What In The World Is A Home Energy Audit Print

Arizona broadcast legends Ray Odom and Jim West.  Talking about their incredible careers.

Ray Odom:  A Lifetime Of Radio, Records And Racehorses

The Phoenix Sound:  A History Of Twang And Rockabilly In Arizona

Ray discusses how he got his start in radio.  Recreating baseball play by play back in the day.  Also his start as a promoter of music acts in Phoenix. 

Phoenix had a boxing venue called Madison Square Garden.

Ray was the first promoter to bring a young Elvis Presley to Arizona.  With a great story about it.

Ray owned radio stations that played country music.  Also announced boxing and wrestling.

Ray talks about the first time he saw ratings for his station when he wasn't aware about them.

Ray and his wife Dolly share their passion for race horses.  Dolly tells an incredible story of how her father, from Spain, made it to the United States.  Ray tells how he met Dolly.  

Ray hired Waylon Jennings to work part time at his radio station.

Back in the day when radio stations signed off the air, Ray read a poem played just before the station's sign off.  He recreates it for us.

Register for the next Arizona Staycation From Sanderson Ford.

Farmer Greg takes a deep dive into water harvesting.  Including rainwater, graywater and stormwater, condensate from air conditioning units and evap coolers.  He explains each one, especially what graywater can and can't be harvested.

Discussion of permaculture of stacking functions of water for use.

Oasis BioCompatible Soap  Greg uses the dish and laundry soap.  

Talk about making homemade soap.

BOOK:  Creating An Oasis With Graywater by Al Ludwig.  Creating a graywater system.

Discussion about tanks to collect rainwater.  Storing water in tanks has challenges.

Systems to collect water can vary.  There isn't a standard.

Collecting rainwater from gutters.  Greg explains his 2 systems on the farm.

Greg talks about the learning experience with using tanks on the farm.  And explains his culvert system.

Discussion of return on investment on Greg's water system versus his inexpensive system for watering his orchard.

Guidelines for graywater.  Mentions guidelines from Arizona Dept. Of Enviromental Quality

Explains his in-ground bottomless tanks.

Greg's vision is to create Phoenix into a 'food secure' place.  Where most of the fruits and veggies can be grown in your backyard.

More info on water harvesting:

Urban Farm Water  Greg's ways to harvest these types of water.

Harvesting Rainwater

Rosie lists the most popular things homeowners want in their place.

CALLER:  Has a slump block home.  Interested in foam insulation in the block.  Thermal Advantage  Also attic insulation.  Banker Insulation

CALLER:  Toilets and graywater?  We're not sure :)

CALLER:  Building a new home and wanted to know about hiring a independent inspector during the building process.  The Inspector Home Inspection

QUESTION on wiring a new home.  YES!  Romey explains.

CALLER:  Inquiring about alternative septic systems, perk testing and construction suggestions on building a new home.

CALLER:  Has an insulated garage and inquires about installing A/C vents to cool it during the summer.

CALLER:  A mystery leak about the kitchen sink and the plaster wall backing is soft and wet.  Walker Plumbing  Thunderbird Plumbing

Follow up on the mystery leak caller.

Jennifer gets on her soapbox to warn everyone about 'roof rats'.  Shady, aggressive representatives from roofing companies using pressure tatics to make a deal.

Jeff from REEis Air Conditioning discusses a Whole Home Energy Audit.  What it is and what it can do to make your home more energy efficient, air quality and confortable.

How REEis's audit evolved from just examining by eye to a state of the art system that detail issues.

Explains how they depressurize the home to start.  (Its not that intense:)  

Looks for gaps in doors and windows.  Look for leaks in the duct system.  Checking the registers for leaks.

An inexpensive way to have an outline of weak spots and how to tackle them.

CALLER:  Details issue maintaining cooling in a brand new house.  Can't get the temperature to a desired setting at times.  

Discussion of the standard 30 degree split.  Excessive outdoor heat and humidity plays a factor in desired temp settings.

EMAIL:  How do figure out a return on investment on upgrading insulation from R-19 to R-39.  Jeff explains.

What does 'R' mean?

CALLER:  Compliments REEis on recent work done.  Question about supercooling and inquires whats the lowest base temperature off peak setting. 

Jeff explains thru extensive testing, a number that determines if supercooling will work at a home.

CALLER:  Doing a full remodel.  Removed low kitchen ceiling to expose the vents and cooling kitchen much better.  Wants to know if installing a register in the laundry area will cool it.

REEis energy audit is $99.  Entitles you to any/all rebates by energy providers.  You'll get a 22 page report and recommendations.

CALLER:  Has a manuel thermostat and wants to know what temperature to set it when away for a length of time.

Andrew of Intelligent Design Air Conditioning & Heating of Tucson, AZ

Discussion of static pressure and its importance in an air conditioning system.

The compressor is the brain, the coil is the heart.  Both work together to cool properly.

Andrew's thoughts on what seems like a standard of undersizing return air.

Explains the procedure to work with a customer who's unit is older.

Discussion on A/C refridgerant.  History of previous refridgerants, why they were replaced and doing or not doing in today's units.  

Rosie explains what refridgerant does.

Read the fine print on every warranty when installing a new system.  You could use and extended warranty.  Make sure the contractor registers the warranty.  They explain why.

Discussion of hot and cold spots in the house.  Most customers accept this but it can be fixed.  Andrew gives examples.

Increased efficency of A/C units has increased over the decades.  Higher seer ratings, smaller ton units with variable speed motors, and intelligent design.

Duct leakage is a problem that can reduce efficency on any unit.

Why is not a good idea to close room registers (vents) that are not being used.

Consistant dust could be a sign of duct leakage.

Discussion of filters for better air quality, less dust and low back pressure.

Andrew discusses why 90% of AC installs in Arizona are done incorrectly.  Give 4 reasons why.

If the reasons given are correct and perfect, you could reduce the size of your unit.

Andrew talks about a report on how to chose a new air condtioning system.  80% who, 20% what.  Installation is what its all about.