Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Mar 10, 2010
You hear a lot these days about reducing your carbon footprint. Environmentally conscious Lorain County residents buy energy-efficient furnaces and air conditioners and invest in heat pump technology to reduce their carbon footprints. Reducing the energy we use reduces the carbon-based fuels burned to create that energy which reduces ozone-depleting carbon by-products released into the atmosphere.
Our current rate of energy consumption is pouring into the atmospheric bathtub twice as fast as it is draining out
What most Lorain County residents have trouble understanding is the considerable time lag between decreasing carbon consumption and reduction of carbon in the atmosphere. To explain the relationship between energy consumption and carbon dioxide build-up to his MIT students, professor John Sterman developed a unique visual aid, the Carbon Bathtub. View the Carbon Bathtub visual aid now.
Picture a bathtub with a running faucet and open drain. When we use energy, carbon dioxide (CO2) pours into the atmosphere just like water pours into a bathtub. If water pours into the tub faster than it can drain out, the tub fills with water. The bathtub stays full until more water is draining out than is pouring in. The same concept applies to CO2. At our current rate of energy consumption, CO2 emissions produced by burning fossil fuels are pouring into the atmospheric bathtub twice as fast as they are draining out.
The Earth’s natural absorption of CO2 helps drain the carbon bathtub, but far more slowly than CO2 pours in. Plants and soils absorb about 30% of atmospheric CO2; oceans, another 25%; and rocks and sediments, less than 1%.; but the absorption rate is extremely slow. The remaining CO2 -- 45% -- remains in the atmosphere, keeping the planet’s carbon bathtub full. This is why merely cutting back on energy consumption will not solve the carbon problem. Scientists estimate that it will take hundreds of thousands of years for the planet to absorb – drain out – all the CO2 humans are pouring into the atmosphere. Until we find a way to drain out more carbon than we’re adding, the carbon bathtub will keep filling.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Mar 05, 2010
Ready to take advantage of Ohio's Cash for Clunkers appliance rebate program? Raymond Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning carries the Energy Star-rated water heaters and heat pumps that qualify for this new program. Check out the great features on these money-saving, energy-efficient home appliances, then call Raymond to schedule your purchase and installation so you're all ready to go when Ohio rolls out its energy-efficient appliance rebate program on March 26. Because the state doesn't expect rebate funds to last long, you'll want to get all your ducks in a row early. See our last post for instructions on how to reserve your rebate.
Energy Star Rated Water Heaters Earn a $100 Ohio Rebate
Energy Star rated high-efficiency gas water heaters will earn a $100 Ohio rebate. Among several qualifying the models available at Raymond is the Tankless Water Heaters from Rheem, an innovative, new gas tankless water heater that provides a continuous supply of hot water from an energy-efficient and space saving design. Imagine never running out of hot water again.
Energy Star Rated Heat Pumps Earn a $250 Ohio Rebate
Energy Star rated electric heat pumps and water heaters will earn a $250 Ohio rebate. Among the qualifying models available at Raymond is the Geo-Saver Series Florida Heat Pump geared to provide superior home comfort and energy efficiency even during extreme hot and cold weather. Lorain County residents can realize 50% to 70% savings on their heating bills and up to 40% on cooling bills with this energy efficient heat pump. Add a Waste Recovery Unit and this heat pump unit will also provide enough free hot water during summer months to meet all your home hot water needs!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Ohio Cash for Clunkers Starts March 26
Taking a page from the popular federal Cash for Clunkers auto program, Ohio has unveiled its own Cash for Clunker Appliances program. Starting at the end of the month, Lorain County residents can earn rebates when they purchase Energy Star-rated water heaters, heat pumps and other specified energy-efficient appliances. Ranging from $100 for high-efficiency gas water heaters to $250 for electric heat pumps and water heaters, the rebates are being offered to encourage Ohioans to replace energy-guzzling appliances with energy-efficient models and recycle their old appliances. The rebate program starts March 26 and will continue until the $11 million available to fund the program are gone.
Here's how the program works:
- Starting in early March, Lorain County residents can reserve their rebate either online at www.OhioApplianceRebate.com or by calling 1-888-686-8896.
- Lorain County consumers will have three days after registering to purchase a new Energy Star rated appliance.
- To receive their rebate, Lorain County consumers must send their purchase receipt and verification that their old appliance has been recycled to the program's rebate administrator, Parago Inc. of Texas.
Rebate Funds May Not Last Long - Don't Miss Out on Ohio's Cash for Clunkers
The recycling of old energy-guzzling appliances is an important component of Ohio's rebate program. Proof of recycling is required to receive the Ohio rebate. Some appliance suppliers and installers (like Raymond Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Lorain County) will remove and recycle your old appliance when they install new energy-efficient appliances. Otherwise, look for appliance recycling programs at local utility companies and community recycling centers.
Demand for Ohio's energy-efficient appliance rebate program is expected to be high. Officials estimate that rebate funds may only last 6 to 8 weeks. Lorain County residents who don't want to miss out on Ohio's Cash for Clunker Appliances rebate offer are urged to contact Raymond today to schedule purchase and installation of a new energy-efficient water heater or heat pump as soon as the rebate program ramps up in March.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Mar 02, 2010
Energy watchers call it “the SnackWell Effect.” SnackWells are tasty low-fat, low-sugar cookies made by Nabisco that are a boon to dieters seeking low-cal treats. The problem comes when dieters over-indulge on the sweet confections, rationalizing that they can eat more because each cookie has fewer calories. Instead of losing weight, dieters started gaining. You, of course, see the problem. You can’t lose weight if you eat more, even if what you’re eating has fewer calories. Math wins every time!
Do You Have an Energy-Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner? Using More Enegy Cancels Out the Savings
The same rebound effect can occur when a Lorain County resident has an energy-efficient furnace or air conditioner or heat pump installed in his home. Lulled by the fact that they’re saving energy, the family can easily slip into high consumption habits that all too quickly negate the energy savings provided by the energy-efficient appliance. It’s the SnackWell Effect. Even when your home is powered by energy-efficient appliances, using more energy cancels out the savings.
Reducing your carbon footprint is an ongoing daily commitment.
Recent studies have found that when people buy energy efficient appliances they feel less guilty about using them more often. In one study, people with energy-efficient furnaces lost 10% to 30% of their expected monthly energy savings because they cranked up the heat. Another study found that people who used energy-efficient light bulbs lost between 5% and 12% of their anticipated monthly energy savings because they stopped turning out the lights when they left a room. To realize the maximum potential energy savings on their monthly bills, Lorain County residents must continue energy-efficient practices even after installing energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioners and other appliances. The fight to decrease energy consumption doesn’t stop with the purchase of an energy-efficient appliance. Reducing your carbon footprint is an ongoing daily commitment. When properly used, energy-efficient appliances do allow us to save more energy, but we have to do our part.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Fight Rising Energy Cost with a Heat Pump Water Heater
If you are one of the customers of Ohio Edison or First Energy, then you have seen the increases in your electric bill with the changes in discounts. Although this is being reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and there is a class action lawsuit currently filed, rates will not fall back to current levels.
Cut your water heating costs in half! Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) can reduce water heating cost by 300.00 a year and not sacrifice hot water usage. These systems are not new to the market and major players like GE and Rheem have introduced models that incorporate this technology. If you have a newer existing tank then add-on systems are available. Heat pump water heaters are more than twice as efficient as standard electric models and protect the environment.
To understand the concept of heat pumps, imagine a refrigerator working in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from an enclosed box and expels that heat to the surrounding air, a HPWH takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank. A low-pressure liquid refrigerant is vaporized in the heat pump's evaporator and passed into the compressor. As the pressure of the refrigerant increases, so does its temperature. The heated refrigerant runs through a condenser coil within the storage tank, transferring heat to the water stored there. As the refrigerant delivers its heat to the water, it cools and condenses, and then passes through an expansion valve where the pressure is reduced and the cycle starts over.
Replace your aging electric water heater before it fails. Consider this exciting technology before your next purchase. Every ENERGY STAR qualified heat pump water heater installed in 2010 will be eligible for a tax credit of 30%, up to $1500. Get the facts and find out if you are eligible for a tax credit!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Feb 25, 2010
It's Not to Early to Schedule Your Annual Air Conditioner Performance Check
Hard to believe, but in just a few short months summer will be here. If this winter is any indication, it could be a scorcher. Climatologists say global warming will continue to drive more extreme weather patterns across Lorain County. That means colder, snowier winters and hotter, more humid summers. If summer treats us to the same extreme weather we’ve had to endure this winter, you’ll definitely want your Lorain County air conditioner to be in peak operating condition.
Scheduling an annual air conditioner performance check with your Lorain County heating and air conditioning professional is the best way to make certain that your air conditioner will operate at peak efficiency all summer long. Schedule your inspection early to make certain your air conditioner is working well before the first heat wave rolls in.
Maximize Savings by Installing an Energy-Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner
With the Environmental Protection Agency ordering a phase-out of R-22 refrigerant (Freon) by 2020, you may want to consider replacing your air conditioning system with one of Carrier’s new energy-efficient Puron air conditioners. Eco-friendly Puron is an innovative new refrigerant that does not harm the ozone. Installing an energy efficient air conditioner this year will not only decrease your monthly utility costs, it will also quality you to take advantage of the federal tax credit program for energy-efficient appliances.
In fact, you may want to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and your savings by installing an energy-efficient Infinity gas furnace in your Lorain County home.
Through February 28, 2010, we’ll give you a free Puron air conditioner with the purchase and installation of an Infinity furnace. Offers like this make choosing energy efficient heating and cooling appliances a good choice for the planet – and your wallet!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Free Air Conditioner With Purchase and Installation of Gas Furnace
Time is running out for Northeast Ohio residents to take advantage of Raymond’s FREE air conditioner offer. Until February 28, 2010 we will give you a FREE energy-efficient Puron air conditioner with the purchase and installation of an energy-efficient Infinity gas furnace. This is an offer too good to pass up. Not only do you save by getting two superior energy-efficient home comfort appliances for the price of one, but lower energy bills mean you’ll enjoy continued savings all year round – and both the furnace and air conditioner quality for federal tax credit on your 2010 income taxes.
Made by Carrier, the nation’s leader in the manufacture of quality heating and cooling appliances, Infinity gas furnaces and Puron air conditioners use the latest green technology to provide state-of-the-art energy-efficient indoor comfort in the winter and summer.
Carrier’s Infinity 96 gas furnace has the highest energy efficiency rating on the market today, providing cost savings up to 96.6% AFUE. Featuring Carrier’s ComfortHeat technology and IdealHumidity coupled with a high efficiency air filtration cabinet, the Infinity 96 gas furnace uses signature Infinity intelligence to maintain a comfortable, clean, even indoor environment in every room of your home. ComfortFan technology and a superior nose reduction system keep appliances in the background where they belong. Carrier heating and cooling appliances are so quiet; you’ll never even know they’re there.
Carrier’s sealed combustion system and pilot-free PowerHeat ignition assure safe, efficient long-term operation. Among the most reliable furnaces on the market, the Infinity 96 energy-efficient gas furnace features a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty and 10-year parts limited warranty.
Carrier’s environmentally-friendly Puron air conditioners enjoy the same high energy-efficient ratings as their gas furnaces. Quiet and durable, Carrier Puron air conditioners provide superior humidity control to improve indoor air quality all summer long. These superior air conditioners use eco-friendly Puron refrigerant that won’t hurt the environment or damage the Earth’s ozone layer.
Time is running out! Offer expires February 28, 2010.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Feb 19, 2010
The recent article “Sensitive Precautions on Residential Project” in the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News 2010 edition of Refrigeration Zone highlights an important approach to building chemical free homes. In particular the difficulty of finding home building products and contractors that can face the challenges.
Contractors are constantly facing new demands regarding energy-efficiency. This particular home needed to be “chemical free” because one of the homeowners has acute chemical sensitivity. This meant that special precautions needed to be taken concerning the HVAC equipment chosen and how it was installed. What I found interesting is that something as simple as finding chemical-free wallboard becomes difficult when there is not a suitable replacement.
The approach of the general contractor to involve multiple layers of experts had to be a task within itself. This had to add layers to the building process that had to be checked and rechecked. Then to make sure every subcontractor followed the guidelines was an accomplishment in itself.
But answer this: Do these people ever go outside their home? How do you accommodate this type of guest in your home or business?
Read full article here.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
Smart-Grid Technology Can Lower Your Air Conditioning Bill
In our last blog post we introduced the smart-grid and how it addresses some of the problems of the current grid infrastructure. The last point we made was that you might be paying for the high cost of “peak-demand” electricity even when you didn’t benefit from it at all.
However, with the smart-grid, the electric company will know that you were not using your electricity the day of the heat wave when wholesale energy prices went thru the roof. In fact you only used your air conditioner during non-peak hours or times when there was little demand for electricity. The cost of electricity during those non-peak hours is lower, and as a result your monthly bill will exactly reflect the true cost of electricity when you used it. Not only will the electric company know when you were using your air conditioner (and charge you accordingly), you will also be able to see the current energy pricing and decide whether or not you want to use more or less electricity. This will clearly provide major cost-savings to folks that use the pricing info the smart-grid provides them.
Some utilities are already working with appliance manufacturers to develop air conditioners, washing machines, etc. that will “talk” to the smart-grid. When there is peak-demand, appliances will go into a snooze mode (when possible). When there is drop in energy prices, like in the middle of the night, the smart-grid will inform the appliances that it’s an optimal time to “do the dishes”. Other systems will connect your HVAC to the smart-grid and will help regulate temperatures and timing based on energy costs. Additionally, if an appliance is malfunctioning and using too much energy, the smart-grid will pick up on this and inform you.
Of course, the environment also benefits in a big way. If people and businesses become more energy-efficient due to the smart-grid, the demand for energy will remain stable and there won’t be as much need to build more coal-burning power plants.
This all might sound like science-fiction, but several cities in the US are already involved in pilots with many of these smart-grid features.
Whether or not this is likely to be implemented here in Northern Ohio in the near-term, it’s clear that we are headed in that direction. Now is the time to begin your research and find out more about the smart-grid and energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems. Are you looking to by a new energy-efficient air conditioner this spring? It may qualify for a tax credit. Download our Free Get the Facts document now.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Feb 17, 2010
Save Money and Manage Energy More Efficiently with the Smart-Grid
With all the talk about energy-efficiency you might have heard the term “smart-grid” being thrown around. You might have even heard that it’s supposed to save you money and be good for the environment. Before we describe what a smart-grid is and how it might affect you, let’s take a quick look at the current power grid that delivers electricity to our homes and businesses.
We’ll start with the basics. At the heart of the power-grid are power plants that produce energy for our use, from a variety of sources. The most common fuels they use are natural gas and coal (with coal-burning power plants being major polluters). Other cleaner, greener and more sustainable fuel sources include solar and wind power. Solar energy is generated by solar panel farms in sunny places like Arizona or California. Wind farms in windy places like North Dakota, use massive wind-turbines to generate clean electricity.
Whatever the source, electricity cannot be stored so right after production; it begins its journey to your home via power stations and various above-ground or underground power lines.
With the current grid it’s difficult to monitor how much electricity is being used by you and when. The electric utility needs to send a technician just to read the meter, as well as to disconnect or re-connect the electricity as needed. With a smart grid, it is possible to see how much electricity is being used by the hour and even by which appliance. Additionally, there is no need for technicians to read meters or connect/disconnect electricity. These monitoring and “remote-control” features will allow the electric company to immediately see when your electricity is down. They will then be able to fix it or reconnect without any delay.
Another potential benefit of this enhanced monitoring come from the fact that local utilities buy wholesale electricity with different costs. They then sell it to you for a fixed price (depending on the locale you are in). Let’s say for example, during a one day heat-wave there is more demand for electricity. As a result more power plants need to be fully operational and with the higher-demand and higher production costs, the price of electricity goes up for that one day. That month, whether or not you were home that day using your air conditioner, your monthly electric bill will reflect a higher average price, as it includes the one-day surge in electricity price. Not really that fair.
In our next blog post we’ll see how the smart-grid will right these wrongs. We will explain how energy-efficient appliances will connect to the smart-grid, save energy, reduce costs and increase reliability.