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Mortgage Research Center : Loan and Mortgage Info Contact | Mortgage Rates | Mortgage Calculators Mortgages Refinancing Debt Consolidation Mortgage Resources Loans FHA Loan VA Loan What Type Of Loan Are You Looking For? Please Select.... VA Home Loan Home Loan VA Home Refinance Home Refinance FHA Home Loan What Is The Approximate Value Of Your Property? Welcome To The Mortgage Research Center! This site is designed to help educate you about mortgages, refinancing, debt consolidation, and various type of loans. You will be provided with comprehensive information on every aspect of the mortgage process. We will give you tips on when to refinance, what costs should be included in the closing fees when completing your mortgage, and calculators to help you determine how much you can spend and save! This is your first step in helping you achieve your financial security, so good luck! Register for the Home Buying Seminar Mortgage Refinance Find out how much you can save, when you should refinance, what type of refinancing is best for you, and other information. More Information Home Mortgage Are you buying a home? We provide you with resources to help you get all of the information you need when applying for a mortgage. More Information Debt Consolidation Determine how you can get out of debt by saving hundred's of dollars per month by combining your various payments (for credit cards, etc.). More Information Loans Looking to purchase a home with a special government loan? You may qualify for a FHA loan or VA loan. More Information Mortgage Sources We provide you with a list of reputable mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, and lenders to find one that best suits your financial needs. More Information Current Mortgage Rates Get current information on today's mortgage rates and get tips on when to lock in to a great interest rate. More Information Mortgage Calculators A variety of calculators will help you figure payments, total costs of loans, and display amortization tables and other options. More Information If you have questions or would like help with your mortgage, you can call us at 800-930-9201 . "Nathan, I wanted you to know that everything went very well at our closing. It was quite pleasant. Thank you for everything." -Vicki Ficklen Mcdonough, GA More Testimonials Equal Opportunity Lender License Information We can help you find the lender (mortgage bank) that can get you the best deal for your financial situation (including setting you up with the best financing rates and loan term). MRC does not originate loans in MA, NJ, NY, ND, PA, VT, NV, WV, or DC. If you are getting a mortgage in one of these states, we will help you by directing your information to a lender in your state. Get additional information about a VA Loan , Home Loan , or 1031 Exchange : Privacy Policy .

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Home Loans, Refinancing, and Home Mortgage Financing tag, as close to the beginning of it as possible-- Purchase Refinance Home Equity Apply Now Online Application Status -- Check Out Today's Rates Search Need Help? Home Quick Info Tools CUSTOMIZE ONLINE RATES Loan Product: Purchase Refinance State: -Select a State- Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware DC Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada N.Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip Code: Loan Amount: Est. Home Value: Loan Amount: Interest Rate: Term (Years): Estimated Monthly Payment: SHORTCUTS Today's Rates Local Branch Calculators Privacy & Security The Right Loan Program First-Time Buyer Guide Buying a Home Loan Programs Simplified Flexible Options for New Home Construction THE LEARNING CENTER MY ACCOUNT Registered? Forgot Password? User Name: Password: Log into My Account Build equity faster with the GMAC Mortgage Equity Rewards MasterCard credit card... more... -- Hurricane Relief Current GMAC Mortgage Customers: Call 1-800-766-4622 for assistance if you have been affected by the storm. Find out how we're helping customers Loan Applicants: If you applied for a loan in one of our Louisiana or Mississippi offices, you can check the status of your application by contacting your loan officer or processor directly, or by calling the regional office at 1-888-682-9844 . If you applied for a loan online or over the phone, you can check the status of your application by calling 1-800-876-4622 . Donate Now Donate Now GMAC Mortgage customers affected by the storm should call 1-800-766-4622 for assistance. If you have a loan application in process with one of our local offices in Louisiana or Mississippi, please contact your local office or call our Regional Office at 1-888-682-9844 . -- Start Your Online Application Find a Local Expert Privacy | Legal Information | Auto Insurance | GMAC HomeSolutions | Contact Us | About Us | Careers | Site Map © 2005 GMAC Mortgage Corporation. All Rights Reserved. GMAC is a registered service mark of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation Real Estate and moving services offered by GMAC Home Services, Inc. and GMAC Global Relocation Services, Inc. GMAC Residential Holding Corporation is the parent of GMAC Mortgage Corporation, GMAC Home Services, Inc., Ditech Escrow Services, Inc., GMAC Bank and GMAC HomeSolutions. Because of these relationships, any of these referrals may provide GMAC Residential Holding Corporation with a financial or other benefit. Close This link will take you to another site that is not affiliated with gmacmortgage.com. Therefore, GMAC Mortgage's privacy policy will not apply. For your safety, please check with the sites privacy policy before entering your information. Thank you. Close

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Union Home Loan, Inc. Lender details Union Home Loan, Inc. Lender details Banks Directory Lenders Directory Articles About Credit Cards Credit Basics and FAQs Credit Card Tips Glossary NCUA Credit Union Directory • 2005 Credit Union Directory • 2004 Credit Union Directory Household Finance • Consumer Credit Report Calculators • Loan Calculator • Extra Repayments Calculator • Lump Sum Payment Calculator • Rent Vs. Buy Calculator • Simple Loan Calculator Rules & Acts • Consumer Leasing Act • Credit Repair Organizations Act • Electronic Fund Transfer Act • Equal Credit Opportunity Act • Identity Theft Act Home » Lenders Directory » Union Home Loan, Inc. Lenders Directory Browse by Alphabets A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Union Home Loan, Inc. offers home loans, commercial real estate loans, and asset-based loans using mortgage notes or trust deeds as collateral. Home Loans Overview: Union Home Loan, Inc. offers home loans and home equity loans, for purchase, refinance, debt consolidation, and home improvement. Property Uses: Primary Home, Secondary / Vacation Home, Investment Property Property Types: Single Family Home, Condominium / Town Home, Multifamily 2-4 Units, Rural property / Lot loan Loan Types: Fixed, No Income Documentation Loan Purpose: Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity / 2nd Trust Deed Credit Req: A - Excellent, B - Good, C - Minor Problems, D - Bad Min Loan: 250,000 Max Loan: 1,000,000 Commercial Loans Overview: Union Home Loan, Inc. offers commercial real estate loans to investors and owner-users for most commercial properties. Property Uses: Investment, Owner - User / Occupied 51% or more Property Types: Agricultural / Farm, Amusement Park, Apartment / Multifamily, Auto Dealership, Bowling Center, Business Condo, Car Wash, Casino, Child Care Center, Church / Temple, Convenience Store, Condominiums / PUD, Factory Outlet Center, Fitness Center, Funeral Home, Gas Station / CStore, Golf Course, Healthcare / Senior Housing, Hospital / Rehabilitation, Hotel / Motel, Industrial, Land, Marina, Office, Mixeduse, Mobile Home Park, Movie Theater, Parking Garage, Regional Mall, Resort, Restaurant, Retail (Anchored), Retail (Unanchored), School / College, Self Storage, Single Tenant, Special Purpose, Warehouse Loan Types: Mezzanine / 2nd Trust Deed, NonRecourse, Private / Hard money Loan Purpose: Purchase, Refinance, Bridge / Short Term Credit Req: A - Excellent, B - Good, C - Minor Problems, D - Bad Min Loan: 1,000,000 Max Loan: 5,000,000 Miscellaneous Loans Overview: Union Home Loan, Inc. offers asset-based collateral loans against mortgage notes and trust deeds for personal or business use. Collateral Offered: Mortgage Notes / Trust Deeds Credit Req: All Min Loan: 10,000 Max Loan: 500,000 Contact Information North America, United States, California Steve Goldfield President 23586 Calabasas Road Calabasas, CA 91302 USA (818) 223-0000 www.unionhomeloan.com Email: steve@unionhomeloan.com Available Loans: Home Loans, Commercial Loans, Miscellaneous Loans North America, United States, California Residential Loans Customer Service 1-800-400-0011 www.unionhomeloan.com Email: info@unionhomeloan.com Available Loans: Home Loans, Commercial Loans, Miscellaneous Loans North America, United States, California Miscellaneous Customer Service 818-223-0000 www.unionhomeloan.com Email: info@unionhomeloan.com Available Loans: Home Loans, Commercial Loans, Miscellaneous Loans North America, United States, Nevada Available Loans: Home Loans, Commercial Loans, Miscellaneous Loans Union Home Loan, Inc. Union Home Loan, Inc. offers home loans, home equity loans, home improvement loans, refinancing, second mortgages, debt consolidation loans, bad credit loans, commercial real estate loans, and asset-based collateral loans. At Union Home Loan, Inc. we offer home loans, commercial real estate loans, and asset-based loans using mortgage notes or trust deeds as collateral. We arrange loans for commercial, land, mixed use, residential, apartment, industrial, casinos, hotels, and unusual properties. We are a direct lender as well as private money brokers. With Union Home Loan, Inc., it's easy to qualify on equity and a hard money loan for commercial, industrial, homes, land, and unusual properties. We do hard money loans, real estate financing, hard money commercial loans, land loans, commercial mortgage, hard money land loans, trust deed investments, private money, raw land loan, apartment loan, private investor, easy money, casino, mixed use loans, equity loan, union home loan, California mortgages, unusual properties, easy qualify, industrial, direct lender, bridge, swing loans, mortgage broker, foreclosure, and mixed use lenders. For hard money loans for commercial, industrial, homes, land, and unusual properties-bad credit is okay. With Union Home, you can be sure that you'll get your money fast, we also lend in Nevada. Copyroght 2005 - All Rights Reserved Home | Calculators | Articles | Lender Directory

Investment Property for Sale

New Zealand Investment Property : Investment Properties For Sale in New Zealand New Zealand's investment property for sale. View our selection of investment properties for sale in New Zealand. New Zealand Tourism Online Visitor Info Transport Tours Attractions Accommodation New Zealand Time: 09:43 AM, Fri 30 Dec, 2005 -- Home Home » Tourism Businesses for Sale » Tourism Investment Property for Sale Tourism Investment Property for Sale New Zealand investment property for sale. Select Web site listings for investment properties for sale in New Zealand from the list below or search by region. Search this Category by Region ALPINE REALTY - Hanmer Springs For a highly competent, professional Real Estate team see us. We offer a wide range of property services in the North Canterbury region. Hanmer Springs offers exceptional opportunities which we can assist in identifying. Residential, rental, investment or commercial - whatever your requirements see us first. We do it right - first time! Click on our name for more details. DUSKY LODGE AND SPA - Te Anau, Fiordland Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime! A chance to secure your own luxurious villa in what will become one the most exclusive Lodge Spas in New Zealand. A singular lifestyle choice and investment set against the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Fiordland wilderness. ID#1r21b0. Click on our name for more details. FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEW ZEALAND - Nationwide We completely cover New Zealand with more than 105 First National Real Estate offices. Each is independently owned and operated by dedicated sales staff who offer a wealth of experience and local knowledge. Established in New Zealand since 1985, we have served tens of thousands of property buyers and sellers. Click on our name for more details. GLOBE DEVELOPMENTS - New Zealand Formed in the early 90's. Globe's 'can-do' attitude means they take a solutions-based approach to property development. Globe Holdings is synonymous with high-profile developments in key locations, including residential, commercial and industrial properties, rest homes, apartments, and subdivisions. See us first for property investment! Click on our name for more details. LAKE RUATANIWHA FARMSTAY - Canterbury Lakes Great opportunity to buy semi alpine building sites in the great Canterbury heartland. Level, easy build sections close to Lake Ruataniwha. Excellent fishing, shooting, rowing, gliding, tramping and climbing nearby. Feed the soul - build your dream home here! Click on our name for more details. OCEANS HOTEL - Tutukaka Opening Soon! A luxurious, intimate hotel with a distinctly nautical flavour. 28 stylish rooms and 12 spacious one, two and three bedroom suites. Oceans also features a restaurant and a variety of meeting and wedding reception areas overlooking the water. Perched on the edge of the Tutukaka Marina, Oceans is part of a truly European-inspired resort. Click on our name for more details. RUSSELL COTTAGES - Bay of Islands Set against a background of the irradiant blue waters of the bay, Russell Cottages echo the charm and history that is, Russell. Just 3 hours drive from Auckland, these thoroughly modern three and four bedroom dwellings are nestled in established trees in the village. The perfect retreat and base for game fishing, golf and great sights. Click on our name for more details. TERRACE DOWNS HIGH COUNTRY RESORT - Rakaia Gorge Terrace Downs presents a lifestyle option like no other, at the intersection of civilisation and the fabulous New Zealand high country, where you will delight in being able to replenish your spirit, invigorate your body, and ease your mind. Superb investment opportunity with potential for strong returns and considerable capital gains tax-free. Click on our name for more details. THE QUAY APARTMENTS - Nelson One of the most exciting apartment developments in New Zealand's sunshine capital, Nelson. Situated on Wakefield Quay, one of the most stunning and desirable new waterfront locations in New Zealand. With indoor/outdoor living that flows flawlessly into the harbour vista, The Quay offers the perfect blend of urban and resort lifestyles. Click on our name for more details. THE RIDGE - Christchurch The Ridge is a luxury coastal property development set high on the Port Hills of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is not just an investment in real estate but also a lifestyle. The Ridge is only a short distance from Christchurch and just minutes from the beaches, bays and caf lifestyle of the Estuary, Moncks Bay and Sumner. Enjoy the full benefits of this unique location. Click on our name for more details. Back to top of page Click here to view more listings for this category. Locations Select a Region New Zealand Maps New Zealand Wide North Island Wide - Northland - Bay Of Islands - Auckland - Coromandel - Bay Of Plenty - Waikato - Rotorua - Eastland - Taupo - Ruapehu - Taranaki - Hawke's Bay - Wanganui - Manawatu - Wairarapa - Wellington South Island Wide - Nelson - Marlborough - West Coast - Kaikoura - Christchurch - Canterbury - Mt Cook - Wanaka - Queenstown - Otago - Dunedin - Fiordland - Southland Search Advanced Search Useful Links NZ Travel NZ Maps NZ on CD NZ on Video NZ Products NZ Hotels Holiday Deals Discount Card Tourism Jobs Travel Prizes Travel Enquiries Travel Insurance Māori Tourism NZ Books Postcards Air New Zealand -- World Links Site Map Travel Trade Advertise Add a Site About Us Newsletter Link to Us Site Awards Business Centre Advertise Staff -- Highlights NZ Lions Tour -- NZ Ski Areas -- NZ Highlights NZ Middle Earth NZ Wine & Dine Featured Sites Travel Trade Advertise Add a Site About Us Business for Sale Newsletter Link to Us Site Awards Business Centre Advertise Staff Contact Us New Zealand Tourism Online Ltd 208 Cashel Street / PO Box 13300, Christchurch, New Zealand Advertising & Travel Enquiries. ©2003. 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Welcome to Lightsite.net ENERGY STAR ® in the News What's going on with E NERGY S TAR ® in your community? Stay informed through stories from regional news clippings , energy newsbriefs from CON.WEB , and the U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room . NEWS ARTICLES CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort National Leader Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Regional News Clippings Each month the E NERGY S TAR ® Lighting Program features Northwest regional news stories about energy-efficiency from local papers. CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Jim DiPeso for Con.Web Compact fluorescent lamps are holding on to an expanded beachhead in theresidential lighting market, even as recent sales have dipped from theirextraordinary high during the 2000-01 energy crisis, according to NorthwestEnergy Efficiency Alliance reports and industry observers. With energy off the front pages, ongoing consumer interest in reducingelectricity bills is likely to continue supporting CFL sales, the Alliancereported in a market evaluation study prepared by ECONorthwest in 2002. CFL bulb prices have fallen by about two-thirds since 1997, which isattracting more consumers, according to Costco, the region's leading CFL retailer. Increasing manufacturere interest in CFLs also is evident. CFLs, however, still account for a small share of the residential lightingmarket, and sustained high sales will be necessary to transform thehousehold lighting market, the market evaluation study reported. Even at the height of the energy crisis, with power shortages on the frontpages and a compact fluorescent discount coupon campaign in full swing, CFLsaccounted for only 11 percent of total Northwest light bulb sales, the studynoted. Fewer than 40 percent of households purchased even one CFL. Cost is still a significant barrier to expanded CFL sales. Quality alsoremains a concern, despite improvements "The product appears to be viable for some people for some applications,"said Ken Keating, Bonneville Power Administration market transformationcoordinator and Alliance board member. "Long term, there is still a lot moreenergy efficiency to be acquired in lighting. This is still a blip," Keatingsaid. Compact fluorescent market still small, but looking brighter. (Continuation from Home page) CFL Sales Down ... But Still Up Northwest sales of compact fluorescent bulbs are running at about 4 millionunits per year, said Marci Sanders, the Alliances residential lightingprogram coordinator. While sales have fallen from the estimated 6.7 millionsnapped up in the region during 2001, the volume is substantially higherthan the estimated 381,000 sold in 2000, according to Alliance figures. (Inaddition to the 6.7 million bulbs sold in 2001, utilities gave away anadditional 1.6 million that year, according to the market evaluation study.) The Alliance had expected 2002 CFL sales to reach 2.5 million, but an autumnbuying surge helped push the volume to 4 million, Sanders told the Allianceboard April 30. Northwest lighting sales typically rise in the fall, asdaylight noticeably diminishes. In addition, a national Energy Star CFLpromotion, Change a Light, was in full swing, Sanders said. Since 1997 the Alliance has sponsored a residential lighting program toboost sales of compact fluorescent lights and fixtures. Between 1997 and2000, manufacturers were given incentives through the compact fluorescentfixture and bulb programs to increase availability of CFLs and reduceprices, according to the market evaluation study. In 2000, the studycontinued, the programs were combined into one and revamped to emphasizemarketing partnerships with retailers and to support only EnergyStar-certified bulbs and fixtures. More than 1,000 Northwest retailers haveparticipated in CFL marketing activities. Nearly 90 utilities participated in a CFL coupon campaign funded by BPA andutilities during the boom year of 2001. Coupons accounted for nearly 40percent of CFL sales that year. The market evaluation study found evidence CFL sales can be sustainedwithout coupons. In a 2001 survey of 1,421 Northwest consumers (included inthe market evaluation study), 94 percent of respondents who had purchased aCFL said they would buy another even if coupons were unavailable. Sanders estimated that 75 percent to 80 percent of CFLs sold in 2002 werepurchased without coupons. "That is a very good sign," she said. The survey sample included 246 people who had purchased a CFL, 38 who hadreceived free CFLs from utilities, 316 who had purchased only incandescentbulbs in the three months preceding the survey, and 821 who were questionedabout CFL awareness. Another sign of market sustainability, the survey said, were the futureintentions of respondents who had purchased only incandescent bulbs. "Moresurprisingly, 64 percent of incandescent buyers indicated they intend topurchase a CFL in the next year. This is a strong potential indication ofthe sustainability of future CFL sales," the survey said. Efficiency Opportunity If so, there will be plenty of opportunity for CFLs to improve residentiallighting efficiency. The medium load forecast for the Northwest PowerPlanning Councils upcoming regional plan estimates that cost-effectiveresidential lighting efficiency potential will total an estimated 660average megawatts by 2025, said Tom Eckman, the councils conservationresources manager. Existing housing stock accounts for about 80 percent ofthat prospective resource, he added. That potential number doubled following a lighting log study carried out in160 homes by Tacoma Power, Eugene Water & Electric Board and other utilitiesin the late 1990s, Eckman said. The study found that homes have morelighting fixtures than previously thought and lights are being left onlonger. "We had an empirical basis to do a better forecast," Eckman noted. Falling Prices The consumer survey showed saving energy was the leading reason whyNorthwesterners bought CFLs in 2001. Even though energy no longer headlines the news, CFL energy savings remainattractive and falling product prices have helped the products hold theirown in the market, said Collin Cremo, assistant general manager for CostcosU.S. hardware purchasing division. "Pricing is going down and that is very positive for the consumer. You usedto pay $15.99 for a two-pack of bulbs. Now, you can get a four-pack for$11.99," Cremo said. The Alliance estimates average prices fell from $14-$28 per bulb in 1997 to$5-$10 in 2002. Large retailers such as Costco and Home Depot have led the market inoffering multibulb packages that have driven down prices, Sanders said.These two major retailers account for a significant share of Northwestsales, she said. In the consumer survey, 38 percent of CFL buyers indicated they hadpurchased the bulbs at a discount retailer. However, 35 percent said theynormally buy light bulbs at grocery stores, an indicator that supermarketscould be "an important retail target for increasing market penetration," thesurvey said. Manufacturer Interest The growing consumer interest in CFLs has attracted an influx ofmanufacturers to the market. Sanders said only 10 percent of the CFLs purchased in 2002 were made by thethree big multiproduct lighting companies--Philips, Osram Sylvania, and GE.Smaller manufacturers that sell only CFLs "are getting (shelf) placementwith better pricing because they are willing to cut deals with retailers,"Sanders said. Another reason CFLs are holding their own is the introduction of new bulbdesigns to suit consumer tastes. Keating said manufacturers are "responding to customer demands for productsthat fit in different applications. You can get bug lights, chandelierlights, recessed can lights, even green and red CFLs for holiday use. Youcan get really small ones. I have one that measures no more than 4 inchesfrom stem to stern." Keating said manufacturers understand they cant compete solely on price."They need to give customers something they can use." For example, consumers have asked for smaller bulbs, to which manufacturershave responded, said Matt Donati, CFL product manager for Philips Lightingin the U.S. "We sell eight-packs of 60-watt-equivalent lights that are small enough forlight bars in bathrooms," Cremo said. Donati believes consumers will be more receptive to CFLs that fit their ideaof what light bulbs are supposed to look like. "The key is to try to makethem as incandescent-appearing as possible," Donati said. "People see thespiral shape and it looks like curly fries. They ask, Whats that? If yougive them a bulb that looks more like a, quote, light bulb, they will bemore appealing." Philips Marathon family of compact fluorescents includes globe-like"A-shaped" bulbs that resemble incandescents, as well as conventionallydesigned CFLs. Sanders said Westinghouse plans to launch a "designer bulb" in differentcolors that will be specially suited to accent lighting typically providedby small halogen incandescent lights. Quality Issues Quality, however, remains a bugaboo afflicting the CFL market, Keating said.Despite continuing improvements, enough low-quality bulbs are on the marketthat the U.S. Department of Energy is concerned they reflect poorly on theEnergy Star label for energy-efficient consumer products, Keating said. Energy Star is a self-certification brand, so manufacturers are responsiblefor ensuring their products meet Energy Star standards. Unlike the applianceindustry, the residential lighting industry has not developed internaltesting protocols to make sure products are worthy of the Energy Star label,according to the Alliance. DOE has proposed changing Energy Star specifications to require CFLmanufacturers to submit long-term performance data before they can use theEnergy Star label. As a result of quality issues, the Program for the Evaluation and Analysisfor Residential Lighting (PEARL) has tested bulbs for quality since 2000.PEARL sponsors include BPA, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, PacificGas & Electric and energy efficiency utilities in the Northeast. Here is how PEARL works, according to a presentation at an Energy Starmeeting this year by Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council,chairman of the PEARL advisory board. Bulbs are purchased anonymously fromretail stores. Bulbs and ballasts are tested at Rensselaer PolytechnicUniversitys Lighting Research Center. Tests cover lighting and ballastperformance, lamp life, lamp start time, dimming, color rendition, powerfactor and other characteristics. Two testing cycles are carried out peryear. Ten fixtures and 20 CFL products are tested in each cycle. Horowitz said test results are given to Energy Star program managers at theDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. The agencies canuse the information to remove the Energy Star label from substandardproducts. The recent growth in the CFL market "has attracted many new, unknown, and insome cases, unreliable manufacturers offering products with the Energy Starlabel," said an article about PEARL in a recent Alliance newsletter. Keating said PEARL is negotiating with manufacturers, distributors andretailers to share testing costs. "They want to get the bad products out ofthe market," he said. Costcos Cremo said "stricter tests" are needed to determine how well CFLsreally hold up when used in real-world environments such as inside fixtures.In comments on DOEs proposed Energy Star specification changes, NRDCpointed out that higher operating temperatures common in recessed canfixtures can shorten bulb life. NRDC also pointed out that CFL manufacturersoften change contract manufacturers and component suppliers, which canresult in uneven quality. Still, Keating said compact fluorescents have come a long way since the late1980s, when ungainly bulbs dominated what was then a tiny CFL market.Keating chuckled as he recalled a brand he nicknamed "Smoky Joes" because ofa bulb that overheated and began smoldering. In the consumer survey, only 3 percent to 4 percent of CFL buyers indicatedthey were dissatisfied with their purchases, and 78 percent of thedissatisfied indicated they were likely to buy another CFL in the comingyear. The leading reason for dissatisfaction, cited by 34 percent of thosenot satisfied, was that CFLs were not bright enough. Eleven percent citedearly burnout. Nearly 55 percent of CFL buyers who were satisfied with their purchaseslisted long product life as the leading reason for their satisfaction.Thirty-six percent cited energy efficiency, while 31 percent mentioned lightquality. CFL Barriers Cost remains the leading barrier to expanded CFL sales, according to theconsumer survey. Of the 316 respondents who had purchased incandescent bulbsonly, 38 percent listed price as a reason they had not purchased CFLs.Nineteen percent had not heard of CFLs, while 15 percent said they could notfind a type or size they wanted. One way around the price barrier, Philips Donati said, is to change theidentity of light bulbs from a commodity to a value product by educatingconsumers about the varying ways different kinds of lighting can be used todecorate their homes. "Show them how lighting adds value and how lightingcan be used to change the look of their homes," Donati said. He advocated expanded awareness of CFLs and their attributes. "I do the momtest," Donati said. "I show my mom a CFL and ask her, Whats this? Shedoesnt know. I say, Come on, mom, its a light bulb, I work for PhilipsLighting. People just arent as aware of them." In a May 2002 report, ECOS Consulting described barriers to CFLs in new homeconstruction. At least 11 parties--few with lighting design expertise--maybe involved in specifying new home lighting. Most new home energy efficiencyprograms do not address optimizing lighting or architectural designs thatcomplement daylighting, the report said. Home-buyers rank style and aesthetics as their highest lighting priority,ECOS said. "The more that energy-efficient lighting is designed to beattractive and aesthetic, the more marketable and permanent it will be, evenif this means giving up some potential energy savings to ensure consumersatisfaction," the report said. Lower prices, better quality, and expanded consumer awareness all will bekeys to building the CFL market, Keating said, observing that markettransformation often takes time. Costcos Cremo is confident CFLs eventually will replace incandescentsentirely. "From what Ive seen of the (CFL) technology lately, theincandescents days are numbered," he said. "I tell utilities to keepbombarding people with CFL information. Theyre going to get better andbetter." Reprinted with the permission from Con.Web. Back to Top Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Scappoose Spotlight/Record-Journal As CFLs grow in popularity, the Northwest looks ahead to big energy savings and bulb recycling options... Now that North westerners have embraced compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), a decrease is on the rise in our regions energy use. Think about it! Approximately 6.5 million E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs alone were sold in only four states; Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Over 1,400 northwest retailers and 90 electric utilities participated in last years E NERGY S TAR ® Residential Lighting Program; the Northwest region is leading the charge! If you take that number and compare it with the 381,000 CFLs that were sold in 2000, you can now understand the impact and change, which these CFLs have had on the consumers home lighting needs. Not only do CFLs save the environment by using less electricity, consumers will save up to $30 over the life of the bulb on their monthly electric bills. "The success of the E NERGY S TAR ® residential lighting program reminds us that together we can provide big energy savings, improve the health of our region's electric system and help protect the environment," said Margaret Gardner of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. According to the NW Energy Efficiency Alliance, not only will savings be multiplied if every household replaces every ordinary light bulb with a CRL, but combined with other energy-saving products such as; clothes washers, refrigerators and home electronics their savings will be tremendous! The Alliance estimates that this and other regional programs will save over 460 aMW by 2010, enough to offset the need for building two new power plants in the NW region and taking approximately 600,000 cars off the road! Proper disposal of CFLs have been on the minds of many environmentalists for quite sometime. Currently, the Zero Waste Alliance, electric utilities and other environmental groups are working together researching opportunities for recycling. Although, CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury vapor, many environmentalists are concerned about recycling and proper disposal of CFLs. Their main concern is in 5 to 7 years from now, when the life of the CFL begins to fade. They want to encourage communities about proper disposal now, before large accumulations of CFLs end up in landfills. For the time being consumers can dispose of their CFLs with their household trash, along with other household materials such as paint, motor oil or batteries. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal When it comes to buying more energy-efficient household products, the Northwest region is leading the charge. According to a recent report from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Washington home owners are snapping up energy-efficient products and local retailers are experiencing the impact. In response, BPA residential customers got to work, conserving. Among other things the customers installed millions of low-energy, fluorescent light bulbs. The bigger message here? Big energy savings do not necessarily have to come from big industrial users. People, individual users in their homes, are a very important part of the environmental equation. " Nearly 80% of respondents in a survey of 152 independent and national retailers in the Northwest estimate an increase in sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products over last year, the Alliance report said. Fourth quarter of 2001 sales data shows that the Northwest region ranked first in the nation for sales of qualified clothes washers with more than 30 percent market share. In Washington, nearly 32 percent of all clothes washers sold were E NERGY S TAR ® qualified - the second highest in the nation. "We're seeing a lot of interest from customers in E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and that's sparking interest in other energy-efficient products, including dishwashers and refrigerators," said Dave Blankenship of Weir's Appliances in Tacoma. "As people replace home appliances, they're opting for the most energy-efficient models available." Sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified refrigerators also increased in the Northwest. Based on fourth quarter reports, Washington ranks sixth in the nation for sales of high efficiency refrigerators. The alliance also reported brisk sales and interest for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified lighting including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Fourth quarter sales of CFLs in the Northwest were two million. The retailers who were surveyed said consumers are more energy conscious and seek long-term value and savings when purchasing appliances. Nearly all consumers express interest in the water savings features of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and dishwashers as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when it comes to buying energy-efficient products, the Northwest is heading in the right direction. The voluntary E NERGY S TAR ® labeling program was created by the EPA and the Department of Energy to help consumers easily identify products that save energy, money and protect the environment. Manufactures play a major role in developing products that meet higher efficiency standards and utilities help encourage homeowners to be more energy efficient by offering rebates and incentives for switching to E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. The cooperative effort is paying off. Experts estimate by using E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, a typical household can cut its utility bills by 30 percent. If everyone in the U.S. used the products, the reduction in greenhouse gas emission would be equivalent to taking 14.5 million cars off the road each year. The national annual energy bill would be reduced by about $100 billion over the next decade. Local efficiency advocates say that while the increasing demand for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and refrigerators is a positive sign, there is still room for improvement. "It's clear that Northwest consumers understand the benefit of using more efficient clothes washer, refrigerators and lighting in their homes," said Margaret Gardner, executive director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. "Now, the goal is to encourage them to take advantage of even greater savings by looking for and buying other E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products." By changing their shopping habits, Northwest homeowners can keep a little more change in their own pockets, say energy efficiency experts. Changing the way Americans shop and buy products is a part of the major new campaign called "Change," spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency. "Change" is calling on homeowners throughout the nation to help save money ad protect the environment by selecting and buying E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. For a complete list of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, retailers, manufactures and energy savings information, call 1-888-373-2283 or log on to www.energystar.gov . The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a non-profit group of electric utilities, state governments, public interest groups and industry representatives, promotes the E NERGY S TAR ® label to Northwest consumers. By funding the Northwest E NERGY S TAR ® Home Products Program, the alliance is bringing affordable, energy-efficient products and services to the market, helping Northwest consumers realize long-term savings and protect the environment. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Energy Newsbriefs at CON.WEB CONWEB is the Pacific Northwest Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Newsletter, reporting regional conservation news. National Leader ACEEE Study Lauds Oregon for Energy Efficiency, Green Building Tax Incentives Oregon is a national leader in using tax incentives to give energy-efficient products and green buildings a leg up in the marketplace, according to a new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Oregon's residential and business income tax credit programs have "gained enthusiastic support from legislators, retailers, and manufacturers, as well as consumers," since they were established in response to the 1970s energy shortages, the study said. More news available at www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb.html . Back to Top U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room E NERGY S TAR ® provides consumers with energy-efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Find out what the media is saying about E NERGY S TAR ® at www.epa.gov/nrgystar/news.html Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program October 9, 2002 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman todaywas presented with the Charles H. Percy Award for public service by theAlliance to Save Energy. This award was given to EPA for establishing theE NERGY S TAR ® program, a public-private partnership that helps protect theenvironment while saving consumers money through energy efficiency. "Over the past decade, EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown from a voluntarycomputer labeling program to a partnership with over 7000 organizations,"said Whitman. "Last year alone, Americans, with the help of E NERGY S TAR ®,saved more than $5 billion in energy costs and reduced pollution equivalentto that of 10 million cars. We look forward to working together for the nextdecade to help consumers across the country have the information they needto make the best choices for their lives and for the environment." "In just a decade, the E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown in both depth andbreadth," said Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow. "Now, notonly are many more products included in the program than at its launch in1992, but in addition, the E NERGY S TAR ® label is taking the energy efficiencymessage to consumers and businesses around the globe via partnerships withother governments. You can't get much better than a program that both savesconsumers money and protects the environment." Through the E NERGY S TAR ® program, EPA partnerships include over 1,200manufacturers labeling more than 13,000 products and over 1,600 buildersthat have constructed over 57,000 new homes. Through E NERGY S TAR ®, EPA hasalso helped thousands of businesses and schools rate their energy use. The typical American household spends about $1,300 a year on its energybills. By purchasing products that have earned EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® label,that bill could be cut by about 30 percent, which is a savings of about $400a year. The E NERGY S TAR ® label can now be found on more than 35 differentcategories including telephones, televisions, light bulbs and homeappliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. By choosing E NERGY S TAR ®,there is no sacrifice in the features, style or comfort that today'sconsumers expect. As part of his National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increasedpublic awareness of the E NERGY S TAR ® program and its benefits to consumersand businesses. The President also called for the expansion of the programto provide the label for additional building types including grocery stores,hospitals and hotels. EPA established E NERGY S TAR ® in 1992 to offer energy-saving andpollution-preventing solutions for consumers and businesses by awardinglabels to the most energy efficient products, homes and buildings. EPApartnered with the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the ENERGYSTAR label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. For more information about the E NERGY S TAR ® program visit: www.energystar.gov . Back to Top E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Cooling Solutions that Save Energy, Money, and Protect the Environment Homeowners across the nation have been challenged by E NERGY S TAR ®, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by the Department of Energy, to make smart cooling choices at home this summer, use energy more efficiently, and help reduce air pollution. Working closely with businesses and utilities, E NERGY S TAR ® launched a consumer-education campaign, called Cool Change. This campaign raises American's awareness of their cooling system - encouraging homeowners to use energy-efficient equipment, tightly seal their ducts, properly maintain their cooling system, and have a well-sealed and insulated home. According to the EPA, Americans spend as much as half of their energy bills to cool and heat their homes throughout the year. To make it easy for consumers to make a Cool Change this summer, E NERGY S TAR ®'s partners are offering incentives, such as rebates and sales. For a complete list of special deals, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange . "E NERGY S TAR ® is a great way for each of us to make a change - one that will protect the environment, save money, and achieve energy efficiency," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "I encourage all Americans to follow our recommendations for energy efficiency and join our campaign for change." The EPA estimates that if just one household in 10 participated in Cool Change and used E NERGY S TAR ® labeled heating and cooling products, the change would reduce electricity production enough to keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air this year. To help consumers identify easy ways to avoid energy-waste this summer, the EPA released the following tips: Out with the old, in with the new. If your central air conditioning equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably time for a replacement - new cooling equipment that has earned the E NERGY S TAR ® label can keep you just as or more comfortable, while using 25 to 40 percent less energy than 10-year-old models. Replacing old ceiling fans and dehumidifiers with new E NERGY S TAR ® labeled models can also help to lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. Seal it up. Seal your ducts to distribute cool air where it needs to go and improve the indoor air quality of your home. Keep the cool air in by adding insulation to your home, weather-stripping and caulking, and choosing E NERGY S TAR ® labeled windows when replacing old windows. Make a smart purchase. When replacing central and room air conditioning equipment, make sure it is properly sized and installed. Bigger is not always better, and equipment that is too large can lead to high energy costs and reduced comfort. Find problems before they occur. If your cooling equipment needs frequent repairs and your bills are increasing, it could mean your equipment is becoming less efficient. E NERGY S TAR ® recommends having an annual maintenance check-up by a certified professional. Put your home to the test. Find out how you can make energy-efficient improvements to your home with the Home Improvement Toolbox. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on "Put your home to the test." E NERGY S TAR ®, the nation's symbol for energy efficiency, enables consumers to easily identify energy-efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, buildings, and even new homes. For more information about E NERGY S TAR ® and the Cool Change consumer-education campaign, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Reed, 202-564-1253, or email her at Reed.Wendy@epa.gov or Phillip Hayes, 202-944-1933. Back to Top What is E NERGY S TAR ® ? E NERGY S TAR ®-qualified bulbs and fixtures provide high quality light output,warm or cool tones, are efficient and long-lasting, and save them money overthe life of the bulb or fixture. There are numerous compact fluorescentlights (CFLs) in the market, but only E NERGY S TAR ® qualified CFLs canguarantee top-notch performance. E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs last up to ten timeslonger than incandescent bulbs and use up to 75% less electricity as well. E NERGY S TAR ® was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promoteenergy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. EPApartnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the E NERGY S TAR ®label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. E NERGY S TAR ® has expanded to cover new homes, most of thebuildings sector, residential heating and cooling equipment, majorappliances, office equipment, lighting, consumer electronics, and moreproduct areas. Please visit www.energystar.gov .