8 minute read
Ask The Expert
Horizon Energy Systems Answers Your Questions
By Brad Lindsay, CEO of Horizon Energy Systems LLC
Q. WHY ARE SOME OF MY ROOMS HOTTER THAN OTHERS?
A. From the moment the discharge air leaves the cold indoor evaporator coil it begins losing energy (picking up heat). This is from the thermal heat gain in the ducts from the 140 degree attic. The longer the duct run, the more comfort issues there are. Every bit lost in the attic from heat gain through the air distribution systems equates to lost energy (less comfort) at the supply register. The solution: install space quilt duct wrap over the ducts and air handler, add a quality attic fan, or install a ductless mini split for comfort.
Q. DOES ADDING MORE ATTIC INSULATION HELP SAVE ENERGY?
A. Yes, in a cold climate, like putting a sweater or jacket on to keep your body heat in. We pack our walls and ceilings to keep heat in a house, not out. Basic thermodynamic principles dictate that heat always moves from a higher temperature to a lower temperature. In a cold climate, heat is flowing out through the walls and ceiling. It’s widely accepted that adding more insulation the attic makes a house warmer, easier to heat, and uses less energy for heating. However, in a hot sunny climate, insulation captures, stores, and then re-emits solar heat into the living area all night long and is recharged the next day by the sun. You can find more info here: savenrg. com/sweatereffect.htm. Here is how to mitigate this: savenrg.com/tcm.htm.
TO MY HOUSE. IS IT A GOOD IDEA?
A. Solar is a great idea, especially living in a sunny environment. The ROI on solar is based on how much energy is offset by the production of solar energy. It then becomes evident that the more efficient the house is, the less energy it needs. This being said, we prefer to embrace “reduce, then produce” which simply means making the house as efficient as possible before sizing the solar is the prudent thing to do. This lowers the size (and related costs) of a solar system, extends the life of your HVAC system, and significantly increases comfort. Our patented Space Quilt product for attics has been proven to be the best method for accomplishing this.
Q. MY GARAGE IS HOT—WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE IT COMFORTABLE?
A. I would start by reducing the heat coming through the ceiling with our proven Space Quilt product that simply rolls out over the ceiling. After that you can install a 120V ductless inverter mini split and turn your garage into a comfortable living space.
Q. I’M THINKING ABOUT ADDING SOLAR
Find more information at minisplitguys.com.
Ductless mini splits are the most cost effective and most healthy option to a ducted system. Only cool the rooms you are in. You don’t leave all the lights on all night why cool the entire house while you are sleeping? Or bedrooms when they are unoccupied? No energy losses! Cleaner air! No viruses from outside!
Up to 25 SEER!
Runs on four solar panels! (optional)
26% Solar Tax Credit
on entire installation! Expires Jan 1st 2021
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Cover Story
Throughout 2020, schools and students alike have faced unprecedented challenges. Now, as Arizona starts to revive, students are looking for the education option that best fits their needs. Some schools are offering online learning while others are offering a hybrid learning model. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a local public career and technical education district, has returned to their in-person, hands on learning model, which is necessary for the variety of programs and certifications they offer.
With four campuses throughout the North and West Valley and more than 37,000 students from 48 high schools from districts in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, West-MEC offers an assortment of funded programs designed for students that are looking for unique career pathways after high school graduation.
West-MEC students can earn a certification and gain employment immediately after high school or apply their experiences and knowledge to their next level of traditional education. There are a variety of career programs for students and families in North Phoenix and nearby communities.
“Today, more than ever, it’s vital that students understand the application of academics to real-world careers,” says West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan. “The United States is, and will be, in need of a highly trained and skilled workforce for the 21st century. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop new and thriving educational centers where students are empowered to participate fully in the economy.”
West-MEC’s focus is on the delivery of quality, comprehensive, articulated, industry-validated programs, facilities, equipment and resources that include classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, work-based learning, and a Career and Technical Student Organization.
The Northeast Campus features West-MEC’s Automotive Collision Technology, Automotive Technology, General Construction Technology, Medium/Heavy Diesel Technology, Coding, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Veterinary Sciences programs.
Those with specific career aspirations such as Alexia Schuyleman, a senior in the Northeast Campus Veterinary Sciences program, can get a head start on the competition for college after high school graduation. The two-year program she has enrolled in will teach her how to deliver medical care to domestic, exotic and large animals, i.e. cats, dogs, reptiles, and birds.
“I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five-yearsold. Being here and in the profession and having the knowledge is important so when I am working in a clinic, I’ll have that experience to know how I can help right away. That was the biggest thing that drove me to West-MEC,” Schuyleman says.
Veterinary Science students have the opportunity
to assist a certified veterinary technician and/or veterinarian in surgery, run laboratory tests, obtain animal vitals, and provide daily care and enrichment to the animals up for adoption. This program prepares students to be a vital part of the veterinary team, working together to save animal lives.
The Veterinary Sciences program is not the only healthcare related certification a student can obtain at West-MEC’s Northeast Campus, either. Students can participate in the Medical Assisting or Pharmacy Technician programs, as well as other trades such as General Construction Technology or Automotive Collision Technology.
Pharmacy Technician program instructor Audrey Stewart said that every graduate of her one-year program is eligible to test and be employed as a pharmacy technician. Should students choose to further their education at a university or pursue additional healthcare-related careers, they will already have an advantage.
“Anyone my age when I describe what I do says, ‘I wish they had that when I was in high school,’ and the amazing part is that the students all have an inkling in what they want to do. I don’t expect them to all come in to be pharmacy technicians for life or to become pharmacists, but they have an interest in healthcare. So, I try to keep it broad so they can have success in whatever they choose to do in the end,” Stewart says.
“The best part is that it gives them flexibility with full-time options with benefits, or part-time while pursuing other options such as college or other education.”
West-MEC’s Northwest campus offers many of the same programs as its sister locations, but a unique aspect of the Northwest Campus is the Biomedical Science program.
“This comprehensive and accelerated program invited students to participate in the vast field of biomedical science including work in forensics, anthropology, biomedical engineering, and more,” says instructor Tye Helm.
Helm adds, “West-MEC’s Biomedical Science interns learn applicable job and social skills that help program bridges the gap between academics and make them valuable employees. industry by instilling vital biomedical skills and techniques, core knowledge, and professional soft- The Project SEARCH students are fully engaged in skills for students to enter the laboratory technology both classroom and on-the-job learning experiences field prepared. Furthermore, the program follows a through worksite rotations, giving them not only student-centric, research-based, teaching paradigm knowledge but also confidence to succeed in their that prepares students for the field in the same manner future workplaces. as leading medical schools in the nation.” West-MEC’s Northwest campus also offers a Medical Assisting Program for those students interested in healthcare. The two-year Medical Assisting Program prepares students with the necessary clinical and administrative knowledge to become entry-level medical assistants. Students will receive hands“The steps you see the students take are amazing,” says Job Coach Lyntasha Barrett, whose own daughter went through the program several years ago. “They’re nervous and a bit stressed out at first, but then they blossom into confident and happy adults. And, when they go on to get a job and do well in their careers, it’s a wonderful sight to see.” West-MEC is a public school district and receives its funding from the state of Arizona. About 68 percent of its ‘‘ Today, more than ever, it’s vital that students understand the application of academics to on training and learn how to properly administer injections, real-world careers. funding comes from the state and the remaining 32 percent comes from take vital signs, record the CTED (Career and EKGs, implement Technical Education basic accounting procedures, and understand the District) voter-approved measure. The majority of fundamentals of patient documentation. West-MEC’s instructional budget is designated to 12 West-MEC does not limit its instruction to traditional This funding helps support CTE programs, Career high school students, either. The district offers a and Technical Student Organizations training, student variety of adult education courses to those wishing grants, and professional development for teachers. The to make a career change or become certified for in- remainder of the funding goes toward West-MEC demand job opportunities. operated programs.
In addition, West-MEC also boasts its Project SEARCH Program. Project SEARCH is an international program that helps empower young adults with disabilities to help them make a successful transition from school into a professional career. Participants are taught relevant, marketable skills while immersed in the working world. Student Member School Districts that teach satellite programs.
Applications for all of West-MEC’s CTE programs went online in early October for the next academic year. High school students can access the application online at system.west-mec.org/application.
For a full list of programs at each West-MEC campus, visit west-mec.edu/career-programs.
