Masterchem Industries, manufacturer of top-of-the-line architectural coatings and flagship brand KILZ^®products, launched its first ever national Pro Painter Sweepstakes for professional painters that have come to know and trust the KILZ line of primers. Starting Monday, August 2, pros can visitwww.KILZProPainter.com and enter to win prizes including the chance to win a brand new 2010 Ford F-150 XLT pickup truck.

KILZ® CLEAN START™ is a zero VOC, low odor primer-sealer-stainblocker.

Pros can enter the sweepstakes online at www.KILZProPainter.com by filling out a brief registration form from Monday, August 2, through Thursday, September 30. Sweepstakes winners will be drawn randomly and announced on Monday, October 18.

Prizes include:

• Grand Prize: One entry winner will receive an F-150 XLT pickup truck.
• First Prize: Five lucky  winners will win a Sony BRAVIA 46? LCD HDTV and a Sony Home Theater System.
• Second Prize: Ten winners will win a Coleman Touchdown tailgate Package which includes a roadtrip grill,  red 54 qt. steel belted cooler, two red broadband quad chairs; and a rechargeable portable blender.

For official rules and entry details visit www.KILZProPainter.com.

Fluidics offers up to a 36% decrease in water usage compared to standard-flow systems with no loss of coverage and comfort. The unique spray technology controls the water’s shape and velocity, meeting the needs of the user with a full-body spray that feels great, yet actually uses less water.

Fluidics provides a water-saving flow of up to 1.6 gallons per minute (gpm) as compared to the standard 2.5 gpm. It also delivers water at a higher velocity for a more relaxing, invigorating shower experience, and distributes water that maintains uniform temperatures.

The A.O. Smith Voltex.

A. O. Smith (www.hotwater.com) reaches new heights of energy efficiency with the Voltex Hybrid Electric Water Heater, the only type of electric water heater in the industry that is ENERGY STAR® rated. With its enhanced energy efficiency, the Voltex can pay for itself in energy savings in three years or less, depending upon the application.

The Voltex requires less than half the amount of energy as a standard electric water heater to operate, making it well-suited for the environment and cost conscious homeowners. The difference in utility bills is significant: up to $203 annually for a Voltex, compared to as much as $575 for a conventional electric model depending upon local utility rates. Installation is very similar to a conventional electric model with the addition of a condensate drain.

At the heart of the Voltex is A. O. Smith’s new heat pump technology.  This system operates essentially like an air conditioner in reverse, pulling heat out of the surrounding air and transferring it to the water in the tank.  The homeowner can choose to operate the Voltex in one of three modes. In “efficiency” mode, the water heater relies almost entirely on the heat pump. In “hybrid” mode, it switches back and forth between the heat pump and standard electric heating elements depending on the hot water demand.  In “electric” mode, the Voltex operates like a standard electric water heater.

Thanks to its energy efficiency, the Voltex is eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of 30 percent of its total installed cost up to $1,500.  In addition to the Federal Tax Credit, many states and local utility companies have developed rebate programs to encourage the adoption of this new technology.

“Innovation in water heating is the driving force for A. O. Smith,” David Chisolm, brand manager of A. O. Smith Water Products, said. “There haven’t been changes of this magnitude in electric water heating for quite some time, so the Voltex is truly an exciting product that has tremendous potential.  With the Federal Tax Credit and other incentives added on top of the significant savings that the Voltex will produce, it really is a great time to adopt this new technology.”

About A. O. Smith:

Headquartered in Ashland City, Tenn., A. O. Smith Water Products Company is North America’s leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers. A. O. Smith offers contractors an additional competitive advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and field supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by more than 70 years of research and innovation.

Through its WellHome business, Masco Home Services, a subsidiary of Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS), plans to become the first national provider of home  performance services, including whole home comfort and energy efficiency assessments, recommendations and project implementation.  Unlike simple energy auditing services, WellHome will provide assessments and implementation, serving as the general contractor to oversee all home improvement projects.

Additionally, WellHome provides homeowners with a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee* on their energy savings resulting from the improvements.  State and federal tax credits, and utility rebates and incentives, may be available to help pay for these improvements. The recently proposed HOMESTAR program, which President Obama is encouraging Congress to enact, may make additional incentives available to homeowners who make weatherization or energy efficient improvements to their home. (WellHome President Larry Laseter discusses the HOMESTAR program with President Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzWcXubIHyk). Financing is also available.

“Millions of homeowners across the country are living in homes that are not as comfortable or energy efficient as they could be. To date, our assessments show that homeowners can see energy efficiency gains between 20% – 50% by choosing our solutions, which also supply comfort and air quality benefits,” said Larry Laseter, President of WellHome.  “Our approach to home performance is to conduct a thorough assessment and diagnose the issues, but to also fix them, and then guarantee the energy savings.  This full-service approach to comfort and home energy efficiency is unique to WellHome and will be the model as we grow nationally.”

Masco Home Services is already recognized as an innovative leader in the creation of energy efficient and comfortable homes through itsEnvironments For Living® and Environments For Living Certified Green programs.  The Environments For Living program is a national, turnkey home performance program for residential builders designed to help them build comfortable more energy efficient homes using principles of building science.  Since 2001, more than 130,000 homes have been built under the Environments For Living banner.

Leveraging the company’s deep knowledge in building science, WellHome will focus on home performance for existing homes. Given that two-thirds of the more than 100 million single family homes in the United States were built before modern energy codes, there is a pressing need for the services WellHome offers.  The company has a team of home performance advisors as well as service providers to supply products and services including air and duct tightness, insulation, windows, energy efficient lighting and new heating and cooling systems to make homes more energy efficient.

“We’ve established a strong platform of building science experience and expertise through our Environments For Living program, and we will now provide similar turnkey home performance services for existing homes to deliver better energy efficiency, lower costs and improved comfort for homeowners and their families,” said Laseter. “This will truly be a one-stop solution for homeowners looking for a trusted partner to help them improve their home’s performance.  We back up our process with a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee that we think is powerful statement supporting our work.  The ability to improve a home’s comfort and the energy savings guarantee make our program ripe for national expansion. ”

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including infrared temperature guns, blower doors and carbon dioxide and air flow monitors, a WellHome Advisor (WHA) conducts a comprehensive, whole-home assessment.  The WHA assesses the home for comfort, efficiency and air quality issues, and all WHA’s are trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute, which ensures the assessment they conduct is rigorous, standardized and measurable to ensure energy efficient outcomes.

Following the assessment, the WHA develops a report via licensed industry software that analyzes the data and illustrates to the homeowner how their home performs relative to energy efficiency and comfort. The assessment report helps homeowners make an informed decision about the improvements that will best suit their needs and budget by prioritizing the effectiveness of each option, while also showing the long-term cost benefits of installations and improvements.  The WHA will also help identify available state and federal tax credits, utility rebates and incentives, as well as financing.

The WellHome Advisor schedules and oversees energy-efficient and comfort-creating improvements, which include air and duct tightening, insulation, windows, efficient lighting and new heating and cooling systems.  In available areas, WellHome offers solutions from other Masco companies including Masco Contractor Services, a leading national installer of insulation, and Milgard Windows & Doors, an industry leader in window and door innovation. Upon completion of the work, the customer receives a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee.

Homeowners interested in learning more about how WellHome can make their home more comfortable can visit www.wellhome.com or call 877-721-5907.

About WellHome

Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, WellHome is a leading home performance company.  The Company provides home performance assessments conducted by Building Performance Institute-certified advisors, improvement recommendations and implementation, as well as assistance on identifying rebates and incentives.  WellHome’s home energy performance services are backed by experience with more than 130,000 homes built under the Environments For Living program.  WellHome is a founding member of Efficiency First, a trade association that is a leading advocate for home performance, and a subsidiary of leading home products company Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS).

For a virtually seamless, professional look, Leaf Relief by Ply Gem gutter coils can be made to fit any size home on-site and can be customized to match the siding, soffit and fascia. The material resists corrosion and stains while the design easily discharges dirt and water, making rain removal a zero-maintenance task.

Leaf Relief by Ply Gem features:

• Solid aluminum construction – virtually maintenance free as it eliminates need for painting and does not rust or distort
• Easy installation - mounts directly to the gutter
• Weather and pest resistant
• 10-year warranty

Leaf Relief by Ply Gem is available at leading building materials distributors. To find a local dealer, call 800-857-1339.

Leaf Relief^® by Ply Gem is available with applications for new and existing gutters - see options by clicking the “selections” tab on www.leaf-relief.com.

Fans can now cheer on their favorite racers in style with the new, eco-friendly Trex Terrace at the Atlanta Motor Speedway

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!  Select fans at the Atlanta Motor Speedway can now get up close and personal with the track’s exciting action and cheer for their favorite racing stars from a beautiful VIP hospitality terrace that overlooks the course.

Built with low-maintenance, durable Trex Transcend^™ decking and railing, the 90-foot long terrace was donated by Virginia-based Trex^® Company – the nation’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing products.  With a superior blend of performance and aesthetics, Transcend’s natural colors will look “like new” through decades of future racing seasons, and the materials are an eco-friendly combination of reclaimed wood and plastic.  Lowe’s^® Home Improvement Center also contributed materials for the terrace’s substructure and surrounding landscaping.

The “Trex Terrace” opened on Sunday, March 7, during the Kobalt Tools 500 – a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.  For more information, steer over to www.trex.com or www.atlantaspeedway.com.

All AC systems need maintenance to perform well.

Get Your Cooling System in Top Shape

Getting your air conditioner inspected and tuned-up is like getting your car’s oil changed before going on a long road trip – only in this case the long trip is the hot summer months!  A tune-up now will give you peace of mind that your system will work reliably and efficiently when you need it most. And you’ll stay more comfortable for less money, since a well-maintained system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

Extend the Life of your System

“Whether your air conditioner or cooling system is new or several years old, it still needs to be maintained regularly to avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your system,” says Eric Van Orden, Energy Efficiency Manager at Standard Renewable Energy (www.sre3.com). “Your system is exposed to harsh environments throughout the year, such as extreme temperature and weather conditions that can cause major wear and tear. Debris and other items have a tendency to build up around your cooling units, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder and use more electricity.”

Avoid Costly Breakdowns

Van Orden points out there are several other checkpoints a professional can inspect to ensure your system is going to be operating at peak performance all summer. A few things Van Orden says to consider during a tune-up are:

• Lubricate all moving parts
• Check for adequate refrigerant charge
• Check for any possible leaks
• Check that the blower motor and wheels are working properly
• Ensure wiring, connections, and voltage/amperages to motors are in good condition
• Replace filters to increase air flow and improve air quality

A professional should check these along with the overall performance and operating condition of your cooling system. This is an easy way to make sure you won’t get stuck in the heat this summer.

Cooling your home is one of the most costly expenses you incur as a homeowner, so it is important to keep your system tuned and maintained. Not only will it help prevent you from having to replace your system too early, but also with regular tune-ups your system will operate more efficiently and you’ll save money on your energy costs.

About Standard Renewable Energy

Standard Renewable Energy (SRE), now a Gridpoint company, is a leading provider of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions for residential, commercial and government clients. Products and services include solar, energy monitoring services, energy audits, high-efficiency heating and cooling products, high efficiency insulation and lighting, solar window film, and more. For further information visit their website at www.sre3.com.

About Gridpoint

GridPoint is committed to building a clean, efficient energy future.  We empower key stakeholders in the energy ecosystem – utilities, enterprises, consumers – with the visibility and control required to more efficiently distribute and consume energy.  Our smart energy solutions consist of software, hardware and services that integrate, aggregate and manage sources of energy consumption, generation and storage.  An enterprise-class platform provides a shared foundation for our products, creating a common point of integration, asset provisioning and real-time management.  GridPoint customers include Fortune 100 retail and restaurant chains, leading North American utilities and thousands of residential energy consumers.  For more information, please visit www.gridpoint.com.

The new GE Energy Smart® LED bulb is expected to outperform currently available products that may be underwhelming consumers right now. GE scientists and engineers designed the bulb to better direct light downward on the intended surface and all around, not just out the top of a lampshade, as most current LED bulbs are prone to do. The new GE LED bulb offers 450 lumens—the Energy Star® threshold to be considered a 40-watt incandescent replacement. Currently available LED bulbs produce 350 lumens or less. GE has filed multiple patent applications for the bulb and expects it will be an ENERGY STAR®-qualified LED omnidirectional light bulb.

“This is a bulb that can virtually light your kid’s bedroom desk lamp from birth through high school graduation,” says John Strainic, global product general manager, GE Lighting. “It’s an incredible advancement that’s emblematic of the imagination and innovation that GE’s applying to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.”

GE Lighting's new LED bulb is expected to last more than 25 times as long as a 40-watt incandescent bulb.

GE Energy Smart® LED bulb product snapshot:

• Expected to consume just 9 watts—compared with 40-watt incandescent/halogen or 10-watt CFL, while delivering nearly the same light output;
• Expected 25,000-hour rated life—will last 17 years (4 hours per day), which is 25 times longer than a general service 40-watt incandescent or halogen bulb and more than 3 times longer than a standard 8,000-hour rated life CFL;
• LED technology delivers the instant full brightness of an incandescent or halogen bulb;
• Durable solid-state design with no filament to break;
• Contains no mercury and will be RoHS compliant; and
• Feels cooler to the touch than CFLs and far cooler than incandescent bulbs.

The 9-watt GE Energy Smart® LED bulb, a replacement for 40-watt general service incandescent bulbs, hits store shelves this fall or in early 2011. Retailers set pricing but it is expected to be $40 to $50. The new bulb joins GE’s growing family of LED bulbs in a broad range of shapes, wattages and colors, including, spot and flood lights (PAR20 & PAR30), ceiling fan bulbs (A15), medium globes (G25), small globes (G16.5), candles (CA10), and night lights (C7). All of GE’s Energy Smart® LED bulbs are rigorously tested to ensure constant color, long life and verifiable lumen ratings. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com or www.whatsyourlightingstyle.com. To learn about GE’s dedication to LED quality standards, visit www.gelighting.com/apples-to-oranges.

GE will put prototypes of the bulb—outfitted with Cree XLamp® XP-G LEDs—on display at two upcoming trade shows: Light + Building 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany, and LightFair 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The high-efficiency, high-lumen-output LEDs used in the GE bulbs are Cree’s smallest and brightest lighting-class LEDs, designed specifically for general lighting.

“The introduction of high-quality retrofit light bulbs, like the GE Energy Smart® LED bulb, is a key next step in the LED lighting revolution,” notes Norbert Hiller, Cree vice president and general manager, LED Components.

Strainic adds: “Consumers have been reluctant to move away from less efficient incandescent bulbs because they love the light quality. This new GE Energy Smart® LED bulb will address that lighting preference head-on and give consumers yet another option to light their homes and businesses.”

New Lighting Legislation
Starting in 2012 and continuing through 2014, standard incandescent light bulbs are going away as a result of U.S. federal lighting efficiency standards:

• 100-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2012;
• 75-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2013; and
• 60- and 40-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2014.

GE has consumers covered each step of the way with alternatives such halogen, CFL and LED bulbs that already meet the new efficiency standards.

Sansin’s Purity Interior Zero VOC Stain saturates wood evenly requiring less stain and no wood conditioner.

Sansin Corporation has announced its new Purity Interior Zero VOC Penetrating Stain (0-VOC), the first water-based interior wood stain with a base free from any harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that penetrates both soft and hard woods with consistent, uniform coverage.

Sansin has been the leader in researching and developing environmentally friendly interior and exterior wood stains for a quarter century. The Sansin Purity Interior Zero VOC Stain is available at participating dealers or can be shipped direct from a nearby dealer location.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified VOCs as a source of unhealthy indoor air with health risks, and some states, such as California, are adopting statewide green building codes requiring low-pollutant paints.

“Our new Purity Interior Stain product line shows that you don’t have to compromise performance in a zero base VOC stain,” said Sjoerd Bos, Vice President of Sansin Corporation. “We are proud to offer consumers and dealers a penetrating wood stain that delivers the beauty, clarity and long lasting protection that discriminating homeowners, architects and builders expect, but without the toxic indoor fumes.”

With Purity Interior Zero VOC stain, customers can apply the stain directly to any wood without purchasing and applying wood conditioners, requiring less stain to deliver vibrant and even wood saturation with little to no odor and zero VOCs.  Dealers or customers wanting a demo of the product or a 4-oz. sample can call Sansin at  1-877-SANSIN-1.

Purity Interior Zero VOC stain is now part of Sansin’s flagship interior stain product line, which has been making home interiors across North America and Europe beautiful for decades with a ‘water-borne’ formula that delivers outstanding performance with low- to no-VOC levels.

Sansin’s Purity Interior Zero VOC Stain delivers the following features:

• Zero VOCs
• Little to no odor
• Ease of application, with the choice of a wipe or spray stain
• Fast dry time, allowing coating with Sansin’s Interior Clears after only 15 minutes
• Minimum pigment transfer upon top coating
• Excellent penetration
• Excellent lapping performance
• Extremely uniform appearance, even on maple
• Available in a new line of Micro-Fine Colors, called Eco-Tones™, which deliver the vibrancy and richness of dyes without the high toxicity.

About Sansin’s Water-Borne Method
Sansin’s unique non-filming, ‘water-borne’ alkyd formulas combine the benefits of both oil and water-based coatings, using water as the vehicle to get oil penetration deep into the wood, leading to long-lasting durability and easier maintenance. Traditional film-build coatings don’t truly penetrate and can crack or peel. With a range of more than 80 colors with rich, deep hues, Sansin offers stains that naturally protect our greatest renewable resource, wood.

About Sansin
For 25 years, Sansin has been the only wood protection company focused exclusively on researching, developing, and introducing environmentally-friendly, ‘water-borne’ interior and exterior wood products and technologies that deliver outstanding color, durability and performance without the toxicity found in conventional stains. Sansin Enviro Stains use water, not oil, to deeply penetrate and protect wood naturally, from within. Sansin has dealer networks in both Canada and the U.S. To learn more about Sansin Corporation, its line of Enviro Stains or how to become a Sansin preferred dealer, visit www.Sansin.com.