We now have 3 offices to serve you!
Fall Branch
1714 Hwy 93, Suite 11B
Fall Branch, TN 37656
Johnson City
1805 W State of Franklin Rd #900
Johnson City, TN 37604
Greeneville
104 Sam Doak Street
Greeneville, TN 37745
 Janie BarronPrincipal Broker, Fall Branch Office Arbella Properties Inc. 423-534-3827 Cell 423-446-8154 Office www.arbellatn.com janie@arbellatn.com License # 00327481 |
 Karen RickerAffiliate Broker, CMCA/AMS, Johnson City Arbella Properties Inc. 423-446-8154 Office www.arbellatn.com karen@arbellatn.com |
The advent of Earth Day on April 22 reminds everyone of the need to protect the environment for future generations. One way you can contribute to protecting the earth is to replace your home’s conventional heating and cooling system with a heat pump. It helps the environment and has other benefits as well.
Traditional heating systems use gas or propane with high carbon emissions. Heat pumps rely on electricity, which is cleaner and tends to be more stable in its month-to-month cost. The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) has determined that a heat pump transfers 300% more energy than it consumes. Despite the up-front cost of installing a heat pump, there are cost savings over the long term. According to Rewiring America, installing a heat pump will save in the range of $800-$1,000 per year in utility costs over baseboard heating, electric furnaces and the like.
There are financial incentives from federal, state and local governments that make the installation of heat pumps more attractive. Depending on your income, there is a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that may cover 50% to 100% of the cost of switching to a heat pump. If your income doesn’t qualify you, there is also a 30% tax credit for home energy projects.
Results from a survey performed by the CGS indicate that a heat pump can increase the value of a home by $10,400 to $17,000. Please contact me for more information on this valuable asset for your home and our environment.
Ingredients
Salad:
1 bunch asparagus, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cups of salad greens
2 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, mint or chives)
Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus 1/2 teaspoon zest
Bring large pot of salted water to boil and set bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch asparagus for 1 minute until tender but still bright green. Transfer to ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow asparagus to dry and transfer it back to bowl and add peas. In food processor, pulse together herbs, garlic, salt, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Add half the dressing to bowl with asparagus. Toss to coat. Arrange salad greens on a platter, layer asparagus/pea mixture, radishes, avocado, pistachios, feta, chickpeas and herbs. Drizzle remaining dressing, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
With Earth Day falling on April 22, it’s worth remembering that no small actions to protect the planet are insignificant. If you’re looking for ways in which you can personally make your own small difference, here are a few ideas you could try.
Reduce electrical energy use. Leaving appliances plugged in when not in use actually causes them to still take in, and therefore waste, energy. This unnecessary demand for electricity prolongs the usage of the coal-fired power plants that generate it or wastes the energy generated by cleaner renewable sources. Unplug things when they aren’t needed and turn off lights when you’re out.
Rethink your driving habits. Unless you have an electric car, every drive contributes to the buildup of fossil fuels in the atmosphere, which causes climate change. Consider cycling, walking or using public transport when possible, or if you know other people heading to the same destination, organize a carpool.
Lower your water usage. We’re not talking about drinking water here. You’d be amazed at the amount of water wasted through seemingly small actions such as leaving the tap on while brushing your teeth, using the dishwasher when it’s not fully loaded or showering for longer than you need to. Small habits to save water are a huge boost to our world’s natural resources.
Cook “root to stem.” The stems, leaves and roots that many people cut off their vegetables when cooking are actually just as edible and delicious as the supposedly more desirable parts. Avoid food waste by cooking these too, either in the same way you’d normally cook the rest of the vegetable or by using recipes specifically tailored to using the whole plant.
