Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Aug 24, 2010
It’s hayfever season. For allergy sufferers, hayfever season is a misery of running, sneezy noses, itchy, watering eyes and scratchy throats. Fall flowering plants and weeds like goldenrod and ragweed waft pollen into the air, creating havoc with the sinus systems of hayfever sufferers. The simple act of taking a breath fills their sinus cavities with pollen-laced air, triggering an allergic reaction that causes sinus tissues to swell and itch, making breathing difficult. In defense, the body produces copious amounts of mucous in an attempt to wash away the offending pollens, causing constant sniffling, sneezing and nose blowing. For hayfever sufferers, the misery lasts through the first frost when the cold kills the offending plants, halting pollen production.
Pollen counts in Lorain County have ranged from moderately to extremely high since the start of hayfever season at the beginning of August. Unfortunately for Lorain County hayfever sufferers, weather forecasters expect pollen counts to remain in the very high range for the duration of the hayfever season. Pollen production is affected by weather, and our higher than normal summer temperatures, coupled with strong winds have created ideal conditions for pollen production and distribution in Lorain County.
Installation of a Carrier Infinity Air Purifier is the Most Efficient Way to Remove Pollen from the Air
The only effective way to alleviate hayfever symptoms is to remove pollen particles from the air. Installation of a Carrier Infinity Air Purifier by your Lorain County heating and air conditioning professional is the most effective and most efficient way to remove pollen particulate from the air and create a healthy, breathable environment for Lorain County allergy sufferers. Adding an air purifier to the HVAC system in your Lorain County home is far more effective in cleaning pollen from the air than purchasing a portable room air purifier as it removes pollen from your entire home, not just a single room. Click here to find out more.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Aug 11, 2010
Dog are Having Trouble with the Heat too this Summer!
It’s not just people who are suffering in what has become Lorain County’s hottest summer on record. Dogs are having trouble with the heat too. The brutal heat has been tough on our furry friends. Our friends at the Lorain County Humane Society recommend pet owners take the following steps to keep their animal companions cool during the dog days of August:
- Outdoors, make sure your dog has a shady place to cool off.
- Keep pet water dishes filled with fresh, cold water. You can even add a few ice cubes to keep water cold longer.
- Fill a shallow kiddie pool with water so your dog has a place to cool off.
- Hot asphalt and concrete can burn a dog’s foot pads. If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot on concrete or asphalt, it’s too hot for your dog. Take Rover to the dog park and let him run on the grass.
- Light colored pets can get sunburn just like people do. Rub a little sunscreen on your pet’s ears and nose.
- Exercise your dog during the coolest parts of the day, early morning or evening. Don’t let your pet get overheated during the hot parts of the day.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: excessive panting, listlessness or vomiting. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, apply cool wet towels to his head and body, give your pet cool water and call your vet immediately.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car on hot days. Even if you park in the shade or leave the windows cracked, on a 90-degree day the heat inside a car can quickly rise past 100, killing your pet.
- Give Fido a break and bring your dog inside to cool off in air conditioned comfort.
You can keep your dog cool and save money by installing an energy-efficient air conditioner. Schedule a Free estimate on all installations.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Jul 22, 2010
With another heat wave toasting the Midwest, Lorain County homeowners are struggling to balance air conditioner use against household budgets. Family budgets are already straining to keep up with rising air conditioning costs as the U.S. roasts through yet another week of 90-degree temperatures. For Lorain County homeowners, it’s a perennial summer conundrum: How do you keep your home from baking without burning up all your hard-earned cash on A/C bills?
Cut Costs With These Air Conditioning Tips
Lorain County air conditioning experts offer the following tips for reining in air conditioning costs while staying cool this summer:
- Replace your old A/C unit with a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. Energy Star-rated Carrier air conditioners use only a tiny fraction of energy needed to run older A/C systems and cool your home far more effectively – and they use new, environmentally-friendly, green coolants. You and your family stay cool, save money and protect the environment.
- Schedule a Raymond Air Conditioner Performance Check immediately. Become a Raymond Facebook fan and you could evenly win a free A/C Performance Check! Scheduling annual inspections of your air conditioning system with your certified Lorain County air conditioner service professional ensures that your air conditioner will work safely and efficiently all season long.
- Clean or change A/C air filters monthly to promote unobstructed air flow.
- Close drapes and blinds to keep sunlight from heating up your home.
- Keep windows and doors closed to keep cool air inside.
- Run your furnace fan and ceiling fans to promote even air flow and eliminate hot spots.
- Fire up the grill to keep cooking heat outdoors.
- Use a dehumidifier to decrease humidity levels inside your home.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Jun 23, 2010
You’ve probably heart the horrific story of a desperate Connecticut man who attempted to amputate his arm to free it from a broken furnace. The West Hartford man’s arm became trapped while he was attempting to replace the boiler fins in his furnace. After two days, Jonathan Metz began to smell rotting flesh. In an act of desperation, Metz tried to cut off his arm to free himself. Still trapped, Metz was rescued by firemen a day later. Firemen had to dissemble the furnace to free Metz. Doctors credited Metz’ attempted self-amputation with saving his life by preventing gangrenous infection in his arm from spreading through his body. Metz is expected to survive.
Why Raymond Plumbing Shared This Story
We do not share this story to shock or upset our Lorain County readers, but to point out the real dangers that can occur when homeowners attempt to repair complex home equipment. We tend to take equipment that is part of our everyday lives for granted. When our usual interaction with a piece of equipment is limited to turning a switch or pushing a button, it’s easy to forget that we’re actually dealing with a complex machine that may contain potentially dangerous operating parts, hazardous chemicals, open flames, perilous temperatures, high voltage electricity or explosive pressures.
Installation and Repairs Can Be Risky Without A Professional
We don’t think of the home comfort equipment in our Lorain County basements as a potentially hazardous safety risk; and when it is properly installed and maintained by an experienced Lorain County plumbing, heating and air conditioning professional, it is not. But these complex systems can present a very real danger when inexperienced homeowners attempt installation or repair. Professional plumbers and HVAC technicians undergo years of specialized training and apprenticeship to learn to install and repair home comfort systems correctly and safely.
Call Raymond Plumbing for Professional Assistance
If you have a plumbing, heating or air conditioning problem in your Lorain County home or business, don’t place yourself or your family at risk. Call the experts at Raymond Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Most Lorain County residents understand the importance of scheduling seasonal performance checks of their Lorain County furnace and air conditioner. Regular performance checks keep home heating and cooling appliances operating smoothly and at peak efficiency all through the year. But the ducts through which that equipment pushes the air that heats and cools your home are taken for granted. You might run your duster or vacuum head over the vent grates when they look dirty, but most Lorain County homeowners tend to ignore heating and cooling ducts.
What Lorain County homeowners don’t realize is that dust buildup in their duct work can negatively impact both their health and their wallets. When dust accumulates in heating and cooling ducts, it traps allergens which are then blown through the home every time the furnace fan turns on. Dust, mold, pollen and other allergens are distributed through your home along with cold or warm air. Not only does dust build up impact indoor air quality, but it also impairs the performance of your furnace and air conditioner and can eventually shorten equipment life.
Seasonal cleaning of the air vent system in your Lorain County home will improve indoor air quality and ensure that your furnace and air conditioner run at peak efficiency all season long. Cleaning ducts can be a little time consuming – about 15 minutes per unit – but is not difficult.
- Turn off your furnace or air conditioner while cleaning.
- Using the crevice tool, vacuum floor, baseboard and ceiling vents. If your vacuum tool won’t reach upper vents, use a duster with an extension pole.
- Remove vent covers with a screwdriver and wash with dish soap. Use a sponge-type paint brush to get between slats.
- Using crevice tool or cobweb duster, clean inside ducts as far as you can reach.
- Replace vent covers when dry.
Maintaining your air duct system in good repair with annual spring and fall performance checks helps to ensure that your air conditioner and furnace will work efficiently all season long.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jun 04, 2010
Sounds like this summer in Lorain County is going to be a real scorcher. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicted 2010 to be one of the hottest summers on record, released first quarter temperature profiles indicating that its scientists are right on the money. January through April was the warmest quarter on record since reliable temperature records were begun in the late 1800s. The Earth’s surface temperature average was 58.1 degrees in April, 1.35 degrees warmer than the 20th century average. The planet hasn’t been this hot since 1998!
Brace for the Climate Change This Summer
One degree might not sound like much, but when you’re talking global temperature; scientists say it’s huge. Global warming means that everything on the planet got a little hotter -- oceans, land masses, air – and stayed hotter. But the bad news isn’t over for Lorain County home and business owners. The National Center for Atmospheric Research just warned the country to brace for what could be one of the worst hurricane seasons since 2005 when Katrina inundated New Orleans.
Meteorologists say wind patterns and warmer ocean temperatures are creating a perfect storm for hurricane development. They expect 15 to 20 major named storms to develop between now and the end of November. Even worse, storms are expected to incubate in the southeast Atlantic, home of 90% of the Category 4 and 100% of the Category 5 hurricanes that have battered the U.S. Just because Lorain County is hundreds of miles from the ocean doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Hurricanes moving up from the Gulf or Atlantic blanket Loraine County with rain and insufferable humidity. This summer we could fry in our own juices!
There’s never been a better reason to schedule an A/C Performance Check with your Lorain County air conditioning professional and you might want to invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner since it sounds like we’re going to be cranking the A/C all summer.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Jun 03, 2010
With the Lorain County schools closing for summer vacation soon, parents are already wracking their brains for projects to keep the kids busy. Why not start a summer project to reduce your family’s carbon footprint? Brainstorm with the kids about things they can do around the house to save energy and water. Most children learn something about environmental conservation at school so they’re sure to have some helpful suggestions. Let the kids learn by doing and keep it fun!
How to Reduce Your Family's Carbon Footprint During the Summer
To measure the real effects of your family’s energy-saving program, record water, gas and electric meter readings. Each week take new readings and let the kids practice their math skills to find out how much energy and water the family used. When consumption rates decrease, celebrate with a trip to the zoo or a walk to the local ice cream shop!
To get you and your Lorain County family started, here are a few simple ideas for reducing your family’s carbon footprint:
- Set your air conditioner thermostat up 2 degrees. A programmable thermostat makes it easy.
- Schedule your annual A/C Performance Check to make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency.
- Use ceiling fans instead of or to augment air conditioning and turn the thermostat up another degree or two.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with twisty energy-efficient CFLs.
- Unplug appliances when not in use. Vampire appliances suck up 10% of your home’s energy even when they’re not being used.
- Park the car in the garage and walk or bike around town instead of driving.
- Recycle. Pick up trash and litter when you visit parks and playgrounds and bring it home to recycle.
- Replace your old air conditioner with a new Energy Star Carrier air conditioner for big energy and budget savings.
- Air dry the laundry.
- Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, May 28, 2010
Weather forecasters are predicting a hot, humid summer that could reach triple digits. Budget-conscious Lorain County home and business owners are already searching for energy-saving tips that will help them stay cool while keeping air conditioning costs low. The following tips are guaranteed to keep you cool this summer while saving both energy and cash!
Install a New Energy-efficient Air Conditioner
Have your Lorain County air conditioning professional install a new Energy Star air conditioner. Energy-efficient air conditioners provide maximum cooling for minimum energy expenditure. Dual-speed air conditioners like Carrier’s Infinity series use 50% less energy by operating on low speed 80% of the time. Dual-speed A/C systems allow you to limit maximum high-speed cooling to when its really needed, less than 20% of total use. Energy-efficient Carrier air conditioners also use eco-friendly Puron refrigerant which protects the environment. Energy-efficient air conditioners can decrease energy consumption by 60% to 80%, which can save you a considerable amount of money on your monthly energy bill.
Schedule an Annual Air Conditioner Performance Check
Make certain to schedule an annual air conditioner performance check. Maintaining your Lorain County home or business’ air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment in peak operating condition can decrease energy use by 40% and that means more cash in your pocket.
Install a Programmable Digital Thermostat
When your Lorain County air conditioning professional comes out to perform your annual air conditioner performance check, ask him to install a programmable digital thermostat. Programmable digital thermostats allow Lorain County home and business owners to minimize energy use when they’re not at home or when the office is closed. Decreasing air conditioner use when it’s not needed minimizes energy use and maximizes savings. For every degree you raise the temperature setting on your A/C thermostat, you save 2% on your air conditioning costs.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, May 27, 2010
Despite the frozen winds and heavy snow experienced in Lorain County, Ohio and other parts of the U.S., weather experts say that worldwide the past winter was the fifth warmest winter on record. While northern Ohio and two-thirds of the U.S. struggled through a winter that was colder and snowier than normal, usually cold parts of the country including northern New England, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, experienced unusually warm temperatures from December through February. Worldwide the planet’s average temperature was 54.9 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.08 degrees above normal.
Schedule an Air Conditioner Performance Check...Experts Predict a Hot and Humid Summer!
So why talk about a winter that is blissfully fading from memory? Climatologists warn that the 2000 to 2009 decade was the warmest on record, beating out the sweltering 1990s, the previous high temperature mark. A warmer than usual worldwide winter is seen as a harbinger of continuing above-average temperatures. In other words, Lorain County could be in for a monster of a heat wave this summer. If temperature trends continue to increase, as weather experts expect them to, heat and humidity in Lorain County this summer could go from the usual hot and sticky to unbearable heat and drenching humidity. All in all, an excellent reason to make certain your air conditioner is in peak operating condition.
Win a Free A/C Performance Check!
Scheduling an annual air conditioner performance check with your plumbing, heating and air conditioning professional is the smartest way to ensure that your A/C will keep you and your family cool all summer long. During your A/C performance check, your cooling specialist will carefully inspect, clean and repair every aspect of your air conditioning system both inside and out. Annual inspections of your cooling system catch problems before they cause a breakdown and keep your air conditioner functioning efficiently, which saves you money on your utility bills. Sign up to be our fan on Facebook and you could even win a FREE A/C performance check.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, May 21, 2010
It’s a conundrum many homeowners will have to face this summer: Do you sink more money into an older, inefficient, leaking air conditioner and pay to have it recharged? or Do you apply that money to installation of a new, greener, energy-efficient air conditioner that will reduce both your carbon footprint and your utility bills?
Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But let’s look at the pros and cons for homeowners. Today the cons:
Costs to Operate an Inefficient A/C Will Contiune to Add Up
If you keep your old A/C unit and charge it up, you might get another year, maybe even two out of it. While that will save you the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s just part of the picture. Maintenance costs, particularly the expense of recharging your old air conditioner with coolant, coupled with more expensive fuel costs to operate an inefficient A/C appliance will continue to add up.
You'll Have to Have Your A/C System Inspected and Filled Every Spring Before It's Turned On
If your Lorain County air conditioning professional has to add coolant to your air conditioner, it means you’ve got a leak in the system. If the leak cannot be found and repaired, or if your unit is leaking because it’s old and wearing out, you’ll have to have your A/C system inspected and filled every spring before you turn it on. If you’re running one of the old Freon-cooled air conditioners, filling it can run several hundred dollars because the federal government is phasing out eco-damaging Freon. If you do have a leaky A/C, always have it checked and filled before turning it on or you can permanently damage the unit.
Your Old A/C May Be Poluting the Air
But the problem is greater than coolant expense. If your A/C is leaking, it’s releasing harmful ozone-producing Freon and other polluting chemicals into the air, adding to the ozone layer and your carbon footprint. The bottom line: If you keep that old A/C, you’re dumping money into something that gives you nothing back in return. Probably not the best deal.
Next time: The Pros