Consumers to get money back for hot water heaters and other appliances, solar panels, insulation, and home efficiency improvements. The Governor’s Energy Office encourages homeowners to plan ahead - when the money runs out, the rebates end.

DENVER - March 16, 2010 — Coloradans can soon tap into millions of Recovery Act dollars and take steps to save money, boost the economy and save energy as the Governor’s Energy Office and partners prepare to launch a sweeping, statewide rebate program April 19. This initiative is designed to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to tens of thousands of Coloradans and will provide nearly 75,000 rebates worth approximately $22 million.

Coloradans will be able to connect easily with opportunities to save dollars and do some good for the economy and the environment by visiting the Recharge Colorado website (also launching April 19) to sign up for rebates on a wide array of appliances, services and equipment that will save energy, reduce energy bills and create jobs for Colorado. The website and rebate program will offer Colorado consumers a service unprecedented in scope - providing comprehensive and localized information about rebates, financial incentives, contractors, energy conservation tips and availability of goods and services across the state.

Items eligible for rebates will include:

• Equipment such as dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, as well as furnaces and hot water heaters.
• Residential energy efficiency measures such as insulation and air sealing, duct sealing, whole-house energy audits and whole-house energy monitors.
• Renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems for homes and businesses and small wind installations.

A complete list is included at the end of this announcement. About one-third of the rebates will be provided for ENERGY STAR appliances, furnaces and hot water heaters. The bulk of the funding for the program is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Local partners across Colorado provided additional dollars.

“Coloradans are unique and our goal was to develop a rebate program and education campaign that would match the ‘do it yourself’ ethic that is a hallmark of this great state,” said GEO director Tom Plant. “We look forward to providing Coloradans this opportunity to save money, save energy and participate in our New Energy Economy. We invite consumers to discover the wealth of energy-saving information available to them through this one-stop clearinghouse at our soon-to-be-launched Recharge Colorado web site. Connecting people to this information will, in turn, mean more jobs and business for the companies that provide these valuable services.”

Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver added that it sells and installs a line of tankless hot water heaters from Rinnai that qualify for the Governor’s Energy Office rebate program, as well as rebate programs from Denver Water and federal tax credits. Also, Ben Franklin can provide a range of plumbing services for other appliances covered the in the new rebate program, and the master plumbing company will assist homeowners with all of the necessary paperwork to be able to claim a rebate, incentive or tax credit. Call Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver at 303-340-3400 or visit its website at www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com for more details.

Critical consumer information

The GEO expects high consumer interest in all rebates. For ENERGY STAR appliance rebates, the GEO along with its local partners expects brisk consumer action. Those appliances account for about 16,000 of the rebates. In light of that, it’s important for consumers to have realistic expectations and to recognize the limits of the program.

Rebates on kitchen appliances range from $50 to $100 while those for hot water heaters and furnaces range from $200 to $500. These rebates will be reserved on-line on a first-come, first-served basis. The GEO rebates will not be retroactive. This means that products purchased and installed before the GEO launches the program will be ineligible for rebates.

Consumers are reminded that no rebates are guaranteed until all documentation is provided to the GEO. Consumers that are interested in energy efficiency appliances should consider the savings that are immediately available to them through retailer, utility or manufacturer incentives. Many retailers may currently offer sales that exceed what will be available in the rebate program.

Rebates for renewable energy measures, such as solar hot water or solar electric systems, will require a home energy audit before applying. Walkthrough audits that have been conducted after Dec. 31 2006 but before program launch can be accepted. After April 19, however, the audit must be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) certified auditor. Rebates are available for home energy audits performed after April 19.

Beginning April 19, consumers will be directed to the Recharge Colorado website to apply for and reserve rebates. The rebate check will be issued to the homeowner, for both energy efficiency and renewable energy applications. More detailed information on the rebate application process and rebate criteria will be provided on the GEO website by March 31.

Home appliance rebates

ALL APPLIANCES MUST BE ENERGY STAR RATED.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS EXIST above just Energy Star labeling in some cases

Not all products and services will qualify for a rebate. The GEO strongly encourages consumers to review the rebate materials carefully when considering purchases.

For an appliance that is deemed eligible, the following rebate level will be paid:*

• Clothes washers $75
• Dishwashers $50
• *Refrigerators $100 with proof the previous refrigerator was recycled. Proof consists of a receipt from a recycling facility or a receipt from a retailer engaged in an existing recycling agreement with the GEO. A list of retailers will be available in coming weeks.
• *Refrigerators $50 with no proof of recycling.
• **Furnaces - gas condensing $500
• Hot water heater - gas condensing/high performance $200 (minimum efficiency rating available in coming weeks)
• Hot water heater - gas tankless $300
• Gas boilers - $400

*Refrigerators must be at least 12 cubic feet in size to qualify.

**Furnaces must also be rated at an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater or equal to 92 percent

Residential energy efficiency rebates

• Insulation and air sealing - 20% of cost up to $400 (will not exceed $600 if combined with an existing local utility rebate taken by the consumer)
• Duct sealing - 20% of cost up to $75 (will not exceed $125 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)
• Whole-house energy audit - tiered rebate of $25 to $100 depending on cost of audit
• Whole-house energy monitor - $50 (will not exceed $100 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)

Renewable energy rebates
Note: Rebates are based on system size, calculated per watt. So no hard dollar figure is provided here.

• Solar photovoltaic - 20 to 30%. In some cases, rebates combined with local incentives will result in a 50 % reduction in costs.
• Solar domestic hot water - 30% of the cost
• Solar thermal and/or hot water (commercial only - no pools, spas or snowmelt) - approx. 30 % of the cost of the system
• Small wind (residential) up to 10 kW - approx. 30% of the cost of the system
• Small wind (commercial) - approx. 15 to 20% of the cost of the system

*Xcel and Black Hills Energy customers are excluded due to existing residential photovoltaic rebates offered through those utilities.

DENVER – Cold weather is nothing new for the Denver area, of course, but the plumbing pros at Denver’s Benjamin Franklin – The Punctual Plumber know all too well that each time the mercury plunges many homeowners face a new, and potentially devastating problem: frozen pipes.

And the real surprise is that while severely low temperatures often cause water pipes to freeze, the troubles begin when the thaw comes: those frozen pipes begin to burst when temperatures rise.

Temperatures in the Denver Metro area began to hit the single digits on Wednesday night, Dec. 2, then the official low overnight into Thursday hit 1 degree, and plunged to 2 degrees in the wee hours of Friday. But the forecast calls for a warming trend on Friday – a high of 33 degrees is predicted by the U.S. Weather Service – and continuing into Saturday, which means the problems should show up over the next 24 hours.

And watch out – temperatures should plunge again beginning Sunday, reaching a low of 7 degrees early Tuesday, with another warming trend beginning next Wednesday and into the weekend of the 11th-13th. That could spell Round Two in the burst pipes saga.

While severely low temperatures at any time bring a rash of burst pipes, Ben Franklin plumbers point out that the most problems are usually found in the first few cold snaps of the season. Many people, they say, put off winterizing chores until after the first really cold weather moves through the area, so even pipes that were fine a year ago might be subjected to different conditions. A basement window may have been left open or was broken during the summer months, which changed the environment around critical pipes. Or, the experts warn, a heat duct might be closed off or clogged.

Also, don’t be complacent: pipes that weather a temperature dip to 0 degrees this time might well be subjected to disaster if another cold snap sends the mercury plunging just a few degrees more. Keep in mind that the record low temperature in Denver in the month of December is -25 degrees – and that happened on the 22nd of December in 1990. The record low for January is -29 degrees, and -25 degrees for February.

Of course, if pipes freeze and burst, the best thing to do is to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver before the water damage gets too severe. As experts in all aspects of plumbing, and especially frozen pipes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has plumbers on the ready who understand that a punctual response in such an emergency is key to limiting damage.

But there are some precautions homeowners can take:

• Know where you main water shut-off valve is in case of emergency.
• Check around your pipes, especially those in the basement, basement crawl space, and any that may be in outside walls (like behind a washing machine) to make sure there is an adequate heat source or insulation to withstand bitter cold.
• Make sure windows, especially basement windows, are not broken or inadequate for freezing temperatures.  Insulate if necessary.
• Keep the cabinet and vanity doors open that lead to under the kitchen sink and bathroom sink, so the warmth of the room will keep the pipes from freezing.
• On really cold nights, let the water run at a trickle in suspect fixtures; running water takes a lot longer to freeze.

One of the other key problems in frozen water pipes is something you might not notice before the Spring: frozen sprinkler system pipes. Many people delay blowing out their sprinkler systems and during a severe cold spell they are particularly susceptible to freeze/thaw damage. And don’t forget the other outside faucets; leaving hoses connected can cause freezing, damage and could result in bursting pipes.

A good way to avoid all of these potential plumbing ills is to have the expert plumbers at Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver perform a Complete Plumbing Inspection of your entire plumbing system, including the sprinkler system and outdoor faucets. In addition to making sure all of the fixtures, plumbing-based appliances, drains, sewer connections, water pipes and mains are up to serving the needs of your household, they can also spot and easily correct potential problem areas that could arise from severe cold.

If you have a severe-weather emergency, call right away: 303-532-1352. For all other services call today for a Plumbing Inspection or an estimate on desired plumbing changes or upgrades.

When it’s cold outside, knowing your plumbing is safe let’s you keep warm and toasty.

There was a conversation going on the other day about all of the $1 million-+ houses all over Denver that are sitting idle and not selling. A mortgage closer chimed in that the there are many people buying new homes in the Denver area, and refinancing existing homes, both through mortgage instruments, of course, but that it seemed like what was selling was $750,000 and down. “We’re not seeing much activity in the million-plus stuff, the closer said.The reason, many speculate, is not that people who could afford the more expensive homes aren’t buying; rather that people are showing a decided preference for smaller homes - a movement that has sprung up just in the last year and half or so. And it’s not a go-cheap movement; these buyers, it is said, are going for smaller, more energy efficient and more comfortable homes  “We’re moving from a ‘quantity of life’ to a “quality of life” point of view,” noted one observer.A major part of this movement, according to many observers, is a nearly universal desire to lower one’s carbon footprint. Use less energy, use less water, recycle more; be a part of a “new energy” awareness - while at the same time enjoying a high quality of life.The plumbers at Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver have many services, of course, that fit into this movement nicely, including new, more energy efficient plumbing fixtures, inspections of sprinkler systems to insure optimum efficiency, checks on toilets and all fixtures to make sure there are no leaks or wastes - even minor leaks in a toilet, for instance, can waste thousands of gallons of water and cost a homeowner as much as double on a water bill.But the single best thing a home owner can do right away to lower their carbon footprint, save water, save money, and improve their quality of life is to install a tankless water heater.Ben Franklin recommends the GoHot brand of tankless water heaters, and the pros at Ben Franklin are experts in the installation and use of these modern energy saving devices.There are many advantages to going tankless, not the least of which is that a tankless system just takes up less space - the unites are just 23 inches tall, a mere 9.8 inches deep, and up to 18.5 inches wide. So first, you can get that large, round water heater tank off the basement floor and have extra room.But , of course, what you want to save is energy - a Rinnai tankless water heating system is 30% more efficient than a standard natural gas water heater, and a whopping 50% more efficient than a traditional tank run on electricity. And not only that, a tankless system heats water as it is needed, so it only uses energy when called for, plus it provides an endless supply of hot water. The “tank” never empties.Oh, yes, and one more thing: the typical hot water tank system normally comes with a 10 to 12 year life expectancy, but the GoHot Tankless Water Heater system carries a 20-year life expectancy, offering years and years of trouble-free operation.When you look to lower you carbon footprint and yet do it in a way that increases your quality of life, look no further than a GoHot Tankless Water Heater system from Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver. More hot water. Less space. Much more energy efficiency. You’ll be telling your old hot water heater: “Tanks for the memories.”

Temperatures plummeting to record-breaking lows have caused water pipe breaks and leaks to reach an all-time high. According to the Denver Post, in a cold spell, there is about a 10 percent increase in plumbing problems due to frozen pipes and when temperatures warm up and pipes begin to thaw, there is about a 20 percent increase in plumbing problems due to leaks.

When the temperature goes below zero degrees, energy drains from the water and the water freezes.  Then because the volume of frozen water is greater than the volume of liquid water, the pressure causes pipes to break. When you find out you have a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water and the water heater.

You may have a frozen pipe if you turn on the faucet and only a weak stream of water comes out.  As the frozen area begins to melt, more water will flow. When you find out you have a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water and the water heater.  If you believe you can locate the frozen section, you can heat it yourself but it is not recommended because improper thawing can cause the pipe to burst.  Note: never use a torch to thaw pipes.  If it is in an out-of-reach area or if you are not sure where it is or how to thaw it, Ben Franklin plumbing can help you to locate and thaw the frozen area immediately.

To prevent pipes from freezing, you can make sure the area around them is well-ventilated so warm air can circulate and make sure they are insulated, but if it is too late and it is zero degrees or lower, you may want to let the water run because it is less likely the pipes will freeze, but this should only be a temporary solution in case of emergency, because it will waste water and run up your water bill.  To find out more about frozen pipes and how they can be prevented and thawed visit the American Red Cross web site prepare.org.

Should you need Ben Franklin to come to your rescue, they will do so in a timely manner.  Of course, they respond as soon as possible to all emergencies.  And for any service, they set and keep appointments.  You will not have to wait around for some four-hour suggested window of time to come and go like you may with other plumbers, Ben Franklin plumbing will let you know the specific window of time you can expect them.  They know your time is valuable so if they are late, they will pay you $5 per minute up to $300.  They guarantee satisfaction and will not charge for the service if you are not happy.

Call Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver at 303-340-3400.

Steve Jusseaume, master plumber and owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver, knows exactly how to pick a plumber; here is how he’d do it if he had a drip, drip drip.

The only thing more frustrating that the constant drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet is the nag, nag, nagging feeling that finding a plumber is going to be a problem. Am I going to get ripped off? Will they show up on time? Will they add on services I don’t need? Can they do the job without having to call someone else to get it done right?

What often exacerbates the anxiety is that the search for a good plumber is not for next Tuesday, but rather an immediate need; the pipe is leaking now. The tried and frequently less-than-true method is to search the Yellow Pages and pick out the one with the best- looking advertisement, but then marketing budgets are no measure of competence or General Motors wouldn’t be asking Congress for help.

This is usually where people find help by contacting Steve Jusseaume, master plumber and owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver (www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com), known as Deer Creek Plumbing Inc. for its first 25 years of operation until Jesseaume joined the Ben Franklin family.

Picking a plumber, says Jusseaume of Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver, can leave a homeowner or building manager as skittish as a colt when it’s not an everyday event you’re dealing with. However, his checklist of key things to look for will help to narrow the choices and lead to plumbing satisfaction, are shown below:

1. Licensing. Make sure you are dealing with a licensed plumber. With licensing varies from state to state, in Colorado it is a fairly straight-forward issue: any plumber worth his monkey wrench will state, in writing, that he/she is, in fact, licensed, what the license number is, and when it was obtained (which will give you insight into the plumber’s experience).
2. Insurance and bonding. Make sure your selected plumber and/or plumber contractor is fully insured, and this means both with workers compensation coverage and with liability insurance with at least $500,000 in coverage. Once again, any reputable plumber will provide proof of insurance without even being asked.
3. Better Business Bureau. Check with the BBB. In Denver, for those firms which are members, the BBB offers ratings of plumbers, from A+ to F, and it maintains records of complaints and how the company and/or plumber handled those complaints. There is also background information on licensing and experience.
4. Experience and references. While there are probably many fine plumbers who went into business last week, it is easy to check out how long the person has been licensed and how long the firm has been in business, and that experience should offer a measure of security. To further this, ask for references from other customers (and be willing to offer a future reference yourself), and pay particular attention to previous customers who had work done which is similar to the work being discussed.
5. Cost. The most reputable plumbers generally will offer a complete and detailed estimate of the costs for the work to be performed, including materials, in writing.
6. Appearance. It is very important, and offers an additional measure of security, if the plumbers who come to service your job are neat and clean in appearance, and are wearing shirts or jackets with logos identifying them as from the company which was called. A work truck bearing a company identity only adds to the peace of mind.
7. Appointment windows. The most reputable plumbing firms will offer very specific appointment windows - and stick to them.
8. Customer service. The top plumbers in the business have their own customer service operations, available 24 hours a day, which can address emergencies, follow-ups or any concerns directly and expeditiously.
9. Cleanup. Make sure your plumber is clear, in writing, that its personnel are committed to a thorough cleanup once a job is complete. Reputable plumbers are expert at cleaning up every type of plumbing job and restoring the area to its pre-problem condition.
10. Guarantee. Make sure your plumber offers, in writing, a complete satisfaction guarantee. Nothing is worse than having to pay twice to get the job done right.

Obviously, it would be easier to check up on this check-list of Pick-A-Plumber-Tips if the situation at hand isn’t an emergency. In a perfect world, you’d find a great plumber for a relatively small issue, then continue to work with them through small drips and major problems for years to come. On the other hand, in this age of the Internet just about everything on this check-list can be discovered about a plumber online in a matter of moments, and if it isn’t-through the plumber’s web site and hot links to organizations like the BBB - that should tell you something right there.

There’s nothing you can do about the drip, drip, drip except find a great plumber. Once you do, the nag, nag, nagging feeling will be a thing of the past.  Casll 303-340-3400 or visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com and your drip will be a thing of the past.

Did you know going green saves you green?

Fixing leaky faucets and tightening loose plumbing joints alone can save more than 15 gallons of water per leak per day.

Optimize utility of appliances.  Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are not half empty (or half full).  Fill them all the way before running through a cycle.

Make simple adjustments.  Switching to water-saving shower heads and faucets saves over 600 gallons of water each month.  Shaving even one minute off of your total shower time can make hundreds of gallons of difference per month.  Consider an electric razor.  Don’t forget to turn the water off while you brush your teeth either.

With energy costs rising faster than the summer heat, it’s time to put your money where your water is, that is if you want to save money in the long run. The problem with conventional water heaters, according to Steve Jusseaume, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing in Denver, Colorado, is that water needs-particularly household hot water needs, are not constant, but fluctuate every day. If your home is served by a traditional water heater, that means that a lot of water is being constantly heated even at times its not needed. Jusseaume installs goHot^TM systems that heat your residential water as needed.

Ben Franklin’s goHot system turns on and off as needed. It reduces your energy use and you’ll begin to see the savings immediately, says Jesseaume, who has installed goHot systems citywide.
Reduce waste. Anytime you can use a dust mop on your hardwood floor or a broom in your garage, try that before going straight for the water bucket or hose.  If you kill a spider simply throw it in the trash instead of using a full flush of toilet water.  And don’t let that water go to waste when you are waiting for the water to run hot.  Save it for plants, ice cube trays or other needs that room-temperature water can quench.

Everyone knows the lawn needs nourishment, but make sure you are not over-watering it and above all, make sure the sprinkler heads are well-positioned by a professional in order to avoid sidewalk spill.

Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver has a way to help you cut your heating bill significantly. By installing a tankless water heater, that heats water on demand versus heating water all day long when it’s not being used, Steve Jusseaume, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver, a master plumber for 30 years, has installed hundreds of Rinnai tankless water heaters in homes just like yours.

A tankless water heater provides an endless supply of hot water, and the Rinnai tankless system is able to service three water outlets simultaneously while maintaining a constant hot water temperature. The Rinnai brand water heater supplies hot water at the rate of up to 9.8 gallons PER MINUTE.

This tankless water heater is 30% more efficient than a natural-gas fueled water heater and is 50% more efficient than an electric water heater. The units are compact and wall-mounted. The many models are no bigger than 23 inches tall, no wider than 18.5 inches, and no deeper than 9.8 inches.

Tankless water heaters installed by Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver save on precious fuel costs because they don’t continuously heat water all day long when it’s not being used. Think about it, traditional water heaters heat the water in them while you’re at work and even while you’re sleeping. Using the Rinnai tankless water heater, you only pay to heat water when you need it, and for as long as you want it.

Another benefit of a Rinnai tankless water heater is that it shuts off automatically when the water supply is closed, and they have a life expectancy of 20 years versus the 10 years a traditional water heater is expected to perform.

Conserving energy and water are among the many services Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver performs in households in Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Commerce City, Denver, Englewood, Glendale, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Morrison, Northglenn, Parker, Sedalia, Thornton, Westminster and Wheat Ridge.

Like Americans everywhere, Coloradans and Denverites are naturally concerned what the winter weather will be like. They’re worried about utility bills for this coming fall. They’ve already experienced a tremendous hike this year, and another is expected, since the PUC okayed the increase. For some people, this could be the increase that broke the camel’s back, as they say, or rather the added expense could be the final straw in an already strained budget.

Being informed is always optimum, says Steve Jusseaume. Being proactive is even better, as the customers who do change out their traditional water heating systems won’t suffer nearly the increases in utility bills that homeowners who duck and cover their head will see this coming winter.”

Contact Steve Jusseaume and the professional plumbers at Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver at 303-340-3400 or visit them on the web at www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com.