Growing Memories
I swapped out a couple outlets this weekend for these new USB outlets. They have two built-in USB ports at 3.1 amps for charging a variety of mobile devices. It’s a handy addition to the bedside nightstand and we’re thinking of putting a couple more in as well.
During the evenings this week Amber & I decided to go ahead and put up some shelves in our basement storage room. We went with Rubbermaid’s Tough Stuff shelving system. We had used these in our Kearney home and were really pleased with how they work. Each shelf is rated at 100 lbs. per linear foot, so we can really load them up! They have already come in handy for keeping stuff organized and up off the floor.
The geothermal system was installed a couple weeks ago. We went with a Climatemaster Tranquility 30 two-stage geothermal unit. This is a water-to-air system that utilizes a vertical closed loop with three 200′ wells. It cycles a brine solution through the wells to take advantage of the consistent 55 degree groundwater to maximize heating and cooling efficiency. The great thing about these systems is how quiet they are, low maintenance, and we won’t have an outside AC unit either!
As amazing as these systems are, unfortunately they are quite costly. Luckily South Central Public Power District offer customers a $1,700 rebate for installing a geothermal system like this, and we can also take advantage of the 30% tax credit from the IRS as well. All of these factors make the return on investment much shorter, and a better long-term alternative to propane or natural gas.
For the past two weekends we have been busy installing two retaining walls. We had some grade issues to contend with on the walkout basement, so these are there to extend the foundation wing walls and help gradually reduce the height. Each block is 77 lbs., and we had around 300 all together. My back is glad that this project is done!
The electrician has been busy hooking up light fixtures. We went with a lot of Glomar fixtures from Home Depot as well as Emerson Pro Series ceiling fans in each bedroom. We also used Cree LED bulbs in most of the fixtures as well which should help keep energy costs down over the long haul.
