Borealis Lighting from TEC a “Bright” Idea

December 20th, 2011

Which sconce is lit with a 25-watt incandescent bulb, and which is the 2-watt Borealis B10 LED?

One of these lights is using a lightbulb that can save you $150 over its life...per bulb!

It’s the middle one! While there is absolutely no difference in the light power or color, there is a significant difference in the energy saved. A 2-watt Borealis B10 will save $150 PER BULB over its 12-year life (compared to a traditional 25-watt incandescent).

The traditional torpedo shape of the Borealis B10 candelabra lamp is the perfect alternative for all conventional candelabra lamps and general lighting needs in chandeliers, wall sconces, ceiling fans, and other decorative lighting fixtures. The patent pending Borealis B10 lamps are available with a classic clear lens and radiate a captivating light, instantly lending themselves well to standard lighting applications. The standard base and the look and feel of the Borealis B10, allows for incorporation into all compatible fixtures.

download the complete B10 specifications

 Check out this amazing B10 ‘Before and After:’

The top deck shows the before; the bottom deck is after.

Before: 5,000 6-watt Sylvania S6 incandescent bulbs on each deck
After: 2,500 2-watt Borealis B10 LED bulbs on each deck
• Only used every other socket to achieve a brighter result!
• 83% energy savings!

This casino boat hit the jackpot and can expect over $700,000 in savings over the useful life of the LEDs.

TEC customers have access to purchase ALL their lighting equipment needs through the TEC Direct Program at a savings of 10-30%. Learn more about TEC Lighting Solutions.

 

TEC Makes Contribution to McLean County Resource Center

December 20th, 2011

Brad Witty from TEC presents check to Jenell Olson of the McLean County Resource Center.

TEC continues to make its presence felt this holiday season. As part of its annual contribution program, the McClean County Resource Center was a recipient of support. McLean County Resource Center is an organization that assists abused women and families by providing food, clothing shelter and support. It is TEC’s privilege to be a part of their efforts.

TEC Presents Gift to American Diabetes Association

December 15th, 2011

TEC 2011 Donation to American Diabetes Association

TEC representative Jeff Peterson, newly appointed to the Minneapolis American Diabetes Association Board of Directors, presents a TEC Check for $750.00 to the Executive Director of the Minneapolis Office Jenni Hargraves. This was part of the TEC Holiday Gift Giving now in its fourth year.

“Because of your efforts TEC has been able to give to many different organizations helping people during the Holidays and all year long.”

TEC Announces over $14,000 in Charitable Contributions

December 15th, 2011

While Total Energy Concepts (TEC) specializes in helping organizations “go green” and reduce the expenses associated with energy consumption, they also take pride in their connection to the communities they serve. This year, TEC contributed a total $14,236.90 to 15 worthy organizations in six different states.

 

Organizations receiving support from TEC included:

American Diabetes Association
Sharing and Caring Hands
Christ Presbyterian Church
Baptist Home
McLean County Resource Center
Great Plains Food Bank
Ruther Meiers Hospitality House
Elk’s Camp Grassick
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona
Edward Foundation
Rockford Sharefest
Irwin’s Park Association
Challenging Athletes Playing Equally (CAPE)
Operation Breakthrough

TEC 2011 Donation to Sharing and Caring Hands

“It was our honor to present Sharing and Caring Hands with a check for $3,500,” shared Doug Overvold, President of TEC. “This is our fourth year of making a difference to Mary Jo Copeland and her amazing team.  She is the closest thing to an Angel I have ever met, and when you see her work in person, it is truly amazing.”

As part of its commitment to the communities it serves, TEC commits a portion of its profits each year to organization’s located near its sales locations. To learn more about how your organization might be considered for TEC’s 2012 contributions contact their Detroit Lakes, MN headquarters at 218-844-5848.

Total Energy Concepts Awarded NJPA National Contract for HVAC Systems and Services

September 19th, 2011

National Contract #072711-TEC: “HVAC Systems and Services with Related Accessories and Supplies” has been competitively bid and awarded to Total Energy Concepts, LLC.

Total Energy Concepts (TEC), is pleased to announce its competitively awarded contract for “HVAC Systems and Services with Related Accessories and Supplies” made by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). The contract was approved by the NJPA Board of Directors on August 16, 2011, and is available through TEC nationally.

Government, schools and other qualifying groups now have access to the SmartcoolTM system offered by TEC via a competitively bid contract. The NJPA contract enables government, education and non-profit agencies a purchasing solution that satisfies most agencies’ competitive bid requirements.

“TEC could not be more excited about our partnership with NJPA. The Smartcool System that TEC offers can lower the cooling costs for both air conditioning and refrigeration that will bring tremendous value to the large membership base that the NJPA has built over the years,” said Doug Overvold, President of TEC. “As we all know, lowering our energy demand and decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels is one of the most important agenda’s in the US. Now NJPA members can decrease their electrical costs and improve their overall efficiencies with the Smartcool system!”

“Total Energy Concepts is a great fit for our Members,” said Mike Hajek, Director of Contracts and Marketing at NJPA. “Total Energy Concepts is known as the industry leader in customer service. I am excited to have them join our family of awarded vendor partners!”

About NJPA:
The National Joint Powers Alliance® is a Municipal Contracting government agency established through legal statute in 1977. NJPA serves over 30,000 Members throughout the nation with competitively awarded purchasing solutions from industry-leading vendors.

About SmartCool
About TEC’s NJPA Contract 

Energy-Saving Opportunities

March 1st, 2010

As businesses find new ways to streamline operations and trim costs, new equipment is often the last priority.  Yet business owners overlook a significant opportunity for long-term savings when they outright eliminate all equipment expenditures.  Many purchases require an initial investment, but provide reduced costs over time.  One such purchase is energy optimization equipment, which allows business owners to reduce their overall utility costs and reduce maintenance downtime and repair costs. 

Tax Incentives for Green Energy Purchases

The “Worker Homeowner and Business Assistance Act of 2009” was introduced by the federal government in November 2009.  Intended to stimulate the economy by providing tax relief for both businesses and homeowners, the Act modifies how businesses can carry Net Operating Losses (NOL). 

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A Quick Guide to Residential Energy Optimization

February 24th, 2010

Saving energy literally translates into dollars and cents for conscientious homeowners.  Not only can homeowners save money on their electric bills, but they can also qualify for tax breaks for environmentally friendly equipment and improvements.  Through energy optimization, any homeowner can maximize savings in five simple steps. 

Replace major appliances with energy-efficient models.  Energy-efficient appliances are usually more expensive up front.  However, they quickly pay for themselves through energy savings—and recently introduced tax breaks for green home improvements. Although most homeowners think to upgrade their refrigerators, washers, and dryers, they often overlook the hot water heater. Yet this appliance usually accounts for at least 25% of residential electricity usage. Even older hot water heaters can be retrofitted with a device like the AirTap, which uses heat pump technology to reduce energy use by up to 70%, without sacrificing temperature or capacity. 

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What is Power Factor Correction?

January 26th, 2010

Power factor correction is an easy way for consumers and business owners to optimize their electricity usage and significantly reduce their electricity bills.  Yet this method of energy conservation is often overlooked because few people understand how it works. 

An Overview of Power Factor Correction

Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power used by a circuit.  When someone plugs an appliance into an electrical supply, the power factor varies based on the amount of electricity that the appliance requires.  That fluctuation causes instability in a home’s power grid and leads to wasted electricity. 

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Energy Saving Tips for the Winter

January 15th, 2010

During the winter, heating the home can cause energy expenses to skyrocket.  This winter, however, homeowners can actually save money on energy. The right maintenance and strategies can drastically improve a home’s energy efficiency.

Complete Energy-Saving Home Maintenance

It’s never too late to prepare a home for winter.  Weatherproofing a home keeps the cold air out, and the heated air in. Homeowners who follow these energy-saving techniques will be well prepared to enjoy decreased energy expenses in every season.

  • Check the exterior of the home for holes or gaps. Seal small openings with caulk, and patch larger holes with drywall or sheetrock.
  • Inspect the weather-stripping around doors and windows.  If necessary, reapply caulk around the windows and replace the foam around doors.  Add sweeps to the bottoms of exterior doors. 
  • Use window locks to keep windows sealed as tightly as possible.
  • Clean heating equipment regularly, as clogs can decrease output.  Replace the filter furnace as needed. 
  • Inspect insulation in the basement, attic, ceilings, and exterior walls to ensure that it reaches recommended levels.
  • Cover the pool and run the filter for only two hours per day. 
  • Place aluminum foil on the walls behind each radiator, to reflect heat back inside the room.

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Total Energy Concepts Gives Back to the Communities That Support Them in Their Green Initiatives

January 4th, 2010

Every year many businesses in communities around the country support our Total Energy Concepts Green Initiatives by installing energy optimization and power factor correction units to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. And each year we at Total Energy Concepts are proud to give back to the communities that give so much to us.

This year is no different. We are proud to share that this year the following organizations received sizable cash donations to support their cause.

  • McLean County Resource Center - North Dakota 
  • Ruth Meyers Hospitality House - North Dakota
  • Sharing and Caring Hands - Minnesota 
  • Harry Chapin Food Bank - Florida
  • St. Matthew’s House - Florida
  • American Business Club BSO – Illinois
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank – Illinois

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