Be your own electric power provider
Necessity was the mother of invention for a young couple from Dionysos, Alexis Michail and Vicky Philippaiou, on the outskirts of Athens, who decided to install a photovoltaic system at their newly built home as a cheaper alternative to getting hooked up to the grid. Not only they haven’t regretted for their decision but they even decided to expand their private power system by adding a wind turbine. “It would have cost us about 18,000 euros to be connected to the Public Power Corporation grid, as we would have needed about six pylons to bring the power lines as far as our house,” Michail said. “The neighboring lots had not yet been built upon, so we would have had to shoulder the entire cost. ” They estimated that it would cost only 13,000 euros to install a photovoltaic system that would meet their needs for almost the entire year. “We just had to buy a diesel generator as a backup for days when the sun doesn’t shine,” he added. Although five years ago there were very few experts in solar energy, an acquaintance who worked for a cell phone company recommended a firm that had installed a photovoltaic system at his workplace. “Their technicians suggested the most economical system, taking into account the probable consumption needs, such as how many electrical appliances might be operating at the same time,” added Michail. It only took a day and a half to install the system, which stores surplus energy that can power the house for 24 hours of cloudy weather. “We have never felt that we have had to change the way we live because we are getting power from the sun. In any case, even if we had been connected to the grid, we would still only use the washing machine for a full load, for example. ” Their home has a gas stove, so the photovoltaic cells meet all their energy needs except in winter, when the generator is switched on for about two hours a day. For some time they have been planning to get a wind turbine, which will basically do away with the generator. Last year a house was built close by, bringing the power grid closer and reducing the connection cost. “We never even considered it, as we wanted to reduce our diesel emissions to zero, not replace them with carbon dioxide from the power company’s lignite furnaces. As strange as it seems, whoever uses renewable energy sources finds it hard to compromise with conventional solutions. ”
The Most Useful Outdoor Power Equipment
Outdoor power equipment is tools or machines used in making outdoor jobs easier and enjoyable. These equipments save time and enhance the value of properties and homes. Useful outdoor equipment is in great demand in the market and a must to have in order to beautify one’s property. Such equipments are garden tractors, lawnmowers, trimmers, utility vehicles, edger, chain saws, snow throwers, tillers, leaf blowers and other related products. The industry continues to produce outdoor power equipments and develop new technologies that help people in their homes, especially with regards to environmental protection. Here is a list of three most useful outdoor power equipments in the market today: 1. Lawn Mowers A lawn mower is a machine with one or more revolving or rotating blades, powered for the maintenance of thick and tall grass, as well as rough terrain. It comes in different types such as: ?Cylinder or reel mower ?Mechanical mower that employs rotating blade assembly ?Rotary mowers – powered by an internal combustion engine ?Cordless mowers – battery operated mowers ?Riding mowers – it is a one person machine ?Hover mowers – rotary push powered mower, and ?Robotic mowers – robot type of mower. Mowers possess a feature that is equipped to finely cut and re-cut the grass. It also has the capacity to bring it back to the turf, with a low emission machine. Clippings provide nutrients and moisture so as to keep the yard healthier and greener, reducing yard waste as well. Guidelines in using a mower: ?Do not mow on a steep hill but mow across a hill to avoid falling debris or plants. ?When adjusting mower height, shut off the engine. ?Do not lift the mower; keep it flat on the ground. ?Stop and turn off the mower when you hit something. ?In riding mowers, never carry children or passengers while mowing and avoid edges. Standard Safety Feature: The Operator Presence Control (OPC) gives a feature that ensures the blades stop completely within 3 seconds after the release of blade control. Examples of mower products: ?DR® Power Equipment New VERSA-PRO Z-Lawn Mowers: Can mow large lawns at nearly 13 mph, Convertible, you can ride or walk behind, Navigate obstacles with precision and speed, commercial and residential use with 2 year warranty. ?Cub Cadet® Electric Lawn Mowers – Easy to operate. No messy oil changes or no costly engine tune-ups Price: $229. 00-$399. 00 ?Cub Cadet® Push Lawn Mowers – designed to start easily with maximum performance. Price: $229. 00-Price: $229. 00 2. Leaf Blowers Leaf blowers generate a powerful stream of air to get to move the leaves, debris and twigs from yards, garages, walks and lawns. It is a portable and handy clean-up tool with an optional vacuum kit accessory and gutter kits. The two types of blowers are the hand-held blower and the backpack blower. Hand-held blowers have a portable hand-held model that clears up things quickly. It also has adjustable nozzles, a 2-cycle and low emission 4-cycle gasoline engine. A backpack blower powered by 2 and 4-cycle gasoline engines (25-30cc). Guidelines in using a leaf blower: ?Do not point the blower nozzle at people or pets. ?The lowest possible throttle speed must be use. ?Do not use it very late or early in the morning. Product: Cub Cadet JS 1150 Price: $499. 00 3. Lawn and Garden Tractors Lawn Tractors are used in collecting and cutting 1-3 acres of mulching grass. It includes lawn sweepers, detachers, and rear and side discharge of grass collection system. The engine size varies from 11hp to 18hp. Garden tractors are used in large properties of 3 to 5 acres. It has a heavy-duty, versatile and powerful feature with low-emission engines. This would range from 14hp up to 26 hp. Garden tractors are also used in digging, garden tilling, removing snow or soil and in hauling supplies and materials. Garden and lawn tractors differ in its ability to be used either in its front or rear powers for take off. Safety Features/Reminders: ? Make sure that children and pets are not in the working area before operating the equipment. Carefully check if there are any people or objects behind before reverse shifting. ? The machine will stop automatically when the operator leaves the seat due to a key safety interlock switch for accident prevention. ? Safety features that includes color-coded controls and safety guards to protect from throwing objects out by the blade. ? Models equipped with headlights and parking breaks. ? Refer to the operator’s manual provided by the manufacturers before operating a tractor. Products: Cub Cadet® Series 1000 Lawn Tractors – features a deck wash system and a reverse mowing technology with a comfortable high back seat and a soft touch steering wheel. Price: $1,499. 00- $1,999. 00 Cub Cadet® 2500 Garden Tractors – a heavy duty tractor with high performance and powerful direct-driven shaft that provides an efficient transfer power to the rear transaxle. Price: $3,199. 00- $4,199. 00 Cub Cadet® iSeries Zero Turn Tractors – with a zero-turn rider built to take on hills with ease. Price: $2,699. 00- $4,999. 00
Solar Power Generator : an Eco-friendly Green Generator
A solar power generator uses solar energy to convert it into electrical energy in order to run the household appliances. Nowadays, one can easily see TVs, washing machines etc being powered by a solar power generator. It is termed as “green generator” as it is a proven source of energy which adds nothing to the global warming and the atmospheric pollution. Rather it helps a lot to save the natural energy sources such as petroleum which are on the way of going extinct. It is emerging as one of most reliable eco-friendly power generating devices. Its total inability to produce air-polluting smoke and irritating sound as other oil run generators do makes it special. A solar power generator is one of the best answers to the shortage of electricity. A well optimized solar power generator helps a lot to minimize the soaring electricity bill as it is capable of running almost all the appliances merely using the free and unbound solar energy. Moreover, this device is very user-friendly and needs least efforts while its installation. It is widely used in the countrysides and at those places where people face regular power crisis. Like all other power generators, it too runs on a definite mechanism. The solar energy is concentrated on the solar panels only to produce DC ( direct current). Then this DC is converted into AC ( alternating current) using the solar inverter already present in the generator itself. Apart from these two components, the third important components of a solar power generator are its rechargeable batteries. These batteries constantly keep receiving power from the inverter in order to run all the appliances. The strength and efficiency of a solar power generator depends completely on how powerful its inverter is. It is the most important part of the generator as it has the capability to convert DC into AC. While buying an inverter, it is advisable to buy one which can produce a bit more energy than the actual demand of the home appliances. In many homes it happens that there is hardly any appliance which is run buy AC. Thus those homes don’t need solar power generators with any inverters, apart from devices like DC input systems and DC meters.
The Pure Power of Steam Pressure Washers
Pressure washers provide users with intense pressure levels and flow rates to handle even the most challenging commercial and industrial cleaning tasks. However, the various types of pressure washers offer a variety of power levels, each of which can meet the needs of a particular user. Temperature options are one of the most important aspects in considering a pressure washing machine for your business. Pressure washers can be purchased in cold water, hot water, steam, and triple function configurations. Cold water machines are designed for lighter commercial applications where the additional power afforded by heat may not be necessary. Hot water pressure washing equipment provides a higher degree of cleaning power, but still lacks the power afforded by steam. In fact, steam pressure washers are the most powerful on the market. They combine the extreme power of super-high temperature steam with high pressure levels and flow rates for the most effective cleaning capabilities available. At up to 330°F, steam pressure washers dissolve substances while blasting them off surfaces, effectively speeding up the pressure washing process immensely. Additionally, the use of such high temperatures let users to sanitize and disinfect surfaces while cleaning, allowing operators to keep even the dirtiest industrial facilities clean and safe for employees and customers. These industrial facilities, for which the pure power of steam is essential, can also benefit from the convenience of stationary pressure washers. Permanent pressure washers, like stationary units, may be installed in commercial and industrial settings that experience an abundance of pressure washing applications in a relatively close proximity. One of the greatest benefits of stationary units is their power method. Powered by electric engines, stationary pressure washers can achieve high pressure levels, high temperatures, and high flow rates while producing no exhaust. Additionally, though an electric engine may restrict mobility for pressure washers designed for exterior applications, industrial facilities requiring the permanent addition of a stationary unit should have no problem locating the unit in close proximity to an electrical outlet. To further enhance the capabilities afforded to industrial users, many pressure washers can be purchased with a variety of options and features to better suit the needs of any given application. By adding a wet sandblasting kit to a pressure washing machine, operators can remove layers of rust, paint, corrosion, and other heavy deposits more effectively than by using high pressure levels alone. The use of pressure washers with metal surface pre-treatment capabilities will allow users to actually prevent rust and corrosion and prepare surfaces for the application of powder coating or paint primer and paint. Multiple-user functionality is yet another option, available on many pressure washers, that extends the pressure washing capabilities by allowing for use by more than one user at a time. In light of the various options available, one thing is for sure – pressure washers are the right choice for handling the most heavy-duty commercial and industrial cleaning applications.
Washing Made Easy By The Power Washer
Power washers made all your washing works easy. It is so convenient and versatile to use that you wonder how you manage to go so long without. The Power washers can be applied to wash your home’s brick or stone, its aluminum or vinyl sidings, the discolor spot or even the unpainted wood on the deck, your automobile, boat or your RV and more. It does a better job than a hand wash and it definitely do it faster. The problem in buying a washer specifically your first one is determining what to buy and how much you will have to spend. The power washers are available in a number of varieties such as diesel, gas, and hydraulic and electric power washer. The power washer both supplied hot and cold water. It is for residential, commercial and industrial use. These power washers consist of various components like; hoses with the shape of a cylinder tubes with circular cross section that carry water through them to the nozzles. Large hoses are used for cleaning large surfaces with ease and without any interruption. The other components of power washer are the nozzles that are placed at the tip of the hoses. Its main function is to control the flow of water. There are many varieties of nozzles available with varied spray pattern. The nozzles can provide 40 degree wide of spray as well as 0 degree narrow of spray but the 0 degree narrow spray is dangerous and cut through wood. The injectors are also one of the components of power washer, which infuse chemicals and soap into water that helps in better cleaning and are comparatively easier and faster. Power washer has engines that power up the washers. Engines of the power washers were either run by gas, diesel or electricity. Its engine generates a lot of power. Most of the power washers are belt driven that consist of a pulley and belt system used to reduce the speed of the pump. It can slow down the pumping action into half of the speed of the engine. Power washers also have tanks that come in various sizes and are made from different kinds of steel like stainless, steel, mild steel, or carbon steel. That may be also made from plastic or glass. Power washer tanks are also known as immersion tanks or wash tanks. The horse power is the unit used to measure the work done by the power washer that determine the amount of power the machine has to clean the surface. Horsepower of the machine is directly proportional to the volume of pressure of water or both. The power washer can clean oil, grease and grime, corrosion and various other contaminants from different surfaces. It is also used for surface preparation. It can do both heavy duty and light duty cleaning jobs. The power washers that are available today in the market are safe, durable, affordable and attractive too. Having a power washer is one of the best time saving tools to come along in years. Power washer works when it draws water from a resource that is usually an outdoor faucet but it can also be from a standing body of water like a pond, a lake or even for a small job, a bucket, this is at the back end of the power washer. At the front end, it pumps through a nozzle at a much higher pressure than is available from regular sources such as municipal water supply or an artesian well. The intensified pressure coupled with anyone of a number of specialized nozzles configurations emits a spray that will simply wash the car or in the powerful modes, it can strip layers of paint off a wall or a deck. An intense water sprays can be made so effective that in certain industrial uses, it can be used to cut steel plate.
General Pump for Power Washer Equipment
Pressure washers have two main components—the engine and the pump. The high-pressure pump is the core of the system and a good quality pump, such as a General Pump, will last for years with minimal maintenance. Any pump that puts out pressure over 150 PSI (pounds per square inch) is considered a high-pressure pump. The most common high-pressure pump is the positive displacement reciprocating plunger/piston type pump. General pumps are of this design, using solid ceramic plungers. General Pumps come in two basic designs. For medium to heavy home use, the most popular is the GPEZ series 44 with a triplex plunger pump and direct-drive system. They start at about $300. 00. The General Pumps GPT series 47 solid shaft pump series 66 is a high flow triplex pump for belt-driven equipment. This General Pump is preferred in pressure washer applications and start at about $500. There are duplex and triplex plunger pumps, but the triplex creates a smoother flow and is used most often with today’s pressure washers. Axial pumps are sometimes found on cheaper consumer models of pressure washers, and serve the purpose for homeowners who only use them occasionally, but they are usually just thrown away and replaced when broken. If you plan to keep and use your pressure washer regularly, you are better off with the triplex, ceramic plunger models such as the General Pump Series 66 high flow triplex pump. Positive displacement pumps work with the positive displacement of fluid and fixed volume. The fluid is mechanically pushed through the channels on a regular cycle. The pressure and volume remain constant. Pressure is created when this flow is pushed through the restrictive nozzle orifice. The size of the nozzle orifice is chosen for the desired pressure at the desired flow. If you notice a decrease in pressure, check the nozzle for wear before thinking the pump is failing. High-pressure pumps today, such as General Pumps, are very robust and when properly maintained, can be virtually trouble free. What size pump do you need? Pressure washer power is calculated by multiplying the pressure per square inch (PSI) by the Gallons per minute (GPM). The easiest way to determine the right pump size for your engine is to multiply the engine horsepower by 1100. This gives the cleaning units (CU’s) that your engine is made to deliver. (Cleaning units are figured by multiplying GPM x PSI. ) To keep your General Pump in top shape for years to come there are some things you should be careful to do. You should change the oil every 3 to 5 months or after 500 hours of use. This schedule should be maintained AFTER the initial oil change, which should be done after the first 50 hours of break-in. You should always flush your General Pump with clean water after each use and use an environmentally friendly anti-freeze. Never store your General Pump with water left in it, and be careful to check the manufacture recommendations when using strong chemicals in the pump. General Pump has been in the high-pressure pump business for over 30 years. They use forged brass manifolds, guaranteed for life. General Pumps have oversize connecting rods and wear resistant solid ceramic plungers with continuous lubricating packing.
Hiring A Power Washer To Clean The Outside Of Your Home
If you are looking for a quick and thorough way to clean your house’s exterior, consider pressure washing. Pressure washing is best left in the hands of a professional. However, a pressure washing job done incorrectly or by an unqalified pressure washing contractor can cause damage to your home or property. The damage can be costly. Outlined below are ideas to guide you in your search for a quality pressure washing contractor. Additional advice is provided as well on how to deal with the contractor of your choice when the cleaning work is in progress, and when it is completed. 1. Equip yourself with a clear understanding of the risks involved in pressure washing and how to minimize these risks. Taking the time to educate yourself thus will enable you to distinguish between the mediocre outworker from the quality contractor. 2. Arrange to meet the contractor in such a way that they evaluate the site to be worked on together with you. Establishing clear communications at this point will help limit the possibility of errors in the estimating process. 3. Consult. A sound pressure washing contractor will welcome the opportunity to examine your site, ask questions and note any potential areas of concern. These contractors will pay attention to your needs and decide what type of service you need and expect. In addition, they will also go over with you the advantages and limitations of the service that they provide. As you meet with different contractors, be sure to question them on the specifications of the service, exact procedures, outcome and potential for damage. You will then be able to get a clearer picture of the service and decide which contractor to award the job. 4. Request for an outline of the cleaning procedure. This summary of work steps that may come with the estimate or as a separate sheet should prove to be a helpful tool for comparing the different pressure washing services you consult with. 5. Question Equipment Status. Does the pressure washing contractor own the equipment or are they rented? Contractors that either own or lease their equipment are typically more reliable and committed to their pressure washing business. Contractors who rent equipment may be an indication that they are not as reliable. Most pressure washers that are for real will be outfitted with apparatus that have at least the following specifications: -11 to 15 horsepower (HP) -3000-4000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, and -three to six gallons per minute (GPM) of water flow. A rating of 2000 PSI and two GPM is residential-, rather than industrial-grade equipment. 6. Ask providers to give you a demonstration. Not many providers will accede to this request, as it often requires much time and effort to undertake. It does not mean you should never ask, though. Often, the provider will respond by asking the client to be there during setup instead. During this time, do not think twice to inform the contractor of any qualms you may have about the work to be performed. 7. See that the estimates are formalized in writing. This record should protect both you and the service provider you are hiring. A written estimate provides clarity to the desired service, details expected results, and itemizes cost of labor and materials. 8. Obtain References. Obtaining references is important. Make sure that referrals are for pressure washing projects and not for other contracted services such as deck cleaning or vinyl siding cleaning. Make sure to use the references once the contractor has provided them to you. Ask questions in regards to the quality of the work such as project outcomes, workmanship and professionalism. 9. Guarantee and Financing Policies. Read over the financing or billing policies and customer guarantee or satisfaction papers. Make sure that you understand policies in regards to payment schedules and deposits. What type of satisfaction and guarantee does the contractor offer on the finished project? 10. Coverage. Make certain that the contractor has liability coverage. Professional pressure washing contractors will have coverage for their customers and themselves. Liability insurance should cover potential on-site mishaps, injury or property damage. 11. On-Site Inspection. During the pressure washing project, be present on-site to inspect the work and keep an eye on the work being done. You should be available to talk with the contractor should any problems arise. To sum up: Educate yourself about pressure washing and how it is done. Ask questions and get references for each pressure washing contractor. Do a thorough cost comparison of the project, materials and labor and use commonsense. Eliminate potentially poor quality pressure washing contractors. A qualified professional will be more than happy to help you through the entire selection process and provide you with the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.
Power Washers
Power Washers
The power washers are the amazing tools which cleans a variety of outdoor items and uses up to 80% less water.
The power washer’s works on the principle of washing using pressurized water and comes in hydraulic, diesel-based, electric or gasoline-based. The utility of power washers are more in industries but it is being found more useful in household activities. They come at affordable price and very easy to operate and due to these features it has become a common household appliance. The cost of machine depends on the water pressure it can exert. The more the pressure of the water it can exert the more the price of the machine. The high pressure of the machine is sometimes 100 percent higher than that of garden hose and washes away grime and dust.
Your power washer can very well clean the grills, cars, houses, decks, driveways and even your dog’s kennel. But all of them have different cleaning requirements. The cleaning can be done either by hot power washer or cold power washer. The cold power washers are less expensive but not as effective as hot power washer, it cannot remove extremely dirty and greasy spots.
The power pressure helps the water to come out of the garden hose in the form of strong steam. This happens with the help of gasoline or electric-powered engine attached to the pump. The function of the pump is to compress the water which builds up pressure in the pump. The trigger in the hose is equipped with the option of spraying the water. You can spray the water in a continuous spray or in short bursts as per requirement.
Power washers functioning on gasoline can work with the speed of five to seven horsepower while some can be operated at twenty four horsepower. That proves it is more powerful; than the electric power washer meant for lighter cleaning jobs which involves cleaning of glass doors and windows with less pressure. If the same cleaning done with the gasoline-based washer it may lead to cracking or breaking of the glass due to intense pressure.
While buying a power washer you need to see certain features in the machine for smooth operation and efficient work: -
While buying a power washer check the PSI (pounds per square inch), it specifies power pressure and GPM (gallons per minute) indicates the flow of water. Want to go for machine with more pressure and greater powers choose the one with higher GPM and PSI. The power washer are available with various options for better use, the machine operation is fairly easy with simple adjustment. It has brush attachments with rotating brushes, rotating nozzles for covering large areas, detergent attachment and soap sprayers and many more.
Pressure washers are being designed with ergonomic handling options and easy adjustments. The main things to be considered while buying a pressure washer are the difficulty of the cleaning job, frequency of use and the cost. Pressure washers also come with various options like rotating nozzles for covering larger area, brush attachments including rotating brushes, detergent attachment and soap sprayers etc.
Power Washers Buying Guide
The power washers are the amazing tools which cleans a variety of outdoor items and uses up to 80% less water. The power washers works on the principle of washing using pressurized water and comes in hydraulic, diesel-based, electric or gasoline-based. The utility of power washers are more in industries but it is being found more useful in household activities.
They come at affordable price and very easy to operate and due to these features it has become a common household appliance. The cost of machine depends on the water pressure it can exert.
The more the pressure of the water it can exert the more the price of the machine. The high pressure of the machine is sometimes 100 percent higher than that of garden hose and washes away grime and dust.
Your power washer can very well clean the grills, cars, houses, decks, driveways and even your dogs kennel. But all of them have different cleaning requirements. The cleaning can be done either by hot power washer or cold power washer. The cold power washers are less expensive but not as effective as hot power washer, it cannot remove extremely dirty and greasy spots.
The power pressure helps the water to come out of the garden hose in the form of strong steam. This happens with the help of gasoline or electric-powered engine attached to the pump.
The function of the pump is to compress the water which builds up pressure in the pump. The trigger in the hose is equipped with the option of spraying the water. You can spray the water in a continuous spray or in short bursts as per requirement.
Power washers functioning on gasoline can work with the speed of five to seven horsepower while some can be operated at twenty four horsepower. That proves it is more powerful; than the electric power washer meant for lighter cleaning jobs which involves cleaning of glass doors and windows with less pressure. If the same cleaning done with the gasoline-based washer it may lead to cracking or breaking of the glass due to intense pressure.
While buying a power washer you need to see certain features in the machine for smooth operation and efficient work: -
While buying a power washer check the PSI (pounds per square inch), it specifies power pressure and GPM (gallons per minute) indicates the flow of water. Want to go for machine with more pressure and greater powers choose the one with higher GPM and PSI. The power washer are available with various options for better use, the machine operation is fairly easy with simple adjustment. It has brush attachments with rotating brushes, rotating nozzles for covering large areas, detergent attachment and soap sprayers and many more.
Pressure washers are being designed with ergonomic handling options and easy adjustments. The main things to be considered while buying a pressure washer are the difficulty of the cleaning job, frequency of use and the cost.
Pressure washers also come with various options like rotating nozzles for covering larger area, brush attachments including rotating brushes, detergent attachment and soap sprayers etc.
A New Beginning For The Power Washers Of North America
PWNA is alive and well, or at least healing nicely. The organization has gone through some internal restructuring and plans to reemerge as the voice of professional power washers at a time when a voice is badly needed. With some of the problems facing the industry—drought conditions, increasing environmental regulations, and increasing cost of doing business—the timing could not be better. There is strength in numbers, and synergy, the idea that a combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts, is perhaps the most important benefit PWNA offers. If one calls the office of PWNA today, the St. Paul office of Mike Hilborn, owner of Roof-to-Deck Restoration, Inc. , will most likely answer. As vice-president of the organization, Hilborn is both supportive and realistic about the organization. “The PWNA has been up to a lot of changes, he says. ” We have lost a lot of leadership in the past year and are currently at six very committed board of directors. We have slashed our operating costs and are paying down debt. We have committed PWNA to four areas: education, conventions, networking and being a clear voice of the industry. With these changes, there has been a dramatic show of support from many of the founders and industry veterans. I would say that there has been a rebirth of the PWNA. That is, we are trying to grow to be a mature and very valuable association for our members. “Michael Hinderliter, past president and owner of Steamaway in Ft. Worth, TX, adds, “I personally believe that the groundwork that PWNA was originally based upon still exists, that is, the need to help and promote professionalism of the industry through education. PWNA has provided education, not only for power washers, but also for government officials and the general public. PWNA is still recognized by many and can grow to do much more through good leadership. “”The association needs to be the voice of the industry,” continues Hilborn. “We all need someone to stand behind us that tells our employees, customers, and the community that there is an organization that holds all of us to a standard. That is one of the pillars of the PWNA. “Perhaps the most obvious benefit that PWNA has offered in the past has been the yearly conference and tradeshow. The organization cancelled the scheduled event in 2007, opting for a presence at the NADRA Deck Expo in Las Vegas. One of the losses in that strategy was in numbers of attendees, which diminished one of the most important elements of the event. “I have always found the number one benefit of a professional organization to be the ability to find and converse with my peers in the industry,” comments Hinderliter. “What we missed last year was the conference, one of the best ways to meet face to face and discuss issues, resolve problems others have solved, and plan for the future. “Joe Walters, of the Joseph D. Walters Agency in Bethal Park, PA has been a part of PWNA from the inception and has done business in the industry for over 30 years. He also stresses the importance of the conference. “The value to a new power washer to attend a conference is immeasurable. The classes and programs are presented by experienced professionals, who are leaders in the industry. In fact, the classes alone are worth the price of admission. Sharing ideas and learning from other successful power washers from across the country is priceless. The learning process continues as you are made aware of the various certification programs as you progress professionally. Lasting friendships are just icing on the cake. “The PWNA conference is a great start in working towards success and becoming a professional in your chosen field. Buying a pressure washer is just the start. “Robert Hinderliter of Delco Cleaning Systems of Ft. Worth, TX, is a founder and past president of PWNA. He points out another value in the organization: “It’s the recognition of PWNA by many Federal, State, and Municipal Environmental Regulatory Agencies. The enforcement of the Clean Water Act is Politically Driven with ‘economic revenue streams’ having a major influence in its interpretation. Contract Cleaners need the united voice of a trade association in order to be heard. Individual Contract Cleaners do not have the influence of a trade association which represents hundreds of contract cleaners. “Rory Wilson of Derby Pressure Wash Sales and Service in Louisville, KY, adds, “It (PWNA) definitely helps them realize they are not alone in the day-to-day business activities and networking,” and sees another benefit as “Education, so that the new person doesn’t make major mistakes and jeopardize their new career!”Whatever PWNA plans for the future, it will have to overcome a year or so of uncertainty for the present. It is no secret that the organization has seen its share of turmoil and that has led to questions about its financial health. Hilborn comments, “Our current status is that we are operating on a daily basis in the black and the debt is being paid down. We hope to eliminate our debt by the end of the year and make the PWNAs voice stronger and clearer by growing our membership. “Another short-term plan is to publish a new website that will benefit the members, the public, and the association, and, of course, to have a successful convention. “A successful convention means a lot to the organization. Scheduled for October 23–25 in the Chicago area (see Industry Calendar, p4), the conference will offer a slate of experienced industry professionals teaching the experienced and inexperienced alike. Doug Latimer, owner of Latimat, Inc. , in Etobicoke, ON, is an original member and past board member who expects a very informative meeting. He mentions that training will be offered in many aspects of the contract cleaning industry including such diversified area as railroad, aircraft, and rocket cleaning, as well as the more traditional truck, home, deck, wood, and kitchen exhaust cleaning “Topics to be discussed will include many of the aforementioned and will also include roundtables for sharing experiences. They will help us to see our way past the roadblocks we find in our everyday lives in business. “For members that have been “in the trenches” with PWNA, the organization holds enough value for a second look. Don Flory of Mobile Enviro-Wash, Ltd. , in Lawrence, KS, says, “We are excited to see PWNA take off again. We look forward to getting involved in the convention and hooking up with those who have been around a while learning how they deal with new products and job challenges. We enjoy being able to share with others in the trade. We are sticking with the trade organization because it could have much to offer: training, information from member to member, trade shows, new products and demos, and association with great folks. “Beth Borrego of The Grime Scene in Germantown, MD, offers an opinion, “What the association does for the members is very much about how active the members are promoting PWNA as a part of their business. I don’t think it is possible for an association to hand out tangible, ‘hold them in your hand’ benefits for a low price and still manage the organization. It’s not fair either to ask the board of directors to do all the volunteer work, and run their own businesses. Members must get involved. It stands to reason that for the PWNA as an association to be active, it needs active volunteers. “Mike Hilborn concludes, “For someone who has an established business that has taken years to build, the PWNA is more important than ever. With water restrictions, it is critical that our association be a clear voice for our industry with both education and best practices. One law passed could put some or all of us out of business!”For more information visit www. thepwna. org.
