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Energy-efficient au conditioners are good for the envrronment, and even better for your balance sheet. That's because they cost less to operate-savrngs that you'll see reflected in your utility bill.

The math is simple. at a net 10% profit marEn, it takes $10,000 in gross sales to pay $1,000 in energry costs. For the first few years after purchasing energy-efficient equrpment, your energy savings will go toward paylng for the cost of the retrofit. For the rest of the equipment's [fe, those additionai sales add straight to your bottom line.

And considel this, a ploperly sized, energy-effrcient air conditroner lasts longer and may help increase comfort and reliabihty. Boost your bottom line without increasing sales by installing an energy-efficient air conditioner! The environment will thank you, and so will your accountant.

For more information contact your vendor or visit www,pge.com/smarterenergy for a iist of vendors in your area.

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LTHOUGH CCA treated wood is lA,sometimes promoted as "maintenance free," treatment alone does little for appearance or dimensional stability. And, to consumers, the appearance of their deck is just as important as its long-term structural integrity.

While CCA treatment makes wood resistant to decay and insect attack, it also causes changes in the wood structure that affect its appearance, properties and finishability. Its appearance changes to a flat, greenish, less natural hue. The treating cycle of drying, saturating and redrying creates internal stresses that can result in cracking, checking, splintering and grain raising. Chemical interactions can weaken wood and make it more brittle, giving rise to splintering and cracking.

Originally, coatings manufacturers responded by shoe-horning "all-purpose" products into the deck category, with disappointing performance results. In the past few years, however, finishes have been developed that specifically address the special requirements of CCA treated wood.

In addition to the availability of user-applied surface coatings, manufacturers can now add water repellents, mildewcides and toners during the treating process. Yet, according to the Forest Products Laboratory-sponsored Joint Coatings/Forest Products Committee, such ingredients provide initial protection that may last only a few months to a few years. Eventually, surface coatings are required to provide ongoing protection.

Unlike most other wood preservatives, CCA does not adversely affect finishes. It not only readily accepts most coatings, but has been shown to enhance the service life ofwater repellents, paints and stains. In spite of CCA treated wood's general compatibility with most coatings, there are some potential problems:

Lack of Penetration. Many nonfilm-forming finishes such as stains and water repellents must penetrate the wood's surface to work effectively. If treated wood is not sufficiently dried, excessive moisture can impede penetration of finishes. Air dry lumber that is saturated with water before