortgage expense, give Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808, online at www.gosmallsolar.com. The benefits are all yours.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small take you on a discussion today that opens with the health of your home. Like great fruit, vegetables and meats, can you say it’s “organic”? What does that even mean anyway? The answers come in a variety of choices. Just like fruits and vegetables. And they can be tailored to fit your personal home energy diet just like your body’s needs.

Funny how the theme of todays show actually has a strong solution in the sun. Yup, just like fruits and vegetables. Now, they may enjoy heat a little more than you do but the sun can do something different for the human than it does for plants. Like cool. Yes. Cool. Using solar to cool your home is one of the best ways to minimize your expense with the installation of small solar. And to insure your home is using its’ energy properly, you need to maximize the performance of the system…before you do anything else! Think of it like pruning your plants or trees. You have to help them draw from the resources with maximum efficiency. Hey, your home is no different! Analogies aside, you do need to get your home right to save the most money on your utility bill. That’s why the energy assessment is so critical.

SMUD and PG&E rebates mean everything in your home energy upgrades…but only if you get the attic right to do what it needs to do to keep the heating/cooling in the home. Rather than buy a unit that is big enough to handle all the flaws in the home, get the home right and you can downsize on the equipment. And, that’s how you get your utility company to give you the biggest rebate. I guess that would be like harvesting the most fruit from the land, or getting the most heating/cooling from the equipment. Hey, get the most out of your energy crop. You’ll find so much more when you actually get there.

We would be remiss if we didn’t’ touch on the reality approaching just around the corner. Tax time is here and you need to be sure you’ve got all your documents in order. Be sure your energy upgrades are totally accounted for, do you have any tax credits coming? Did your vendor handle everything for you? Brower does. But most importantly, do you have everything you need? And if last year wasn’t the year, is this the year? Get your home right. Reap the rewards of your hard work with a great harvest of efficiency. Save money and maybe save on taxes too. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808, online at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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You’ve heard it. You know it’s coming. The heat will eventually be here and it’s going to be different this year. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get into the discussion of options for you to consider to help minimize the impact of the changes you’re sure to see with SMUD’s time of use cost and PG&E’s rate increases. Don’t let these become surprises. They could cripple your budget if you’re not paying attention. There are options, however, and to get the straight scoop, listen in. Are you on the right rate program? How do you know? Talk with an expert, that’s how. It’s a wonderful discussion of what to expect and even better, what to do!

Later in the show, listen to a very astute caller asking if rebates can be stacked in the same year, is there a way that an electric car and home energy upgrades can be combined and taking it so far as to consider it in his business as well! All with one company to handle everything? I’ll bet you can guess the answer to might be perfect to help with everything! You’ve heard of “Power Purchase Agreements”… Spot on.

To close out today’s show, learn how the benefits of a wet winter can wreak havoc on your health. Yes. Allergies are going to be a nightmare if you don’t take precautions and did you know, there are steps you can take to help your home be more healthy, allergy resistant and generally more comfortable to live in! It’s all in today’s show and if you need to take action, do it! Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808, on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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40 years ago a company called Brower Mechanical started and wow, what a 40 year run! You can not believe the changes in technology that have occurred over the past 40 years. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small talk about some of the key changes they’ve seen over the course of the years and how they have impacted your home energy activity. Even as specifically as the best way to time your highest energy consumption for the most efficient usage.

In this segment of the show, Derek from Ygrene really takes the lead from Duane on the literal terms for financing and how it ties together. The novelty of the relationship with the contractor like Brower makes the process incredibly seamless and fully transparent and it can be done right at the kitchen table in real time at the point you choose to make the decision. There is no need for credit history. This is about equity in the home. Ygrene is the ultimate win win all around and the driver to help you get to a positive cash flow situation with your home energy upgrades. Listen in and see how that becomes possible.

Finally, closing the show is a discussion taking us into the warmer seasons and the values of whole house fans. Good and bad… they’re not for everybody and if you’re thinking about one, this is a great segment to listen to. This will get you started heading in the right direction. As always, with every show, education is everything. If you want to learn more, head this way… Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. There’s never been a better time.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start it all with comments on cabbage. Not with corned beef but still green. As in your money! And you’re going to love what you hear. Your friends will be green with envy. You’re going green and helping the environment. Yes, you’re saving green too and that’s what the show is really all about, every week!

Starting strong with a case study today is particularly important as the temperature and dust in this home was becoming detrimental to a pre-existing illness the homeowner had. It was critical to get it done right and done right the first time. The homeowner was very clear about that. And did it work? You have to listen for the unbelievable outcome. With rebates and energy savings and forward looking options, it’s a very good story. And that “green”? Oh yeah, less of it going out with the energy upgrades for sure.

Todays call is quite unique in that the caller is looking for a whole house fan to get the kitchen cooking smell and smoke out of the home. Now that’s either a very savvy chef or a terrible cook burning things too often. What you’ll find out though is that maybe it’s not really a whole house fan that this customer needs. There may be options but that’s more a problem with the current ventilation than requiring a whole house fan. And that’s why you want a home energy company coming in to assess your situation. If you want a whole house fan for the right reasons, they’ll steer you in that direction. Not simply to get the fan in the house regardless of the reason. And seriously, a whole house fan isn’t really the right way to go to stop your smoke detector from going off when you cook. It’s all about trust.

Finally, closing out the show, is a discussion taking us into the warmer seasons and the values of whole house fans. Good and bad… they’re not for everybody and if you’re thinking about one, this is a great segment to listen to. This will get you started heading in the right direction. As always, with every show, education is everything. If you want to learn more, head this way… Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. There’s never been a better time.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open with a little birthday celebration as the company turns 40. And what a great run it’s been with so much interest in the future ahead, especially in the essence of what home energy is really about. Isn’t it really all about living better? A more comfortable home really is the expectation of living better. That’s what you want when you invest in home energy upgrades after all.

The show continues to a discussion of big money rebates, how it all happens, how simple it is and the value of it all. The example of rebates demonstrates the significance of it all with a real life story of a $25000 upgrade that yields dramatic energy use reductions AND a $10,000 rebate. That’s 40% reduction. You’ll also hear how you can trade your energy bill for a solar payment and own your power in a shorter period of time. This is incredible.

Today, you’ll hear from a caller looking for an emergency hot water situation and Brower comes to the rescue with a same day appointment…and a wealth of knowledge on how to best get the project done in a most efficient way. That’s what 40 years of experience can show you.

Closing the show out is a brief discussion of tax credits on solar, choices on solar and considerations for what may be rolling power outages going forward. They’re coming this summer and you’ll want to know you have options. As always you can reach the Brower team for more information at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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OK… todays’ show opens with your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discussing some of the collateral benefits of home energy upgrades. A recent project that was completed had the homeowner marveling at the difference in, believe it or not, how quiet the home was after the upgrades...and this did not include windows! You’ll hear how this often occurs and what the reasons are for the effect. It’s a pretty nice benefit you actually don’t expect and a very nice result when it comes to home comfort. And no, we can’t help you with snoring!

You’ve heard it before if you’re a show listener with any regularity but for those of you less familiar, the “Set it and Forget it” program gets a healthy explanation on the benefits and the process. This is a no-joke situation. Brower will actually guarantee you the cost of the energy to keep your home at exactly the temperature you choose. If that’s of interest to you, make the call at the end of the show. The discussion continues into the benefits and options that are now available to keep your home running on backup power with battery storage. The technology is now there and you know who is right on top of it giving you the detail you’ll need to meet the requirements you have. And if you don’t know, you can be sure you’ll learn your options.

You’ll hear from a caller in this segment who doesn’t really need a new system because the current HVAC is still working...even though it’s 30 years old! Trick question is, does she need a new unit at this point in time? The Brower answer is maybe not! Just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. The solution Duane explains will surprise you.

Ever go thru the process of having to decide on which filter your system needs? With all the issues that can occur, like the issues last year with the fires, the pollen in spring, the dust in the summer, it’s important you have the proper filtration and clean it regularly but there are other ways to make sure your home is not sucking in the air from the outside first. Filtration is really a secondary consideration, not the primary one. Getting the house sealed up properly is the first and foremost process to go thru. Your indoor air quality IS the most important part of home comfort. Just think if you didn’t have all that dust to deal with every week. Make the call to Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be pleased you did.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small really turn it on today in spite of the liquid dumping that’s imminent and the anxiety most of us have about how much rain it’s going to be. For what it’s worth, there are a few comments relative to that soaking we’re getting you’ll certainly appreciate. From there the show takes off with discussion of the 40 years of experience Brower brings to the table. Do heat and/or cold influence your home heating and cooling systems differently? Maybe. You can find out more by listening.

The second segment in today’s show is significant in that you’ll hear from a customer who has gone thru a deep energy upgrade that kept the home warm in an actual power failure. They converted from gas to electricity but even before that, the first step was to be sure the attic and ductwork were properly sealed. This is the most significant part of any energy upgrade as it confirms the home is ready and optimized. This is the right way to go to get things done properly. Even your utility company will verify this fact. Check it out on their website!

Our third segment will shed light on the most simple process you can follow to get your energy upgrades completed. No credit check, no hassle. A nearly immediate response that will give you all the details of what you can expect and how they could impact your utility expense to your favor. It is certainly worth the investigation to check into Ygrene options to finance your project. Just visit www.ygrene.com and you’ll find what your options are.

Finally, a very detailed discussion takes place on the benefits of SMUD options and rebates to make electricity work to your advantage when you consider the cost of SMUD rates. It’s very efficient and may well be the answer to help you save more, month after month. And while different, the rebate values are now stabilizing with the utility companies. PGE is no different either. There are solutions to minimize utility expense and you’ll know where to go to get the answers you’re bound to have. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. Many of your questions can be answered right there. And do your best to stay dry!

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Well, both your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, fess up on their Valentines memory. And hop right back into the show to bring you information that is going to save you money. Listen up to learn how you can get a simple set of steps to help you make better decisions on your home’s energy systems. Frequent listeners to the show can probably answer the very first step. Begin to build a plan. Have a plan. Just plan! And you can get started with that plan by starting with a free clipboard audit of your home. Did I say “FREE”! You bet. It gets you started on that plan.

You may frequently have heard of “Cool Tools” that are used for home energy assessments. What are they? What do they do? How do they work? That’s the topic carrying most of segment and it’s pretty exciting to understand. Testing is everything as it relates back to something that can be measured. If you can measure it, then you know what the likelihood of improvement is going to be. And the tools are just the beginning. They’re the start of what allows the team to get to building out the plan and how it’s going to benefit you on your energy expense and home health.

There’s a lot of energy noise in the community as it relates to PG&E right now. Bill calls much of it “Fake Utility News”. The acronym is anything but F.U.N. He’s probably right. But get the straight story here. Listen to how Duane explains it all. And how it can be really important that you understand it.

Hear next how you can save money on a payment you were going to make anyway. If you’re a PG&E customer, things are very different. You can get your house to be more valuable, net even on your home energy expense and get upgrades that are cleaner operating resulting in a healthier home. All for the same money you’re already spending. It’s a pretty simple math equation and If math is not your thing, let the guys from Brower come out and help you see how that math works. You can create stability in your payments. You can budget. You can be more comfortable and rest better knowing there will be no surprises.

Closing this Presidential show takes us into an energizing conversation. Electrifying actually. Literally. No Congressional act necessary. The concerns about rate increases are motivating people to take action to evaluate their utility expense knowing things are likely going to change. Solar systems may only have a 26% tax credit vs 30% today. Utility expenses may go up. Rebates may go away. Nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen. Make the most of it. Act! Like the gentleman who Duane talks about in this segment. He finally made the decision after deciding against it. Find out why when you listen. And then call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. Many of your questions can be answered right there.

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Your hosts immediately get into reflection of a seminar they recently attended that was focused on home energy upgrades, solar and home energy efficiency. What took place and what occurred will surprise you. Both Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small stay laser focused on those things you can do to improve the energy consumption of your home’s systems.

Today’s second segment moves the discussion into battery backup and how it can impact your home in the event of blackout, power failures or intentional shutdowns. This is a big concern for many of you in PG&E territory. It can even supplement power to your home if solar is inclusive as it will power the home while power is out and extend the length of time you can run on your own system. This is a great option for anyone concerned about the utility service to their home. It’s all customizable to your particular interest and budget. It’s worth the exploration if you think these are an option for you. You can find “Ways to pay and save on Home Energy” and the “Home heating and cooling Cheat Sheet” on www.gosmallsolar.com. Just click and get. Simple. You’ve effectively asked the expert!

What do any, likely all, utilities say about the “right” steps to maximize your home before going solar? View it on the site itself or simply visit your own utility to see how they address the opportunity to add solar. Or NOT! You may not even need solar to meet your objectives. The case study of a 2300 SF home with 36 solar panels is a great example. Compare that to a Brower energy optimized home with only 13 panels to accomplish the same objective. 23 panels difference. That alone is a $23000 difference! Could there be an opportunity to upgrade many of the home’s energy systems for the same or less cost? The net result would most often be the same or better. This should be a no-brainer.

Lastly, what is it about all this “electrification” any way? Depending on your utility, home performance could really be something you want to look deeper into. Like changing from gas to electricity with your cooktop, your water heater, your furnace. What really makes it impactful is the availability of rebates that you won’t know exist until you look into it and have your home assessed. Many of the projects Brower does are returning $10,000 in rebates alone. Don’t waste any more time thinking about it. These rebates don’t last forever. Now is a good time to act. Call Brower Mechanical today @ 916-765-9021 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com. There’s so much there for you to work with.

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OK, so the big game is today. Just imagine having to have everyone wear sweaters. That might be awkward. So… is you’re home as comfortable as it can be? Are you concerned about the bill because you’re going to need to run the heat higher so it’s comfortable for guests? If that’s the case, this is the show for you. Listen up and learn as your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address many of the opportunities you have to get your home where you want it to be on the comfort scale. Don’t get yourself caught in the fourth quarter with the clock ticking and running out of time to save money on your utility bills.

If you’re a show regular, you’ll hear us repeat the content from the websites of the major utilities demonstrating that the best way to upgrade your home is to first eliminate the energy waste. That’s reducing before producing in our minds. It’s also doing it “right”. On another note, moving into a new home always has its’ challenges but you can minimize some of the big ones with Brower stepping in to help. Find out more about what that means in today’s show.

If you have a situation like the caller in today’s show, you need to know what to do. A hot hallway and cold bedroom are not the most preferred means to comfort. This is where you’ll find there are ways to help alleviate this type of situation. If it’s something you’re experiencing in your home, you’ll want to learn some of the steps that can be taken as remedy.

The final segment in today’s show really wraps it all up. The use of cool tools to best identify the “whys”. Why do I have dust bunnies all over the place?” “Why do I have black lines on my carpet?” “Why does my house feel so drafty?” And on and on and on. Of course the next logical line that comes “how can I fix …(insert the problem here)”. That’s the explanation you’ll get from a discussion on cool tools. If you’re considering an HVAC contractor, be sure you’re getting the most sophisticated evaluation for your issues or concerns. It’s worth the time to consider the best company for your project. You’re spending a great deal of money to do what it is you want to do so be sure the result is what you expect and the contractor you choose is capable of doing what it is you want done. Check it all out on-line. Grab a takeaway document when you visit www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll get some great information you can use. Or you can call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808.

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The crazy rebates continue as part of today’s discussion and the savings are something you’re going to want to hear. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small look into some of the newer technology that may save you money and cost you less as a result of the rebates provided. Like a hybrid water heater that use existing heat to warm the water, the summertime heat from the garage. The stories are really quite amazing. The discussion gets to an interesting topic of “fire” in your home. Think about it. If you have gas for your furnace, water heater or stove, there’s fire in your house, isn’t there?

Be sure to catch the example of a small solar system case study that really drives home the value of reducing before producing and getting the least number of panels on the roof. This also saves you a great deal of money when you consider each solar panel cost is $1000 average per panel. Reduced consumption means less panels. Less panels means less expense. Improve the energy systems in your home and reduce the number of panels necessary on the roof and save money on your utility as you go!

Listen to today’s guest, Derek of YGRENE, speaking on the value of the program and how the loan values are established. There are no credit checks and the quick and easy process takes less than one hour. You can make the decision to get your energy upgrades right then and there and know immediately how much you should be able to reduce your monthly utility bill by, as well as what the investment will need to be. Do that math against your current utility expense and know that it may be well worth it to get that equipment and those upgrades now. Especially when you consider the rebates that are currently available and the simplicity with which Brower make it happen for you.

Having the ability to sell and service allows Brower to assess the best situation for the circumstance with possibly newer or better technology. You may not have to spend as much or you may be able to save more by just taking a look at the situation and putting a plan together. Very few HVAC folk will go this route. It’s the first discussion you’ll have with Brower. There are many ways to look at getting things taken care of. Be sure to take the time to explore your options. You need a company that can facilitate the discussion of “best” ways to go and help you along the way. That company, of course, Brower Mechanical. Call them today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be glad you did.

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Today’s show starts with just a little boast. PG&E congratulated Brower Mechanical for being the #1 contractor in the service area for the greatest average reduction of energy consumption amongst their customers that do energy upgrades when compared to all the others doing the same. In other words, when you add up all the companies doing home energy upgrades, the average of the Brower customers saved more than the average savings of any other contractor providing home energy upgrades to reduce their expense. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small take off from there. How about talking about home communities being built today that do NOT have any gas hookups? Electric cooking, heating and even drying your clothes will soon become the norm. Just to hear the new things coming is a kick during this show. That’s the definition of hi-tech!

In today’s second segment, you’ll be shocked to hear the case study evaluation results after going thru the proper process with Brower to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency. It’s amazing what was done and how the decisions were made not to mention the pleasure of knowing it was the right decision to make.

The caller in today’s show may seem like just an appointment but it’s that simplicity that is worth pointing out. Those little points of differentiation are what separate great companies from the others. A smell is a critical reason to make a call when it enters your home and you’ll hear the reason to explore the good, the bad and the musty.

Finally, what really is indoor air quality? Is it based on dust? Does your family have allergies? How often are you changing out your air filter? Do you frequently get colds? All these elements could be the result of something originating in your home and they can be tracked with the appropriate tools. There’s so much to the proper process of energy upgrades to your living environment that just guessing your way thru it all is not going to get you the best result. Do it right, do less solar, consume less energy... Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Hey, show me the show room! Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small open the show today with a great description of what you can find in the showroom. Why is that important? Because you’ll see things you wouldn’t be able or choose to see in your own home. Like a life-size attic example of what goes wrong and how it gets fixed. Or a real life example of what might be going on with your furnace. There’s also a special greeting to welcome Brower Mechanical into their 40th year. 40 years! Wow. That’s a lot of experience, growth and understanding to help with your home energy issues. Literally, they can fix anything you can come up with. From the most mundane to the most complicated, try to stump them.

One thing we know for sure if you’re listening to the show is it’s possible you’ve got a place in your home that acts like the performance of the stock market. Whether it’s your thermostat adjusting or your utility bill that’s all over the place, wouldn’t you just love to get your home energy system and billing stabilized? You can pretty much be sure the return on your current energy investment is about as disappointing as your recent stock returns. There’s a great story coming in this segment about hi-return on investment options when you do solar right.

If you can get your car’s operational systems assessed with a plug into it, why can’t you get your home assessed the same way? Well, you can! With the technology called “Cool Tools”, Brower Mechanical can assess all the elements in your home to determine how, why and where your home is leaking. It’s incredibly important to know to make an intelligent decision on what you do to both improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy expense. And in doing so, which steps you can take to get the greatest ROI on your home energy investment. You know why you get those black lines on your lite carpeting in certain areas? You will after listening to this segment. It’s just another complete show on home energy improvement upgrades that you don’t want to miss. For more information, call Brower Mechanical for details of anything you heard on the show. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Wow! It’s already 2019. With the whirlwind of incredible technological advances in home energy and interconnectivity to help manage all your creature comforts and peace of mind that took place in 2018, you can only imagine what’s in store for the new year! Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start immediately on the course of technology to help lower expense and put you in a more comfortable and healthy living environment. And there’s more! With the advent of interconnectivity systems, you’ll hear how some of that is actually translating into home security as well. The “Nest” devices are a great example. Thermostats, doorbell cameras, internal video and all from your mobile device or phone. It’s absolutely mind boggling to think this has all taken place in just a couple of years. You can get it all in a simple video by visiting the www.gosmallsolar.com. That will get you started.

Now, heading deeper into the discussion, know you have options whenever whatever happens to your system for home comfort. Everything can be fixed and the results could be surprising. And since nearly 50% of homeowners’ believe they have an energy efficient home, it’s well worth the investment in time to explore the opportunity to see what your options could be. Maybe it’s worth repairing a failing unit to buy time to get you where you want to be. Maybe you’re better off not fixing but replacing with more current technology. Think for a minute about using your energy expense as an investment tool. What if you actually reduced expense and gained value? This is an excellent story on a case study for best usage of your home energy expense converted to a positive return. A great ROI (return on investment). Do the math by comparison to your portfolio investment in this crazy stock market we’re seeing today. The opportunity cost is tremendous and only getting better! An investment in your home energy system may actually yield a greater return than your investments in your retirement account. And the best part...when you do these types of upgrades, you’ll get a formal document to show the value that the real estate market has to take into account when appraising your home, thus raising the value of your home too! It’s really a win win situation for everyone.

So you’ve come down to actually making a decision for energy upgrades and solar. Hear a great case study to give yourself some benchmarks to consider, evaluate and get the most return out of the investment. As we opened with technology changes, we close with technology opportunities. Well worth the listen to learn what electrical options exist that are more efficient than anything you’re using today. Learn what electrification really means. How heat pumps are in your future and how you can get a solid return regardless of how long you’ll be staying in the home. It’s all right here on the Brower Home Power Hour today. Call Brower Mechanical for details of anything you heard on the show. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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"Today's show is an encore presentation of the Brower Home Power Hour. Please enjoy. To all of you from all of us at Brower Mechanical, have a safe and Happy New Year. Our 2019 resolution is to share more home energy upgrades, reduce your energy expenses and get you into a healthier, more comfortable living environment in the new year."

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Oh boy have your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small got a show for you today. The title almost sounds a little like a scolding. But the reality is that many people go out and try to solarize their home before getting the home energy efficient, thus minimizing the amount of solar you actually need. By doing so, you’re certain to add too much solar and not get the best result either! That’s the one guarantee you can be sure of in that case and at $1000 per panel, that’s likely not the best way to go. You can see so much by simply visiting www.gosmallsolar.com that it may even prompt you into the Brower Showroom to see firsthand what the guys are always talking about when it’s time to make the move to energy efficiency. See what a real attic situation looks before and after energy upgrades. Learn why there’s a good reason to get your job permitted when you’re changing out your HVAC.

Do you know what your “true” energy monthly expense really is? Most folk just assume it’s the electricity consumption but it also needs to include the gas to determine an average monthly bill. When you do that math, you may find you’re actually a great candidate for upgrades that not only produce results but that actually yield you something in return. That same average spend for the utility commodity could just as well be converted to a spend for new equipment that helps lower your bills, increase your home’s value and gives you a better living environment as well! That’s a win/win for sure! And the net expense could be the same or less! If you’re going to spend the money anyway, you may as well get something to show for it, don’t you agree? It’s up to you. Spend the money with nothing to show for it, or let Brower Mechanical help you learn how to get something for that investment that’s tangible, lowers your long term utility bill to something predictable and gets the job you want done as well. You’ll hear Duane discuss a great case study on a 3000 square foot home that went thru this exact process. The outcome is incredible.

Today there’s also a guest on the show from Ygrene home energy financing. That’s all they do and it’s built with no credit check, no long process to get an answer and no back and forth. As part of the PACE program, the decision to finance your program can be made as you’re going thru the report from you home energy contractor. No FICO or credit checks necessary. What’s special is that Brower Mechanical, now nearly 40 years in business, was one of the first contractors to embrace the Ygrene opportunity to help finance your energy upgrades. You’ll want to hear what they can offer if you’re in the process of beginning a home energy upgrade.

Finally, Duane and Bill leave you with a vivid and helpful discussion on the inefficiencies of pool pumps and the values of the newer variable speed pumps. From energy to noise to cleaning capability, if you have a pool, you need to hear this segment.

With the holidays just around the corner, you could be planning to save into next year so that purchasing your gifts could be literally “free” if you’ve saved on energy expenses. That’s a gift unto itself! To find out how to make all this happen, give Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808 or visit on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. It’s worth the time to look.

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OK, hopefully, you’ve got all your holiday shopping complete but you can be sure that there are two guys you’re listening to that have some work to do. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get after ways you can help pay for those holiday gifts by reducing your expense. Yes, really! Start in the right place with the ability to control your home’s energy usage. Step one: possibly Nest thermostats. Learn the advantages on line. Brower is one of only 4 Nest elite dealers in the market. Find out why and how they earned the ability to do so. Hear about the technology explosion in HVAC. Exciting stuff you may want learn about, especially if you’re in the market for improvements.

Find out how to get the most out of your home’s energy upgrades by reinvesting in your home vs spend, spend, spend. Get greater value for your home, save money, get a healthier, more comfortable and yes, even quieter home by doing the process correctly. Take it from the experts, there’s definitely a “right” way to getting this done correctly and where else to hear it that way than right here?

This time of year presents opportunities that don’t always exist. There’s even a special holiday bonus in this show and it will save you money. Especially if you have SMUD as your primary source of energy. They’ve lowered their rates if you were to consume energy at the right times. It’s really worth exploring if you’re currently in the market for new energy efficient ways to heat and cool your home. The benefits could make the decision a real no-brainer. It’s worth getting the video to learn what it is you can do. Just go to www.gosmallsolar.com and type in “Leverage SMUD”. You’ll hear that, in many cases, heating bills shifted from gas can be cut in half. That’s right. Your bill would be reduced by 50%. Why not reinvest it into something for your home for the new year? SMUD is willing to help with huge rebates when you further electrify your home. The rebates are truly incredible and now is the time to take advantage of them before they go away. For more information, be sure to visit: www.gosmallsolar.com or call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808. There’s never been a better time to do so.

From all of us at Brower Mechanical, have a very Merry Christmas holiday with family and friends!!!

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How does nearly $4M in home performance energy savings sound? That’s the value of the tax credits and rebates that Brower Mechanical has seen customers save since they began their reducing before producing programs. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share how you’re able to get what it is YOU want in your home energy consumption, savings and efforts to improve the quality of your in-home comfort and efficiency. That’s a lot of money over a little period of time and it can be something you can do right away.

If you’re a regular listener to the show, you also know there’s a showroom for everyone to get into to see what the opportunities are that exist but there are also videos to save you the trip. Check them out on line and remember they serve to fourget. Yes, that’s spelled correctly. Four gets:

1) Get a plan 2) Get an energy upgrade 3) Get small solar 4) Get the right financing

There are videos to walk you thru the process. Simply and easily. Right from the comfort of your home living room.

The guys continue an in depth discussion on geo-thermal options to save you big on taxes as well as energy bills. Learn what that all means as it’s really quite the interesting. (And get’s you a 30% tax credit too!) Find out what the options are that you have at your disposal. Find out what small solar really means when you consume less electricity. At $1000 per solar panel, do you want to load up with excess solar panels or have a healthier, more efficient home with less panels?

Here’s something to give consideration to. If you’re in the SMUD service area, you may not even need solar. The new “time of use” pricing is so efficient, you could save enough to get enough energy reduction and the rebates to make solar a secondary consideration. How about that!

The conversation continues on to insulation and ducting. They may not be glamorous but it’s a true nuts and bolts process that gets you the biggest bang for your buck in the long run. This is the result in most of the home energy analysis. You’ll learn why this is one of the best opportunities to save yourself the most. And there’s even more to this segment that you’ve got to hear to understand. It’s a huge discussion with a great deal of value.

Closing the show, the case study given is one that most people can relate to. The home energy assessment done on this house is an eye opener with $13,000 in rebates to cover nearly half the entire project. Done properly, you too can reduce your utility bill with payments for the service less than what you started with and have all the new equipment giving you a healthier, more efficient home. What better way to go to head into the holidays! Give Brower Mechanical a call today at 916-624-0808. On line at ... www.gosmallsolar.com. Find the energy to start saving energy!

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We finally got our rain, a little chill and It’s beginning to feel a lot like well... Christmas. That’s not lost on your hosts Duane Knickerbocker or Bill Small as they get into the spirit of giving by giving great information on how you can save enough to make Christmas spending a joy to the world going forward! Now, with that chill you’ve been experiencing, here’s to hoping your home energy system is doing all that you expect of it! Warm, cozy and comfortable nights during the season.

As the show must go on, you’ll get an earful of discussion about energy independence. What the heck is it anyway? Hear how that’s a subjective outcome and some of the expectations Duane has had to deal with. If it’s all about simply getting some stability in your home energy expense, then you’re in luck as that’s where the conversation goes with a fabulous case study of how one homeowner was helped to meet his needs of a flat bill all year long with no spikes or large variances. Yes, when planned properly, you can have your heating and A/C bills be about the same equalizing your energy expense over the course of the year. How about that for a comforting outcome!

Duane also explains the detail behind the four gets. Yes, intentionally labeled, there are “four gets” that make up nearly every home energy plan. I’ll not spoil it for you. Just listen in for your “gets”.

Is there value in routine service or maintenance? Well, listen to the conversation from a caller that helps explain why you might want to consider a regular and routine service agreement. Some of the reasons may be quite obvious but others not so much.

Closing out the conversation, find out what it is that the new home builders are up to and what you can do to improve on what’s affectionately called “builder grade” systems and home energy products. This might be a bit surprising given all the noise/news about home energy. That’s quite a bit of content for just a li’l ol’ show leading up to the holidays. You had better give Brower Mechanical a call or email before the year is out. There may be incentives, rebates or other opportunities you don’t want to miss to help make your home healthier, more comfortable less expensive to operate. Call the folks at Brower today at 916-624-0808 or visit them on-line at www. gosmallsolar.com.

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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!

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It’s no joke. The smoke from the fires is serious. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address the issue and what you should do to minimize the smell in the home. If you can smell smoke, it’s coming in from somewhere on the outside. Know what that means? Something is allowing outside air in. Hear what it is when your hosts get into the conversation. You might be surprised...

The discussion shifts to another time sensitive matter and that’s solar for the home. In order to get the tax credit, it’s time to act if you want the deduction in 2018. The system has to be installed to get the credit and that means the timing is important. If you don’t act soon, you’ll miss the window to get things in time for the deduction in 2018. The interest in electricity has changed in so many of our applications that there are considerations that would never have been possible only 5 years ago. Find out why a happy customer gave his description of the outcome of electric heat as “womblike” comfort. Not that’s a big statement. And just another reason to make the move to get something started if you’re going to try to get the tax credit this year.

Having a guest in the studio is always a pleasure and when that guest is giving you information on how to save money and help you pay for it with attractive options, it’s just all that much better. Even better yet, this is not a credit based program but an equity based opportunity that helps homeowners reduce their energy consumption from electricity, gas, even water usage. Why would you not take advantage of the program? It’s possible that the cost of the program could be offset by the savings on energy expense. Isn’t that the objective?

Finally, are you a pie peeker? We know it’s Thanksgiving. We know the food is incredible, smells great and we all want to taste and sample. But if you’re trying to minimize the waste of energy, don’t want to over-heat the house, don’t peek on the pie in the oven! Just had to get that out there. I know you’re still going to do it. C’mon. That browned buttery criss-crossed crust on the top of the apple pie is so fun to see in its’ glory. Or the lightly golden orange of the pumpkin as it thickens in the crust while the oven does its’ thing. Oh the aroma, the smell of fresh baked apple or pumpkin pie. Yum. So, once you’re done stuffing yourself, give the guys at Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808 or on-line

Lastly, be sure to give Thanks for all you have and remember those who have lost so much in the fires up north. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Today’s show opens with your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small sharing the reality of where California is going to be in the very near future and the impact/effect on you personally. What does Senate Bill 100 mean? Is it even a possibility? Can the entire state get to a carbon free footprint in less than 30 years? That means no more combustion engines. No more gas lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc etc... Hmmm. That means no more landscapers with the edgers screaming away at 7am either! From there you’ll learn what a small weekly investment with Brower’s programs could yield vs the other programs that are so prevalent right now coming to your home in the mail. Doesn’t seem like there are only three companies that always seem to have last years models on clearance?

Hear about the challenges and opportunities a customer had with their home in Rocklin. It was a unique roofing issue that re quired a specific application. Solar wouldn’t allow them to reach the objectives they had. After an energy audit, they were able to come to a conclusion that got them the result they were looking for... for less than the anticipated investment. There are many ways to lower your energy consumption that result in the requirement for less solar panels, saving $1000 per panel not used as the result and that turns into lower utility bills.

If you’re a whole house fan, fan, you’ll appreciate the discussion in today’s third segment. There are ways to take advantage of the opportunities with whole house fans that lower that utility bill in the most efficient way. Then there are mini-splits. How can they better serve what it is you’re trying to accomplish? Yes, they’re great for “spot” cooling or heating but may be able to do more than just a small room. It’s all in today’s program. And when it’s time to act (What are you waiting for anyway!) call Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Oh boy. Yes, it’s true you could be unhappy with your solar purchase once you make additional energy upgrades in the future. How much could that have cost you? Listen up as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get into the common mistakes people make when going solar. It all starts with the utility company and their process for pricing your energy. Did you know there are “tiers” for consumption? Yes, they may bring you to tears but in a nutshell, the more you use the more you pay in PG&E territory. Up to double the starting cost!!! For SMUD it’s a little better but still priced according to time of use. Naturally, when you want it the most, it’s most expensive. Don’t buy solar until you’ve checked out the process on your utility’s web page. Then get the 9 steps to reducing your energy consumption before producing energy through solar. They’re available on the website below. You may find solar isn’t the option that’s best for you. Simple math is one solar panel per every 150SF of home. If that’s not the case for you, then get a plan together. Do a clipboard audit. Or even a full energy audit before you spend the dollars to minimize those crazy utility bills. Getting a healthier, more comfortable and more affordable home to operated is really quite simple Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Well, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small chill out a bit as they enjoy the cooler temps. That also leads to a lively discussion on how you can benefit in more ways than just using the AC a little less. Now really is a great time to get both the heater and the AC unit revitalized while there’s a bit of a cooling down. Then it’s only one trip, one visit to be there for and you’re set for the next heat wave and the coming cooler seasons. Doing it all right is the equivalent, as Bill puts it, of driving a gas guzzling vehicle to LA or a gas sipping vehicle. Which do you think is going to cost you less? And costing you less, of course, is what the show is all about. Hear the example of a home in Sacramento that went from estimates of 30+ solar panels while the home was an energy guzzler to how only 16 panels were needed once it became an energy sipper! Now that’s a huge swing. You’ll also hear about AC unit relocation opportunities and how your “anyway” money might be better spent on a longer-term investment. If you’re going to spend it on a utility bill, might it be better spent as an investment in solar or home energy upgrades? You’re going spend it anyway, right? Find out how far your “anyway” money can get you today and learn the most efficient way to save money on your energy expense. Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Oh boy. Today’s show gets a little forward thinking by identifying ways that energy companies can monitor your activity for the benefit of your wallet. Information is power and in this case that power is literal! It’s your power bill, your energy bill. Knowing how you’re using energy gives you the information you need to save money. And that’s what the utility companies are hoping to accomplish with 3rd party monitoring. They’ll even pay YOU to participate! The end result is you save money and in learning how to do so, you even get paid. That’s a great deal. Good for all.

Knowing the relationship to solar panels and the size of your home, you can really save money on solar and invest it in other options to help you save both money and have a more comfortable living environment. “Just right” solar is the way to go once you’ve gone through the reduce before you produce process.

It’s one thing to save a bunch of dough but what if you also got rebates as a result? How do you know what you’re entitled to? You’ll hear the answers in today’s show.

Thermostats can range from complex to the most basic and simple. Guess what? When your house is sealed tight and operating right, do you really need all the gizmos? Is there a simpler way? Of course there is. You don’t have to have the latest greatest operating systems if your home is truly efficient. A simple on off temperature thermostat could suffice and still keep your home running right. If all you’re doing is setting and forgetting, that’s perfectly fine.

Did you know you can actually get a guarantee for your homes’ energy consumption and outcome on a monthly basis? New or existing homes, older homes, can be brought up to the most efficient levels and can rival new construction. You can be as comfortable in your existing home as the newest homes being built today. There is a way and it starts by making a call.... Reach out to Brower Mechanical. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be glad you did.

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OK, first things first. The Brower Home Power Hour is now into the fourth year of broadcasting and is the longest currently running home energy show on the station. That’s very exciting. The reason a show would last that long is because it works for the listeners in providing them with quality content. Today’s show is no different. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get right into it to share ways to get your home into a more efficient operating system.

The first example of a real home situation demonstrates how “solar only” solutions tend to be an overload of panels and waste of money invested. Learn how getting the house “right” first, can reduce the investment in solar panels. Typical process is one panel per 100SF of home. When the home is energy efficient, that matrix changes to one panel per 181sf! You can choose to spend the extra dollars on black panels on your roof or you can take those savings and have them applied to a more comfortable living environment, less panels on the roof and all the benefits of a more efficient home. It’s your choice.

Thermostat, Freon, what’s the issue? Oh, so many more things can impact your systems’ operation. Hear from a frustrated homeowner looking for relief and the next necessary steps when Duane explains what’s happening with challenged A/C systems.

When is one type of electricity different than the other? In other words, does SMUD deliver better electricity than PG&E? NO! The only difference in the product is the pricing. Ironically, the more you buy, the more you pay. There is no discount for volume, for example with PG&E electricity. But the more you use, the higher your cost per kilowatt. If that isn’t a good enough reason to get the house more energy efficient then I have no idea what would constitute making a change.

If you’re looking for a most efficient way to save money on your energy expense, call Brower Mechanical today. Now is the time to begin saving on utility bills. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small celebrate a couple of milestones with today’s show. First, the Brower Home Power Hour celebrates 3 years running on KFBK and is now the longest running home energy show on the station. There’s a reason the show has continued to serve the community for this long and part of it is that Brower is also turning 40! 40 years of taking care of your in-home comfort, convenience and health. There’s so much in the show that you’ll learn on any given week and todays’ show does not disappoint.

Are you one of the people who has a marathon AC unit? One that runs and runs and runs as if it’s doing 100 miler? It doesn’t have to. Many times, it’s not the units’ fault that it’s running so much. It’s your house that’s leaking and allowing heat in and cool air out. Yes, that’s a problem. Fix it and save big money. How? Well that’s where you need to listen up. All of your questions are likely going to be answered by listening to the show.

You’re also going to hear a remarkable call in todays’ show that is quite incredible. This is a testament to what you can expect when you deal with Brower. And to help close the show, you can expect a solution by “The Home Energy Pro” as he does a little comfort counseling on how to make it work, short of a divorce! Getting the house right is always going to be a lot cheaper. Heck, save a marriage, cool your home with this simple solution. If you’re too hot, your bills are too expensive and your AC is running too long to get the house comfortable, give Brower Mechanical a call. Now is the time. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be glad you did.

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What’s all this consternation about your energy/utility company calling for voluntary or even mandatory flex alerts? What the heck is a flex alert anyway? It’s surely not pumping your home up for a bodybuilding contest! Find out more when your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss ways to be able to better support your utility’s concerns and help you lower those utility bills when the high heat hits.

Knocking down your utility bills requires looking at the true cost of the project. Consider the rebates, consider the general expense and then be sure to deduct the savings so you can evaluate the true cost of the project. In every case, your net cost out of pocket should go down and if it isn’t, you may want to reconsider your plan. Evaluating the true cost is so much better a way to go then simply throwing solar on the roof. The options are changing so much faster than ever before that you need a professional to help you make the assessment to your best advantage.

So, you’re committed to the changes, to lower utility bills and a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable living environment. But does it help the value of your home now that you’ve made these investments? Absolutely! And now there’s even a mechanism for the appraisal of your home to include the value of your investment. This is really important. Now your energy efficient home is going to have a greater value than your neighbor down the street without energy upgrades. It’s all in today’s show for your benefit.

For details on your “TrueCost”, call Brower Mechanical today. Now is the time to begin saving on utility bills. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Listen to Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they walk you thru the significance of understanding your utility usage. And why it’s good to know they actually have a kilowatt geek at the showroom to help you plug into the proper socket of this home energy process. One of the more common questions popping up is what about the garage? It’s hot, it’s ruining things stored in the garage, melting grease all over the place and just can’t be good for all the things stored in there. Does the garage impact the house when it’s that hot inside? Of course it does! And while the house is the highest priority, there are ways to get that garage in the whole house energy plan. The clip board audit is a great place to start, move on to the garage and know what you can do as steps along the way. Having that plan together all the way around is really about as good as it gets especially if the garage is a part of that plan. It does matter and it can make a difference in the value of your home as well as the likelihood you’ll enjoy it more. If your home is right with energy efficiency, if you take advantage of the upgrades and rebates, if you do it with professional guidance then you’ve created value, raised the appraisal and put yourself in a position where you may not even have any interest in moving!

Find out how you can make it all work by calling Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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The happiest homeowners right now are those with the least expensive utility bills and most comfortable homes in the neighborhood. The most efficiently running home doesn’t have to be new either. In some cases, older homes that have gone thru the retrofitting process to maximize energy can even run less expensively than newer homes. Join your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small today to see what it is they’re talking about.

The big bills are on the way after the first month of high heat. Does that create friction in your house? By the way, friction creates heat so the less the better in the summer, especially when it’s with a spouse! Find out the steps that can be taken to get your house to function like a Yeti cooler. They take very little to ice to keep things cold for a long, long time. Imagine your home set up the same way. Very little AC to keep your home cool for a long, long time. Sealed tight, insulated right will get you into the ideal space where you can estimate 4.5 cents for every square foot of home you’re working to cool. Do that math and see if that’s the case for you. If not, keep listening. If it sounds too good to be true, check it out on-line with your utility company. They want you to make these changes to your home and they’re willing to help pay for it too. That’s how important it is. Really! You’ll learn how on the show. Plus, you can make your “anyway money” work for you with a return, not just spend it. Not sure what “anyway money” is? The answer is in the third segment of today’s program. You’ll hear real life examples of what people just like you can do and what steps they took to take advantage of their “anyway” money.

If you’re too hot, your bills are too expensive and your AC is running too long to get the house comfortable, give Brower Mechanical a call. Now is the time. 916-624-0808. On-Line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be glad you did.

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Don’t let a simple repair/replace project hold you up from investing in a complete energy upgrade. Why? Well, that’s what Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address in the show today. Does a home that gives you extraordinary comfort create value? Hear how the appraisal of your home with complete energy upgrades can be quantified and how that happens to show value. And this does not include solar! Could you get a bigger refi? Could you make that PMI go away? That alone might even offset the investment into the project of maximizing the efficiency of the house. Wow. How often does that happen? There’s so much in the show today to help you build out that energy plan. Do the comparisons year over year to identify the expense and the changes. Does a documented lower utility bill show value to the appraiser of a home’s value? YOU BET!

Once you’ve made the decision to move in the direction of maximizing your home’s efficiency, you have to explore the rebate options. $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or more! The process is handled by, you guessed it, your friends at Brower Mechanical. And, even the simplest of options, like a whole house fan, create value. You’ll hear a great testimonial on a referral with a solution that’s hard to believe. How often do you hear a manufacturer refer a vendor? How does the process unfold? It’s quite unique. Electrification of your home is where the industry is headed. The first steps start here. Call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start the show with an overview of what to expect as the summer heat hits. With the hot holiday just ahead, you’ll also likely appreciate nice showers and frosty beers. Well, that happens with multi-fuel (electricity and gas) but when it comes to options, do you really care about how your water gets heated or beer chilled? Probably not. However, when it comes to cooking with electricity, most prefer that gas burner. Now there truly are options to consider. Induction cooking is faster than gas and you can hear all about it in today’s show. There are very compelling reasons to explore the options. 5 that you can get from today’s show. It’s well worth the effort. Especially if you’re in the market for a new stove or cooktop.

We all love third party references and when the local TV station does a story on maximizing efficiencies in the home as the best first step to reducing utility bills, you have to pay attention. Visit the website to see the complete news story courtesy of KOVR-TV. It will change your perspective on the first and easiest step you can take to minimize your utility expense. As you’ve heard on the show so often, it all starts with the energy audit. And then, you’ll want to take full advantage of all the rebates you can get. How best to do that? Learn from the professionals. Give Brower Mechanical a call today. 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Well, you may not quite know what I’m talking about here but cool roofs are one of the options to make your home more energy efficient. Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small start the discussion of home energy efficiency by starting at the very top. And no, all cool roofs are not white! The show takes off from there. Solar, what’s right? How much do you need? Are you asking yourself these questions? Are you worried that you don’t really know what you need to know? Listen up before you do anything. There are many things to consider. Wouldn’t you also agree that your utility likely has a good suggestion on how best to proceed? Check it out at SMUD, PG&E or even Roseville Electric to get the low down on how best to move forward with home energy savings.

And if you’re considering solar, you have to listen to today’s show as there’s so much information on how to do solar right. Even national financial experts suggest home energy efficiency as the first step to take before solar. Lastly, so many options exist on how to take full advantage of the support that comes from different opportunities for your energy. You’re not going to ever pay off your utility company, however, if you do make the moves, you will pay off your utility expense at some point in time. It’s a loan that has a finite expense vs a utility company that as a recurring expense forever. To get more information and learn about how to do things right for your home energy expense reduction, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Join your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as todays conversation compares the way things have been in home utility for the past 40 years to where we’re headed. Has the technology kept up to the same degree that the automotive industry has? One look around at panels on roofs tells that story. A house with old solar looks pretty darn much the same as a new house with solar. But a Tesla by comparison to a car even 5 years old, well, that’s a different story and that’s the story today’s show tells.

The good news is looks aren’t everything. Smart Meters can tell a great story for your energy consumption and you hardly know they’re there. Your behavior in the home dictates the energy usage and each home is uniquely different. Again, while not visible, software is now tracking everything that consumes energy and has the ability to help homeowners adjust the way things are operated. Special software is now available to PG&E customers for free from Brower Mechanical. It’s a great first step to developing your home energy plan. Knowledge is everything and the more you know how energy is impacting your expense, the more likely you’ll be able to do something about it and bring your home into the 21st century. If you’re familiar with the show, you know about the Clip Board Audit. It’s a Brower original that gives you an overall analysis of your home to help you begin the process of identifying a home energy plan or update. If nothing else, you’ll learn how you’re consuming energy and what you can do to minimize consumption to save money. That’s definitely a step toward the future!

There are many ways to minimize your utility costs and if you’re uncertain about how all this energy detail works, you’ll learn by reaching out to those who know. Give Brower Mechanical a call today. 916-624-0808. On line www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Love your home, but hate your utility expense? Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small tackle the elements you need to explore to reduce that energy expense you so loathe. Solar alone, or even first is not the answer. So how do you do it right? “Reduce before you produce”. You’re hearing it a lot now. What’s that really mean? A good start is to talk to an educated professional. Not a salesperson. Somebody like you’ll find at the Brower Energy Exploratorium in Rocklin. This showroom has it all and demonstrations of the products at work as well.

But, if you can’t get to the showroom, start with a free clipboard audit ... why not? Wouldn’t you prefer the same with your home as you would your car? Of course you would! Start the process with an analysis and diagnosis. Then you’re on your way to a better solution.

Now that you have some information, understanding the diagnosis before you get a prescription is next. You do have the opportunity to get it right before you act. An efficient use of solar will yield about 150 to 170 SF of home per solar panel. Hear the real live case studies Duane shares on the savings vs the expense of two homes in similar neighborhoods. It’s astounding.

Reducing before producing does more than just save you money, it can actually earn you money. Use the clipboard audit as your guide. Upgrades can be done in steps. One at a time with the utilities supporting the process with rebates. Build confidence in your ability to afford the utility bills. Small A/C, small energy consumption means small solar options as well. For more on how you can save by investing properly, give Brower Mechanical a call today. 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Drop the fan, turn on the A/C and relax while you listen in comfort to your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share best practices on staying cool. Oh, I’ll bet you thought that headline meant “cool” like James Dean or “The Fonz”. We’re a home energy show, c’mon. This is about temperature, expense and comfort, of course.

You’ve heard it before. It all starts with a plan to get the house right by consuming less energy after taking the proper steps to get there. Solar is not an end all solution so never start there. Start with your utility website to see how big those rebates can be. How much you may be able to qualify for and what they suggest you do first. It’s the reason they give the big rebates anyway! (hint: they don’t recommend solar first...) You’ll learn why the utilities are so anxious to give money away on rebates as it really doesn’t make sense when you think about it at first. It will after you hear Duane explain it.

Hear how our case study home took advantage of nearly every rebate offered and with a solid plan, may well be looking at zero energy expense in the future. None. Not even for gas. It’s quite a story.

Our studio guest was a frustrated homeowner that was so pleased with the Brower experience that she called them in when her business needed rooftop commercial A/C replacements as well. Another great story told in first person! And lastly, if you’re being told you need a recharge for you’re A/C annually, be sure to get a second opinion. You’re likely being taken advantage of. Duane and Bill explain the simplicity of this tactic and the resolution for you in brief detail. Don’t let it happen again. For help in getting your home energy situation where it needs to be, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or visit them on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. And make more friends now that you’re the “coolest” on the block!

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The kickoff to summer is now officially here. Now what? Are you ready? If there’s a hint of doubt, then pay attention today as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss solar options and the value in knowledge and planning. It’s certainly not too late to act on your intent. The beginning to the end of the process is to start with a plan that gives you an assessment. From the simple and complimentary clip board audit to the full-blown Home Energy Assessment, you’ll learn where the issues are for your home and where you’re leaking valuable cool air. Stop that and save money. From there, you can make step-by-step decisions on how you want to proceed with making your home the efficient and comfortable environment of choice.

Reducing energy consumption before producing with solar is certainly a consideration. That, in conjunction with the many options you have for rebates give you the control on how best to take your next steps and Duane and Bill walk you through the process, steps and rebates available.

Thinking solar is the way to go? Know this simple fact as you gather more information. The #1 most efficient thing you can do is get the house right ...first. Then consider your solar options to save on how much solar you really need. SMUD and P,G&E have valuable details on their websites but to get all the information, including the 9 steps to making your home more energy efficient, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or visit them on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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There’s a real treat in this week’s show from a gentleman many of you will know from his voice on value. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small have a discussion with a well known guest today. Bob Hilton, the former voice of many game shows including “The Price is Right” and “Truth or Consequence”, lives in the Brower service area and was able to experience firsthand, what Brower is really all about. You’ll want to hear why he was willing to come on the show. And that’s just the beginning of things...

California has mandated solar or more efficiency on new homes by 2020. But what about older homes? That’s where Brower Mechanical comes in. You may find that “Reducing before Producing” gets you to the goal you’re looking for when you do it correctly. An average solar panel is roughly $1000. If you’re thinking solar, you’ll certainly want to be sure you’re using the least number of panels possible. Getting the house right first will save you that portion of the investment and in many cases, yield a less expensive overall result. Most people really have no idea the steps the energy companies are taking to help you reduce before you produce. Duane discusses the value, the rebates and the reasons to seriously consider the options you have at your fingertips. As always, you can reach out to Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808, on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Happy Mothers Day! And yes, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small were birthed by incredibly wonderful women. While they weren’t as sophisticated about reducing energy consumption they did produce some pretty talented offspring. How on earth do you raise two boys to get into home energy efficiency? Start with nature and let it go from there. That’s why the more you can do to Reduce before you Produce, you’ll be that much better off as nature does some of the work for you. In today’s show, whole house fans take a front seat. They rely on the natural ambient temperature and simply move it from the cooler outside to the warmer inside and voila, no A/C and a cooler home! Then, there’s the discussion with a caller that took place about her interest in how to heat and cool a ductless room. Now that’s a real conundrum. Or is it? Hear how the boys from Brower knew exactly what to do and how to make it the most efficient solution possible. The “fix” may surprise you. And do be aware, your utility pricing is going up. SMUD and PG&E will both have higher pricing this year during the heat of the summer. It’s going to be more important than ever to have your house in it’s best shape to keep the energy bills just the same as they were last year. With smaller solar doing more work, it’s all the rage now to be energy wise and efficient and downsizing your home’s energy footprint can begin as simply as with the Clip Board Audit from Brower Mechanical. It’s free and is the first step to identifying what steps to take to make your home the most efficient it can be, with or without solar. Then, and only then, should you begin the discussion about the proper steps to take to become the energy miser. The Clip Board Audit is a must if you’re serious about small solar and energy efficiency. And lastly, learn about the myriad of opportunities to have your expense reduced with the current rebates from SMUD and PG&E. You’ll be surprised at how willing they are to help you get your home to the maximum efficiency it can...before you consider solar. Then you can make that decision knowing you’ll be using the least number of panels as a result of the reduced energy consumption. At $1000 per panel average, I’m thinking Mom would be proud of the money you save. Call Brower Mechanical today to get your 9 energy saving tips and for your free Clip Board Audit. You’ll be glad you did. 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Well, if that isn’t a leading question full of interpretation! And it’s not because of Cinco de Mayo hangover either.... Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss a customer’s question about how much air can a bathroom exhaust fan pull from the living quarters. You might be surprised at the answer. And prior to that discussion, brace yourself for this summer cooling season. PG&E price hikes are in effect and this will be the first summer with the new tiered pricing. The more you use the more you’re going to pay. Likely a good idea to look at energy saving options sooner than later.

How about this? BOGO. Buy one, get others. OK, that’s a stretch to the familiar term but that’s what you get with a Brower Home energy assessment. You get not one but up to 5 others! Your home energy upgrade will get you a healthier environment, more comfortable, more efficient, less dust and less solar panels than if you had done nothing. Start with a Clip Board Audit and experience the value it represents. Then, go from there as you develop your home energy plan for the most efficient process to accomplish the goals you set.

As you know, each and every Brower Home Power Hour is loaded with information that you can use immediately to save you money on your home energy costs and this show is no exception. If you were thinking about getting your ducts cleaned, it’s a must listen as you may be wasting your money. One of the best things you can do to get your house right is know what it is you want to do. And one of the best ways to do that is to visit the Brower Mechanical Exploratorium in Rocklin. You’ll get to see everything as it relates to your home energy. Whole house fans, energy efficient pool pumps, attic sealing and more! Don’t wait to act, so something now. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small really get into the attic again. It’s such an important part of the home when it comes to energy efficiency and the easiest place to overlook, so... you can count on them hangin’ out there on a regular basis. Who else wants to go up there anyway? Well, now you can actually get a video on what your attic should look like before and after to maximize the efficiency in your energy plan. It’s the number one step to reducing before your producing with solar and if you don’t go solar, it’s still the leading way to cut your energy costs. The exclusive Brower Exploratorium would be another great stop along you energy reduction journey as you’ll get to see the systems talked about on the show in real life. And yes, that includes two attics. A leaky, inefficient one and a state of the art energy saving one. That alone makes it worth the trip! The conversation then shifts to ranking of solar companies in the market and Brower is 15th, happily! Considering they do home energy consultation and installation and not just solar, that’s a pretty amazing ran. The answer; they’re about saving you energy and not running your energy systems. Solar may not be right for you! Let the Brower team come in and help you identify the best way to reduce that monthly energy expense. They’ve tested thousands of home, before and after and they have a plethora of information and data that exemplifies the success of the process. And instead of offering just that one lump solution to your issues, Brower Mechanical actually goes beyond the competition and for roughly the same monthly expense for a new HVAC system, you would get that AND a tankless water heater ANd a whole house fan AND attic insulation. Now that’s a deal you’ll want to learn more about for sure. Give them a call at 916-628-0404 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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What? You think your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small don’t know Shakespeare? Well, whether they do or not the one thing they do know is home energy, comfort and health and that’s something you can count on. Since “brevity is the soul of wit” let’s get to this week’s show. Your hosts jump right into those mailers you so frequently get addressing how with just a low weekly payment, you can have all your homes issues taken care by just installing that new HVAC unit for about $35 per week. “All that glitters is not gold” and that solution is not the cure. The HVAC company behind that mailer is waiting with “bated breath” to get you to sign. Check out the interest rates, the term and the process. Duane and Bill will walk you through the details of these less than ideal remedies that steer you down the wrong path. They’ll also give you solutions for less money that get you more in terms of comfort, efficiency, health and savings! Don’t go running on a “wild goose chase” just to find what appears to be the fastest fix. Stop letting that utility bill “eat you out of house and home”. We all know what’s just around the corner. Hot. And a need for cool. Get your 9 ways to reduce your electricity bill by up to 30% when you visit www.gosmallsolar.com and request it. “To thine own self be true” means get going. Do something today. Don’t fear that thermostat. Set it and forget it. Let that A/C run and get out and have some fun. When you use Brower Mechanical to assess your home with a free Clip Board Audit, you’ll know exactly what to expect and what steps to take next for the best solution to reducing your energy consumption. Call 916-624-0808. And as Shakespeare would have said: “All’s well that ends well.”

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Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the differences of Whole House Fans of old and today. No more jet engine, flap rattling air movement droning with these new fans! As a matter of fact, you can even request a video of the fans in operation or see one for yourself at the Brower Exploratorium. It’s free, it’s fun and you’ll learn a ton! You’ll also hear the case study of excess solar on a smaller home and the unintended (and expensive) consequences. 45 panels on 2200SF is not a fix, it’s an expensive mask to a bigger problem. That’s what can happen when a solar only solution gets applied to a bigger energy upgrade need. It’s not pretty! In today’s final segment, you’ll also hear about the opportunities to heat your water with solar as well. Technology is moving quickly and this is a show that gives you some insight to what’s possible today, not tomorrow. Learn how to do what’s best for your energy plan, or even how to create a home energy plan by giving the folk at Brower Mechanical a call today. A short Clip Board Audit will get you started on your way. 916-624-0808 or visit on line to request your free video of Whole House Fans and more at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are going to guide you up the stairs to home energy efficiency to help cure many home ills. With the influence of Building Performance Industry standards, a trained and knowledgeable assessment team will perform a Clip Board Audit to help you take that first step to a more efficient and healthier home. Are you experiencing temperature variations in multiple rooms? Does your home present an extraordinary amount of dust on the furniture? Are your utility bills out of control in the summertime? There’s a cure for these ailments and it starts by reaching out to somebody who has seen it all before. And you don’t have to take our word for it. Hear what Rick has to say about his Whole House Fan experience and how a trip to the Brower showroom can really seal a deal for you. Allergies a problem? Then consider ways to get the house right by sealing it tight. You can even get a complete video on request by simply entering it in the subject line when you visit www.gosmallsolar.com. So listen up, take your six steps to a more efficient, comfortable and healthier home and when you’re ready to do something about it, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808. You’ll breathe easier knowing you did.

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Happy Easter! And in an oddity of sorts, it's also April fools day. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small have some good info in the show today that you can use as water cooler fodder. Like what percentage of people actually pull an April fool joke on somebody. You'll be surprised. After a little light hearted entry to the essence of the show, you'll learn about the value and savings you can realize from Dual fuel systems to heat and cool your home. Or how about the top three questions people ask about when it comes to home energy? I'll give you them: What kind of Air filters should I get? Why is my AC running all the time in the summer? Why is our energy bill so high? If you listen regularly to the show, you'll literally be able to answer each of those questions all by yourself. The guys have a little fun presenting the significance of sealing your house tightly to save on leaking air...coming in and going out. And here's an "about time" discussion you'll find today... How to be sure the appraised value for your home is given when you do a whole house value add. Especially if you’re selling your home! If you have a documented high performing home, Brower will give you a full report for the appraisal and the values it represents. Only one of 18 contractors in the country are capable of doing this sort of process to mandate the realtor uses this information for greater value. If that isn't just one more reason to give Brower Mechanical a call, I don't know what else it would take! Call 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Duct sealing, not ducks in your ceiling! Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, your show hosts, get into both the misunderstanding of what you hear, vs what was said, or what you think you heard, on today's show. Like the sentence about duct sealing. Sounds like ducks in the ceiling but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, it's about how much air you may be losing to leaky ducts. The expense is something to quack about for sure. Could you save? Yes, and you'll learn how by listening. Ducts tested can determine how much is leaking out and therefore how much energy can be saved. Then you know the gap to save on energy usage. You'll also learn how much solar a whole house fan can really save you. There are important questions to ask so you don’t overspend or miss the point of what it is you’re trying to accomplish. And yes, a whole house fan can also be your primary cooling device. That’s a huge savings! There's all that and more in today's show that gets you that much closer to taking the right steps, making the right moves to get your home as energy efficient as it can be. For more information, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Happy St. Patty's day! It's your lucky day too because your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are going to help you save some green. As in Benjamins. Real dough. Big money. Listen to today's stories to learn how you can reduce before you produce, get your home energy upgrade rebates and get your home right by starting with the all important clip board audit. You'll also hear about Duane's trip to the Consumer Electronics Show and the Connected or "Smart" home options available to you today. Did you know Google receives over 700 calls a month just from Sacramento from people wanting help with their smart home thermostats! That's a lot of people getting smarter houses and saving energy for sure. And that's what you'll learn more about when you listen to the show as well. For more information you can always call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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OK, so we took a little liberty with that headline. The spring ahead on your clock only means you're one hour closer to the summer's heat and if your home energy system isn't right, well, you're going to be uncomfortable very soon. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small engage in an interesting and valuable discussion about new opportunities on the "go small solar" web site in tandem with the Energy Exploratorium, Brower Mechanicals exclusive showroom. You can now request videos of the showroom to see what it's all about before you come in! It couldn't be more simple to learn about the steps to reduce before you produce and save thousands on your home energy upgrades. You'll hear anecdotal case studies, learn about why batteries in your smoke detectors seem to always fail in the middle of the night and what some of the best steps to take now to prepare for the summer heat should be. And to insure your level of confidence in what you'll hear on the show, you'll be directed to your utility company to verify that what you hear today is echoed by both SMUD and PG&E. Yes, even the utility companies want you to reduce before you produce and save thousands on your home energy improvements. Learn your options by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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There are times when the visual element benefits the investment process even if you're not going to be looking at that purchase on a regular basis. Listen to your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they give vivid descriptions and share where you can visit the full "Show and Tell" at the Brower Exploratorium...or showroom if you prefer. Only Brower Mechanical has a place where you can see HOW the energy savings work for your home. Whole house fans, pool pumps, attic insulation and solar panels converge in one space giving you a real look at the major investment you're about to make. This is not a sales pitch, and there's no push. It’s fun and you’ll learn a ton. Can't make it out to the showroom? Request a video on the website. Want a second opinion from a third party? How about visiting your Utility provider website? They all recommend the process of "Reduce before you Produce". That's the mantra of energy savings from Brower Mechanical. To get some of the best trained people in the business to help with your decision, simply visit Brower Mechanical at www.gosmallsolar.com. Or call 916-624-0808

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Like an Olympian, even the simplest processes require a plan and process. Do you have one for you home's energy efficiency? Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address the necessity of mapping things out for the best result. Simple things you may not even have considered. Like what type of attic insulation do you have? Have you had a remodel that may have poked holes in your ceiling, like swiss cheese? Those are all leaks into, not out of, your home. Surprised? If you knew of a company that was responsible for helping people plan for savings on utility bills, would you be interested in talking to them? What about over $3 million dollars in total rebates for their customers? Got your attention now? And that's not at all addressing the savings totals from reduced utility bills either! The single most important thing you can do for energy efficiency and utility savings starts in one space in the house and works it's way out from there. The start to your gold medal plan is waiting for your ears to listen and your body to act on hearing today's show. Save money and time when you call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit them on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. There's no time like the present to begin.

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Bet that headline gets your attention. First off, you don't want either in your home and secondly, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small actually address both in a great dialogue in today's show. And...there's a fix for one or both. Depending, of course, on what kind of ghosts you have. But there's more. So, you're probably remotely aware that air carries sound, so, think about what that means if you have air leaks all over your house! Yup. Noise. And how to solve both issues for a healthier living environment? Well, I would give away a good portion of the show if I told you. In addition to that, you'll also learn how solar really makes a difference in your home's value. The actual return you can get on your solar investment is directly related to the value and appraisal of your home when it comes time to sell. That is, provided it is an "owned" system and not a leased system. How do you know what the best way to go is when it comes to solar? Well, be sure to give a listen and then call or visit Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or www.gosmall solar.com

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OK, maybe you figured it out and knew right away that those are the names of the three big companies smart (or not so smart)assistants. Apple, Amazon and Google, respectively. But what has that got to do with what your show hosts are talking about today? Well, after Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get thru the real life case studies from customers attempting to do their own work and realizing that was the wrong thing to do, the last segment of the show deals with the significance of artificial intelligence and how it's changing household efficiency. Duane has some great stories from the Consumer Electronics Show and Bill knows just the inquisitive questions to ask! More importantly though, is what a very satisfied customer has to say about how attic insulation created a situation he couldn't believe. Yes, the house stayed warmer in winter and cooler in summer but beyond that, beyond the noticeable quiet, beyond the lower utility bills, wait until you hear what happened the first time he left the wood-burning stove on while they went shopping. Learn how you can experience similar results by doing things right by starting with the first call or digital inquiry. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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The big game is today and it’s sure to be an interesting one; just like the show your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small have planned. Four full quarters of energy savings information, efficiency and in home health and comfort. No fumbles here. You’ll score big savings when you listen in. Just like the big game requires planning, so should your process to assess your homes energy upgrades. Get the game plan going with the “Clip Board Audit” to identify who the players are going to be to lead you to a successful outcome. Winning in home energy, efficiency and comfort is as rewarding as your team winning the game. And the outcome lasts a whole lot longer too! Don’t fumble around or toss incompletions by trying to do things on your own. Let the professional coaches from Brower Mechanical start you on your training regimen to a winning season of energy efficiency and lower utility bills. You call the shots. Do a quarterback sneak or end around the rate increases from PG&E and SMUD. Win the game of utility expense and energy efficiency. Call Brower today at 916-624-0808 or online at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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The flu bug is something serious this year. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill small introduce you to some of the steps to take to prevent germs and allergens from invading your home and impacting you or your family’s health. Filtration is not the fix. It will help but be sure to listen to the guidance of Dr. Tom Hopkins as he walks you thru some of the precautions you can take to a healthier living environment. Yes, you know some: Eat right, sleep, cleanliness in the home and plenty of hand washing. Take some notes if you will, as the primary concern is your health and the ways a Brower home energy upgrade can impact your physical well being as well as the comfort of your living environment. You’ll also hear from a very satisfied homeowner who made the full energy upgrade, complete with small solar and full rebates from SMUD and PG&E. The story gets good when the evaluation of the differing proposals went from tens of thousands of dollars and 40+ solar panels to less than 30 panels and savings of tens of thousands of dollars. All because of the patience and the interest in doing it right and getting a complete home energy audit. As an added bonus, if you’re interested in getting a pamphlet on the steps for flu and allergy prevention, just give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or email us from the website, www.gosmallsolar.com. Stay healthy!

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New year's resolutions gone bad. That's what happens every year when it comes to making commitments and executing on the goal. Lose weight, exercise more, do this, do that. Yada, yada, yada. We all know. Listen as your host Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical and Bill Small address the "tomorrow" syndrome and hammer home why you don't want to wait unless you like being either really cold or uncomfortably hot. Local utility bills ARE going up. Period. So why pay more to get less? Guess what? If you wait for something to happen, it will! Take control of the situation and let the home energy pro's help you make a plan with a purpose. Be proactive. Give Brower Mechanical a call today and start the process with a free Clip Board Audit to get you started on your way to greater efficiency and lower utility bills. 916-624-080 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Oh boy, do they go off today. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small drill into the solar only sellers with demonstrating with data support, that failing to plan your home's energy upgrade is planning to fail...and fail big. Like thousands of extra dollars up front and an equal amount of money over time as well. Big house does not mean big solar and there are plenty of examples in the show about why. Did you know you can heat your home with solar? How about energy independence. Listen and you'll hear how one family whittled the energy cord down to a few fine strands. And the big story...don't be fooled by service scams. Learn how you can prevent being taken to the cleaners on scare tactic sales processes. The real life story could have been a $10,000 dollar mistake. Lastly, if you're not sure what "anyway money" is, you'll learn. It's all in the show today exclusively as a product from your friends at Brower Mechanical. For more information call 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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If your holiday lighting extravaganza left you with a utility bill hangover of Griswold proportions, your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are happy to share some options to get things back in check. You don't want to go through the year worrying about the rising SMUD and PGE rates and especially not when the summer rolls around. But now, more importantly than anything, is to be sure you've got all your ducks in a row to insure your best plans are executed. Is the house right? Is the attic sealed tight? Don't let the utilities take a bite. Does it all affect your sight? OK, OK enough. The humor is trite. In any event, case studies and suggestions to prepare for the season ahead are what you'll hear today as well as a return of our CHERP home energy buddy, ol' Jack Frost. And with a little bit of chill still to come, he's the right guy to share his experience with reducing consumption before producing that energy. Reduce before you produce, we say. As always, you'll get more out of the show than you could ever expect. And with that will come questions, so be sure to get them answered by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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It's the last weekend of the year and an opportunity for everyone to spend some time with friends and family, take a look at the year prior and the improvements to made for the year ahead and general time to simply take a deep breath before it starts over again. From your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, have a wonderfully happy new years holiday and here's to a healthy and prosperous 2018.

...and if home energy savings, efficiency and in-home comfort are on your resolutions list, you know who to call. Brower Mechanical @ 916-624-0808. On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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A show to remember! Or quickly forget. The highlight is the culmination of a years worth of discussions and home energy tips sung to the tune of the 12 days of Christmas by...you guessed it, your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small. While you'll be entertained and informed with the performance, there's still a lot more to make Santa ho-ho-ho in this holiday show. You'll want to listen up as the discussion of comfort is a huge topic of the conversation and who do you want to be most comfortable of all? He's just around the corner! Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and the best of times with friends and family. And if you're not that comfortable and cozy inside, you know who to call; Brower Mechanical, 916-624-0808, on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Listen in today as your two svelte co-hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the myriad of options one has to make regarding any of the home energy products. They can range from specifically colored insulation to a more contemporary solar panel. Surprisingly, looks DO matter for some homeowners when it comes to what goes on or into their homes. And when that is an item of demand, you can be sure the manufacturers come up with supply! Too often, however, you don't get the ability to see your energy efficiency improvement products in advance. You just assume they're good and go with it. Well, now you can see, touch, feel and hear how your products are going to be when they show up to your home. The Brower Mechanical Home Energy Exploratorium is a mini me of the average home shown with various types of products that you get to actually experience before you purchase. If you're one of the people for whom "looks matter", you're going to love the showroom...and make a better more educated choice when it comes to your home energy decisions as well. Check it out on-line @ www.gosmallsolar.com or call Brower Mechanical today at 916-64-0808.

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OK, it's an odd question in relationship to a home energy program but listen to find out how your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small navigate some of the issues the industry is plagued with. How many times have you "felt" that what you were being told, or worse yet, being sold just didn't feel right? It happens in every industry and HVAC/SOLAR is no different. Trust is the most significant element of the process to confirm your investment. That's why when Duane speaks of a guaranteed return, he expects to see it in writing. When you do an energy retrofit to reduce your bill, what's that really mean? A "promise" of lower utility bills is easy to make. Putting that promise in writing as a guarantee takes a lot more confidence and knowledge to be able to commit to it. And would a commitment from a startup company or a commitment from a 30 year old company mean more to you? Easy call. There's so much more to what you'll learn in today's show but to get the tools to earn the commitment, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Promise yourself you will!

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You turn the furnace on because there's finally a chill in the air and you're actually cold in the house. Then it comes, that burning stink pushing thru the heat ducts and in to your home. Ugh, that's awful! Don't worry, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small address what it is and why it's no big deal. And then, the conversation turns to the effects of these national disasters like hurricanes, floods and fires on your local utility. Yes, you are going to feel the impact in your pocketbook. Tune in to find out how and why and what you can do to minimize that impact with some very simple steps. The discussion then turns to how to best save on your home energy expense now that the year is coming to a close. The exclusive Clip Board Audit is the answer to begin the process of identifying your next step and the application of those findings to determine you greatest opportunity to both save and take advantage of rebates. Identifying what's best for you in your situation is the objective of every in-home analysis when you work with the professionals from Brower. For more information on how you can save on home energy call 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Join your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they move the hot air around in a fashion that helps you say, it feels just right. The hot air in your home, that is, not the production studio! Today’s show is about getting your home’s heating and energy consumption “just right” for you and your family. Clearly, every home, every person, has what they would deem to be the ideal temperature inside but so often, the home cannot provide that temperature in every room 100% of the time. Today’s show focuses on heating in the home with a discussion of the many options you have today to get it “just right”. Gas, electric, even hybrid systems now give you the control to do what is best under the circumstances. When things go wrong, so many companies will say you need to replace your HVAC system but the reality is that if your system is less than 15 years old, it’s likely a much less expensive repair vs a much more expensive replacement. It’s always good to get a second opinion when it comes to a situation of repair vs replace. In many cases, the replacement is not necessary and there’s still a good amount of time left with the existing equipment. This is the time of year these things really manifest themselves so don’t let it happen without a good deal of input on your end, give Brower Mechanical a call today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small waste no time getting into today's show as time is of the essence. Unwanted guests include rodents and bugs looking for a nicer place than the wet and cold exterior. Find out why Brower is your source to eliminate this problem as well as, everything home energy. Did you know you can actually turn your attic into "conditioned" space and use it as a storage opportunity, possibly eliminating the need for a storage unit? Duane and Bill talk about how this can be done, the benefits and the fact that your savings may even offset the investment in energy upgrades or solar! That's certainly worth listening for! You can expect a fact filled show with real case studies of homeowners experiencing the very same issues and concern you have for your home's energy. For more information, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the technology that is going into "smart homes" today that greatly reduce the energy consumption and improve the comfort of the home. From opportunities to eliminate the need for solar in some cases to leveraging other people's money for your projects (like the utilitiy's), it's a show full of ideas and options to improve the efficiency of you greatest asset. You'll also hear about some of the financial mechanisms you can take advantage of to make your energy reduction process affordable and reasonable. The discussion rambles into the new technology of heat pumps, water heater heat pumps and the dual fuel furnaces that would allow a home the choice of fuel to use given the pricing at a particular time. Gas or electric is going to be the discussion in the near future as both will rise in price. The question is which will rise faster and cost more? Learn from the pros and get that house of yours a degree in efficiency. For more information, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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So you got an extra hour of sleep today and you're fired up to listen to the show. Great! It's a good one. Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small bring you a plethora of valuable talking points as we head into the new season with rain and cold and wind. Consider also, that the solar opportunity for the Federal rebate in 2018 is just about over so act now if that's a consideration. And speaking of solar, consideration has to be given to the quality of the install as rain approaches. It's imperative to be certain your installation doesn't leave your roof looking like Swiss Cheese and feeling like a waterfall when it rains. It's happened. So be prepared after that first rainfall to double check in your attic to be sure you're roof is sealed properly from the solar installation. How to do that? Listen up! Today's show also addresses the values of the various financing plans when you go solar and the savings yield once you're home is energy independent. Find out why it's better than any return you'll get on your 401K. Seriously! Like any successful operation, planning and systems to maximize that plan mean everything. Do you have an energy plan for your home? Goals for your expectations of energy usage? Learn more about that process right here. It's all happening during the Brower Home Power Hour every week. For more information, call 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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It may be Halloween but that doesn't mean your home energy systems should have you scared to death. Listen today as your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small, dispel the myths of houses haunted by high energy and creatures in the attics that don't belong. Pardon the puns but it is Halloween and you should never be creeped out about the place you call home. Learn why less tricks and more treat is what you want if going solar is a consideration. Would you be spooked if you turned everything off in your home only to find that the electric meter was still running? How that could happen and does happen in most homes is covered in the ghastly discussion today. It's worth a whisper to share the story so tune in and enjoy! For more information on how you can prevent ghosts from haunting your energy service, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or reach out on line to www.gosmallsolar.com. They'll exorcise those demons right out of your place immediately!

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It's that time of year again when the weather begins to change, the chill is in the evening air, the leaves begin to turn to orange and yellow and brown hues and clearly , the season is about to change. Join Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they lead you into the reality of home energy in the autumn. You want to keep that chill on the outside and the comfort of 72 degrees on the inside permanently. Do you know how many windows on average would need to be open in the house to keep the fresh air moving through? You'll be surprised at the answer in todays show. You'll also hear from a caller who has had his HVAC for 24 years and needs some solutions to his concerns. Brower to the rescue of course! Duct leaks? Yup. They all do. So what do you do to remedy that situation? You'll get the answers and so much more about home energy and small solar when you listen to the show this week. Just in time with the falling temperatures is the timing for a complete revitalization of your home's HVAC as well. Call Brower Mechanical today at 816-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small know all too well from experience that too much can sometimes result in not enough. Take your HVAC for example. Just because your furnace is keeping the house warm, or your AC is keeping the house cool, having too much heating or cooling capacity could really be resulting in having not enough efficiency in the home. Some homes have had so many people repair or replace HVAC equipment that eventually, nobody really knows what's going on overall. That means it's really time to assess and evaluate your home's energy efficiency with a free clip board audit. Too many cooks in the kitchen usually results in a bad meal and the same can be said of too many techs in your home's heating and cooling systems. Consolidate! Just because you're going to be spending the money to heat or cool "anyway", doesn't mean you shouldn't put it to the most efficient work. What if you could replace aging home energy systems with no change in your overall monthly expense? You're going to spend that money "anyway", right? That's where the folk at Brower Mechanical come in. Make that monthly investment work harder for you and get you a positive result as opposed to just spending it "anyway". Call the team at Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or visit them online at www.gosmallsolar.com. You're likely on-line "anyway"...

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You've had it with the old place. Drafty, damp and cold and your energy bills are through the roof. So move why don't ya? DON'T! You really don't have to. Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share the steps you can take to make your home the comfortable, efficient oasis it should be. Thru simple analysis like a Clip Board Audit, you can get your home back on track to meet the energy expectations you have, not what others think it should be. It's sure to save you money that would certainly have gone into the expense of a move and you'll get to enjoy the home as it was meant to be enjoyed. From rebates and a variety of savings options, to the possibility of solar and even a healthier living environment, Brower Mechanical will take you thru the various options available to you to be sure you're accomplishing the objectives you set. Don't enter the autumn season expecting high gas bills. Rest assured knowing you have a partner on your side to help you do what you need to do and the knowledge of how to take advantage of all the rebates and reductions in expense to make the investment a worthwhile one. Why wait? Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Fall is upon us! Crisp mornings, beautiful days, and a chill in the air. It all means it's time to get your house in order for the change of seasons. No more A/C and into the heat. But even more importantly, is the consideration of solar. Don't wait until the last minute to act as you have to have your solar install complete to get the rebate in 2017. As a Brower Home Power Hour listener, you know the need to "reduce before you produce" your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small so aptly reinforce each week. The sting of those summer bills may be gone but don't make the mistake of waiting too long to act. Now is the time to put it all behind you, get the house ready and revitalized for the change of seasons (and changing thermostat!) and be sure to get your solar completed by years' end. Get it done right and get your choice of a new water heater, whole house fan or variable speed pool pump by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visiting them on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. But hurry! Time is running out.

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Oh boy. Now you're beginning to see that leaks don't always refer to something in a pipe! Listen in as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small reflect on some of the more significant issues that occur in a home to cause it to burn those energy dollars. (Hint: it starts in the attic.) In addition, you'll hear why you may want to visit the Brower Mechanical Showroom/Exploratorium. It's been the topic now of several shows as it's that important to understand what it is you're really going to have installed in your home. Most importantly though, as you'll hear, is the significance of what happens in the attic. And when you visit the showroom, yup, there's a demonstration before and after attic there for you to see. There's so much more to the process than just adding solar to your roof and you can vet what you'll hear on the show by simply visiting the website of your utility service. Check out what SMUD and P,G & E have to say about getting the house right before, yes, before you consider solar. It really is that important as you're talking about thousands of dollars back in your pocket. As always, the guys at Brower are the trusted resource and you'll hear that from a very satisfied customer call in. What a show. Don't miss it. Take notes. It's that good. For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You'll be glad you did.

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Going thru the process of reducing before producing and getting the house right before you do solar is a mainstay of both the show and your utility company. Don't take our word for it though, check it out for yourself. See what SMUD and P,G & E say about the proper process and steps to take before you go solar. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small really drill down on that process on today's show; All the way to actually suggesting you "experience" the equipment you may be using as you upgrade your home's energy system. That's right. Touch it, feel it, hear it run and do it's thing. There's nothing like the real deal and there's also nothing like being disappointed when you buy something that turns out to be different from what you expected. This is a big investment. Know what you're getting. Hear a whole house fan run. Listen and watch how the new variable speed pool pumps function. Touch and see the differences of various style solar panels. How? Visit the Brower Mechanical showroom/exploratorium. It's all part of helping you make a better decision on your investment and no, there are no salespeople there. Only home energy experts to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision to saving money on your utility bills. You wouldn't buy a new car without a test drive would you? For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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We're on fire. Literally. It's fire season and there are wildfires producing unhealthy breathing conditions across the state. Days on end of "Spare the Air" and don't go out after 3p if you can avoid it. But, what about the air in your home? Is it smokey too? The answer is yes...to some degree. Today's show really takes a look at how proper energy reduction in the home also cleans the air in the house as well. It becomes a healthier environment to live in as a result. How? Of course, that's what you'll listen to the show for as Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the options, but one key element is the attic. Look up at your ceiling. See all those can lights, speakers, sprinklers and vents? They all leak air into the house from the outside. So you smell smoke? Now you know why! Unless your home has received the energy upgrades talked about in the show, it's likely you're leaking outside air into your home. Yes, that includes the smoke and dust too. Asthma could also be aggravated even by staying inside. And those expensive air filters from the big box stores, forget it. They're not going to do what you need them to do until you seal the leaks up first. There are so many benefits to getting your house sealed tight and operating right when it comes to home energy consumption that it behooves you to give the guys at Brower Mechanical a call. They'll do a free clip board audit and get you started on your way to a healthier home that's less expensive to run. Call 916-624-0808 today or visit on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Enjoy the show!

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Listen today as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small discuss the value of efficiency in the operation of your home's energy systems. If you're thinking about solar, find out how you can actually use less panels and save money by having your home operating at peak efficiency. You can even get a built in reduction of energy consumption when you install solar with Brower as you'll have a choice of a variable speed pool pump, whole house fan or energy efficient water heater further reducing your need for solar panels! Solar is a misguided message from so many and the best way to evaluate the need for your situation is to really do a clip board audit or home energy assessment. And don't take our word for it. Check it out on your own utility websites. They clearly endorse reducing before producing. Get your home running at it's peak energy efficiency FIRST and then get your solar requirements put together. That's doing solar right and reducing the need for additional and expensive panels on your roof. Like your car, things need to be tuned up, running correctly and it needs to be done by professionals. Solar tax credit for 2017 is coming to an end so you have to act now if you want to get solar done in time. Don't put it off any longer. Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Yes, there really is a right way to do solar and if you need a third party to convince you, check out your utility website. It's likely you'll see it there as well. Both SMUD and P,G&E have it posted right there for all the world to see. So, you ask, why don't the big solar guys do it that way? Because that's all they do is solar, silly! Listen to your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they walk thru the critical path of doing solar the right way. Not just "a" way. True to the suggestion of the utility company's, you can be sure that starting with an assessment is absolutely going to get you on the right path to solar. You'll even hear how solar could possibly heat your home in the winter how to take full advantage of all the rebates you would have coming when you do it right. Remember if you reduce before you produce, you'll save thousands on solar panels! To find out more about the RIGHT WAY to do solar, give the small solar experts at Brower Mechanical a call. 916-624-0808 or visit them on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small got a bit creative with the show today in it's analogy to a healthy human. If your home is in need of triage, this is the show for you. From a healthy assessment of the vital signs to the need for surgical removal of the equipment robbing you of quality air for breathing, your home has as much heart as you do. Electricity is the life blood of any home and the more it wastes, the greater it's consumption. It becomes critical when the consumption is so excessive as to literally make you as sick as the house when you open that bill! The good news is there's a treatment for your ailing home and the first place to start is with the good home energy docs at Brower. Get that free clip board audit immediately before something bad happens. Check out your options at the Brower showroom before you decide on the proper procedures. Let Brower give you that second opinion on how to best solve your problems. It may not be what you've been told by those other quacks. Call Brower today at 916-624-0808 or visit them on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Congratulations! You can breathe easier now. It's going to be all right.

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Start out with this thought...How many times have you seen the house with so many solar panels on the roof you would think it was an industrial factory? Don't be that house! Listen to your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small to see how you can be sure you're not that house. Start with the Clip Board Audit. That alone could save you enough on solar panel reduction to buy a new car! It's that important to get the whole house right, not just doing solar. You'll hear from a customer who had several neighbors refer him to Brower. What better way to review that mortgage payment and be sure your utility bills aren't outpacing the mortgage? It's happening in many areas and there's a simple solution. Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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OK, so the headline got your attention. We sure hope so because when you maximize the efficiency of your home's energy systems, you minimize the number of solar panels you need on your roof...and each panel saves you roughly $1000 per. Don't take our word for it though. Visit Kenny in the showroom to find out how and why this happens by developing a plan first, before you make any decisions. See, touch and hear what new energy systems look and sound like to help you make a better more informed decision about this lifetime investment you're about to make. We've done the homework for you. Now all that's necessary is a free clip board audit to best ascertain the proper and most efficient way to go for your energy upgrades. And, we'll do all the homework for your specific situation to tell you what the energy upgrades mean in rebates from SMUD and PGE too! It's that simple. Reduce before you produce and learn the proper process by trusting Brower Mechical to do it. Reduce before you produce and it's a promise, you will same money on your solar investment next. Find out more today by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Start saving today!

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You've heard it before I'm sure but just in case: "If you're failing to plan, you're planning to fail". It's not new but it still rings true. Todays show really focuses on the value of that home energy plan to get you on the right track to the best home energy plan vs a solar only option. There are many other ways to go about reducing or eliminating your home energy electric bill besides just solar and the more you evaluate your options, the better your plan is going to be. Same result. You set that goal but your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small walk you through the best way to get the desired result today and to do it the most efficient way. You may not have all the money to accomplish the goal in one process, that's fine. You may find you may not even need solar yet. "How is that you ask?" With a free clipboard audio. The assessor performing that audit is not even capable of selling you anything so no need to worry about a strong sales pitch. Never happens that way with Brower Mechanical. However, you will get an upfront analysis and solution driven report that meets your goals along with an estimate of what it would take to make it happen. Don't do nothing and wish you had. Do something and be glad you did. For more information on how it all works, including setting an appointment, call Brower today. 916-624-0808. Or on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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OK, so your home isn't literally leaking vital fluids all over the place but it may be "leaking" all sorts of energy related expense and costing you a fortune with your utility. In today's show, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small help you identify ways to literally wrap a tourniquet around those leaks by properly identifying them. Especially since the utilities are eager to charge you when you need your service the most with new "Time of Use" pricing. Really. You'll learn more about solar assessments and how to get your home right before you make the solar choice that could save you tens of thousands of dollars if done properly. OK, how, you ask? Listen and learn how to start with a Brower Mechanical exclusive: the Clip Board Audit. One experience of those results and you'll know where you want to go. You'll surely understand "Reduce before you Produce" a whole lot better once you've gone through the exercise. It's all about saving money and getting started. Keep your blood pressure lower knowing your utility bill is predictable, as well as, keeping your home's lifeblood electricity flowing at a much slower and more managed rate. Beat the energy bills of high cooling expense by letting Brower Mechanical help. Call today, 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Gastronomic delights aside, your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small want to be sure your home is on a proper diet and not some gluttonous energy pig; Especially in the high temp zone the market is currently experiencing. How you go about proper portion size is what this show is all about. Right sizing your homes' mechanical devices like A/C and pool pumps is certainly one way to get started but why not let a professional do a complete assessment to be sure what you feed your home is in the best interest of both its' health and your expense? Great case studies are also discussed for you to hear it really does work. Like Goldilocks, there really is a "just right". More often than not, you'll even find a smaller portion of solar can be more efficient when the entire process has been done correctly from start to finish. We all know what happens with too much of a good thing, so explore the Brower concept of less is more and reduce before you produce by calling the professionals today. That's Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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OK, yeah, you've heard it all before. Solar saves you money. But really, how can it save you money when those 30 panels on your roof are going to cost you over $35K? Here's how. Listen to this show. Every week if you can but especially this one today. Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are all over it. Case studies, heating with electricity...water and home. Even cooking with electricity on the new high efficiency electric stoves. Did you know there are even dual fuel products out there to take advantage of the most efficient means at the time of use. You likely would not go out and get a bigger tank if your car was only getting 10 miles to the gallon. You might look at ways to get better mileage, like new tires or a tune up. Well, that's the whole principal application for "Reducing before Producing". Learn what that really means and how it applies to you today. Or for more information, you can always call Brower Mechanical and get the straight scoop on how best to accomplish your home energy objectives. They'll even help you come up with the right questions to ask... and then answer them for you too! Call today for your solar value. 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You'll be glad you did!

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If the recent heat wave held your house hostage and didn't really let you cool it down properly, today's show will address some of the reasons why and some of the solutions you have to make sure that doesn't happen again. Join Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical and Bill Small as they discuss how you can win the battle for energy Independence this holiday weekend. One of the first steps? Get the right size air conditioning unit for your home. And the big surprise here is that most likely, that means a smaller unit, not larger! Doesn't make sense does it? That's exactly why you have to listen. Find out why, and how that leads to what small solar really means as well. It's not about smaller solar panels but less of them done correctly. Peak efficiency is a term you'll know inherently after listening. Sleep better at night knowing you've got the most efficient elements in your homes' interior air management for a healthier, more comfortable and affordable living environment. For more information, call Brower today @ 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Special thanks to all those who continue to work to keep our country independent and protect us both at home and abroad securing our freedom.

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Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are humored every time this topic comes up as it is confusing and sounds even more confusing. It’s DUCTS, not DUCKS yet every time, there’s a question about what “ducks” have to do with home energy! Now that we’ve got that clarified, clean ducts may not have anything to do with energy savings. That’s right, you’ll hear all the pros and cons and why paying that money for duct cleaning could be one of the biggest wastes of money you can make in your homes interior air. You’ll also hear examples of what people got out of the duct cleaning experience. Clean ducks are one thing but duct cleaning is a totally different animal. Now that we have that behind us, you’ll also hear about the benefits of the Brower Mechanical free home energy seminars, the clip board audit that gives you the overview of what your home energy savings may be with an energy upgrade to more efficient operation and actual case studies from installations like you may be considering. Finally, while you may want to “duck” the need to do something, doing nothing is only going to cost you. Find out HOW you can actually make the necessary things happen to your home to be a short term and long term benefit across the board. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit them on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. It’s well worth your time.

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Take in today’s discussion on the Brower Home Power Hour as Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small banter the benefits of technology and what it can do for home energy consumption. (It’s huge!) There’s an app for this and an app for that when it comes to monitoring what’s going on in the house as well as options from your utility company as well. You’ll get an up- close glimpse into what’s coming soon and how the apps and monitoring can really benefit you on a daily basis. If solar is a consideration for your home, you’ll want to be sure to pay attention as what you know up front can save you tons on the back side of things when it comes to numbers of solar panels. Less really is more! Real case studies from homeowners in very similar situations help round out the stories of success in managing home energy properly for the most efficient result; a more affordable, comfortable and healthier home living environment. And, you’ll learn what options you have for financing the projects you choose from a variety of sources. In most cases, the cost of the project financed is less than the current energy expenditure! Why would you not take advantage of it immediately??? For more information on what you can do to make your home the best it can be, give Brower Mechanical a call today…916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com. The savings are worth the time!

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Listen closely as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small take you on a guided tour of home energy options as we enter the season of required cooling. For most, this is the expensive part of the year but yes, you could be one of the lucky homeowners dancing to the music from the movie “The Big Chill” when you hear what’s in store for you this show. You may have “Heard it through the Grapevine” that there was a bargain to be had if you live in PGE territory. If you’re one of the fortunate homeowners to act on the information you’ll hear today about your home’s energy efficiency, you could be belting out “Joy to the World” from your rooftop. No more “Tracks of my tears” for you when it comes to paying that summer utility bill. Your neighbors will be saying they “Ain’t too proud to beg” to get the information you’ll have to share with what you’ve learned by listening today. Think about it, lower summer utility bills and the expense of the Aqua Chill outside unit covered by the utility company that you’ll be sending less money to in the months and years ahead. That will certain earn ya some “Good lovin” from the family. “I second that emotion!”. For more information from your home energy experts focused on the affordability, comfort and health in your home, be sure to call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Paying off your utility company sounds interesting doesn’t it? Your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small get into a great discussion today that really demonstrates how you can pay off your utility company vs simply paying your utility company every month. The discussion includes home energy efficiencies identified through a simple and free Clip Board Audit to take you to the next level and one step closer to no longer paying, but paying off your utility company. How cool would that be? This is not a load the roof with solar but really, quite the opposite. How can you minimize the amount of solar by getting the home properly equipped for energy efficiency? That’s what makes the difference and will allow you to literally pay yourself down to no power bill, if that’s your objective. A home energy plan is the first place to start to identify if it makes sense for you to pay off that utility company and end up with a healthier, more comfortable and affordable living environment. Plus, you’ll hear how you can get your choice of attic insulation, a new water heater or a whole house fan with a solar installation. For more information on how to pay off your utility company, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line www.gosmallsolar.com. You’ll be glad you did!

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The answer to today’s headline is …absolutely YES! Listen as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small guide you thru the attic maze of opportunity to get your home to be a more efficient consumer of energy. Seal it tight to get it right. That may give you a bit of a clue to the nature of the biggest step you can take in energy management for your home. But, there’s much more to it than just sealing. Why is it costing you a fortune anyway? Hmmm. Does a whole house fan do more today than just drowning out the dinner conversation? You bet! And it helps with those issues in the attic. Only for the right people though. There are lots of things to consider in the process of your home energy plan. Get help. Get a free Clip Board Audit to kick the process off and begin the journey of identifying and planning your energy consumption future. It’s in your control and it really does start from above. Yes, take that as you wish. High energy bills are something everyone prays for to go away! Brower Mechanical can help. 916-624-0808 or on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Health, Comfort and Affordability are the buzzwords for the future when it comes to home energy and they also happen to be the specialty of your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small. This is exactly what the Brower Home Power Hour is all about and solar is the biggest item in the discussion more often than not. Knowing how to do solar right however, is the key and that’s the tenet of todays’ show. Hear from our non-profit resource, Jack Frost of the California Home Energy retrofit Project, about free seminars to help you learn the most about your home energy situation and steps you can take to maximize rebates and increase the efficiency of your home’s energy systems. Your energy bill should be as comfortable as a good fitting suit, not one that makes you feel like you’re wearing something dated, too big or too small or simply not comfortable. Your energy bill should look like a compliment to your good planning each month. Just the compliments you get when you look “mahvelous” as Billy Crystal would say! Don’t be fooled by other companies that parade salesmen in masquerade to assess your home energy systems. Visit a trusted source to make your home energy efficiency look as good as you would trust a great tailor to your looking good. Really. It is that important. Do the homework it takes to have a lifetime of affordable comfort and health. It’s something you’ll never regret as the benefits outweigh the liabilities. Brower Mechanical is the master tailor of home energy efficiency sewing the most efficient and affordable fabrics of technology together for the energy plan that suits you best. Call them today at 916-624-0808. On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Join your hosts Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker to learn why you're better off doing something to reduce your home energy costs versus doing nothing and suffering a consequence of higher bills and less efficiency. Now is the time to act to do something to help move your energy expense downward and improve your living environment upward. Things as simple as heating your water and lighting your home make a difference in energy consumption. You'll also hear about options for your energy education via webinar, seminar or simply a "Clip Board Audit", courtesy of Brower Mechanical. It's the quickest way to a home energy audit. You may even want the tactile experience of seeing, touching and hearing how the energy saving items for your home actually operate by visiting the Energy Exploratorium in Rocklin. It's free, it's fun and you'll learn a ton! For more information call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Join your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they share the newest incentive for those of you in PGE utility areas regarding cooling your home. Aqua Chill is an energy efficient cooling system being offered FREE to qualifying homeowners. Learn what it's all about, what you need to qualify and what it will mean to your utility expense. There's nothing better than FREE!. You'll also learn how a FREE "Clip Board Audit" can help you identify the next best steps to take in reducing you energy bill, what the utility companies are willing to rebate and how to make the choice that's most efficient first. Finally, enjoy the short discussion on our energy grid, arguably originated by Nikola Tesla and some fun facts on electricity. As always, you'll learn why energy efficiency is the requisite move before considering solar. For more details call 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Big may not be better when it comes to your homes energy needs. Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dig deep into the recesses of your house to demonstrate the value and process of downsizing your home's energy needs and consequently, expense. This show demonstrates the why and how you can reduce consumption, maximize the rebates to minimize the cost and end up with a more comfortable, affordable and healthier home. Get your solar right by starting with a Brower Mechanical free in-home clip board audit. You'll be sure to be on the right track to reducing before you produce to get the best investment in your solar process! Call Brower today at 916-624-0808. On-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Listen today as your hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small take the "hunt" out of the best solar options and lead you to the basket of treats on this Holiday show. The sweet reward of reducing before producing can only be realized with a little homework and understanding your best options. There's no substitute for hands on interaction and the Brower Home Energy Exploratorium does just that. In addition to an entertaining and helpful discussion about the showroom specifics, you'll learn what options you have besides hardware to make a great decision on your solar evaluation process. Rebates, values and efficiencies plus a hands on seminar round out the show. For more details, call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or visit on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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If you're new to the show, then what you're about to hear is going to be extremely enlightening. If you're a regular to the show, then your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small are going to reiterate the options you have as you navigate the waters of solar opportunity to reduce your overall energy expense. You'll learn ways to minimize the amount of solar you'll need and ways to take advantage of the tax benefits, the rebates and the overall energy savings. The biggest take away, however, will be getting a plan and a clip board audit completed before you do anything. This road map to energy savings gives you specific objectives and goals and provides you the solutions necessary to make your home energy efficient (reducing) before you install solar (producing). This way, you've minimized your solar investment and capitalized on your total home energy system. There's so much more to doing solar right than just doing solar. Your perspective will most likely change after listening and you can assure yourself the decision you make will be a more informed decision going forward. For more information, call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Suffer from allergies? This is proving to be one of the worst years on record for allergies as a result of the recent rains and the subsequent growth of ... well, everything that needs water to grow! Listen up as Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical and co-host Bill Small talk about how you can improve your home's interior air quality to make it more allergy resistant and easier to live within. You'll also hear from our favorite Doc, Dr. Thomas Hopkins, from the medical perspective on the steps you can take to make living with allergies in your home more comfortable. You can even reach out to request our Outline of the 5 steps to take now to minimize the allergens in your home. If you suffer from allergies, if you're sneezing' and wheezin' don't wait. Call or visit the website to get the steps. They're free and they'll help you breathe a little easier in your own home. Quit suffering and improve the interior air in your home, reduce the energy consumption and make everything that much more comfortable. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or request your 5 steps on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Earn your home energy degree by listening to today's show. It's all about being educated properly when it comes to doing solar right. You'll hear from hosts Duane Knickerbocker from Brower Mechanical and Bill Small what it takes to be sure you're not putting too much solar on your roof, now or for the future. That would be an expensive proposition. But if you could upgrade your home's energy systems and still have a similar or even lower cost in doing so AND add solar for less than the solar only solution, wouldn't that make much more sense? "Solar only" does nothing to improve the in-home air quality or change the dynamics of erratic heating and cooling in your home. Or impact the inefficiencies of an older pool pump or attic insulation. The real long term solution is a whole house proposition that leaves you with so much more than just a lower energy bill. Now doesn't that sound like a much better way to approach the issue? Listen and learn from somebody who has done hundreds of these programs. You'll have a much better understanding of what your options are and how best to utilize that hard earned money for the investment. For more information, call 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Flip the switch, brace yourself as the louvers flap around and begin to shake like a baby's rattle. The fan begins turning slowly at first, then faster and faster and you hear the low hum turn into the full blown sound of a propeller spinning on a winged aircraft. Finally, your hair begins to blow back as the outside air is pulled in thru the open windows and any other opening the fan can suck air through and then, ahhhh. Cooler air is entering the house and circulating thru it like the inside of a jet engine. Whoosh! OK, a bit dramatic but my how these whole house fans have changed. If you're in the market for a whole house fan, sit down, take notes and listen up. Today's show goes into the good the bad, the pros, the cons why and why not to consider a whole house fan as an option. There are a myriad of reasons to support the installation as well as an equal number of reasons it may not be right for you. And that's the difference between an HVAC contractor and a HOME SCIENCE contractor. Listening to what you're hoping to accomplish, knowing the products, and then being able to recommend what's best for your budget, your comfort and your health. After all, it's about affordability, comfort and health when it comes to the place you spend most of your time. Call Brower Mechanical today to find out whether or not that whole house fan makes sense for you. 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com (To see the new technology in whole house fans, check out the showroom in Lincoln.)

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Join your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small as they discuss the "how to's" of becoming energy independent. Keep in mind that it all starts with an Energy Plan with your goals and objectives in mind. You may find that total independence isn't the best option. But that's what the show is all about. Making it work and work right for you and your individual situation. You'll learn the significance of revitalization for your systems and how you can add years of life to your home energy systems with regular maintenance. Finally, learn the myriad of options you have to help complete the work when it comes to the financial side of things. You'll want to pay particular attention to the discussion of rebates and the significance of having a complete home energy audit done to insure you get the maximum the rebates have to offer. And of course, right about now you're wondering how can I get more information to be sure I'm doing it all correctly on my way to energy independence, right? Simply call Brower Mechanical today at 916-824-1530 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Join your hosts Bill Small and the blue-eyed energy guy, Duane Knickerbocker, as they work to teach and educate you on a variety of important and necessary facts when making decisions that impact your home energy needs. When does it make sense to consider a smaller air conditioning system? Do you really need THAT many solar panels to accomplish your objectives. Is your furnace running at optimal efficiency? When was the last time you checked the insulation in your attic or crawlspace? Really, there should be insulation under the floor if you’re on a raised foundation. You’ll also hear about ways to minimize those thermostat wars in your home when it’s just a little too hot or too cold for one or the other residents. Hey, this one could save a marriage! Jack Frost also joins the show to give an update on the California Home Energy Retrofit Project or CHERP. And finally, to complete your IQ exam, you’ll learn of some pretty interesting rebates and even free items you can get from SMUD if you purchase an EV. Now that’s the way to boost your Energy IQ for sure! And of course, if all else fails, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-824-1530 or visit them on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Home energy is home science and the more you know about the "how" of keeping your home comfortable, the better decisions you can make on home energy upgrades that could include a new furnace, insulation or even solar. Hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small engage in some simple solutions to get you headed down the right path from the beginning. It all starts with measurement to assess what's really going on in your home and what it is you want to see happen. The clip board audit or full blown energy audit are the answer. Worried about the increasing costs of natural gas bloating your heating bill? That's an issue you can address immediately with one simple call to Brower Mechanical. Want to better understand what's really going to happen with an attic sealing? Check it out in person at the Brower Home Energy Exploratorium. Learn your options and experience the demonstration of what many of the elements in your home today are doing that impact your comfort and expense. Insulation to solar and everything in between, you'll find a solution to your in-home comfort by calling 916-824-1530. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Think about that title for a minute. Energy increases are like hidden taxes... you can't deduct them, you can't control them, yet you have to be able to heat and cool your home, right? That means you have to pay them! Wherever you may live in the country, it's inevitable you'll see energy prices increase at some point in time in the near future. Listen today as your hosts, Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small share a plethora of opportunities you can take advantage of to minimize the impact of any energy cost increases by getting your home properly set up for maximum energy efficiency. The benefit is not only a smaller utility bill but a more affordable, comfortable and healthy living environment. Add to that a special guest (Robert Bendorf) with the HERO program to finance any of the improvements you would like to make and you're on your way to lower expenses and smaller solar if that's an option you're interested in. Learn all about home performance and how you can actually see, touch, hear and feel what the latest in energy efficient elements for your home actually operate like at the Brower Home Energy Exploratorium. So much information, so much education, you'll find yourself wanting to take notes! For more information, call 916-8245-1530 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Seriously, it is Abe Lincolns birthday today. And one of his character traits was honesty, hence the nickname, Honest Abe. How honest do you think many of the vendors out there are when they're in your home and working on your home energy systems? Unfortunately, honesty has become a valued trait in business today as a result of the many bad characters out there just trying to sell you something. Like Abe, that's not the case with Brower Mechanical. And like Abe, at Brower, education is paramount. Whether it be on-line webinars, CHERP evening meetings or in home education, it's all about learning what's going to be best for YOU. Every values in home comfort differently and that's why you'll get more questions before answers when working with a representative from Brower. Know your energy triangle of Healthy-Comfortable-Affordable. Not sure what that means, well listen up then! All that and more are in today's Brower Home Power Hour. For more information, you can also call 916-824-1295 or visit the website www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Yes, it is Superbowl Sunday and one of the benefits of blogging for the show after it airs is that the outcome of the game is also confirmed so congrats to all you Patriots fans! Nicely done. For most of us it was an entertaining, exciting and exhilarating game. Unless of course your home was so uncomfortable you couldn't enjoy yourself. Too hot, too cold, too stuffy with all the guests? That's an opportunity for home science to remedy and nobody is better at it than Duane Knickerbocker. Listen to hear how your home may be scarfing down the appetizers and the main course with overconsumption of energy and inefficient operation. Find out what the energy pie is all about when Duane and Bill describe the appropriate slices and sizes for a healthy share. Revisit the values of a clip board audit and how to reduce before you produce when considering solar. A great game follows a great show. The difference between the two is that everyone tuning into the Brower Home Power Hour leaves, a winner. Not so much one of the teams and fans of the SuperBowl! For more details on how you can maximize the efficiency of your home, call 916-824-1295 today. Or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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OK, you've been listening to the show regularly and you hear about all the great home energy upgrades you can make, Reduce before you Produce to save on solar panels, seal your attic to minimize the dust and create a more efficient air flow. Improve the the air in your home creating a more comfortable living environment, a healthier living environment for sure. And then, you may even be a candidate for solar once you've laid out your home energy plan. Seems simple. And it is when you're working with Brower BUT, now you have to pay for it. How? Well, listen as Duane and Bill speak with their guest Robert Bendorf from the HERO program, your Home Energy Renovation Opportunity. You'll love how easy and simple it is to get your projects financed with no need for credit apps or proof of income. This is a show where notes aren't a bad idea! Who would have thought you would get all that in less than an hour? For more details, call 916-824-1295. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker take you on an incredible energy exploration in this show starting out with the success of the first Energy Exploratorium for your home's utility efficiency. How you get to that space of a truly healthier and more energy efficient home is the core essence of the show and this is one not to miss. The discussion then leads to the free webinar and the next CHERP seminar in Rocklin which is just around the corner. Jack Frost, the regional director of CHERP gives a great explanation why there's value in attending the free seminar to learn what to ask, what to look for and how to get the most out of the rebates available for solar and home energy upgrades. And there's more. Something you'll never encounter with a Brower representative. The SIM. And no, I'm not talking about that little card that goes into your phone. This is the HVAC representative that other companies send out who is nothing more than a Salesman In Masquerade. SIM. The guy who can marginally identify an issue or problem but has only one solution to the repair. Buy a new one! These guys are commissioned sales reps that don't have your best interest in mind. Don't be fooled. Get the real deal. Get Brower to look at your home energy systems maintenance. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-417-2569 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Clip Board Audit. It's exactly what you think when you apply it to your homes' energy usage. How do you know what you're working to improve, reduce, eliminate with regard to your home energy bills if you don't have a baseline? The Clip Board Audit does just that and when Brower Mechanical completes the audit, you'll have a foundation of what it is you can accomplish along with the recommendations to make your home living environment more comfortable, more temperature stability room to room and do it for a reduced consumption of energy. All this adds up to a lower utility bill! AND you can accomplish most of the energy upgrades recommended at little to no out of pocket expense when you take advantage of the rebates available and special financing. Duane and Bill have an excellent discussion on financing options including the HERO program which is one of the most respected and utilized program for energy upgrades. So if you want to save vs spend, reduce energy consumption before producing energy, live in a more comfortable home environment vs just cheaper energy bills, and get it all done for less than simply throwing a bunch of solar panels on the roof, this is the show for you! For more information, call Duane directly at 916-417-2569. Really. He'll personally get back to you to help with your questions. Or visit Brower Mechanical on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. You'll be glad you did.

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An Energy Exploratorium? How cool is that? You can actually dig in and really up your awareness and knowledge of what it takes to properly address your home's energy systems, usage and efficiencies to create the healthiest living environment for you and your family. Only Brower Mechanical provides the opportunity to educate and inform on the tools and processes necessary to get your home to it's most efficient state through the use of the proper tools to help you decide on your best solar options, your best investment options and your most efficient options. Doesn't it make sense to reduce your energy costs BEFORE you invest in solar? Listen closely as Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker describe, in detail, what you can find at the Energy Exploratorium, how best to go about getting an audit and how you can use the HERO programs to finance your energy upgrades, including solar, and get the greatest rebates by doing it all correctly. It's only Brower Mechanical that can get this all together for you under one roof, one point of contact one simple and easy to understand report. Call Duane today... yes really, it's his cell phone, 916-824-1295 or visit on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Happy New Year! So the holidays are now over and everyone looks forward to a fresh start. Even your hosts, Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker have made a significant change in moving the radio show from Talk 650 KSTE to the much larger audience of NewsRadio 1530 KFBK. (Every Sunday at 10a, right after Farmer Fred) It's the beginning of a great new year full of opportunities to do things differently, better. You can be sure the show addresses many of those items as the discussion heads into the air in our homes and how to be sure it's the best living environment possible. Fresher, cleaner air is not only healthier in the long run, it also creates value for your home and in many cases, turns out to be more efficient in the way your home operates. As always, you'll hear examples of homes that have gone through energy upgrades and the results of their investments. To learn more about what an energy audit could mean for your in-home comfort, give Brower Mechanical a call at 916-624-0808 or on-line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year in 2017!

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First and foremost, we hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday with friends and family. Today's show dedicates an entire segment to the upper most portion of your home where the beginning of all things energy related really takes place and that's your roof. Enjoy the interview with a roofing professional as hosts Duane Knickerbocker and Bill Small dig into all the nooks, crannys and valleys of roofing. Not to mention, if that big ol' guy in the red suit doesn't see a suitably strong roof, well... I would surely want to be certain he had every opportunity to get gifts down my chimney! In addition to the value of roofing to home energy, you'll also hear how the new year brings new options for financing your home energy project and what to expect on the solar front. More efficiency, changing rebates and exciting opportunities to get your home's energy under control and giving you feedback you need to keep those utility bills as low as possible. For more information on the most up to date information on your home energy options, give yourself a holiday gift that keeps on giving back. Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or on line at "www.gosmallsolar.com". It would be one of the best gifts you'll ever receive!

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Bet you never knew you could actually touch and feel energy and energy savings. Well now you can when you visit the Brower Mechanical showroom in Rocklin. See what solar panels look like close up and experience what makes a panel different. Here how quiet "Whisper Fans" are for your restrooms. Whole house fans, or course you can see how they function and run. Variable speed pool pumps, furnaces and AC units, they're all there. And then, of course, your hosts, Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker dive into the why's and how's of home energy efficiency and how to pay for those improvements that pay for themselves over time. For more information, be sure to call 916-624-0808 or visit on line ..."gosmallsolar.com".

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That’s right! Did you know there are many ways you can upgrade your home energy system and over a given period of time, the entire cost of the improvements can be offset by tax incentives and energy cost savings? And in many cases, the entire financing for the project won’t even require a credit report on your part. Your hosts, Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker tackle the explanation of how there are many ways to accomplish the objectives of getting your indoor air quality to meet the expectations you have. Comfort is relative but the process to get you there is similar in most cases. This is a must listen show if you’re intent on getting started on improving your home’s value and the consistency of your indoor air quality. To see in person what many of the options you’ll hear about really look like and how they function, you can now see them in person. The Brower Home Power showroom is now open in Rocklin at 2995 South Whitney. It’s worth the visit as you’ll see how these energy efficient systems actually operate, hear how quiet the new whole house fans are, what a variable speed pool pump runs like and so much more. For more information call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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What a show this week! Your hosts, Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker know it out of the park with an interview about the impact of windows on home energy efficiency, cleaner air in your living environment and less noise from a variety of sources that you can remedy. Now if that isn't home comfort... The best part of all this? You can actually see it all in action. Live and in person! The Brower Mechanical Home Energy showroom is now open. Get a glimpse into your attic to see what sealing it tight really means. Listen to a whole house fan running and see it operate. See the advantages of new windows right there. Solar panels? You bet. A variety of types to look at, touch and feel. The best part of it all is there's somebody there to walk you through the showroom, answer questions and give suggestions. No pressure, no selling. Just your own home energy docent. Check it out at 2995 South Whitney, Rocklin CA 95677. Find out more by calling 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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Is your home gobbling up your money by stuffing itself full of wasted energy? If so, this is the show to listen to as your host Bill Small talks with Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical about things to insure your home is no energy turkey. Like unlocking the potential of your homes' air filtration system. Reducing your energy bills with an energy audit. Getting your attic sealed properly to insure better energy management. Revitalzing your homes' energy system with a 19 point operational inspection and cleaning of key components of your HVAC. And there's so much more like how to maximize when considering solar, the benefits of energy saving pool pumps and smaller A/C units. And as thankful as you may be to learn how to save more money, we want to be sure to say THANK YOU for listening, for your support and for your business throughout the years. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends! For more information on scheduling your home energy revitalization, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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AHHHH CHOO It's true! Your hosts Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker have a discussion with Dr. Tom Hopkins about the merits of a healthy home environment during flu season. This is a show to not be missed as there really are steps you can take to help minimize the potential of flu spreading germs in your home. It all starts with a solid revitalization of your homes' air systems including your furnace, fan and filters. You'll learn why a cleaner home is more likely to stave off the flu as well as steps you can take now to get your home to a more healthy status. To be sure everything is operating at its' optimum performance to keep you and your family healthy, contact Brower Mechanical and get your system revitalized before the flu season hits! Call 916-624-0808 or go on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Take a deep breath knowing your living environment is in better shape to help you and your family stay in better shape!

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Finally! The election is over and the political ads will cease to interrupt our lives. While there may be folk out there feeling a loss, everyone can come out a winner when it comes to home energy this year. There's still time to get your free "Clip Board Audit" energy assessment! The rebates and even the solar Federal tax rebate could still be within reach but only if you get everything done by years end. That would mean a decision and action to install this week. Otherwise the process most likely cannot be completed in time for the end of year requirement. You'll hear all about that in this weeks show as Bill and Duane hammer that message home. There's more! Like utility incentives for Electric Vehicles and how you really can gain energy independence. And last, but not least, considerations for a healthier living environment and greater in-home comfort. Phew... Jam packed! For more details call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on line: www.gosmallsolar.com.

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First and foremost, VOTE! And as our title indicates, our vote is for more energy efficiency and smaller solar. Your hosts Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker really touch on some fun topics today as they discuss tiny house concepts they've seen and marveled at the ingenuity and energy efficiency, of course. There's a lot to be learned from these little homes that can be expanded to larger living environments and you can be sure Brower Mechanical is at the forefront of making it happen. And don't forget the annual solar clock is ticking on federal rebates as the year draws to a close. If you're considering solar, act now as the system must be installed by the end of the year to qualify for the rebate. With about 45 days from order to completion, this will be the last week to get in under the wire to insure you've met the deadline. For complete details about the process, and to be certain you're maximizing the efficiency of your project, there's only one place to call...Brower Mechanical! 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Don't know what a Yetti is? It's real. You'll have to listen in to hear and learn. And no, it's not some cheap Halloween gimic to get you to tune in. You do want to listen, however, to prevent the arrival of frightening utility bills that could scare you out of your home and haunt your pocketbook for months! Your host Bill Small and energy expert Duane Knickerbocker really cover a lot of ground in this show beginning with the awards bestowed on Brower Mechanical for their service...which happens often to the dismay of the competition! They do get spooked by Brower's success. Solar value propositions and ROI (return on investment) are an in depth discussion as are the abilities to leverage your money to create the best living environment for you and your family. Don't be scared by the things you don't know. Let Brower Mechanical shed a little light on the creatures lurking in the shadows of your castle by calling them today at 916-624-0808 or on line at "www.gosmallsolar.com". Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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Carbon Monoxide. The silent killer. And it lurks in every home. Before going any further be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working in your home. Replacing the batteries at the time change for fall and spring is a really good habit to get into. For your sake and the sake of your family, do it. Now, more about that nasty gas your house belches out in so many more ways than you ever knew. If you cook with gas, there are small amounts of carbon monoxide coming off the stove. Woodburning fireplace? Carbon monoxide for sure. Old school home with dated furnace exhaust? There it is again. These are all very low levels but you'll not be around to find out if it gets to a high level. Hence, the detector. This is just one of the reasons you'll want Brower Mechanical to come out to your home and do a complete home energy audit. You may be considering solar to minimize other energy bills, this is a way to find out several things about what's going on in your living environment. Hosts Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker get into the healthy home, fresh air ventilation systems, and simple energy fixes to take one step at at a time. Call Brower Mechanical now @ 916-624-0808, on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. And be sure that Carbon Monoxide detector is quietly at work in your home too!

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Well, if your furnace is on, yes, something is burning because that's how a furnace works but that smell you smell when the furnace comes on for the first time of the fall season is something burning other than the gas that heats the burners to warm the house. It's dust! Yep. The furnace just sits there all summer long collecting dust and that's what that "burning" smell is when you first fire it up for the season. How and why and the effect in your living environment are just a small portion of what's in store for today's show. How 'bout and 86 year old beekeeper making his home more efficient with a whole house fan or how to be sure you're home is carbon monoxide free. You'll hear about that too! A cornucopia of home energy information awaits you as we enter into the autumn season and your hosts talk about what to expect in your living environment. For more information on how you can save on your utility bills be sure to call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Bill and Duane open the show with the single most important thing you can do before you do anything to your home's energy system. Get a free Clipboard audit. The audit leads you to what you need to have in your home's energy "plan". What plan you ask??? Well, think of this, you plan for your future, you plan your career, you plan your vacation, your family and retirement, some of you even plan your final services in advance, but how many of you actually have a strategic home energy plan? Not enough. However, if you do, here's what you can expect: -smart energy usage, lower utility bills, a home with cleaner air, a more comfortable interior living environment, and most importantly of all, smaller solar if at all. It's so much more than simply saving money on your electricity and while that's great and a wonderful reason, getting it all right can only be done with a "plan". For more information on how your individual and personal home energy plan can be developed, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808. On line at www.gosmallsolar.com

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We're not talking toll house cookies here. That's a very different "good". Yummy good. You know those great smelling little things you "pop-up" around the house or the "plug-ins" that fill the house with floral aroma of Irish fields in the summertime? Yes. Those really fragrant smelly things that started way back in the day with sprays and little green trees. They can emit toxic VOC's. Volatile Organic Compounds. The very stuff you smell your house up with could actually be polluting your interior air! Not good. That's just the tip of the iceberg for a really great show. Did you know there was a "Green MLS" for real estate agents? More on that in the show too. Also, there's still time to have Brower do an audit on your home energy system to see if solar may benefit you AND qualify for the federal rebate this year! Brower Mechanical is a consultant based company doing what's best for your home's energy system and your peace of mind. Contact Duane at 916-624-0808 or on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Possibly one of the best shows of the year if you care about the health of your home. This is a must listen as everyone is concerned about what goes into their bodies. Organic foods, healthy non-pesticide fruits and vegetables, non-antibiotic meats and poultry but have you thought about the very air you breathe? Really! The condition of your home's energy system dictates the literal health of your house. The place you spend a great deal of time eating those healthy foods, drinking those healthy fluids (water purifiers anyone?) but breathing bad air. All the great food in the world doesn't matter if you're inhaling pollutants all night long. Learn the 7 key things to address to give your home a healthy house certification. You'll be surprised what some of them are. It's all here this week on the Brower Home Power Hour. For more information call 916-624-0808 or on line: www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Your host Bill Small gets into the topic of the lookie-lou's and tire kickers vs the serious shoppers for the best value in solar. Hear about Duane's recent trip to the Home Energy show in Vegas and some of the neat new features coming in home solar, how solar can actually be used for both shade and energy creation and most importantly, what's necessary to get your solar in time for the 2016 tax credits. Doing nothing will get you exactly that for the credit. Nothing. Act now to identify what you really need by having Brower Mechanical perform a Home Energy Assessment to identify the "right" way to do solar and minimize the number of panels you actually need. It's the only way you'll be able to get to small solar and save! Call Brower today at 916-624-0808. On line at "www.gosmallsolar.com".

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Join Bill and Duane this week to learn what has to happen to get your solar tax credits this year. Yes there's still time but plan on 45 days to get your project completed for the credits. That means you'll need to start no later than early to mid November... and then you have the holidays to consider as well. Don't wait! Get started on planning your schedule today if you're going to make the year end tax credits. You'll also learn how a clip board audit can save you thousands in solar panels and how to maximize the outcome of the audit with rebates from SMUD and/or PGE. It's time for a kick in the pants if you've been dragging your feet and considering solar. Stop procrastinating and act now! Call Brower Mechanical today... 916-624-0808 or on line at "www.gosmallsolar.com".

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This weeks show is full of savings topics starting with an end of summer HVAC revitalization for only $49! Don't wait on that one. But how about this, would you invest $10,000 to get a guaranteed 10% return on that investment? Most likely you would. And that's what Brower Mechanical can show you with the proper use of that $10,000 if you live in PG&E service areas for your electric. You'll also hear about backing up your Solar production with batteries to literally take you off the grid for energy consumption. And you don't need a Tesla to do it! Finally, a great little story from another happy Brower customer named "Al" that couldn't be happier with the work and the outcome. The entire process was so special, he can't wait for the team to come out to service the new units! How often does that happen? At Brower Mechanical, it's the expectation. Call today for your $49 HVAC revitalization. 916-646-0808 or on line at "www.gosmallsolar.com".

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Hope that title got your attention for this weeks show! I'll give you a hint of what Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker are going to be covering in the first segment. Five gallons of water are pretty heavy. Wouldn't you agree? Imagine 10,000 gallons of water...like in your pool. And now a pump has to move all that water every night through a filter. Yeah. That's a heavy load. That means energy to run the pump and if that pump is not very efficient, well, that's why you need to listen to the show. And that's just for starters as the show goes on to talk about the consequences of doing nothing about your homes energy, roofing and a great interview with a very satisfied customer. For more details about home energy conservation and solar options, call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or on line at "www.gosmallsolar.com"

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Your host Bill Small gets into a great discussion with Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical when it comes to the most significant things you can do to save on your home's energy usage. (And it doesn't start with solar!)Have a little fun learning about Chicken Coop Bingo, and then it gets serious. Is your house healthy? What about holistically looking at your energy usage vs just one element of it? Like your car, it's a matter of everything operating in sync vs getting only one element right when it comes to a healthy functioning home. You wouldn't replace three tires and a battery and call it a tune up! Then, an outstanding guest from a recent install named Jan, tells her story and the amazing result... well, listen in to hear what happened. You'll also hear about the "Teenie Tiny Solar Club" and the growth of those taking all the steps to reduce before producing! Get your home holistically healthy by calling Brower Mechanical today! 916-624-0808 online at "Gosmallsolar.com".

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Wow, so much info this week! A home energy webinar on 8-24, solar assessments, second opinions before you do solar or any major energy upgrade, and the big kicker...free revitalization to the first ten people requesting a solar assessment. How can you beat that? Host Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker take this show to a whole new level with the opportunities they present to you. The purple foam thing is real too! Listen to find out what that's all about. And no, it was not a Sacramento Kings fan gone wild! You can count on The Brower Home Power Hour to bring you facts, figures and answers to your questions about energy upgrades, solar and how to best maximize the two. For more information, call Brower Mechanical @ 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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One year ago today, Duane Knickerbocker began what has become the successful home energy show, The Brower Home Power Hour. Happy Birthday to saving energy, saving on solar panels and learning how to reduce BEFORE you produce. As a thank you for listening and supporting the program, Brower Mechanical is offering a free revitalization of your home's energy system with your solar assessment. Who on earth gives gifts OUT on their birthday? Well, somebody who cares enough to make a difference to others. That's what Brower Mechanical is all about. This is a show to be heard as it's full of information on how to minimize your solar commitment, a great story about charging your car, running your pool and cooling your home with solar, and finally, saving money. Don't let the crazy hot weather wear on you or your family, call your lifeftstyle contractor, Brower Mechanical today @ 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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There's a lot of air moving in the show today. Fresh air, cool air, hot air, all through the house. Host Bill Small discusses with Duane Knickerbocker the pros and cons of whole house fans. Find out what's changed in the technology so you're not hearing the vibrations and wind noise of a hurricane passing through your house! You'll also learn about the value and difference of a revitalization of your home energy system versus a simple tune-up. BIG DIFFERENCE! Finally, hear about the Brower Mechanical home energy showroom. It's been remodeled and is open to show you what you can expect from solar design, energy efficient water heaters, whole house fans, pool pumps and more. It's worth the visit. Find all this and more on line at www.gosmallsolar.com. Or call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808.

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For most in the Sacramento region we know that July is the beginning of the triple digit heat. It never seems to fail and the later in the month, the hotter it can get. This month is no exception and unfortunately, there's a real heat wave on with temperatures soaring over 100. Now what? The house is hot. Too hot for comfort and you didn't act when should have to be certain everything was working properly. There are options to consider and Bill and Duane talk about those choices you can make to help reduce your energy consumption and still have a cool and comfortable home. You'll also hear about ways to make your air conditioner work a lot less in some of the hottest months with whole house fans. You can be sure this is one show that's much, much more than a bunch of hot air! If you're roasting in your house or if your A/C is in need of repair, stop suffering! Not only is it uncomfortable but it's actually unhealthy and could even be dangerous depending on your condition and age. Call Brower Mechanical immediately at 916-624-0808 or visit them on line at "gosmallsolar.com"

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This week your host Bill Small really gets the information out of Duane Knickerbocker from Brower Mechanical. Learn about heat pumps and the pros/cons in your personal lifestyle environment. Dual fuel systems for your HVAC, who would have thought? Free utility sponsored AC units, rising PG&E rates and what they mean to many who are simply sitting on the sidelines of energy efficiency. AND a webinar that you can attend to learn about the best ways to plan and take the proper steps to maximizing your home's energy efficiency form attic insulation to full solar installation. Phew... that's a lot in a little ol' one hour show but well worth every minute of your listening pleasure! And to think, you'll actually get money saving tips from what you hear for free. As always, you can call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit "gosmallsolar.com" to learn more.

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Hey, it's state fair time and it's hot, what a surprise! What doesn't come on a stick during fair time? Your home comfort for sure. (Unless you feel like your on a rotisserie.) Join the conversation this week as Bill and Duane interview a very happy customer named Rob who did his homework before choosing Brower. What he has to say may shock you. You'll also hear about the "Teenie Tiny Solar" club for those who have saved thousands on their panel installs by going small solar. It's all about sizing the bid properly to explain the options and best ways to minimize the number of panels on the roof. Less panels, less expense. Who can't live with that? The house dictates the sizing when everything's done right. How to be sure??? Call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit "gosmallsolar.com".

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Freedom is a great feeling especially when it's related to a regular expense that is unpredictable. But did you know there are ways to not only get home energy expense predictable but reduced to virtually zero? Listen in as your host Bill Small talks with Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical about the myriad of ways you can reduce your high energy cost, strategically earn utility rebates and even get your home cooled down now with no payments for one year (on your good credit of course!). You'll even hear from an actual customer about her journey thru the solar investigation process about why she chose Brower Mechanical and the unbelievable outcome she has experienced as a result of their commitment to doing the job right. To learn more about Brower Mechanical and how they're generating energy Independence this fourth of July and beyond call 916-624-0808 or visit "gosmallsolar.com". With the money you save you'll be cooking steak and tri-tip next year instead of hot dogs for your Independence day BBQ!

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Whoa! It can get scorching hot in the Sacramento Valley so why would anyone smile the higher the heat? Well, if your home were perfectly comfortable inside regardless of the outside temp, you're smilin', especially knowing you're paying less to expect more! And your show hosts Bill and Duane are grinning ear to ear because they know they have another happy customer. If you aren't smiling because you're sweating your face off in your uncomfortable hotbox, they're smiling because they know they can help you when you call. You'll hear all about steps to take to get your home to that perfect level of comfort in this show. At Brower, they love nothing more than the opportunity to help you get your home to the level of interior comfort you desire. As a lifestyle contractor that's what it's all about. Keeping you comfortable in your home for the least amount of expense possible! Call them today at 916-624-0808 or visit them on line (and see what they're all about)by visiting www.gosmallsolar.com. You'll be really glad you did.

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Join Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker as they discuss how a house that's properly engineered and metered for it's energy usage can really be a "set it and forget it" situation when it comes to the thermostat and home comfort preferences. How about that! Hardly ever having to walk to the thermostats to adjust them for anything in any room. You'll also hear why and how small solar can help save you money in so many ways if you really need solar at all! Properly vetting your individual circumstances and preferences are what make Brower Mechanical so unique. It's about your lifestyle and living environment when it comes to you home energy needs. Learn more by calling 916-624-0808 or visit, "gosmallsolar.com".

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Bill and Duane dive into the outside units of your HVAC this week to let you know simple steps you can take that could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. What do the coils in your outdoor A/C unit really do? So what if they've not been cleaned in years? IT MATTERS! Learn why, and also learn what the value of a "sealed attic" means and what it can do for your home. Even if you don't to solar. (Hint: you may not even need Solar!) For more information on this and all the shows this year, go to "gosmallsolar.com". See what projects you can start gearing up for before it gets too hot this year.

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Is your house a big, fat energy hog? Many are! It's time for a little slimming down by implementing a strategic energy diet. Bill and Duane discuss how you can take the necessary steps to slim down those high energy bills. It's easier than you think and now is the time to act! Did you know there are even options to get new equipment for FREE? Aquachill A/C could prove to be an option for you if you're in the right geographic areas. From "smart meters" to the process of implementing a healthy diet for your homes energy, you'll hear it all when you listen to the show. Slim down your homes' energy expenses today by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or on line at "gosmallsolar.com".

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It's easy as 1,2,3. Or so you thought. The top three reasons people reach out for help may surprise you. That's why it's worth a listen as Bill and Duane talk thru, not only those three reasons, but the effect of the decisions as a result of the reasons. Are they the right reasons to make any changes or upgrades? You'll hear about the choices some have made that resulted in greatly reduced energy bills and a more comfortable household environment. Isn't that what it's really all about? For more information, call Brower Mechanical today, 916-624-0808. Or visit them online at "gosmallsolar.com". You'll be glad you did.

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Ahhhh. Springtime is in full force, plants blooming, sun shining longer day by day and the temperature is rising. And rising. And you're getting warmer and having to finally turn on that A/C aren't you? What if you didn't have to touch that thermostat? Ever? What if you could just set it and forget it? That's the answer you'll get in todays show as Bill and Duane talk about how it's a matter of degrees to keeping your home in the comfort zone. With just a few critical steps, Brower Mechanical can have your home fully assessed and ready for the steps necessary to be a perfectly stable temperature all year long. For more information call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at "gosmallsolar.com".

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Listen as your hosts, Bill and Duane, take you through a myriad of energy savings tips to help make your home more energy efficient. And that includes homes that have gas fired furnaces too! Yes, you can eliminate your furnace, go electric and have an even greater energy saving result when you add small solar! This process also improves your indoor air quality, and can be supported by many of the rebate programs available today. Oh yeah, you'll learn about a few of those as well! For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit "gosmallsolar.com". Start saving today!

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OK, it's not the most energy conscious title but it really is about being comfortable in your own home. Can you relax and simply enjoy the ambient environment or do you always have to adjust something? Open/close a window, change the thermostat, cold in the morning, hot during the day? Your home should be the most comfortable place to stay any time of day. Easy breathing, comfortable and at the temperature you want it to be regardless of where you are in the house. That's how Brower insures it will be at the most efficient operation possible! So enjoy that hot shower after a nice workout and step out into the comfort of a perfectly temperate environment as you want it. Just finished the lawn? Grab a cold beer and sit down in the kitchen and just enjoy the cool, comfortable place you call home. Call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808, on line at "gosmallsolar.com".

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Listen as Bill and Duane demonstrate how you can get your home to a place where you really never touch that thermostat. How nice would that be? Can it really be done? You bet! Hear from an actual real life customer as she shares her story for all! Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a customer that has done all the required work to allow her to have her home perfectly cooled and heated any time of the year. It all starts with the "home energy assessment" and ends with a thermostat you simply set and forget. For more information on how your home thermostat can be made to do what it's really supposed to do, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit "gosmallsolar.com". You'll never have to worry about being uncomfortable in your own home again!

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This show is full of reasons to be sure to get a regular home energy revitalization. Consider carbon monoxide leaking into your home. Would you know. It's odorless. A simple check up on your HVAC equipment would reveal any leaking of gasses into the home. Plus, hear about the options to complete an energy audit that yields guaranteed monthly utility bills when all the required work has been accomplished. How can you go wrong with that. Bill and Duane keep you entertained as well as informed with great health, safety and money saving recommendations. For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit on line at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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A guaranteed monthly amount, month in and month out that's lower than you ever thought possible is what you'll learn as Bill and Duane discuss the process. Really! How many companies have you ever heard of that will actually give you a written guarantee of your utility bill that will be LOWER than it is presently? The home energy audit and the corresponding work completed allows the properly trained technicians to give you a guaranteed amount on your utility bill. That's right, guaranteed. This way, you know exactly what you're going to be paying and what your year end savings are going to be. Now that's some pretty good math! Find out how you can know what your guaranteed monthly utility bill could be by contacting Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808. Online at "gosmallsolar.com"

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Temperature swings outside can wreak havoc on an improperly maintained energy system in your home. Have you had your system revitalized for the season? Is it ready to work hot or cold based on the dramatic temperature swings of spring? Listen in to hear why it's so important you've got your system running properly. You'll breathe easier and save money too! For you home energy revitalization, call Brower Mechanical today at 916-624-0808 or visit gosmallsolar.com.

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Todays show focuses on the need for a complete evaluation of the attic insulation and how the Clip Board Audit, a free service, can really help you devise an energy plan to best complete your home's energy efficiencies. Did you know, it's dirt in the attic insulation that is probably causing the majority of dust in your home? Find out more on how you can improve the indoor air quality you breathe everyday by calling 916-624-0808 or visit gosmallsolar.com. You'll be surprised at what you didn't know you didn't know!

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It's allergy season and that's no teasin'. Listen in and learn why "home comfort" really is more than just a cool house in warm weather. Indoor air quality means so much more when you do it right. From ventilation to insulation, and sealing the attic and ducts, you'll learn there's a lot more to it when you have a plan and execute it well. The best way to save money is to know how you're going to get there first. Then you can make the appropriate decisions for the most efficient result. Let the pros at Brower Mechanical help. For a free in home energy audit, call 916-624-0808 or on line at "gosmallsolar.com". You'll be sure to breathe easier.

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The topic remains the same but the holidays influence changes in home energy usage. Family gatherings can heat things up in more ways than one! But putting a crowd in a poorly ventilated, cooled or heated home changes everything. Listen in as Bill and Duane get into details about the significance of the home energy audit insuring you have a plan before you do anything to improve the air quality in your home. It's a smart move reducing your energy consumption before you think about producing with solar. For more information, call Brower Mechanical today. 916-624-0808 or on line at "gosmallsolar.com"

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Surely you've been to a family members house, a neighbor's house or a party and whoa!, something stinks. (Is that fish I smell? Burnt meat? Cat litter? ) Does it really matter what the details are if family or guests smell something unpleasant? If your house was functioning properly with its' home energy, heating and air, you can be sure those odors would be temporary, not lingering. The last thing you would want to hear is your house stinks. Properly ventilating and filtering the home air is critical to getting the most out of your equipment and removing odors and simply creating quality indoor air. Don't be fooled by slick solar sellers. They aren't looking at your whole home energy usage but just your "as is" situation. Listen to Duane and Bill as they discuss the merits of small solar and best ways maximize your energy consumption while at the same time, enjoying an odor free home and fresh, clean air to breathe. For more information on indoor air quality and how to make your home more energy efficient call Brower today! 916-624-0808, on line @ www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Find out why your old shake roof may have kept your house cooler and what a new composition or tile roof have to do with overworking your A/C. Bet you never knew it could happen but Duane Knickerbocker of Brower construction explains the consequences of not having an entire energy plan before starting any major repair of remodel. You could save yourself thousands with one or cost yourself thousands without. And that's in straight up cost as well as rebates! Learn what you didn't know you didn't know on the roof and more from this weeks show. For more information, or to order the 12 steps to reducing energy consumption in your home, call Brower Mechanical @ 916-624-0808 or visit on line @ www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Does the stock market really influence your home energy decisions? Is it relative? Could you realize greater gains on investments you make in your home that are more consistent and have a great potential to return a positive cash flow. You'll never know without listening to this show as Bill and Duane dive into a variety of topics to improve the efficiency of your home's energy performance. You can always get more information by calling Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit the website at www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Another fact filled and applicable discussion with the home energy expert Duane Knickerbocker of Brower Mechanical. Listen as host Bill Small takes you down the path of creating positive cash flow home by reducing the energy consumption BEFORE you produce with solar. The savings are incredible and the rebates even better. A show complete with case studies that may match your situation perfectly. For more information, call Brower Mechanical at 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Batteries? Like how many to power your home with triple A's, or your car? Yup, those kinds of batteries. But now for the real purpose of the show: using that battery as a tool in a completely thought out place with a well developed strategy for energy management. Be sure to see which strategic process is your best ROI. Visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker get into a great discussion of how you can turn your home into a positive cash flow, maximize the energy efficiency of your home to help you minimize your solar commitment by do things right. Small solar is always the outcome when the home is operating at maximized efficiency. How do you know??? Start with the exclusive Brower FREE CLIP BOARD AUDIT. You'll be well on your way to energy efficient home ownership with freedom from the burden of utilities! Call 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com.

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Do you have a home energy plan? Know what you're trying to accomplish? Save money? Reduce consumption. Let Bill and Duane help you understand how you can get the most out of your home energy initiative with a free "Clip Board Audit". Learn how to reduce before you produce and how small solar is the most efficient and inexpensive way to go for your home energy project. For more information, call 916-624-0808 or visit www.gosmallsolar.com. Get the most from utility rebates with you home energy assessment by letting Brower Mechanical show you how!

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Join Bill and Duane as they discuss the way improved home energy efficiency really does save water. Now how about that! It's true. Listen to find out how a home energy assessment can identify the best ways to make your home a positive cash flow and realize the benefits of a deep energy retrofit. Get your 12 tips to energy conservation by calling 916-616-7962 or visit www.smallsolar.org. You'll also find out how you can attend a free home energy seminar and get a $300 voucher for your home energy assessment as well!

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You didn't win the Powerball lotto this week so it's time to learn the best way to save money on your home improvement and energy saving projects. Listen to hear how building science blends with the right tools to help identify the necessary steps for the highest rebates and return on your investment. To get your copy of the 12 energy saving tips you can act on now and learn how you can participate in the next CHERP home energy seminar, simply call Jack Frost at 916-616-7962. Earn the maximum rebates and learn the best way to go small solar with a free home energy assessment from CHERP! www.smallsolar.org

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It's that time of year. Making lists of goals to start the year off right. Why not give your home some responsibility as well? CHERP Energy Wise Forum host, Bill Small shares the list of 12 things you can do right now to reduce before you produce and save money in the interim. Now that's a real new years resolution if ever there was one! For more information on your best solution to home energy savings, go to www.smallsolar.org or call Jack Frost @ 916-616-7962.

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As the new year dawns, are you thinking about that Christmas present you didn't get? Find out why small solar is a great gift for your home in the new year and how you'll save more when utilizing the home energy assessment. Get the most from rebates that the utilities provide. For more information on how you can attend a free CHERP energy wise seminar go to www.smallsolar.org or call Jack Frost at 916-616-7962.

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Find out why the best solar is small solar and how the home energy assessment is your best bet to identify the most efficient way to maximize energy usage in your home. Santa loves small solar! Have a wonderful holiday from your friends at the Community Home Energy Retrofit Project. CHERP! To register for the free seminar or to find out more about how you can reduce before you produce visit: www.smallsolar.org or call Jack Frost at 916-616-7962.

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Listen this week to hear how the silent thieves in your home are costing you money by stealing electrical energy every day from your outlets. Bill and Duane discuss ways to minimize the power drain and better utilize existing energy before you even consider solar with the home energy assessment. Reducing before you produce is how to best manage your energy needs resulting in smaller solar, bigger savings and more rebates! For more details on how to attend a free seminar or gather information from an unbiased and trusted non-profit resource, go to "www.smallsolar.org" or call Jack Frost (his real name!) at 916-616-7962.

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Bill Small and Duane Knickerbocker discuss the values of a "Deep Energy Retrofit" to make your home as efficient as possible. By doing so, it takes you to the promise of "Small Solar" as a result of a reduce before you produce process. Don't waste money on more panels than you need. At approximately $1000 per panel, you could have made your home more energy efficient, minimized your solar requirements and garnered enough in rebates to upgrade in other areas. Find these details and more by going to smallsolar.org. That's wwww.smallsolar.org.

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Bill Small and Duane, the home energy master, dig deep into the home energy assessment, it's value and the essence of small solar when it comes time to make your home a positive return on your energy investment. Can you eliminate your electric bill altogether? How many solar panels are enough? Is there always a fight in your home over the thermostat? Too hot? Too cold? How about setting it and forgetting it? Listen today to find out how you really can. For more details about attending a CHERP seminar on small solar, visit www.smallsolar.org. Find out how you really can save thousands on your home energy retrofit and get your certificate for $300 value toward the home energy assessment. Don't wait as the tax credits for 2015 are just about to end.