Questions to ask your HVAC Contractor

Heat Pump Checklist

                                                                         

                                           HEAT PUMPS

What is a heat pump?

Heat pumps are appliances that both heat and cool a home by transferring heat. They are energy efficient and come in a variety of types to meet your home's needs. They can be used to replace furnaces and are a great alternative to traditional air conditioning. They even come in portable options - great for renters or smaller spaces.

You can learn more about the different types of heat pumps and how they work at Energy.gov.

         

                                     TYPES OF HEAT PUMPS

Air source heat pumps: (most common)

Can be ductless or ducted.

Air source heat pumps are a renewable energy system that extracts heat from outside air and transfers it indoors to provide heating. They operate similarly to a refrigerator but in reverse. They do not convert heat; they simply transfer heat from outside and bring it back into your home.

An air source heat pump can be used to cool your home as well. In this case, the air source heat pump takes heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. Indoor temperatures drop significantly. 

• Heat pumps reduce CO2 emissions by 38% compared to gas furnaces.
• are up to 300% more efficient than a standard gas boiler. 

Ductless mini split heat pump system: (cooling & heating)

Mini splits contain an outside unit and an indoor unit.

The outside unit extracts heat from outside air, and a refrigerant carries the heat directly to the indoor unit. These systems do not rely on duct work, and they consist of an outdoor compressor-condenser. 

• Cuts heating costs in half compared to conventional heating systems because these systems only transfer heat and do not generate heat.
• Energy star certified systems used in a whole house setting avoid more than 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

More information: Ductless Mini-Splits 101 - Loup Power District

Ducted mini split heat pump systems: (cooling & heating)

A ducted mini split works by distributing air through HVAC ductwork through a ceiling ducted indoor unit. A ducted mini split systems indoor unit is hidden above the ceiling and is not seen. 

There are many options to choose from for an indoor unit through a ducted mini split system. 

• Wall-Mounted Unit
• Ceiling Cassette Unit
• Ceiling Exposed or Suspended Unit
• Floor-Mounted Unit
• Ceiling Ducted or Concealed Unit

Pros:

• Works better for bigger homes needing steady temperature control
• Can fit with existing HVAC systems 
• Provides full house heating and cooling

 More information: Ducted Mini Split Guide: Basics, Comparison & Installation - aircondlounge

Geothermal heat pumps: (cooling & heating)

Temperatures at about 30 feet below the surface stay around 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the constant temperatures. This system uses pipes that are buried underground and circulate fluid that absorbs or deposits heat to the surrounding soil. 

Geothermal heat pumps can be used:

• Single houses
• Single businesses
• College campuses 
• Neighborhoods 

A geothermal heat pump case study in Autumn Gardens apartment complex shows that a geothermal heat pump system saved them around $24,000 dollars annually. Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Autumn Gardens Apartment Complex | Department of Energy 

A federal tax credit is available through the IRS for up to $2,000.

You can stay up to date on upcoming incentives at The Switch Is On.

PSE offers rebates for EV chargers through their Up & Go Electric program.

Where can I charge my electric vehicle? 

 Locate public chargers in King County using the PlugShare website.

 Kenmore has two spots to charge your EV vehicles:

• Stoup Brewing, Kenmore: 6704 NE 181St St, Kenmore, WA 98028  
• Safeway, Kenmore: 6850 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028, USA  

 

Solarize Kenmore 2025 has launched! New this year: The City of Kenmore is offering a $1,000 rebate to Kenmore participants to assist with installation costs. Learn more at SolarizeKenmore.org. Interested residents or businesses must sign up for a free solar assessment by July 4 to guarantee pricing.

Solarize Kenmore PDF format: Go SOLAR 

                                     What is solar energy?

Solar energy is any type of energy that is generated by the sun. There are two different types of energy that is created through solar power such as heat and electricity. It produces little to no carbon emissions and produces no harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

Solar panels can last for over 25 years. 

How do solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into heat or electricity? 

Solar panels are made up of smaller units called solar cells. Most solar cells are made from silicon, which are natural semiconductors. When looking inside a solar cell, you will see that silicon is sandwiched between two conductive layers. Every single silicon atom is connected to another silicon atom through strong bonds that allow no flowing current (meaning no electron movement). This is because electrons stay in place and are not able to move freely.

When a strong enough photon that comes from the sun strikes a silicon cell, it can knock the electron from its natural bond. This breakage allows the electron to move freely.

The electron will only travel one single way because of the electric field inside the silicon cell. Afterwards, electrons flow through an external circuit. This is what powers a light bulb! 

Each silicon cell only puts out half a volt. When strung together in modules you will produce more power. 

More information: How do solar panels work? - Richard Komp

 

Can Solar Panels Work in Shade or Bad Weather?

It's a common misconception that solar panels can't work when it's shady or raining. Solar panels can produce between 10 and 25 percent of their optimal capacity. The exact amount varies how dark and how heavy the rain is. 

Rain can actually benefit solar panels - rain washes away any dirt or pollen that was stuck onto the solar panels.

King County Housing Authority Weatherization Program - Income-qualified households can apply for services to reduce home energy use and costs. This can include:

• Ventilation improvements
• insulation installs
• Furnace repairs
• Air sealing to prevent drafts

Solid Waste

Washington Organics Management Compliance for Businesses

Where Does Our Organic Waste Go?

Learn about King County's Re+ plan to reach zero waste

Recycling 101 with Republic Services:

Republic Services provided our community with a helpful "Recycling 101" guide to take the guesswork out of what goes in the blue bin: Recycling 101_2025

 

Food Waste:

Reduce food waste by planning how much you need using savethefood.com/guestimator.

Not sure if that confusing-looking clementine or wonky watermelon is good to eat? Check out EatOrToss.com for guidance on when it's safe to eat something or if it's ready for the compost.

Did you know date labels on food usually reflect quality, not safety? Most foods - baby formula excluded - are still fine past the date, so trust your senses to decide!

Keep your food fresh and waste-free! Freeze bread, berries, and veggies before they spoil, and store leafy greens with a paper towel to keep them crisp.

 

Smart shopping tips: 

Cutting down food waste starts with smart shopping. A simple way to cut down your spending and food waste is by planning a mindful shopping list. 

Being thoughtful about your meals and making a plan ahead of time can go a long way in reducing food waste.

When you create a shopping list based on your weekly meals, you can save time, money, and even end up eating healthier. Try these easy helpful tips:

1. Plan your list based on how many meals you'll cook and eat at home. Think about your schedules, are there days when you will be out? Be realistic. Being hard or strict with yourself can also lead to impulse buying. Be realistic and ensure its doable for you!
2. Take a picture or write down what is in your pantry or fridge. Use what you already have so you don't end up buying duplicates of items. 
3. Write down exact amount on your list. This is especially helpful for fresh foods. Figure out how many meals you will make with each item. 
4. Don't get tricked: Many of you have seen the deals like 5 for $5. Those might seem like a good deal but can lead to waste (and wasted money) if you can't finish the items in time. 

You can download this weekly shopping list template from stopfoodwaste.org: StopFoodWaste_ShoppingList

Food storage tips and tricks!

• Do not store potatoes and onions next to each other: Onions produce ethylene gas which will cause the potatoes to spoil faster. Simply put these two vegetables as far away from each other as possible.

• Homemade vegetable stock: This hack is SUPER easy. You simply collect vegetable scraps and freeze them. Veggie Stock | Stop Food Waste

 Yard waste information, questions, haulers.     

                                   Yard Waste Q&A: 

Q: What is yard waste?

A: Yard waste consists of biodegradable organic matter that comes from gardening activities and landscaping activities. 

Q: What counts as yard waste?

A: Yard waste includes:

• Grass clippings
• Weeds
• Sticks and branches
• Bushes
• Shrubs
• Pruned plants
• Leaves
• Flowers, bark, pine needles, small fruits that have fallen from trees

These materials are compostable and help keep our community green!

Q: What doesn't belong in my yard waste container?

A: Do not put the following in your yard waste bin:

• Rocks, stones, concrete or brick.
• Tree trunks and stumps over 50 pounds
• Pet waste 
• Plastic of any kind
• Food stickers
• Grease or liquids

Q: What are the do's and don'ts of yard waste?

A: 

 

Q: Why is it important to keep yard waste separate from other waste?

A: Yard waste can be turned into compost or mulch, which enriches soil and reduces landfill waste. Mixing it with garbage makes it harder to recycle and can lead to contamination. 

 

Q: What are different types of disposal methods for managing yard waste?

A: There are various methods to manage yard waste, each method with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

1. Composting: a natural decomposition process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. When yard waste is properly converted it can enrich soil matter and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. More information from the Department of Ecology: Composting 101
2. Mulching: any material that covers the soils surface. For example, fallen leaves and plant debris. 
3. Chipping and grinding: branches and twigs are chipped or grounded into smaller pieces. The material following this process can be used as mulch and composting materials.

Q: What is the importance of proper yard waste management?

A: Properly managing yard waste yields to a range of environmental and economic benefits:

• Reducing pollution: proper yard waste management minimizes the potential for surface water pollution from excess unneeded nutrients and harmful chemicals.
• Saves money: mulching and composting can help individuals spend less money on soil amendments and disposal fees.

Q: Are there any organics/yard waste haulers near Kenmore?

A: 

Washington Organics Management Law: Organics Management Law - Kenmore Two-Pager

Republic Services:  Yard Waste & Debris Removal | Republic Services

Cedar Grove: Cedar Grove

Waste Management:  WM | Waste Management & Recycling Services 

Rain Gardens:

Rain gardens are a great addition to your yards and lawns this spring! Rain gardens that utilize native plants help reduce water runoff and flooding and provide habitat for pollinators - a win-win! Learn more about rain gardens down below!

What are rain gardens?   Watch Kenmore's introductory video on: Rain Gardens

A rain garden is shallow dip in the landscape designed to catch rainwater from places like your roof, driveway or the street. Rain gardens allow water to naturally absorb into the ground. These gardens are usually filled with grasses and colorful perennials, making them not only an affordable way to cut down on runoff, but also a great way to add beauty to your yard. 

Are native or non-native plants better for rain gardens?

Native plants have adapted overtime and are easier to maintain than non-native species.

Yet, it’s not realistic to not include non-native plants in rain gardens because of growth limitations associated with certain planting sites. If a plant can succeed on your specific planting site and is not deemed as invasive, a plant should be considered.

Do rain gardens require an assessment?

Yes, and no.

Washington State does not require a permit for voluntary curbside rain gardens such as those installed by homeowners.

A permit could be needed when the rain garden is installed on a development or construction project.

For homeowners, a basic assessment (on your own) is needed. This will help ensure the plants you pick are well suited to the specific microclimate, soil condition and sun exposure of your planting site. 

More information on a proper site assessment checklist: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/RAIN_GARDEN_SITE_ASSESSMENT_CARD.pdf

 

What kind of maintenance does a rain garden need?

Depends on the plants you have in your garden. Overall maintenance is low when using woody plants which generally require less maintenance than if you used herbaceous plants.  Why?

Woody plants have lignified tissues that provide strength and support – this allows them to withstand environmental stressors. Such as extreme weather changes.

Life spans can range from decades to centuries. Woody plants further survive winter or dry season above ground, as opposed to herbaceous plants that die back to the ground, until springtime comes around.

Herbaceous plants are extremely fast growing and produce many seedlings within a short duration. Herbaceous plants can be classified as:

• Annuals: Complete their life cycle in one year, dying back after flowering.
• Biennial: This plant only lives for two years. First season: produce roots, stems, and leaves. Second season is mostly shooting production and growth such as flowers.
• Perennial: non-woody plants that die back to the ground each winter. New stems grow from the plants crown around springtime. These plants can live for more than two years.

Regular maintenance tasks:

• Regular weeding throughout the establishment period. (When plants are still growing).
• Yearly mulching of established plantings
• Pruning of dead or damaged branches/foliage.

How to carefully prune away dead leaves from plants:

Examine plants regularly for any leaves or stems that are:

• Brown, yellow or wilted
• Shriveling or thin
• Drooping down or sagging
• Broken or split 
• Fungus sightings or mold

Tools: 

• Sharp gardening scissors.
• Long-handled loppers (thicker stems)

How:

Use sharp scissors to cut along the edges of brown or damaged leaves. Be gentle and aim for a 45-degree angle (allows the plant to heal faster).

Remove heavily damaged leaves. If a leaf is more than half dried out or browned, it's better to cut it off completely. Snip it at the base of the stem where it connects to branch.

What are common plants used in rain gardens in Washington State?

Lady Fern: 

Native to the PNW, thrives in coastal areas to inland forests. Often used as ground cover.

Vine Maple:

Extra Information:

You can find all of this information in a WORD document format: RainGarden_Q&A

12,000 Rain Gardens in Puget Sound

King County Northwest Native Plant Guide

Xerces Society - Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Maritime Northwest

 

 

Climate Change and Transportation:

Transportation is a big part of our carbon footprint, but we can all make difference by choosing cleaner, greener ways to get around.

Here's how:

• Use public transportation like buses, trains, or the light rail whenever you can. 
• Bike or walk to places that are close by instead of driving.
• Carpool with friends, neighbors or co-workers to reduce the number of cars on the road. 
• Ask your workplace if they have commuter benefits for using public transit, biking, or carpooling - many employers do. 

What You Can Do About Climate Change — Transportation | US EPA

Kenmore's National Clean Air Month Video: It's National Clean Air Month!

ORCA - Youth Transit Pass

Did you know riders 18 and younger can receive a free transit pass?

You can show your Student ID to the driver as you board or you can receive a Free Youth Transit Pass. 

Interested in signing up? Sign up here: How to Order a Free Youth ORCA Card – The ORCA Card

Note: All University of Washington students (Bothell campus, Seattle campus, Tacoma campus) can ride public transit with their UW Student Husky ID cards for free. 

ORCA - Seniors & Disabled & Low-income Commuters:

Seniors 65 and older living in the Puget Sound area or disabled residents who qualify for the ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit can now ride for free. 

More information: Seniors - myORCA & Disabilities or Medicare - myORCA

Did you know that there are 7 different types of plastic?

Some plastics can be reused and recycled while others cannot be recycled due to the chemicals they contain.

Here is a little guide on the different plastics you and I encounter almost daily!

                                   Different Types of Plastic:

 1.  PET:

Stands for polyethylene terephthalate. Mostly found in one-use cosmetic containers, plastic bottles and mouthwash bottles.

Other items such as: 

1. Water and soda bottles
2. Food containers
3. Jars
4. Microwave trays
5. Any other plastic items with the #1 recycling symbol

This plastic is durable, clear and is light weight. PET can also be drawn into thin yarns and fibers to make polyester fabric.

 

How to properly recycle PET:

The good news is that PET plastic has one of the highest plastic recycling values. It can be recycled in many ways.  PET plastic can be recycled curbside if your municipality provides the service. (Almost all do). 

Follow these steps to recycle PET:

1. Collect all your plastic
2. Sort out the non-recyclable plastic
3. Rinse and clean any leftover food or dirt
4. Drop off your PET bottles at a depot if you do not have curbside recycling or put it in your recycling bin!

 

2. HDPE:

Stands for high-density polyethylene. This plastic is a very resistant resin and is used in common things like milk jugs, grocery bags, recycling bins and playground equipment. HDPE is much thicker than PET. 

How to Recycle HDPE Bottles:

 HDPE plastics do have a better recycling rate than other plastics. About 29.3% of HDPE milk jugs and water bottles are recycled.

You can recycle all HDPE plastic items through your curbside recycling program.

1. Identify HDPE Plastics: check for the recycling symbol with a number “2” on the bottom of the bottle.

Before recycling, remove any remaining contents and rinse the bottle with water. Clean plastics are more likely to be accepted by recycling facilities.

3. Remove Labels and Caps: some facilities accept bottles with labels and caps, it’s best to remove them if possible.

4. Flatten the Bottles.

3. PVC:

Stands for polyvinyl chloride. PVC plastic comes in two forms. Rigid and flexible. It's mostly used in rigid form in common production for window profiles and pipes. It can be made softer/flexible and can be used for plumbing, wiring, and electrical cable insulation and flooring. 

Some products recognizable to the everyday person includes:

• Window frames
• Plumbing and Sewage pipes
• Fencing, decking, railing
• Tiles
• Bottles such as Shampoo bottles
• Shoes
• Credit cards, bank cards and store cards

How to recycle PVC:

PVC cannot be recycled through curbside recycling because of the chemical composition of PVC.

The good news is PVC recycling has become one of the most advanced processes in the mechanical recycling world. This is how PVC is recycled:

• PVC is ground down into a clean ‘regrind’ plastic
• PVC is recycled into a plastic powder
• PVC is shaped into plastic pellets for reuse

4. LDPE:

Low-density polyethylene is a kind of resin that is flexible and durable. LDPE is used in applications such as:

1. Plastic bags
2. Packaging films
3. Squeeze bottles
4. Cable and wire insulation
5. A fan favorite: bubble wrap
6. Disposable gloves 

How to recycle LDPE plastics:

LDPE is not biodegradable and although LDPE can be recycled - most LDPE products are not recyclable.

Some LDPE plastics are accepted through your local curbside recycling program.

Safeway has a program where you can recycle your plastic bags (LDPE/HDPE). 

Why Trex®? Discover Why We're the Leader in Outdoor Living | Trex

5. PP:

Which stands for polypropylene. This plastic is a strong that is used often for furniture, luggage and toys. 

PP rigid plastics examples: 

PP flexible examples: 

• Food and confectionary packaging, e.g. Chip packets, biscuit packets.
• Cereal box liners
• Plastic Diapers

How to recycle Rigid PP: 

Most curbside recycling programs accept plastic number 5 or PP but you should always check your local area to be sure. 

1. Look for the number 5 in the chasing arrows on the item
2. Check if your local curbside recycling program accepts plastic number 5.
3. Clean excess food or drain out the liquid
4. Place the item in your curbside recycling bin.

How to Recycle PP Soft Plastics: 

Shoreline Recycling & Transfer Station - King County, Washington

Soft Plastics Recycling – Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek, Washington

1. Do the scrunch test. If the item can be scrunched up = soft plastic. Cannot be scrunched or bounces back into shape = rigid plastic. 
2. Find your nearest soft plastic recycling.
3. Collect your plastic bags and soft plastics, scrunch them up and place them in a bag.
4. Make sure no food or leftover residue is in the plastic bag.

6. PS:

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic, and many can recognize this plastic when seeing packing peanuts or big foam blocks (packaging).

Polystyrene is lightweight and is made up of more than 95% from air. In terms of plastics - PS is one of the most inexpensive to make and or sell. 

Some typical items made of polystyrene are:

• Disposable coffee cups
• Plastic food boxes
• Plastic plates, bowls, cutlery
• Meat and poultry trays
• Packing foam
•  Packing peanuts

Rigid PS examples:

• Rigid containers
• Medical devices
• Smoke detectors
• Toys
• Clothing hangers

Can PS be recycled?

Yes, generally PS can be recycled BUT it cannot be recycled through your curbside recycling program. 

Nearby programs that accept PS:

Shoreline Recycling & Transfer Station - King County, Washington

Download the Shoreline Recycling & Transfer Station fact sheet to learn more about this facility. 

7.OTHER:

Any type of plastic that doesn’t fit into one of the first six categories falls under "other". Products stamped with a 7 are often made out of multiple plastic types that can’t easily be recycled.

Examples of #7 plastic:

• Items with Polycarbonate, nylon, acrylic. These plastics have unique properties that make them recyclable, non-recyclable, or biodegradable.

• iPods, DVDs, signs and displays.

Can #7 plastics be recycled?

Curbside recycling bins can’t recycle number 7 plastics unless they have the symbol PLA or the word compostable written next to the recycle symbol.

More information on #7 plastic: What does 7 mean in recycling? (Solved and Explained For You) - Container FAQs 

 

 

In some way or another we have all heard or been affected by pests. Especially around the start of summer - we see a massive increase in pest infestations. Pest control and pest elimination are very different and is often confused. A pesticide is not the cure to elimination - it's a temporary solution. This page will give you a guide on different pest control methods, pre-pest control and how to read a pesticide label. 

All information comes from: Pesticides | US EPA

                   What classifies an insect as a pest?

A pest is classified when it causes significant crop damage, economic loss or causes harm towards humans or other organisms.

A common example are aphids. Aphids are small insects that feed by sucking nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. They are pests because they usually attack plants in large numbers and cause significant crop damage if not controlled. 

 

Pests are successful because of their high reproductive rates and defense mechanisms. It's MUCH easier to implement strategies to prevent pests than to control them after becoming a nuisance. 

 

Preventing pests: 

The main theme for this page is that it's much easier to prevent pests than to control them once they have started causing damage. All pests share the mission to find shelter. The best way to prevent pests is by eliminating the essential elements that pests need to thrive. 

Indoor prevention: 

1. Remove water: pests need water to reproduce and survive. Check under your sink/dishwasher/washing machine for leaky pipes. Do NOT allow water to accumulate around your home - this will be a perfect place for pests to reproduce. Ensure all parts of your home are dry. Remember that humidity can also be a key factor in attracting pests. 

2. Remove food: crumbs, open containers and spilled food can all attract pests into your home. Ensure all containers are closed. Clean after spills and keep an eye out for grease and oil as well. 

3. Block all areas of indoor pest hiding spots: cracks are an easy way for pests to get into your house. Ensure that all cracks are sealed off. Pets are also a segway to pest infestations - make sure all pets are washed and cleaned. 

4. Block pest entryways: Install screens on all floor drains and windows. Keep doors shut when not in use!

Outdoor prevention: 

1. Remove/destroy all outdoor pest hiding places: remove piles of wood from under your home to avoid attracting termites. Destroy diseased plants, clean all fallen fruit and keep vegetation away from your home. 

2. Remove breeding sites: pests are attracted to garbage, pet litter and standing puddles. 

If you use the preventive techniques just described, you reduce the chance of pests ever getting into your home or garden in the first place.

Pest management: 

Often times pests don't need a chemical solution to be controlled. There are numerous pest controlling methods. The most effective strategies are IPM strategies. IPM stands for integrated pest management. Integrated pest management is a fundamental and long-term crop protection approach to prevent and combat pest infestations on agricultural lands.

There are 4 main IPM tactics:

1. Biological control: bringing in the natural enemies of pests. 

2. Mechanical control: cultivation and pest exclusion.

3. Chemical control: pheromones and biological pesticides. 

4. Cultural control: crop rotation and weed management. 

More information about each control can be found here: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Methods And Their Uses

Using non-chemical pest controls: 

Before resulting to a pesticide, there are many non-chemical controls that can do more or the same amount of damage towards a pest. 

 

Bringing in beneficial predators such as ladybugs, spiders, purple martins and centipedes are a great way to handle pests. They naturally feed on these pests.

Manual Methods: 

1. Spading and hoeing to cut up weeds. 

2. Hand-picking weeds from your lawn and pests from your plants, indoors or out.

3. Using a flyswatter. 

4. Setting traps to control rats, mice, and some insects. 

5. Mulching to reduce weed growth.

Using chemical pest controls:

Understanding pesticides will be necessary if you plan to use chemicals to control pests. Before buying pesticides whether it's a home pesticide or an outside pesticide - it's important to read and understand the label.

 

Signal words in pesticide labels: 

DANGER means poisonous or corrosive.

WARNING means moderately hazardous.

CAUTION means least hazardous.

When using a pesticide:

1. Read and follow the label directions. 

2. Wear protective clothing.

3. Don’t smoke or eat. 

4. Mix and apply only the amount you need

 

Extra information and resources for pest control and pesticide use: 

EPA: citizens_guide_to_pest_control_and_pesticide_safety

Do's and Don'ts of Pest Control | US EPA

Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning | US EPA

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles | US EPA

How to read a pesticide product label (1)