Technology 
This is where we discuss new or interesting technology
There are currently 10 blog entries related to this category.
Why not fill up your natural gas car at your Santa Cruz home-Natural Gas Vehicles - The Forgotten Alternative
Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 5:11pm. 417 Views, 0 Comments.
There seems to be so much hype these days about hybrid cars and their
advantages as an alternative to standard gasoline-powered vehicles. The
media puts so much attention into newer gasoline/electric hybrid cars
like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, touting them as if they were
something revolutionary. The truth of the matter is that Americans have
had a viable alternative for decades--the natural gas-powered vehicle
(NGV).
What is a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV)?
A natural gas vehicle (NGV) is an alternative fuel vehicle making use
of either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG)
as its fuel source. NGVs are generally classified into two broad
categories: dedicated and bi-fuel. Dedicated NGVs can only operate on
natural…
New Emission Control Rules for California's Truck Drivers
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 10:19pm. 169 Views, 0 Comments.
In California there are over 1 million diesel semis' that belch tons of fine particulates into the air each day. It's no wonder that several of the cities in California are rated as having the most polluted air. Trucking companies wouldn't police them and fit their rigs with better air pollution controls, so the state had to step in.
The new laws call for all trucks that do business in California to be fitted or retro fitted with new pollution control systems: diesel particulate filters and oxidation catalysts. The state believes that thousands of lives can be saved by starting to clean up the air from dirty diesel trucks. The new diesel truck laws go into effect in 2010 under the direction of the California Air Resources Board.
The state's…
Hydrogen Fuel Cells- A True Alternative to Gasoline?
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 9:59am. 162 Views, 0 Comments.
There is present and future fuel alternative that is certainly gaining more notoriety. Hydrogen fuel cells are a potentially great way to address two of growing energy concerns in America today, including those living in La Selva Beach homes. The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and lessening our dependence on foreign petroleum resources is extremely important. Hydrogen can be produced from abundant and diverse domestic resources, and the fuel cells in production and development can provide a clean and efficient way to use this energy. Together they represent an extremely different approach to energy conversion and transportation.
FCV's or fuel cell vehicles are propelled by electric motors. However, unlike battery electric vehicles, which…
How to Give Your Property in Capitola a New Kitchen on a Budget
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 5:11am. 180 Views, 0 Comments.
Whether you own property in Capitola, or anywhere else, chances are, after a few years of staring at the same old kitchen, you’re itching for a chance to revamp it.
However, kitchen renovation is an expensive exercise, and you may be wondering where you'll find the money to fix up your tired old units, and get some great new accessories, without breaking the bank.
Here are a few great tips that will give your property in Capitola a great new kitchen, without costing you a fortune:
•Decide on a theme. This is very important, because once you know what theme you like, you can start doing some research. Are you looking for a clinical white minimalist kitchen, or does country or shaker style suit you more? Do you like modern, contemporary, or…
Geothermal Heat Pumps: A Viable Option for Your Home
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 5:03am. 161 Views, 0 Comments.
In today's housing market, there are a number of options for how you heat and cool your home. Geothermal heat pumps, although relatively unknown to the common market, could be a great option for you. In fact, the Santa Cruz, California real estate market provides some great examples of places where geothermal energy can shine.
Heat pumps work by moving a refrigerant material from the outdoor unit, a condenser, and an inside unit, an evaporator coil and back again, collecting and releasing heat as needed. Most heat pumps pull and circulate heat from the outside air to the inside air, which is subject to seasonal changes; not so with geothermal heat pumps.
Instead of using heat found in the outside air, geothermal heat pumps rely on the stable,…
Energy Efficient Way to Light up Your Life
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 4:51am. 169 Views, 0 Comments.
Although many Americans are starting to show greater concern for the environment and "going green" has become the "in" thing to do, the greatest motivation for change is still the effect it has on their pocketbook. That is why switching to energy efficient lighting is such an easy change to make—it can show up to a 20% savings on monthly energy bills. Making the switch doesn't requiring remodeling your home or buying expensive parts either; it's as easy as turning a light bulb in some cases. Even better than that is the fact that most energy efficient light bulbs actually last longer than regular bulbs so they create less waste and require less effort as well.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Could Save BillionsCFLs or compact fluorescent light…
E85 or Biodiesel Fueled Vehicles – Which Is The Best One For You?
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 4:25am. 166 Views, 0 Comments.
With the advent of the green movement, a number of alternative fuel vehicles are starting to become more available to the consumer. Two choices available today include flex fuel vehicles, which make use of E85 fuels, and biodiesel vehicles. Each of these alternative fuels has their good points and problems; the trick is to understand each one and decide which will fit your needs. These alternative fuels might be a great way to help conserve both the environment and your money as you drive around the coastal properties.
For many people, a flex fuel vehicle is seen as a stepping stone between the old gasoline combustion engines and future transportation methods. These types of vehicles use E85 fuel, which is a type of motor fuel blend that contains…
Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 3:24am. 155 Views, 0 Comments.
With all the hype and then subsequent let down of the electric car movement many people are beginning to wonder if these cars will ever become mainstream or if they will remain the occasional oddity on the road. Many gas-electric hybrids by companies like Toyota, Ford, Lexus and Mercury are already enjoying some success, but true electric cars are still not capable of attaining the speed or traveling distance required to make them a viable alternative to the gas guzzling vehicles that many Americans are still driving. And the cost is still prohibitive for the average person as well. Saving money on fuel expenses isn't likely to help the average household afford a vehicle in the $80,000 to $500,000 price range any time soon.
Keeping Kurrent in the…Are Hybrid Vehicles a Safe and Practical Choice?
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 3:08am. 174 Views, 0 Comments.
Hybrid cars are quickly becoming a popular choice in transportation based in part on their better gas mileage and lower impact on the environment. In fact, their popularity can be seen as I drove around looking at Capitola condos; chances are you'll see a few driving around. Just as with any other new vehicle, though, there are potential safety concerns. The next few paragraphs will detail some of the safety concerns associated with this relatively new technology, and will hopefully help you decide if the practicality of hybrid cars is worth the investment.
Truth be told, the fact that hybrids run on both gasoline and electricity has no real bearing on their safety. Each individual hybrid car has been tested time and time again by various accident…
Electric Cars.... the new thing... Chevy Volt being talked about with much hype 230 MPG
Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 11:45pm. 287 Views, 0 Comments.
The Chevy Volt is back in the news, which is good for a car company trying to be a phoenix. The Volt is currently in testing, which is good. I fully expect that they will try to do an earlier release than their late 2010 time frame.
The car for those who don't know is a combination of a small engine and a battery pack. This is not a new or novel idea, but this design they have will likely out do the mileage of the Toyota Prius and similar models, while looking decidedly cool. While the methodology is in flux as it is sort of breaking new ground for the US EPA, you can read how they can claim the mind boggling 230 MPG. Yes it is more baloney, but there is some seasoning with the baloney. Read about how the Chevy Volt gets 230 MPG.
While the Volt is…
My Account
Log in, to view your saved searches and add to your favorite listings.