B4 • Friday, July 5, 2024
thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Lower cooling bills: Six tips for summer savings annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 10 percent by using a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC demands overnight or while away from the home. Some smart thermostats incorporate geo-fencing features to further reduce energy use by detecting homeowners’ proximity to the house and adjusting the temperature based on home and away settings. Some thermostats can even alert homeowners to potential system issues and provide the option to grant their HVAC contractor with remote service access.
BRANDPOINT The YORK brand of Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has compiled six proven tips to help homeowners reduce cooling bills this spring and summer as energy costs nationwide remain above pre-pandemic rates. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that home cooling accounts for 12 percent of the average household’s monthly electric bills. As many homeowners experience higher-than-average utility costs, simple HVAC upgrades and routine maintenance can help reduce cooling expenditures by improving system efficiency. Before setting the thermostat to cool, homeowners should try these cost-saving tips:
Utilize inflation reduction act savings
COURTESY OF BRANDPOINT
Routine maintenance will keep HVAC systems in peak condition. Cover windows Schedule preventative Inspect and seal ductwork maintenance EnergyStar estimates that as The Department of Energy The Indoor Air Quality Associa- (DOE) estimates that as much as HVAC filters help keep dust much as 20 percent of HVAC effition (IAQA) estimates that routine 76 percent of the sunlight that hits ciency is lost to poorly connected and debris from being recircuHVAC maintenance can reduce an- a standard, double-pane window lated throughout a home. Howor damaged ductwork. An HVAC ever, when these filters become nual heating and cooling bills by will transfer as heat into the home. technician can inspect the as much as 30 percent. Routine too full, they can limit airflow ductwork throughout a home and Window coverings of nearly any maintenance involves cleaning and cause the blower to work evaluate the system’s air supply nature will help to reduce solar and inspecting the evaporator harder. and return balance. heat gains, especially when incoil, examining the drain pan and stalled in south-facing rooms or Maintaining a filter replaceAirflow imbalances could be a condensation line, evaluating ment routine can help improve sign of damage, loose seals or homes with little to no exterior blowers and fans, testing system efficiency and extend the life of even that the ductwork isn’t sized shade. controls and checking refrigerant the HVAC system correctly. Ductwork located But for the greatest energy reFor most systems, the recom- levels. duction, homeowners should opt within basements, attics or crawl Establishing a routine of sched- for insulated cellular shades certi- spaces can also be a point of effimendation is to replace the filter uled service prior to the hottest every one to three months, but ciency loss if the ductwork isn’t fied by the Attachments Energy and coldest times of the year — homeowners should follow the Rating Council (AERC). These spe- properly insulated. frequency indicated by the HVAC when HVAC systems are used cially designed shades incorpomost — will ensure equipment is system manufacturer. rate an interior layer of insulation Update the thermostat in peak working condition and Routinely cleaning the grates The U.S. Department of Energy and can reduce solar heat that encan even help to reduce costly re- ters through the windows by as of the air vents will also help to (DOE) estimates that the average pairs over time. maintain efficient airflow. homeowner could reduce their much as 60 percent. Replace filters and clean vents
Mortgage rates rise as inflation outlook remains cloudy Jeff Ostrowski BANKRATE.COM Mortgage rates rose this week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Home prices reached a record in late spring, but inflation on the whole has slowed, and the Federal Reserve at its latest meeting signaled just one rate cut before end of year. The 30-year fixed mortgage rose slightly to 7.09 percent, while the 15-year rose to 6.51 percent and the 30-year jumbo held at 7.13 percent. The 30-year fixed mortgages in this week’s survey had an average total of 0.27 discount and origination points. Discount points are a way for you to reduce your mortgage rate, while origination points are fees a lender charges to create, review and process your loan.
With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from YORK, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50 percent compared to low-efficiency systems, helping homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills while lowering their environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made the transition to high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps, even more affordable by offering tax rebates up to $2,000 dependent on household income. IRA incentives can also be combined with local and manufacturers rebates to further increase cost-savings. Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, heat pumps can reduce site energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to conventional, fuel-powered heating systems. For more information on rebates, visit YORK.com.
Hawaiiana Management Company, Ltd. Serving Kauai’s Condo & Community Associations with award-winning service
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awaiiana currently serves over 60 residential and commercial associations on the Island of Kauai. Kauai native Sunshine Ruiz Hatto serves as Hawaiiana’s Vice President of Kauai Operations from its office at the Kukui Grove Executive Center in Lihue.
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Sunshine Ruiz Hatto Vice President Kauai Operations
99% retention rate among clients Local (vs. mainland) banking All employees are in Hawaii Serving over 60 associations on Kauai
www.hmcmgt.com
Monthly mortgage payment at today’s rates The national median family income for 2024 is $97,800, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the median price of an existing home sold in May 2024 was $419,300, a record, according to the National Association of Realtors. Based on a 20 percent down payment and a 7.09 percent mortgage rate, the monthly payment of $2,276 amounts to 28 percent of the typical family’s monthly income. Will mortgage rates go down? In the simplest sense, the economy drives whether mortgage rates go up or down. Thirty-year mortgage rates tend to fall in recessions — but not always — and today the economy is anything but. The jobs market has been strong, and inflation, while lower compared to a few months ago, is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target. “We are still expecting rates to moderately decrease in the second half of the year and given additional inventory, price growth should temper, boding well for interested homebuyers,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac.
WHIT VAN BLARGEN SR. MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
LUCY TAYLOR SR. MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
DAVID WONG MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
RICHARD ROBERTS MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
SUNNI EFHAN MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
AMY CAMPBELL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
HINAHEA LANGI OFFICE MANAGER, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
KRISTEN KURZ MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
RACHELE BURNS TOGUCHI OFFICE/LEAD ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
MIRISHAE MCDONALD MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
ASHLEIGH-MORGAN SHIGETA FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hawaiiana’s Kauai Properties: Alihi Lani Alii Kai at Hanalei Alii Kai II Aliomanu Estates Apopo Hale Emmalani Court Halaulani Condominium Hale Honu Halelani Village at Puhi Halemalu at Puhi Hanalei Bay Villas Hooluana Condo at Kohea Loa Hookena at Puhi Kahala at Poipu Kai Ka‘iulani of Princeville Kakela Makai Oceanview Kalaheo Pali Kai Kalapaki Beach Club AOAO Kalihiwai Ridge Kamahana Kapaa Shore
Kauai Beach Resort Kauai Beach Resort Association Kawaihau Sports Villa K.G. Enterprises Condominium Kiahuna Plantation AOBO Kohea Loa Master Association Koloa Garden Apartments Kuhio Shores at Poipu Kukui‘ula Kulana Lae Nani Lihue Townhouse Makanui Manualoha Paradise Court Pali Ke Kua Paliuli Pikake Pili Mai at Poipu Plantation at Princeville Poipu Crater
Poipu Kai Association Poipu Kai Racquet Club Poipu Kai Water Reclamation Poipu Kapili Poipu Sands Prince Kuhio Princeville II Community Association Princeville II Community Association - Queen Emma Bluff Princeville Makai Ranch at Halele‘a Princeville Paniolo Princeville Sealodge I Puamana
Puhi Industrial Park Pu‘u Po‘a Regency at Poipu Kai Regency Hule‘ia Regency Villas at Poipu Kai Sandpiper Village I Sealodge II The Villas at Poipu Kai Villas at Puali Villas of Kamali’i Villas on the Prince Waikomo Stream Villas Wailua Bay View Waipouli Beach Resort
For more information about Hawaiiana’s services, contact Sunshine Ruiz Hatto at 808-792-0515 or email sunshine@hmcmgt.com.