Bel Red Energy Blog

A new Washington State carbon monoxide (CO) detector code takes effect January 1^st, 2013.  This new code requires carbon monoxide alarms be installed on each floor of a home and outside each bedroom or sleeping area of the home. 

For new construction, the code will take effect in conjunction with the new build. For existing homes and dwellings, these carbon monoxide detectors will have to be installed when major alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur. This includes most HVAC or plumbing work that is done to existing homes. For now, exterior surface work such as roof or siding replacement or the addition of replacement windows or does not fall under these guidelines. This addition to the 2011 law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in new builds also extends that requirement to all existing residences, including apartments, condos, hotels, dormitories and residential institutions.

This is also something to be thinking about if you are in the process of buying or selling a new home. Some appraisers are looking for the carbon monoxide alarms and calling for them to be installed before closing on the house.  If you’re buying a home, make sure the seller is aware that this is best done prior to the appraisal.  Should the appraiser have to return for another inspection, the buyer may have to pay for the additional inspection just because of the initial lack of these detectors.

Back in 2007, the United States Congress passed a bill called the Energy Security and Independence Act (the “2007 Energy Bill”). This bill set a new precedent by allowing the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop regional standards for the installation of heating and cooling equipment based on location. In northern states like ours, high-efficiency furnaces are required after May 1, 2013. In short, all new furnace installations will be required to have a 90% (or better) energy efficiency rating after this date.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the installation of new higher efficiency heating and cooling systems, including equipment space constraints, exhaust venting requirements and condensate disposal. For example, the high efficiency systems require PVC flue pipes and internal drainage for condensation that builds up in the pipes – all items your current system may not have.

So, if you’ve been thinking about having a new heating system installed in the near future, it may make a lot of sense to analyze the costs and benefits of installing that new system now before next year’s deadline. For consumers who don’t want to pay the extra money up front for the highest efficiency ratings, they may want to have an 80% furnace installed prior to May 1^st.

When their old Tempstar furnace failed, the Paine's in Kirkland decided it was better to replace it, and improve their comfort and efficiency, rather than to make the costly repairs that were required. The Paine's chose a Trane XV95 variable speed, 2-stage gas furnace. This 95% efficient furnace provides excellent comfort with multiple gas output levels and gentle air circulation for even heating.

We’re pleased to announce that Bel Red is now offering Rheem heating and cooling systems. Rheem is an industry leader for total heating, cooling and water heating solutions. All Rheem heating, cooling and water heating products are frequently tested and certified by various government and third-party testing labs to ensure quality standards. In fact, Rheem heating and cooling systems are consistently ranked as one of most reliable brands available by a leading consumer publication, which is just one factor that makes their products a perfect fit for the Bel Red line of offerings.

Here at Bel Red, giving back to our community is one of our most cherished company values. We feel that, especially during the Holidays, helping those in need will help our region move ahead and make the Pacific Northwest a better place to live and work.

That’s the major driving force behind our partnership with Food Lifeline – Washington’s largest hunger relief agency. Food Lifeline distributes food to more than a half million people at 300 neighborhood food banks, shelters and hot meal programs throughout western Washington. Furthermore, they run an extremely efficient operation, with only 5% of every financial donation being used for administrative costs.

So, how is Bel Red involved with Food Lifeline? We encourage our customers and community members to donate non-perishable food items to Food Lifeline. If they do, Bel Red matches each donation with a $1 donation to the organization. Since Food Lifeline is such an efficient organization, every dollar donated results in five meals being provided to those in need.

We’re excited to have this special partnership with an organization that has such a great purpose. We also love the fact that they are unique to the Northwest and have established relationships with farmers, grocers and restaurants within a short distance. We encourage all of our customers, friends and families to help Food Lifeline provide for the hungry, and all of those in need, this holiday season.

Thanks!