Two Knight's Engineering

03/01/2024

What's a dishwasher's favorite kind of TV show? A soap opera.
Why did the dishwasher quit? Because it had a load of other things to do.

All jokes aside, do you know if your dishwasher is an Energy Star?

Find out the energy usage of your dishwasher using the Energy Star program, which is a certification system developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers identify energy-efficient products. You may even qualify for an energy rebate, find out how at https://www.energystar.gov/products/dishwashers

Dishwashers that meet the Energy Star criteria are rated based on their energy consumption, as well as other factors such as water usage and cleaning performance. To qualify for Energy Star certification, a dishwasher must meet the following energy consumption requirements:

Energy consumption: The dishwasher must use no more than 307 kWh of electricity per year for a standard-size unit and no more than 234 kWh per year for a compact-size unit.

Water consumption: The dishwasher must use no more than 3.5 gallons of water per cycle for a standard-size unit and no more than 2.5 gallons per cycle for a compact-size unit.

Cleaning performance: The dishwasher must meet minimum cleaning performance standards, as tested by a third-party laboratory.

Dishwashers that meet the Energy Star criteria are labeled with an Energy Star logo and a rating that indicates their energy efficiency. These ratings range from the least efficient (1 star) to the most efficient (5 stars).

To compare the energy usage of different dishwashers, look for the Energy Star label and compare the star ratings. A dishwasher with a higher star rating will generally use less energy and water than a dishwasher with a lower rating.

Why ENERGY STAR? A standard-sized ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher costs about $55 per year to run and can save you about 3,850 gallons of water over its lifetime.

02/15/2024

Make Every Drop Count: WaterSense & Local Rebates for Big Savings

Water is precious, and with climate change, conserving it becomes even more critical. Two Knight's Engineering understands the importance of water conservation and can help you can recommend suitable products for your needs to create a more sustainable home and even help you find local rebates.

Did you know that simple changes in your home can significantly reduce your water usage and your utility bills? Look no further than WaterSense - a program by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps consumers identify water-efficient products and practices.

WaterSense to the Rescue:

Products featuring the WaterSense label use at least 20% less water compared to traditional models, without compromising performance. From showerheads and faucets to toilets and irrigation systems, the variety ensures you can make eco-friendly choices throughout your home.

But the benefits don't stop there:

Lower water bills: Reduced water usage translates to direct savings on your monthly bills.
Reduced environmental impact: Conserving water helps protect fragile ecosystems and ensures its availability for future generations.
Improved performance: Modern WaterSense products often offer advanced features and improved functionality, making them a win-win.
Double Down on Savings with Local Rebates:

Many local water utilities offer generous rebates for purchasing WaterSense-labeled products. Visit the WaterSense website to discover available programs in your area. These rebates can further sweeten the deal, making WaterSense products even more affordable. https://www.epa.gov/watersense

Make the Smart Choice:

By choosing WaterSense-labeled products and taking advantage of local rebates, you're not just saving money, you're making a positive impact on the environment. Contact Two Knight's Engineering today and start your journey towards a more water-efficient and sustainable future!

02/04/2024

Power Up Your Savings: Energy Tax Credits for Home Improvement in 2024
Thinking about home improvements in 2024? Great news! The government continues to offer generous tax credits to incentivize energy-efficient upgrades, making your project more affordable and environmentally friendly. Two Knight's Engineering is here to help you navigate these exciting opportunities and maximize your savings! Also if you finished a qualifying project in 2023, don't forget to file for your energy credits before 15 APR 2024!

Unlocking Savings in 2024:

Let Two Knight's Engineering guide you through the exciting world of energy tax credits for 2024. We understand the complexities and can tailor solutions to your specific project, ensuring you reap the maximum benefits available. Here's a look at some key credits:

1. Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades:

30% credit on qualifying improvements like insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. This can translate to thousands of dollars back on your taxes!

2. Renewable Energy Systems:

30% credit on the installation of solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. Power your home sustainably while saving big.
Residential Clean Energy Credit: This enhanced credit offers up to $5,000 based on the capacity of your new solar energy system.

3. Energy Audits:

$150 credit for professional home energy audits. Gain valuable insights and identify areas for improvement, maximizing your overall savings potential.
Additional Benefits:

4. Long-Term Benefits:

Remember, while upfront costs might be higher with energy-efficient upgrades, you'll experience significant long-term savings on your energy bills.
Increased energy efficiency also enhances your home's value and marketability.

Two Knight's Engineering can help you explore these opportunities and maximize your overall savings potential.

Let's Get Started!

Contact Two Knight's Engineering today for a free consultation. We'll assess your project, identify eligible credits, and guide you through the process. Make your home improvement dreams a reality while reaping the benefits of energy efficiency and tax savings.

Together, let's build a greener, more sustainable future, one energy-efficient home at a time!

02/04/2024

Why don't refrigerators go to school? Because they're already cool!

Find out how to save some cool cash and select the most energy efficient refrigerator with these chill tips:

Look for the ENERGY STAR label: The ENERGY STAR program is a government-backed program that certifies energy-efficient products. An ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator will be more energy efficient than a non-certified model.
An ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator can be up to 15% more energy-efficient than a non-certified model, which can translate to significant savings on your energy bill over the life of the appliance.
According to the US Department of Energy, the average annual energy consumption of a non-certified refrigerator is around 725 kWh, while the average annual energy consumption of an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator is around 470 kWh. This means that a typical ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator uses about 35% less energy than a non-certified model.
The exact amount of savings you will see will depend on a number of factors, including the size and style of the refrigerator, your usage patterns, and your local energy rates. However, it is generally safe to assume that an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator will save you money on your energy bills compared to a non-certified model.

Check the Energy Guide label: This yellow label is required by law to be displayed on all new refrigerators and provides information on the estimated annual energy consumption, as well as the estimated operating cost. Before making a final decision, compare the estimated annual energy cost of different models. This will give you an idea of how much each model will cost to operate over the course of a year. Look for models with the lowest energy consumption and operating cost.

Consider the size and style: Larger refrigerators generally use more energy than smaller ones, so consider your needs and choose a size that is appropriate. Additionally, side-by-side refrigerators tend to be less energy efficient than top-freezer or bottom-freezer models.
Look for features that save energy: Some refrigerators have features such as automatic defrost, temperature controls, and high-efficiency compressors that can help reduce energy consumption.

Consider the placement of the refrigerator: Make sure to place the refrigerator in a location that is away from heat sources and has adequate ventilation. This will help it run more efficiently and use less energy.

By following these tips, you can select a refrigerator that is both energy efficient and meets your needs.

Check out https://www.energystar.gov/products/refrigerators for more information.

12/06/2017

Ask Two Knight's Engineering how we can help you claim the Federal Solar Tax Credit!
"For homeowners, ...a federal tax credit available for installing a residential solar system....Congress recently extended the deadline for using this credit to December 2021."

You maxed out your annual 401(k) contribution and are wondering how else to save on taxes next April. Here are six deductions to think about taking.

11/07/2017

It's so nice to be profiled in a peer publication for my work in energy engineering...thank you to AFCEC Energy Express.
https://www.dvidhub.net/publication/issues/36486

11/01/2017

Very cool new wind technology!

MicroCube | American Wind

10/26/2017

On the winners podium for the 2017 Association of Energy Engineer's Asia Pacific Rim Regional Energy Engineer of the Year Award and the Innovative Energy Project of the Year for Yokota Air Base!

09/28/2017

It's a great honor! The Association of Energy Engineers recognized my work in Tokyo Japan with the 2017 Asia Pacific Rim Energy Engineer of the Year Award at the World Energy Engineering Congress in Atlanta GA!