UBCNews

Key Takeaways Hidden duct leaks are a common problem in homes and waste up to 40% of HVAC energy, costing homeowners hundreds of dollars annually Warning signs include skyrocketing utility bills, rooms that never reach comfortable temperatures, and excessive dust accumulation Leaky ducts create serious health risks by pulling in contaminated air and potentially causing carbon monoxide backdrafting Modern Aeroseal technology can seal up to 95% of hidden leaks that traditional repair methods miss Professional duct sealing typically reduces energy bills by 30% through improved HVAC efficiency Most homeowners have no idea their ductwork is silently draining their bank accounts. While they focus on upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or adding insulation, a hidden culprit continues stealing conditioned air and money every single day. Hidden Duct Leaks Are Common & Waste Up to 40% of HVAC Energy The U.S. Department of Energy reports that typical duct systems lose 25-40% of heating ...

Key Takeaways Instant Savings: The new Alabama HEAR program offers up to $8,000 in point-of-sale rebates for low-to-moderate income households. Utility Bonuses: Alabama Power continues its $1,000 "Switch & Save" rebate for homeowners converting from gas to electric heat pumps. Water Heating: Hybrid heat pump water heaters qualify for a $650 Alabama Power rebate, often covering a significant portion of the unit's cost. Tax Update: The 25C federal tax credit expired on December 31, 2025. Homeowners should now prioritize ADECA-funded rebates and local utility incentives. The 2026 Shift: From Tax Credits to Instant Rebates For the last few years, the $2,000 federal tax credit (25C) was the primary incentive for HVAC upgrades. As of January 1, 2026, that credit has expired. However, Alabama homeowners now have access to a more direct form of savings: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) , administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community...

Key Takeaways Polymer-modified cement overlays resist cracking better than standard concrete and perform well in extreme temperature conditions. Stamped overlays mimic expensive materials like natural stone at half the cost while delivering 5,000 PSI compressive strength. Surface preparation determines overlay success more than material choice, with proper cleaning and profiling being essential. Cracked driveways and stained patios don't require full replacement to look new again. Instead, decorative concrete overlays transform damaged surfaces into beautiful outdoor spaces without tearing everything out, says Texas-based expert from Concrete Trends & Innovations. Extreme heat, sudden temperature swings, and intense sun exposure make choosing overlay materials confusing for most homeowners. What works perfectly in mild climates often fails within years here, which is why understanding material differences matters so much. Why Overlays Beat Complete Concrete Replacement Why Ove...

Key Takeaways Metal roofing with hip roof design offers exceptional defense against hurricane-force winds over 140 mph in coastal Texas areas. Hurricane clips and sealed roof deck protection are vital installation features that prevent catastrophic roof failure during storms. Professional installation by certified contractors makes the difference between a roof that survives and one that fails when hurricanes strike. Hurricane season brings intense storms that can devastate unprepared homes. The difference between minor damage and catastrophic loss often comes down to one critical factor: choosing the right hurricane-resistant roofing system designed specifically for coastal conditions. Metal Roofing & Hip Design Lead Hurricane Protection Standing seam metal roofing paired with a hip roof design creates the most aerodynamically efficient system for withstanding hurricane-force winds, says a Texas-based expert from Galveston County Roofing . The four-sided sloping design of hip r...

Key Takeaways Fish emulsion and kelp fertilizers work synergistically to promote larger, more vibrant organic flowers through balanced nutrition and natural growth hormones Safe application rates include diluting liquid fish emulsion formulations according to product instructions, typically using approximately 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water, and applying kelp meal at a few tablespoons per plant or 1-3 pounds per 100 square feet to protect children and pets OMRI-listed organic fertilizers provide peace of mind for families wanting effective flower enhancement without synthetic chemicals Proper timing and storage methods maximize safety while delivering the spectacular blooms every organic gardener desires Creating stunning organic flower displays doesn't mean compromising family safety. With the right knowledge about fertilizer applications, gardeners can achieve impressive blooms while maintaining a child- and pet-friendly environment. Kelp Provides Growth Hormones While Fish ...

Key Takeaways AI-powered workflows enable founders to scale their expertise into consistent thought leadership without dedicating hours weekly to content creation. Recording natural conversations and customer calls creates authentic content foundations that preserve the founder's unique voice and real-world insights. Strategic mapping of founder knowledge to Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) amplifies content visibility and credibility. Media relations success depends on positioning founders as industry experts rather than product promoters, using AI for rapid commentary responses. Measuring thought leadership ROI through pipeline influence and competitive share of voice provides insights beyond vanity metrics. Founders possess extraordinary insights from customer conversations, product decisions, and market observations. However, most of this valuable knowledge never reaches the audiences who need it most. The challenge isn...