Frying an egg on the sidewalk.

The ‘City of Klamath Falls Geothermal Utility’ is located in a known geothermal activity area  in Oregon, and provides a renewable, non- polluting ‘green’ resource to heat Commercial and Government buildings throughout the downtown core area in addition to geothermal sidewalk and bridge snow melt systems.

Initial construction on the geothermal systems began in 1981.

The snow melt system is designed to provide safety and convenience throughout winter months for sidewalks and bridges. This would be difficult and expensive using other heating methods.

While other heat sources rise in cost, geothermal energy remains low, and has better overall heating efficiency.

City of Klamath Falls Link:

Additional information:

Central Reykjavik (ocean in the distance)

Central Reykjavik

Large natural lake in central Reykjavik

I visited Iceland recently and was amazed at how they really use their natural renewable resources. Their Hydro electricity is on a grid that provides for over 80% of electricity on this huge island. They have a lot of rivers and glaciers melting, waterfalls etc. The Geothermal plants provide for a very large amount of heating & hot water to houses as well as providing hot water for municipal pools. 

I also was fortunate to meet a very nice couple that have a couple of apartments they rent out that are more comfortable than most places that you would normally rent. The apartments are very well equipped, and they also have excursion services. 

They speak English very well, as do many Islanders. Their website for tours is: Iceland Luxury Tours, Apartments: Cosy Reykjavik - Sveinn and Stella are guaranteed to enhance the quality of your visit! 

Link to Geothermal Video

Looking for something a bit more decorative for your windows?  Check out our Artscape brand of window films at www.Artscape-Inc.com.

Artscape Window Films create the look of Stained Glass.  These translucent films have an image that is visible from both sides of the window, providing privacy and style, while allowing natural light to enter the room.  Easy to apply and remove, these films are an inexpensive and simple alternative to traditional window coverings like blinds or drapes.

Before installing Energy Film, make sure your windows are well cleaned.  This will help with visual clarity as well as helping with the adhesion of the product. We recommend using a typical household glass cleaner and the provided squeegee.  Using the squeegee prevents any materials from a cloth or paper towel from staying on a window.  A razor blade may also be required to completely clean the glass if you have paint drops or other material stuck to the window.

Energy Film was recently featured in the June addition of Architectural Record.   Special thanks to Jen Renzi for including us in her article.   Here is an excerpt from the article…

“Luckily, the current generation of window films offers enhanced clarity and visible-light penetration while
better mitigating heat and glare. films that utilize metal nanoparticles to block the sun are among the most effective. “Measured in a billionth of a meter, nanoparticles are small enough to see through, but large enough to absorb wavelengths of energy from the sun,” explains Thomas Hicks, president of Portland-based Energy film. In addition to selling view-control films, the company markets an energy-saving product that boasts year-round benefits. Energy film has been certified to block 97 percent of uV rays and 70 percent of thermal infrared light, thwarting heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter. The product affixes to glass via cohesion and atmospheric pressure rather than traditional adhesives; once attached, the film sticks indefinitely until removed, and leaves behind no residue. such user-friendliness makes for a more forgiving installation.”

When cutting Energy Film, make sure you use a new sharp utilty knife or X-Acto Knife blade.   This not only helps make cutting easier, but also ensures that they product will install on the window more effectively.  Ruff edges made by a dull knife can cause the product to not adhere correctly.