Posted by Chase Craig on June 13, 2011 at 7:30 am
All about Idaho Power’s A/C Cool Credit
1. What is the “A/C Cool Credit” program all about?
A/C Cool Credit is an air conditioner cycling program that results in a shift of energy during the highest-use summer days, helping to ensure reliable power for everyone. It also helps keep costs down by lessening demand for power when electricity demand is at its highest and is most expensive to produce or purchase. Your participation in A/C Cool Credit helps to ensure reliable energy and the wise use of our natural resources.
A Cool Switch device is installed near your A/C unit. On a few summer days when electricity is at its peak, the Cool Switch will cycle your A/C about 50 percent of the time. For instance, off for 15 minutes, then on for 15 minutes. This intermittent cycling is safe for your A/C and helps to make sure your home stays comfortable.
2. Who is eligible?
Residential customers who live within the company’s service area where the equipment required to support A/C cycling has been installed and is operational and who use central air conditioning may apply. Renters may participate by filling out a landlord approval form, available by calling 1-866-865-COOL (2665). Customers with evaporative (swamp) coolers or window air conditioners are not eligible for the program.
3. How can I sign up?
By returning a completed application card you are indicating a desire to participate and have a switch installed at your home. Simply use the online enrollment form or you may also sign up by calling the A/C Cool Credit program at 1-866-865-COOL (2665).
4. Why should I enroll in the program?
Idaho Power expects peak demand to continue rising annually for the next 25 years, much of it due to increased air conditioning use. You can help slow the demand for power during peak hours by participating in programs like this.
In addition, participants will receive a $7 credit on their monthly Idaho Power bill in July, August, and September.
5. What do you mean you’ll “cycle” my air conditioner?
When you enroll in the A/C Cool Credit Program, a Cool Switch device will be installed near your air conditioner. The Cool Switch has the ability to override the thermostat’s control of the A/C’s compressor. Your air conditioner naturally cycles on and off as needed to maintain a set temperature in your home as determined by the setting on your thermostat. When Idaho Power sends a signal to this switch, the air conditioner may cycle off for longer periods of time than normally cycled by the thermostat. This means that the A/C will still operate during these cycling periods, but not as often. This intermittent cycling is safe for your A/C and helps to make sure your home stays comfortable.
6. You’ve mentioned receiving a Cool Switch. Exactly what equipment will be installed?
The Cool Switch is a light gray, weatherized plastic box measuring roughly 7” x 4” x 3.5”. The switch is affixed to either the exterior of your house or directly to the outside of your air conditioning unit. Caution is taken to ensure neither the house nor the air conditioner is damaged during installation or removal. A certified field technician will install, test and verify that the switch is operating safely with the air conditioner’s compressor. It is not necessary to enter the house to install the equipment, therefore you do not have be home to have the unit installed. Customers who are not present when the installation takes place will be notified the device was installed. If you have more than one air conditioning unit, a switch will be installed for each unit.
7. How long will air conditioners be turned off?
Idaho Power will only cycle air conditioner compressors for about three hours on select weekdays, generally between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cycling will not occur on weekends or holidays. A typical cycling interval will be 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, so the total amount on any given day your air conditioner would be cycled off is one and a half hours. In addition, the system fan will continue to operate regardless of whether the compressor is on or off during a cycling event. On rare occasions we may cycle at 20-minute intervals, and Idaho Power reserves the right to cycle air conditioners for longer periods in the unlikely event of a system emergency.
Enrollment
1. When will the program run?
The A/C Cool Credit program is conducted during the summer months of June, July and August, with bill credits appearing on the July, August and September statements. Ongoing participation in future summer seasons is assumed as long as you live at your current residence, unless you decide to terminate enrollment.
2. Will this program reduce my energy consumption?
Probably not. The program is designed to shift demand to non-peak hours to better utilize capacity, much like encouraging workers to commute at off-peak times to lessen the total number of vehicles using the highway system at the same time. During the test program most participants used their A/C units later in the evening and consumed the energy not used during cycling.
3. How does the bill credit work?
After your switch is installed we will update our billing records to add a $7 credit to your account on your July, August and September statements. Customers on Budget Pay will not see the credit on these statements but it will be applied to their level pay calculation. Switches must be installed by the 15th of June, July or August in order to receive a credit on the following month’s bill.
4. Can I choose not to participate in the program on any given day?
Yes, if you wish to opt out of the program on a particular day, you may do so by notifying us a day in advance before 4 p.m. You may exercise this option once a month in June, July and August.
5. How will I know if my air conditioner is being cycled?
A red light on the switch will indicate whether the unit’s compressor is currently off due to cycling.
Switches and Cycles
1. Will cycling hurt my air conditioner?
The air conditioner will continue to operate through signals received from the switch, just as it was designed to do. The frequency of cycling is within standards developed by the industry.
2. Will this program make my house hot?
Your comfort is extremely important to the success of this program. Participants in the program in 2003 and 2004 experienced an overall average increase in home temperature of less than two degrees. Nearly 90 percent of homes experienced less than a four-degree temperature increase over a four-hour cycling period.
3. Can I quit the program?
Yes, you may quit the program at any time, but the credit will only apply to those months you actually participated.
4. What access does Idaho Power need for this program?
We will need access to your air conditioner in order to install the switch and connect measurement equipment to the A/C unit. For that reason, we want to be sure you don’t have any locked gates, pets or vegetation that might make it difficult for contractors and employees to monitor equipment.
5. Why is Idaho Power sponsoring this program?
Idaho power is committed to exploring a variety of programs to meet the growing need for electricity, especially during critical summer peak periods. Programs like this help reduce the amount of electricity that must be generated now and in the future.
6. How can I get additional information?
If you still have questions after reviewing this material, please give Idaho Power a call via their special A/C Cool Credit program line at 1-866-865-COOL (2665).
Information courtesy of www.idahopower.com
Chase Craig
Boise Real Estate Agent
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Posted by Chase Craig on May 18, 2011 at 3:49 am
Should I get a home warranty?
I get this question from many Boise home buyers that have decided to purchase a home. What is a home warranty and should I get one?
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a plan purchased by the home buyer or seller from a 3rd party company which can cover items including but not limited to;
- Heating
- Attic and Exhaust Fans
- Built-in Microwave
- Kitchen Refrigerator
- Ceiling Fans
- Circulating Pumps
- Dishwasher
- Ductwork
- Electrical System
- Garage Door Openers
- Garbage Disposal
- Instant Hot Water Dispenser
- Over/Range/Cooktop
- Pressure Regulators
- Sump Pumps
- Telephone Wiring
- Toilet Tanks and Bowls
- Trash Compactor
- Plumbing Stoppages
- Plumbing System
- Water Heater
Home Warranties can range in price from $250-$400 for buyers 1 year coverage. The coverage “details” or “fine print” on the warranty booklets are about a mile long and include terms such as “plumbing stoppages not covered – Stoppages caused by roots, collapsed or broken lines outside the main foundation, access to drain or sewer lines from vent, removal of water closets (toilets), and costs to locate, access or install a ground level cleanout.”
Another key thing to remember with a warranty plan is that if you want to have something serviced, you will pay a $60-$100 service call fee when the technician arrives at your home.
What is not typically covered in your home warranty?
- Central Air Conditioner
- Free Standing Ice Maker
- Free Standing Freezer
- Additional Refrigerator
- Pool and/or Spa Equipment
- Clothes Washer/Dryer
- Well Pump
- Septic Tank Pumping
- Central Vacuum System
These items that are typically not covered can be covered from as little as $20 for Central Vaccum to as much as $150 for pool and spa equipment.
As a buyer, should you purchase a home warranty?
Like any insurance or warranty, it only comes in handy if something goes wrong. It would be advantageous to purchase a home warranty if you felt you were going to need it. An older home might need something fixed more often then a newer home, therefore a home warranty would not only provide some peace of mind, it would likely come in handy in a pinch. One of the best warranty plans that you can get is from hiring a quality home inspector to inspect the property and evaluate the expected lifespan of the properties major appliances as well as structural features like roofing, framing and insulation.
If you have little to no money in savings and you are purchasing a 50 year old home in the North end of Boise, it would be a good idea to purchase a home warranty plan. While the plan may run as much as $400, you can actually wrap that cost into your home loan so you don’t have to come out-of-pocket with the money yourself. You can even ask the seller of the North end Boise property to include it in the purchase price of the home.
If having to spend $3,000 to fix your furnace in the middle of winter would cause you to foreclose on your Boise property, maybe you should get a home warranty.
As a seller, should you purchase a home warranty?
What is the benefit of purchasing a home warranty as a seller? One benefit is that purchasing a home warranty as a seller covers the property during the listing period. This could really come in handy should you sell the property and the buyer performs a home inspection. The items that show up on the home inspection may be covered for as little as $60 and during a home inspection, warranty items are likely to be found. Another benefit of purchasing a home warranty as a seller can be for marketing your home. Going back to our older North End Boise property, some buyers might be turned off by the idea of future maintenance on the property. A home warranty might be just what the buyers need in order to take a leap on your particular home. Sure they could purchase a home warranty on their own, but some boise home buyers aren’t aware that you can purchase a home warranty. A home warranty already on your property also gives the buyers a feeling of security that if there is a warranty already on the property, the property should be in pretty good condition. After all, nobody would warranty something that was going to fall apart, right?
The answer of whether you should purchase a home warranty can be answered by only one person, you. I would advise that if your property was in bad shape, maybe some renters damaged the property and you dont quite have the money to fix it up, you could purchase a home warranty. You could even market the home as “sold with home warranty” without even purchasing one until the home sells, which could be purchased through funds from escrow and taken out of your proceeds, so literally no out-of-pocket money until you sell the home.
Can you purchase extended coverage for new construction homes?
Yes – While most new construction homes come with 1 to 2 year warranties on them standard, you can purchase a 2-4 extended warranty above and beyond the included builders warranty. This can run between $400 and $600 depending on the warranty company and again, you could possibly talk the builder into including this into the purchase price of the home.
Boise Condominiums, Townhouses and Mobile Homes
You can purchase warranties for condominiums, townhouses and mobile homes as well. It is typically less expensive to purchase a warranty plan for these.
Why should you consider a home warranty?
To potentially save money of course! Let’s be real here, the warranty companies are obviously making money or they wouldn’t offer a warranty. What kind of money can you plan on spending should you have an issue with your home? Here are some common issues and prices that go along with them for repairs or possible replacement;
- Heating System – $130 to $3,500
- Water Heater – $115 – $1,500
- Dishwasher – $98- $1,250
- Air Conditioning – $130 – $4,000
- Oven/Range – $110-$2,700
- Kitchen Refrigerator – $110-$3,800
- Plumbing – $95-$7,500
- Electrical System – $85-$2,500
These prices and fees are estimates and based on current retail pricing. For as little as $60, you could save as much as $7,500 should you have a plumbing disaster…A sh*t show if you will…Sorry I couldn’t resist!
To quote an overused term in the news, “We report, you decide!”
Let me know if you have any questions about obtaining a warranty by contacting me today!
Chase Craig
Search Boise Properties
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Posted by Chase Craig on May 3, 2011 at 1:34 pm
How many Boise real estate agents did you interview?
Have you bought or sold real estate in Boise recently? I’m curious as to how many real estate agents you interviewed before deciding to go with a particular one? The reason why I ask is that I just heard an alarming statistic. 70% of buyers surveyed by the National Association of Realtors said that they did not interview more than 1 Realtor. That’s right, 70% of people out there making one of the most important buying decisions that life has to offer chose not to interview multiple real estate agents.
Let that soak in for a few minutes. Most of us shop 3 or more car dealerships before deciding which one to buy from. I would venture to say that most of you also go to multiple furniture and appliance stores before deciding which one to purchase from. You often already know what brand of appliance or type of furniture you want to buy, you just havent decided on who to buy it from. A couch may cost $500 while a home in Boise can be up to $500,000. So why aren’t you shopping around to make sure you are working with the right real estate professional?
It’s one thing to get a referral for a real estate agent from a trusted friend and decide to go with it. But considering that over 80% of Realtors don’t follow-up with their clients beyond the transaction, it’s not likely that you are getting a referral. Even if you do get referred to another real estate agent, I still recommend that you interview at least one other Boise agent. The reasons are simple…You want to make sure that there are no personality conflicts and you will also want to make sure that your schedules are compatible with one another.
When you interview your Realtor, be sure to ask the following questions to make sure that your making the right decision:
Buyer’s Agent Questions:
- When are you available to show me homes? Some Boise agents have other full-time jobs which can make arranging a time to look at homes rather difficult.
- How familiar are you with selling a bank owned, HUD Home and short sale in the Boise area? Real estate, like many things in life, is an ever-moving target. If your real estate agent hasn’t sold a bank owned, REO, HUD home or short sale for some time, you might be in for a bumpy road lacking proper expectations and full of extended dead lines.
- How quickly will you be available to show me homes? Most aggressively priced bank owned homes and REO’s have multiple offers in the first 3 days of the property being listed. If you are not able to view the properties within that time frame, you might miss out on the Boise home of your dreams! While no real estate agent is available all day every day, its important to ask what kind of systems they have in place to get you into the home when they are not available.
Listing Agent Questions:
- How often will you be able to show my home? A sign in your front yard can yield many phone calls and leads for a real estate agent. The majority of those leads will want to take a look at your home which is why they called from the sign in the first place. Unfortunately, in the fast paced society we live in, people want to see the home when they call. Ask your future realtor how they would handle a situation like that.
- How do you get paid and what does your fee get me? Over time, different realtors and real estate agents develop different techniques and ways to market your home. Ask them what they will do to market your home. Will they have a broker’s open house, providing an avenue for dozens of realtors and real estate agents to walk through your home?
- Before they even come out to your home, ask them to perform a market analysis on it to make sure that you and the realtor are on the same planet regarding pricing. The last thing you want to do is waste your time interviewing 2-5 Realtors just to find out that they all think your home is worth significantly less than you do. While they may be right about the pricing, a CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis on your home can save both you and your real estate agent a lot of time and save you from having that awkward moment where you want to strangle them for telling you what they think your home is worth.
I hope this helps you to find the perfect Boise Realtor!
Chase Craig
Boise Idaho Real Estate
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