By now you have seen the Boone Pickens TV commercial explaining America's dependence on foreign oil. Nothing new about that, anyone who buys gasoline is aware of this reality.
I think also we are aware of our national governments inability to grasp the state of our failing economy, the need to move our energy policy away from oil, and the necessity to patch the whole in our national security created by our need for oil. How many times have you asked yourself "What are those people in Washington DC doing?" "Can't they see what is going on in the rest of the country?" "Where has common sense gone?"
If you as an American are tired of the federal government doing little to fix these problems then its time to start spreading the word about how we, as Americans, can come together and force change in our federal government.
Visit the PickensPlan website and hear what this life long oilman has to say about fixing our energy problem. Its not what you think!
The answer to the question is yes. The reasoning behind that answer takes some explaining.
Monsoon Arrival
When the water content of the air increases by the arrival of the monsoon it brings vast quantities of moisture and an increase in the relative humidity. Our bodies are most comfortable in an environment where the relative humidity is 50% plus or minus 10%. In Tucson, AZ when the rains arrive, the relative humidity can climb above 60% making us feel clammy and hotter than the most comfortable level of 50% humidity. So, what happens to our bodies to make them feel hotter? One would think, with more moisture in the air our bodies would fell cooler, but that's not the case.
Our Body's Cooling System
Our bodies have a wonderful cooling system called "perspiration" which maintains our level of comfort with evaporative cooling that moves moisture thru the skin. Normally this transpiration of water as it leaves the skin to the drier air removes heat from our bodies thereby making the body cooler. As humidity levels increase above our comfort level of 50%, evaporation from the skin is reduced. Lower evaporation rates deprive your body of its normal cooling mechanism and you feel warm.
Humidity and Energy Efficiency
The typical reaction of a home owner to feeling warm is to turn down the thermostat of the air conditioning unit in an attempt to keep cool. The result is you burn more energy and dollars to maintain a lower room temperature compared to the amount of cooling energy that is needed if the relative humidity was maintained at a comfortable level near 50%. Studies have shown when humidity levels are maintained at around 50% in a living space, air conditioner thermostats can be set as much as 5 to 7 degrees (F) warmer while providing the same level of comfort to the occupants.
Since most air conditioning units run on electricity, and most electricity is provided by coal burning utility power plants, it stands to reason when the humidity in our homes is kept close to our body's comfort level we can use less energy to maintain a comfortable living environment, keep more of our hard earned money in our pocket, cut back on our individual carbon foot print, and improve the air quality for all.
What Happens in Winter?
In the winter time, just the opposite happens to the relative humidity in our homes. In most homes the heating system recycles the indoor air over and over thru the furnace burner, which causes indoor air to become drier and drier. This cycling squeezes much of the humidity from the air causing our bodies to feel cooler. As room air dries, we begin to experience dry and itchy skin, dry eyes and mouth, chapped hands, an increase in static electricity and a wide range of other discomforts. From our body's energy efficiency perspective, the dry air increases the rate of evaporation thru our skin and this evaporation makes us feel chilled. The normal response of the home owner is to turn up the heat in an attempt to keep warm. The net result is you will burn extra fuel to maintain a higher room temperature and the air will become progressively drier.
Humidity Solution for Energy Efficiency
In the hot summer, a home owner's strategy should be to remove moisture from the air and in the winter, the strategy is to add moisture to the air. Economic savings achieved by moisture control are in direct proportion to how much less you run your air conditioner in the summer and your furnace in the winter. Costs achieved thru moisture control vary with the level of sophistication of the humidifying-dehumidifying equipment added to your HVAC system. Depending upon the sophistication level of equipment and the controls used, a programmable control for example, you may expect savings to your utility bills in the range of 10-30%.
2. How Moisture Moves through a Home To understanding the principles of moisture control you need to understand the basics of how moisture can move through your home.
3. What you need to know about mold The color of mold is influenced by the nutrient source and the age of the colony. If mold is growing behind vinyl wallpaper, colorful pink or purple splotches may appear. Mold growing on fabric is called mildew.
4. Arizona MoldDog Detection Services John Setford, with his best friend Rocky, Certified Mold Inspector (CMI), NAMP certified providing non-destructive residential, commercial and industrial mold inspection in greater Tucson and Pima county area. A proven, accurate and trusted inspector.
If you would like more information on other home energy efficient features, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
The Civano community in Tucson, AZ. is the first large, mainstream real estate development to integrate sustainability as a key characteristic of the community design. All of the green homes in this community are energy efficient rated. There are currently 101 homes on the market for the begining of July.
There were five home sold in Civano in the last six months. The homes sold were between $122,240 2 bedroom 3 bath 1356sq.ft. on a 1950 sq.ft. lot up to $179,500 3 bedroom, 3 baths, 1479 sq.ft. on a 2091 sq.ft. lot.
There are five home sales pending at this time with a price range between $157k 3 bedroom, 3 baths, 1479 sq.ft. with a lot size of 2070 sq.ft. up to $349k 4 bedroom, 3 baths, 2732 sq.ft. with a lot size of 6031 sq.ft.
There are currently 96 active listings, each unique in its own design and ranging in price from $178,900 for a 2 bedroom 3 bath 1356 sq.ft. home on a 2070sq.ft. lot to a $499,000 home with 3 bedrooms 3 baths at 2972sq.ft. on a 6220 sq.ft lot.
If you would like more information on Civano Community homes, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Armory Park del Sol is a 99 home fully custom designed energy efficient solar community just south of downtown Tucson, AZ. There are currently 7 energy efficient homes on the market.
There was 1 home sold in Armory Park del Sol in May of 2008. It was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1468sq.ft. on a 3760sq.ft. lot. This home sold for $479,000. Previous to May one home sold in Nov. of 2007 for $350,000. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1146sq.ft. on a 4300sq.ft. lot.
Currently, there are no pending sales. There are 7 active listings, each unique in its own design and ranging in price from $332,000 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath 977sq.ft. home on a 3687sq.ft. lot to a $879,000 Net Zero Energy Home(NZEH) with 3 bedrooms 3 baths at 2168sq.ft. sitting on a 6709sq.ft. lot. This home is the second NZEH built by John Wesley Miller in Arizona. It comes with accessiblility to all rooms throughout the home with options of granite countertops, ceramic floors, and knotty cherry cabinets. Also, there is a 4 car garage with an artist studio/workshop.
If you would like more information on Tucson or the Armory Park del Sol community, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Sycamore Canyon is an environmental master planned community, 20 miles south of Tucson, AZ., in the northern foothills of the towering Santa Rita Mountains. This is a community where preservation of the pristine Upper Sonoran Desert ecosystem is a primary focus. There are 1100 acres of open space with winding trails among the ocotillos, chollas, and saguaros.
Sycamore Canyon is situated in a unique location with 270 degree panorama views of the Tucson basin. You can even see Picacho Peak which is located 35 miles NW of Tucson on the highway to Phoenix. Quite a view!
The master planned development has communities designed by some of Tucson's top builders. The builders are Canoa Homes, Pepper Viner, Richmond American Homes, and Meritage Homes. Following the design goals of the community, the home styles reflect the region's heritage of Mission, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture.
Because of its higher elevation, about 1500 feet higher than Tucson, breezes descending from the taller peaks in the Santa Rita Mountains cool the evening air. This invites after dinner walks and a time for personal introspection or intimate conversation under the star light skies. One of the great benefits of Tucson is the fact that the city makes an effort to keep street light pollution down to a minimum. Because of this Kitt Peak National Observatory continues to do leading edge work in the field of Astronomy.
Recreation opportunities in the area are abundant. Tucson is surrounded by the Coronado National Forest which is home to what is locally known as the Sky Islands. These refugees of biological diversity attract many visitors annually. More information about Tucson and Arizona can be found at the Arizona Guide.
If you would like more information on Sycamore Canyon, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
This Saturday, April 26, 10AM to 5PM, the 24th annual Tucson Solar Potluck will be held at Catalina state park just 10 miles NW of Tucson, AZ. The event will feature solar demonstrations with musical entertainment and an evening meal all provided by energy from the sun.
Over 50 solar ovens are expected to produce the free evening meal with dishes such as pot roast, chile, turkey, and cakes and cookies for desert. The dinner is expected to start at 5PM and anyone with a solar oven is invited to bring a dish and participate in the celebration of the sun.
"Citizens for Solar" is a community group of like minded solar enthusiasts who promote solar awareness and education to the community thru this family event.
If you would like more information on Tucson Real Estate, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Veranda at Ventana condominiums is located in the northeast section of Tucson, AZ. Nestled in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, one mile from beautiful Sabino Canyon recreational area, Veranda at Ventana is uniquely located to many outdoor attractions. Within a short drive are Saguaro National Park, Colossal Cave, Catalina State Park, Mt Lemon Recreation Area, and Tucson Mountain Park.
There are many community amenities such as two swimming pools, two spas, a fitness center and outdoor ramadas and BBQs. For indoor activities there is a Clubhouse with a game room, meeting area and a bar.
Residences vary in size from 1 bedroom 1 bath at 648 sq. ft. to 3 bedroom 2 bath at 1117 sq. ft. All units come with a private patio or balcony, bedrooms have walk in closets, there is a full washer and dryer, and pre-wired with a security system.
If you would like more information on Veranda at Ventana, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Dove Mountain is a luxury golf resort master planned community located in the Tortolita Mountains north of Tucson, AZ. The low density community covers an area of almost nine square mile with one third of the land committed to open space. Each of the five residential communities, The Preserve, The Gallery Properties, Canyon Pass, The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, and Saguaro Forest are unique in design and location within the Dove Mountain Plan.
The Preserve is the first community encountered at the entrance with an elevation of 2700 feet and 650 homesites starting in the high $300k price range.
The Gallery Properties consist of two communities, one surrounding the 16, 17 and 18th holes of the North Course, and Gallery Canyon comprised of 15 homesites tucked away behind gated access but within walking distance to the Gallery Clubhouse.
Canyon Pass is an ultra secluded community nestled in the high Sonoran Desert on 2000 acres of which almost 75% is preserved as natural open space. These homes are the ultimate in privacy and quite natural desert surroundings.
The Residences at the Ritz Carlton will comprise 300 homes featuring the finest in design and finishes, together with 20 estate home sites. These reisdences will sit above the Saguaro Forest with stunning views of the basin floor below.
Saguaro Forest is an area of 1200 acresof rolling foothills that will comprise custom homesites. Development of this community is scheduled for early 2008.
The Dove Mountain luxury community is built on terrain of varing beauty with uncomprimised views of the Sonoran Desert. This community is the finest in desert living that southern Arizona has to offer.
If you would like more information on Dove Mountain, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
The Civano community in Tucson, AZ. is the first large, mainstream real estate development to integrate sustainability as a key characteristic of the community design. All of the green homes in this community are energy efficient rated. There are currently 33 homes on the market.
There was one home sold in Civano in March. The home sold for $309,900. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 baths, 1670sq.ft. on a 6883sq.ft. lot. There is only one home sale pending at this time with a price of $300k at 2052 sq.ft. with a lot size of 5904 sq.ft.
In the last six months 17 homes have sold in the community. There are currently 19 active listings, each unique in its own design and ranging in price from $160,000 for a 3 bedroom 3bath 1479sq.ft. home on a 2070sq.ft. lot to a $498,000 home with 4 bedrooms 2 baths at 2052sq.ft. on a 5904sq.ft lot.
If you would like more information on Civano homes, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Indigo Modern is a sustainable energy efficient community with a loft like design that merges metropolitan living with practicable green home features. Indigo Modern's design is ahead of its time bring futuristic design features into the present Sonoran Desert lifestyle. These homes are energy efficient rated by Tucson Electric Power for a utility cost of no more than $1.42 per day.
There are several units available at this writing. The homes are all 2 story 1800sq.ft 3 bedroom 2 bath. The cost of each unit varies according to the optional features.
If you would like more information on the indigo Modern homes, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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