Living Green
Sacramento Realtor Follows Up With Eagle Shield
August 10th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Real Estate Tips
Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau brought results from 
Eagle Shield. The CEO and supervisor contacted me within 24 hours of filling a formal complaint.
Eagle Shield sent their specialist to my home and she may have found the culprit as to why my SMUD bill has been going higher that ever before.
This is worth reading just in case you’e thermostat is set incorrectly and costing you needless money.
Last week, Dee Dee who is Eagle Shield’s Energy Consultant arrived at my home after several complaints from me about how the Eagle Shield product installed in my attic was not working since my SMUD bills were climbing higher than ever before.
Dee Dee performed a 15 point check, with an infrared instument in each room, door and window and found that the score for my home was very high. The next step was to check to see if the installation was done properly in the attic.
Once, in the attic Dee Dee noticed a fan running and it wasn’t my attic fans. When she returned downstairs Dee Dee showed me the thermostat was all the way over on the “on” position which meant that the fan was running 24/7. This could be the culprit and the reason for the high SMUD bills I have been receiving.
I had an A/C company service my air conditioner, the controls were changed to “ON.” Your A/C needs to be kept on “Auto” rather than “On.” I am hopeful that this was the problem and the August SMUD bill will reflect the change.
Make sure you check your thermostat for the “auto” position.
I am hopeful this will make a difference in my SMUD bill next month and I’ll let you know. I really believed in Eagle Shield’s reflective insulation and hopefully it will prove to have been worth the cost.
Eagle Shield is a young company with a patent on this Nasa product, reflective insulation to help insulate homes and reduce energy costs. They have been very apologetic regarding their lack of customer service and I am told, will improve in that regard. Hopefully, they won’t have too many customers like me that say their product doesn’t work when in fact they have the fan on the thermostat running all the time.
I will let you know what my bill looks like next month since this month it continued even higher…hopefully Dee Dee solved the problem. I sincerely hope the Eagle Shield product works and it was simply my thermostat switch that caused the outrageous bills I received.
Remember, SMUD rates are going up in September so you need to think of ways to reduce your energy use. Here are just a few tips on how to reduce your SMUD bill:
- Clean the coils under your refrigerator
- Turn your thermostat up 2 degrees & it will save 24 kilowatt hrs/month
- Program thermostat when you are not in the house to come on when you return
- Make sure thermostat is on “AUTO” and NOT “On”
- Lower hot water thermostat 10 degrees but no lower than 120 degrees
- Weather strip doors
- Exchange light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs
- Turn off computers at night
- Seal off any cracks or holes around windows and exterior walls
- For those on raised foundations, be sure to have insulation behind switch plates
- Plant trees to give your house shade in the summer months
- Add more insulation in attic
- Put in Dual Pane Windows
Check out what SMUD says the home of the future should have.
“SMUD’s Home of the Future is expected to export about 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and reduce electric and gas use by more than 80 percent. Its energy-saving features include:
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Resource efficient framing with blown-in cellulose insulation and two layers of Icynene foam insulation on the outside of the wall;
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Spectrally selective glass windows with specially coated glazing to reduce radiant heat gain and loss;
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A 3.85 kilowatt solar energy system with battery back-up;
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Solar-assisted hot water and space heating with an advanced boiler;
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State-of-the-art water cooled evaporative air conditioning;
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Fluorescent and advanced LED fixtures that last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy than standard lighting;
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Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation system with on-site weather station for optimum water management;
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Patios enclosed by recycled glass; and
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Low VOC paints, cabinets and flooring for better indoor air quality.”
Then, take a SMUD test of your home and see what your current estimated cost is on your bill. Or take a look at other ways to reduce and save energy from SMUD
These are just a few suggestions to help since all of us will be paying a lot more on our SMUD bills and in these lean times we need to find as many ways as possible to reduce costs.
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.If you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to by Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in helping home buyers and home sellers be sure to check out 
and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice
Other Eagle Shield Articles:
This Sacramento Realtor Was Wrong
How to Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home
| Discussion: Comments »
This Sacramento Realtor Was Wrong
July 29th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Real Estate News
Back in April, I wrote an article, How To Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home where I also provided videos of a company that I was excited about after watching them locally on Sacramento TV Channel 13, Good Morning Sacramento.
The Eagle Shield company, I thought provided an excellent resource for being “green” and at the same time per their advertisement the cost of my SMUD bill would be significantly reduced with their product. It was to be a win, win…
I promised that I would let you know how I felt about the product and how much it reduced my SMUD bill.
First let me say, Eagle Shield was “Johnny on the spot” and very convincing that not only would my energy bill be reduced but that the life of the A/C and Heater would be greatly increased due to not having to work as much.
The bad news is that my SMUD bill was significantly higher this year than last year at this same time. And unfortunately, that’s before any rate hike by SMUD.
But, worse than that I found the company, Eagle Shield to be non-responsive to complaints. After many calls for several weeks, a salesman came out to check the work and of course was not authorized nor did he have any idea why the bill was higher.
For weeks I have been told the manager Kim at Eagle Shield would call but to this date she has not.
Did I mention that no one ever did the 15-Point Energy Audit that they advertise? Eagle Shield not a company that stands behind their product nor do they follow through with what they advertise.
Since Eagle Shield’s product runs between $3,000-$4,000 and obviously has not worked for me, I can not recommend it. Don’t waste your money.
I would strongly advise homeowners consider more insulation rather than this Eagle Shield product called reflective insulation that they over promise and under deliver as well as very poor customer service. I have been extremely disappointed in the product and the company, Eagle Shield.
In the next few years we will be bombarded with companies on the “GREEN” wagon and I suggest that you tread very lightly before jumping on any of their wagons. Not everything advertised as “Green” is “Green.”
Hope this helps save someone else from falling into the Eagle Shield trap. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to help other homeowners who may be considering Eagle Shield.
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
.If you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to by Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in helping home buyers and home sellers be sure to check out and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice
| Discussion: 4 Comments »
Are You Planning A Remodel in YOUR Bathroom?
July 6th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Remodel
Sacramento, CA
Couldn’t resist bringing this to all of you. If you would like something that few have, this may be just what you are looking for.
Are you thinking of remodeling your bathroom?
Are you thinking GREEN?
Tied of hearing the toilet flush?
This is one of the hot bathroom trends for 2009.
Want to save water on your water bill?
Are you looking for a toilet that is higher or lower?
The Europeans have had wall toilets since the 60’s and have found them to be quite functional.
I bet your first thought is that there won’t be enough water to flush things down but from what Ive been reading, the water comes after the fact which helps get thing down and keeps the bowl clean. Unlike the system we are all use to the uses water first.
The height can be adjusted from 15″ to 19″ and is great when planning a children’s bathroom.
Did I hear you say, “ it will fall off the wall?” Apparently, it can hold up to 880 lbs. and more. It t saves room and is great along with the silent flushing.
No wax seal to deal with and cleaning underneath is a breeze. I found a distributor in our area if you are interested click on Saniflo.
This is the latest in bathroom design…stay tuned for more remodel trends. Have any thoughts on this one? Would you install a wall toilet in your home?
Be sure to check out the 8 Hottest Trends in BAth Design for 2009 from the Decorating Diva. I love the Hansa Colour Shower, how about you? Are you a chromatherapy fan?
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
. and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice | Discussion: 2 Comments »
How to Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home
April 22nd, 2009 categories: Living Green
April 22nd is the official designated day to inspire awareness of our appreciation of the environment as Earth Day. I thought I would share with you something I decided to do as a homeowner to save energy and at the same time get 30% of the energy-efficient cost as a tax credit next year up to $1500.
Not bad while also anticipating a reduction in my SMUD and PG & E costs. Now, let me share with you what I did…but first take a look at the difference in what most of us have as insulation in our attic and the result from installing radiant shield barrier.
Here is another test of all the heat coming in through my sky light. Heat coming in means my air conditioner works harder = $ going right out the sky light.
I’ll save you from looking at how heat is coming in through each one of my ceiling fans, as well but trust me…it is. The next video is what I am having put into my attic, reflective technology shield. If it’s what this video says it is, I think I am doing my part to help use less energy while cutting down on my energy bills, getting a tax credit and being more comfortable in my own home.
Here are excerpts from the company that came to my home and sold me on this energy saving technology.
Making My Home Green from Gena Riede on Vimeo.
What are you doing to be “green?”
Can you think of something you could do to increase the value of your home and be green at the same time? It’s nice when you can be “green,” save money and make money all at the same time.
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
. and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate | Discussion: 4 Comments »
GREEN and CLEAN
April 11th, 2008 categories: Living Green, Sacramento
Being Green use to mean that you were a tree hugger but now, its in to be green. California leads the country in our sustainable green efforts.
This month is Earth Day/Month and many of the Sacramento neighborhoods will be celebrating by helping to educate all of us on what it means to be GREEN.
Many of our homes have been built with the green concept and more are coming. Home buyers today are willing to pay extra for an energy efficient house since they understand the ultimate savings.
If you as a seller, are having difficulty selling your house, you might want to make a few improvements that would have a direct cost reduction to energy bills and let all home buyers know what your utility bills actually are.
Here are just a few small things you, as a seller can do to help make your home green:
- Fix those plumbing leaks and save on the water bill
- weather strip and/or caulk windows that are leaking cold/hot air into the house.
- Install a programmable thermostat which will save $150/year
- If you have an older home, install low flow shower heads and toilets-newer homes 2000 on up already have these installed.
- Buy energy star appliances
Midtown Sacramento is the place to be on April 12th, Green on the Grid is sponsoring the 1st time Art Walk in Midtown.
As many already know, Midtown is a great place to live with everything you need at your finger tips from restaurants to art its all right there within walking distance.
If you would like to know more about Midtown, feel free to view a few of the videos and articles written as well as homes for sale in Midtown Sacramento, CA and even some green homes.
The entire month is devoted to bringing attention to what each of us can do to help Mother Earth be a little bit greener and cleaner.
Citys and communities all over Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County and Yolo Countywill be stepping up to do their part for Earth Day.
Rocklin, CA in Placer County has 144 LEED certified homes that save 65% on their monthly utility bills which results in $1,400 savings per year. These 3-5 bedroom homes range from 2,168 to 2.755 sq. ft. One of the features of these homes is Sun Tile photovoltaic roof tiles that provide supplemental electricity. This can reduce electrical bills by as much as 70%. This is part of a master-planned community. Take a look at one of the models currently for sale and give me call if you would like to see it.
April 19, 2008 at 8:30 Celebrate Earth Day in Discovery Park on Garden Hwy in Sacramento with the California Earth Day Run and Walk. Be sure to bring a lunch and help with the river clean-up.
The City and County of Sacramento encourages businesses to re-think how they do business by reducing their impact on the environment. From conserving energy, water and waste as well as recycling.
Elk Grove, Ca is just one of the Citys who is sponsoring Creek clean up events on April 19, 2008 at seven creek sites. Be sure to click Elk Grove Creek Clean-upfor details and bring your appetite for a BBQ lunch sponsored by Elk Grove Lions Club.
Elk Grove, Ca is just a few minutes away from Downtown Sacramento and has a variety of newer neighborhoods with an old town feel. Check out Elk Grove, CA and the variety of homes for sale in Elk Grove, CA for all 3 zip codes. Also, check out how Elk Grove, CA celebrated Earth Day last year and pick up some additional Green tips .
Here are a 7 ways for you to get started Being Green and CLEAN & Save $:
- Shop Close to Home “ this helps your local businesses and cuts down on fuel
- Donate to local charity organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army
- Install low flow shower heads and take shorter showers to save energy and money
- Filter your water instead of using bottled water which adds and produces container waste
- Set heat lower in the winter, and a few degrees higher in the summer and save at the same time
- Wash clothes in cold water and dry on clothesline when possible
- Clean dryer lint filter after each load“(leading cause of home fires)
- Walk, bike and ride public transit to reduce emissions and save fuel costs
Click for more ways to help by being GREEN and Clean and Living Sustainable Lifestyles.
If you would like to start a community garden take a look at some of the established Community Gardens in Sacramento, the Environmental Organizations, where the Farmers Markets are located, Sacramento Recycling Centers, Sacramento Green Business to Shop and more Sustainable Living businesses and events.
Help celebrate Earth Day by adding just one thing that will help sustain our earth.
Click if you would like to know what makes a home green, Green Remoding Guidelines,
Other Related Articles:
How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?
Happy California Cows Make Electricity
Everyday Is Earth Day in Elk Grove, CA
photo above by artist: Dana Gray
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
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