Executive Errands Logo
June 2010
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Dollars & Sense
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - Sen Energy Saver
Solar Energy Options
Myths & Old Wives Tales
Sink or Swim
(Don't) Let the Sun Shine In
It Never Rains in So California
Knock! Knock!
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Savings Summary
Announcements, News, Updates
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!   
 
funny catsI got into a fight with my electric company this month.  Ok, not a fight exactly, but we did have words. For the last three months, it seems like I have used barely any electricity but my bill keeps showing me in the third usage tier.  Given I've only been in this house since November and have no 'last year's usage' to compare too, I was concerned being in the third tier now would mean I'd need to mortgage off one of my grandchildren when the air conditioner starts running this summer (Do you think their parents would object?).

electric meterHaving convinced myself there was either something wrong with my meter or the guy reading it, I decided to call the customer service hotline.  Now keep in mind I am conscious of the fact customer service people are not the root cause of any problem.  They are only the buffer between you and the corporate giant.  There's no point in beating up on them, right?  And besides, many utility company customer service people really only have two jobs:
 
1.  Tell you calmly yet firmly there's nothing they can do to help
2.  Convince you to be happy with that answer

knight1So knowing in advance this conversation was going to be a challenge, I prepared for it like a knight preparing to do battle. I got my weapons ready.  Last month's bill? Check.  Current meter reading? Check.  List of appliances running each day? Check. Pen to write down any words of wisdom (or service record number) from the customer service agent? Check.  Fully armed, I dialed the toll free number.

After being on hold for a mere 15 minutes (they've definitely improved the wait time) a friendly young lady took my call.  I started to explain my concerns which, I suspect, were hardly new to her because she immediately launched into a stoic and well-practiced explanation of why, despite my low usage, my bill still showed me in the third usage tier.
 
conserve energyApparently, as she explained patiently, the electric company reduces your kilowatt hourly rate during the winter since you won't be using the air conditioner, but they also reduce your allowable consumption which bumps you into the higher more expensive tiers.

And if that's not bad enough, here is the kicker:  At the same time the electric company reduces their rates, the gas company raises their rates because you'll be running the heater more often. When I asked why they do this, the still polite young lady said these rate adjustments are intended to encourage us to conserve energy! 
 
hands behind backOh yeah, like higher rates are going to encourage us to use the heater or air conditioner less?!?  What they're really saying is, 'we know you're going to use more (heat or AC given the season) but try not to use too much more and since we know you can't control yourself, we may as well make a few bucks in the process'. 

Talking to these people, as nice they are on the phone, still makes you feel like your arms are tied behind your back and you're just stuck with whatever they do.  After I hung up the phone, I sat back and thought: everyone is always talking about energy conservation, but how truly proactive are we about it? 

So this month I took a look at all of our services specifically to see how we're helping you save money or helping you to do the proper maintenance for your home in order to prevent costly problems in the future.

helpful hintsAs we enter the long hot summer season, here are several products, services, tips, and helpful hints to help save you money on your utility bills, your monthly services and, as an added bonus, information that will help protect your home.  
 
Don't fall victim to outrageous utility company rates or unscrupulous service providers.  Take advantage of these Dollars and Sense ideas to help make your summer more enjoyable.

===================================================
Executive Errands - we're cost conscious on your behalf.
 
www.executive-errands.com  760.469.2487 or 760.898.9604
Our Favorite Things...
The Sen Energy Saver
 
Logo SenDo you use surge protectors between your wall outlets and your electronics?  If so, then you understand there are surges of electricity that come into your home.  Not because you're drawing electricity, but because it just pops unbidden from your electrical main.  You pay for these wasted bursts of electricity and they add up in cost.
 
Introducing the Sen Energy Saver.  The Sen Energy Saver is a small capacitor you install on one of your 20 amp circuit breakers in your main electrical box.  This unit acts like a whole home surge protector and increases the power factor of your electrical system.
 
surge protectorThe term "power factor" is a measurement of how efficiently the electricity coming into your home or business is used.  The lower the power factor, the more electricity that comes in (whether you need it or not) and the higher your utility bill.
 
As a means for comparison, most homes and businesses have an average power factor of 77%.  By installing a Sen Energy Saver, your power factor may increase to as high as 95% resulting in more efficient electrical consumption and in turn, lower utility bills.
 
If you've never heard the word 'capacitor', let me explain in layman's terms what it is and how it works (aaah this brings back so many memories of my A&D manufacturing life - so many circuit boards, so little time)
 
capacitorA capacitor is a little like a battery except that while a battery generates and stores electrons, a capacitor can only store them.  Because the Sen Energy Saver is installed between the source of your electricity and your home, the capacitor holds the electricity and only discharges it into the circuit as you need it.
 
In this way, the Sen Energy Saver optimizes the consumption of energy, lowers inductive load on your appliances, protects against harmful power surges from your utility company and stores extra energy until you need it.
 
All of these benefits result in lower consumption and lower save energyutility bills. The Sen Energy Saver is a product that's generating quite a buzz (electrical pun here is unintentional, yet, kinda funny). 
 
Many of our local businesses and restaurants have already installed it and report saving anywhere from 10% to 40% on their monthly electric bill.  With an average home installation cost of $500, it will pay for itself in no time!
 
For more information or testimonials about the Sen Energy Saver, or for an energy assessment at your home or place of business, please contact Scott at 760.989.2477 or by email at [email protected]  
 
www.save-energy-now.com  The Sen Energy Saver - it makes SENse and is one of Our Favorite Things!
 
["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too.  We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here.  We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
Solar Energy Options
 
solar waterAs recently as the 19th century there was no easy way to heat water other than putting a pot on a stove.  That is, until 1891 when a man named Clarence Kemp offered the first solar solution by exposing water tanks to the sun and utilizing a sort of hotbox process which made the tanks hold the heat.
 
Nowadays solar heating has made great strides (especially with radiant water heating through the floor) but the bigger focus is on solar electricity generation. There are numerous utility cash rebates and Federal Tax incentive programs that can substantially reduce your initial dollar investment while reducing your dependence on the utility companies.
 
wind millsElectricity costs increase about 6% every year in California and have done so every year for the past 30 years.  Rather than rent electricity from your utility company, why not generate your own and say 'goodbye' to ever escalating rates?
 
We have a great solar company in our network.  Call for a referral today! Executive Errands www.executive-errands.com  760.898.9604  
Myths and Old Wives Tales
 
Whether you leave the Desert this summer for a week, a month or six months - please please have absentee home checks!  (the two 'pleases' are intentional)
 
Obviously, we'd prefer you to use Executive Errands services, but if you don't, be sure to use someone who is reputable, insured and reliable.  When it comes to absentee home checks there are all sorts of myths, old wives tales and misinformation offered by well-meaning individuals each season.
exploding myths 
Myth 1 - "Turn your thermostat 'all the way up' or to it's highest setting" Thermostats should be set at a maximum of 85 degrees when you're gone.  Why? Here are just three reasons:  
 
1.  If your house gets too hot the windows and sliders can crack or explode.  Your toilet wax rings can melt (especially if the bathrooms are in a second story) which will eventually lead to leaks.
 
adjust thermostat2.  Running the AC keeps moisture in the air which protects your woods, art and other valuables from drying out
 
3.  The frequency of your AC kicking on can indicate whether you're home or not.  Setting a thermostat too high is an immediate indication the home is empty which will entice vandals.
 
Myth 2 -  "Put buckets of water around your home"  If your thermostat is set at 85 degrees, there will be adequate moisture in the home rendering the buckets unnecessary and you don't have to worry about a bucket leaking, drying up or an accidental spill when refilling.
 
Myth 3 - "Turn off the water completely or turn off your washer water lines"  NEVER ever turn off your water unless you have weekly absentee home checks where you know for sure someone is cycling the water in your home.  And even then, any water shut off valves should include a time delay opening and closing mechanism.  Here are four reasons why water needs to be cycled:
 
water faucet1.  To keep the traps, gaskets, hoses and seals lubricated.  If they dry out, they will crack, shrink or otherwise be damaged and will eventually leak. 
 
2.  Pests and rodents can access your home through dry traps.
 
3.  Bacteria forms quickly in stagnant or uncirculated water including hot water heaters.
 
4.  Unless you have a delay mechanism on your water main, the force of the water pressure when you turn the water back on can weaken or blow out fittings, seals and gaskets, which will lead to leaks.
 
Myth 4 - "A home only needs to be checked every 3 to 4 weeks"  Besides cycling water, checking for vandalism, monitoring your other services and a host of checklist items, the primary reason for doing absentee home checks is to identify a problem at the first opportunity. 
 
Home ChecklistIf there is water leaking in your home, it will be far less costly to remediate if the leak is only a week old.  This holds true for wind damage, dying plants, doors left unlocked by other key holders, vandalism and other security issues.  It's amazing what can happen in as little as a week's time.
 
This past month, for example, we opened an outdoor utility closet like we do every week and found three brand new baby kittens, their eyes barely open.  How the mom got in is unknown and she was nowhere in site during our visit.  The temperature outside was 96 degrees that day so we were just lucky to find them when we did. 
 
kittens we found
kittens
And yes, we took them home and dropper fed them until finally finding great homes for each.  You just never know what you're going to find during the weekly home checks.
 
Leave the care of your home to professionals.  It just makes sense.  The cost of weekly absentee home checks is minimal compared to the potential cost of a problem left undetected for weeks or months at a time.
 
Executive Errands Customer Service at 760.898.9604 or visit our website at
www.executive-errands.com and don't forget to ask about our water shut off delay mechanisms!
Sink or Swim
 
swimming poolWhat's the first thought that comes to mind when the mercury soars over 100?  The cool water of the swimming pool - at least that's where my brain goes.
 
Water features (pools, spas, fountains and ponds) in the Desert require more attention than those in temperate climates.  The intense sun dissipates chemicals at an alarming rate, creating the perfect environment for damaging algae growth.  
 
And the ever-present wind blows debris and dirt into your pool quickly clogging filters and making your pumps work overtime which can lead to costly damage or increased utility bills.
 
spaIt is standard practice here to clean and maintain water features at least twice per week.  And while there are lots of pool maintenance companies to chose from, not all of them are created equal.
 
Here are the guidelines to consider when choosing a pool maintenance company:
 
pool man1.  You want maintenance people who are employees of the maintenance company, not subcontractors.
 
2.  You want a company who carries the appropriate insurance and worker's compensation.
 
3.  You want a company who is both customer service and energy conscious
 
4.  You want a company who does a professional job and one with whom you can easily communicate both at the home office and with the person who actually cleans your pool
 
5.  And you want a pool maintenance company who has no hidden fees.
 
no hidden feesThat's what we have here at Executive Errands.  Our pool maintenance service provider meets all of those guidelines. 
 
Our monthly rates include all chemicals, salt (if applicable), conditioner, filter cleaning and emergency cleaning calls.  One price, full service!  That makes sense and saves you dollars!
 
============================================== 
 
To help save on your energy bills, our pool company offers a digital variable speed pump that can signficantly reduce your energy consumption and it qualifies for local rebate programs.
 
pumpDid you know the traditional single speed 3/4 HP induction pump found on most pool equipment can consume more electricity than all the appliances in your home?  It's true! They can run utility costs up as much as $100 per month.
 
The digitally controlled variable speed pump we offer can be programmed to optimize the water flow for different functions - filtering, heating, spa, etc.  Initial installation realizes an immediate 30% energy reduction over the old induction motors and with digital optimization, savings can reach 90%!
 
We'll apply for your rebates as part of the installation process.  Current rebates are as follows (subject to change by the utility company):
 
IAD - $200; SCE - $200, PGE - $150, SDGE - $100
 
rebateIn Palm Desert, the rebate is offered by the city, not the utility company, and is $535 (in effect as of June 1 but also subject to change)
 
Our cost for the digital variable speed pump is $1379 installed and if you shop around, you'll find our price is one of (if not THE) lowest prices in the Desert.
 
If you can save up to 90% of your pump energy consumption AND get a rebate, why doesn't everyone already have one?
 
============================================
special offerAnyone who switches to our pool maintenance company will receive 13 months of service for the price of 12.  Yes, you read that correctly.  A whole month is free.  Combine that with no hidden fees and you're saving a bundle!
============================================
 
Executive Errands
- using the best service providers who offer the same high level of customer service we do.  If you'd like to use our pool maintenance company or are interested in the energy efficient variable speed pump, please call us at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487 
 
To see our client testimonials, please visit our website at www.executive-errands.com
(Don't) Let the Sun Shine In....

So now you ask: what is the one simple thing can I do to cut my energy consumption?  That's easy - keep the sun out of the house.  If the sun doesn't get in, the house stays cooler longer, which eases the load on your AC system which in turn keeps your electricity costs down.
 
solar screenWhat's that? You like looking out the windows and don't want to live in a cave?  Ahhh no worries.  Have you considered solar screens?  Beautiful, durable, and convenient, solar screens are the new standard in exterior solar protection.  Solar screens filter out 90% of the sun's radiation including harmful UV rays which can fade upholstery, carpet and drapes.  They do all this while allowing you to see the world outside.
 
Another alternative are awnings.  No, not the ugly aluminum ones from your grandmother's youth.  Beautiful, retractable, UV protected fabric awnings.  There are no unsightly poles and no costly seasonal put up or take down requirements. One button, one touch, and the awnings manage themselves.
 
And there's no need to worry about the wind either - sensors are available that automatically retract these outdoor window treatments when the wind reaches 12 mph.
 
awningAwnings and solar screens are a new service for us here at Executive Errands and we are delighted to offer such a quality product to our clients.
 
In addition to new solar screens and awnings, we also offer service, repair and cleaning of existing systems. 
 
Both solar screens and awnings come with powder coated aluminum frames and in a wide variety of colors.  We feel confident you'll find the perfect complement to your decor.  Create shade and shave dollars off your utility bills!
 
For more information, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com 
 
It Never Rains in So California...

One of the most overlooked places for home preventative maintenance is your roof.  Because it rarely rains here in the Desert, we all just assume our roof is intact.  Nothing could be further from the truth.
 
leaky ceilingThe roof is closest to the sun and it takes a beating day after day.  Sun and wind damage can come in the form of cracks, seal erosion around pipes and penetrations, broken tiles, missing tiles...the list goes on.
 
Sadly, we don't give our roof much thought until we get one of those thunderstorms or torrential ran systems that occur at least once each year.  Even small leaks - those where there isn't enough water to make it through your drywall but still allows moisture into your attic crawl space - can create problems like unhealthy mold.
 
Take a proactive approach to maintaining your home and save yourself wasted dollars.  A roof preventative maintenance check includes a written findings report and will ensure your roof stays intact and serviceable.   
 
roof pipesRegular yearly roof preventative maintenance includes the removal of loose debris, resealing all pipes and penetrations, minor damage repair and the replacement of missing or broken roof tiles and will extend the serviceable life of all roof systems whether new or old.
 
This year, consider a preventative maintenance roof inspection.  Small problems, if any, can be identified and corrected before they turn into expensive repairs or before you find yourself sitting among buckets while you wait for the roofing contractor to get through his queue of emergency calls.
 
roof damageWhether you need a new roof, a preventative maintenance visit or previously identified repairs OR if you find yourself with a roof emergency, let Executive Errands connect you with our roofing contractor.  You'll be glad you did!
 
For more information or to request a referral to our roofing contractor, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com 
 
Knock Knock....

The appropriate response is 'who's there?'.  More questionable utility fees that's who.
 
SEO blocksIf you use a website you also most likely use a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company.  Often your telephone company offers this service, and telephone companies, like all utilities sometimes engage in excessive billing practices.
 
SEO is hot right now.  We get at least 2 or 3 unsolicited emails a week offering a 'better' SEO program.  For the last three years, we've been using the telephone company to do it because it was (we thought) easy and cost effective to bundle services and truthfully, we didn't want to spend the time to figure out how SEO works.
 
pay per clickWe've been paying $1.50 per click (a 'click' is when someone searches the internet for a service or product like yours, then clicks on your website for more information), but had no idea if this was a usual and customary fee for our business.
 
Recently, our website manager asked if we wanted him to set up Google Ad Words and at first we said no, why change to another SEO?  And besides, the telephone company said we have been using Google Ad Words through them for the last three years.  Ummm, really?  No
 
As it turns out, they have Executive Errands listed through Yahoo, not Google and when we asked how much the actual pay per click Google Adwordswas versus what they are charging, the customer service rep couldn't tell us.  She said THEY (that's the corporate 'they') don't give that information to the reps.
 
So, we had our website manager look into the background and you know what we found out?  Yahoo charges 5 CENTS per click for our kind of business.  That means the telephone company is charging $1.45 MORE than Yahoo.  That's a 300% markup!  WOW  No wonder SEO is so hot right now.
 
Google SEOEven if Google Adwords has a higher pay per click rate than Yahoo (which they probably do), switching up still increases the value of our monthly budget. Luckily we're computer literate enough to manage the account once it is set up so wewon't have to pay for someone else to monitor it - further stretching our monthly budget.  It's always best to get the most bang for your buck!
 
So please - don't be a sheep like us when it comes to your internet marketing.  Don't follow blindly someone who tells you they can manage your SEO.  Educate yourself about how these things work.  Demand to know fee schedules, insist on proof of which search engines are being used and carefully monitor enhancements to technology because there is always a newer, better, cheaper way just on the horizon. 
 
www.executive-errands.com 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487 
 
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...

You're probably going to be mad when we say this, but it's almost time to start thinking about Holiday decorations.
 
LightsWait, hear us out before you scream IT'S TOO EARLY!
 
If you put up elaborate displays or commercial decorations, it really is just about time to start planning them.  The latest trend in lighting uses L.E.D technology because it burns brighter and consumes 80-90% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs.
 
L.E.D stands for Light Emitting Diode and instead of the filament used in regular lightbulbs, L.E.D's use a tiny chip to turn energy into light
 
Before I go on, I have to tell you about the MOST BORING job I ever had - way back in 1976, I was stuck in receiving inspection testing L.E.D's
 
LED LightsIf you've never seen an actual L.E.D, they are a small microchip covered by a resin dome and have two legs extending out the bottom - one is shorter than the other for polarity purposes.  Each L.E.D had to be plugged into a test bed, by hand and ONE AT A TIME.  Once the board was full I'd flip a switch and let them run for some specified period of time that I no longer remember.
 
At the end of the cycle, we'd pull out and discard any that were not lit and put the rest into inventory. Egad! If I'd had that job for very long I would have gone crazy!  I don't know how L.E.D's are tested these days, but let's hope it is in some sort of automated fashion.
 
reindeerAnyway, L.E.D's now come in lots of shapes and sizes.  Because there is no filament to heat, L.E.D's are cool to the touch. And because they are encased in resin, L.E.D.'s used for holiday decorations can have a life span of 15 to 20 YEARS of seasonal use.  These days, when an L.E.D reaches its life expectancy, they dim rather than burnout.
 
Each season, L.E.D holiday lights increase in popularity.  As you begin planning your holiday decorations, let Executive Errands connect you with our professional holiday decorator who will help you design a display or tree that will be both beautiful and energy efficient
 
For more information, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com 
 
Savings Summary...

There was so much to share with you this month in the way of energy and cost savings, the newsletter is huge!
 
piggy bankWe hope you'll read the whole thing and maybe even use it as a checklist to proactively conserve energy and maintain your home, but to help save some time (and eyestrain), here is a synopsis of all the great products and services:
 
1.  Sen Energy Saver - prevent wasted bursts of electricity
 
2.  Solar Energy - produce rather than rent electricity
 
3.  Home Checks - protect your home and avoid the myths
 
4.  Pool Maintenance - full service with no hidden fees
 
5.  Pool Maintenance - 13 months for the price of 12
 
6.  Pool pumps - optimize performance, save money, get a rebate 
 
7.  Solar Shades & Awnings - less sun in, means less electricity for the air conditioner
 
8.  Preventative Roof Maintenance - improve serviceability
 
9.  SEO - understanding the process can increase the value of budgetary plans
 
10.  L.E.D. Holiday Lights - energy efficient, brighter, long lasting
 
11.  SCE Cash for Appliances - rebates and energy efficient new appliances
 
For more information, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com
Announcements, News, Updates...
 
NotaryFinally!  Our Notary commission came through!  We are now officially a Notary so if you need mobile services, please call to schedule an appointment.  The first signature is free.  Additional signatures during the same appointment are just $5 each (that's a 50% savings over the standard rate) and there are no travel charges for Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta or Indio.
=============================================== 
 
SCE EdisonSouthern California Edison (SCE) has a new Cash for Appliances rebate program.  This program started April 22nd and shall continue as long as funding lasts.  All SCE customers are eligible to receive up to $200 on qualified energy-efficient refrigerators and room air conditioners.  Visit www.cash4appliances.org to read about the program's rules.
 
SCE is also offering a cash incentive program to encourage you to replace old and energy intense appliances.  Visit www.sce.com/appliances for more information.
===============================================
 
EE iconDon't forget, you can follow Executive Errands on Facebook!  Stay up to date between newsletter publications, enjoy new service offerings and event status information! 
 
From your Facebook account, search for "Executive Errands" and click 'Be A Fan' to join us!
 
If you don't currently have a Facebook account, consider joining as it is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends and is especially handy for locating long lost friends.  
 
Facebook accounts are Free
 
Find us on Facebook
 
Executive Errands www.executive-errands.com 760.898.9604
writeThe question we get asked most often about this newsletter is 'who writes it?'.  Ummm, me. I write every single word myself.  There is no 'canned' information here.  Oh, obviously I do research for historical references or technical specifications when they are required, but each month I spend an average of 20 hours writing, finding appropriate pictures, spell checking, creating hyperlinks, fiddling with font and formatting issues and obsessing.
 
worryYes, at least 4 hours a month are spent obsessing about the content.  Is the syntax ok? Will this topic or phrasing offend anyone?  Can I live with a dangling preposition when it drives me crazy?  Are there too many contractions? (not as in labor contractions but as in it's, you're, they'll, etc) and most importantly, will my twisted sense of humor translate properly through the written word, or will it fall flat?
 
Some months the content comes easy and seems to write itself (like this month) other times I am at my self-imposed deadline and struggling with writer's block trying to figure out a decent lead-in topic, how to tie all the articles together or worse, what kind of catchy title to use.  The title should make you interested enough to read it so it needs to be great!
 
CommitmentCreating a monthly newsletter is a daunting task not only because it has to be written but also because when you launch a newsletter you are making a commitment to both your readers and yourself - and if it's done well, people look forward to it.  When it comes to a newsletter: Do it or don't do it, but never do it half way.  (that's true in all of life, don't you think?)
 
Through this newsletter we are offering you information in which we hope you find benefit and so you'll get to know philosophically who we are and how much we care that Executive Errands be the kind of company we would use ourselves if we were in your shoes
 
Laughing catsWe hope you laugh with us (or at me, that's ok too), are at times inspired, and that we have, in some small way through this newsletter, helped to make your life better - if only for the time it takes you to read it. 
 
You know, in this context, it's not about the dollars - it's all about the sense
 
Use your common sense.  Build something of quality, be honest with others (and yourself) and remember that the only thing you have at the end of the day is your integrity.  Never compromise your values or your integrity.
 
If this is your first time reading our newsletter, know that every month has a different theme or message or story thread.  You can check out other issues in our newsletter archive at www.executive-errands.com and clicking on the 'archive' link.
 
Thank you for letting Executive Errands into your inbox, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter each month, and thank you for entrusting your homes and services to us.
 
Until next month
, 


Leslie Spoor
760.469.2487
 
We value our clients' privacy.  Therefore we do not, nor will we ever, distribute your email address to anyone. Ever.
 
 Forward this email to a Friend 
 Logo ICLMA
Our Motto:  Any job, big or small, do it right or not at all! 

EE Logo TM