Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Sep 03, 2010
A new energy-saving program aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Lorain County homes has recently been launched by Columbia Gas and Raymond Plumbing is here to help you take full advantage of the program. The program will take advantage of multiple rebates and federal tax credits now being offered for energy-efficient home improvements. Many of these money-saving rebates expire at the end of the year, so Lorain County residents are urged to sign up for the Home Performance Solutions program fast.
The Home Performance Solutions program begins with an energy audit to identify where your home is wasting energy – and your hard-earned money – and target improvement areas. Lorain County homeowners will receive a detailed energy use report that specifies energy-saving tips along with estimated energy savings and applicable rebates for implementing recommended energy-efficient home improvements. Owners of gas-heated homes who use 1,000 Ccf of natural gas or more per year will profit most from this program.
For a limited time, Columbia Gas is offering Lorain County residents a complete home energy audit for just $50, a fraction of its $500 value. Generous energy efficient home improvement rebates and tax credits available through December 31, 2010, can save Lorain County homeowners as much as 70% off the cost of installing recommended home improvements.
But the savings don’t stop there. Installation of energy-efficient gas furnaces and other home improvements can reduce your natural gas use by as much as 30%, a savings you will continue to enjoy year after year. Now is the time to take advantage of multiple money-saving offers to cut your energy use and your gas bill. Contact Raymond Plumbing today for more information.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Aug 13, 2010
Northern Ohio is Becoming a Mecca for Green Energy Initiatives
Less than 10% of America’s energy needs are supplied by renewable resources, but a growing number of Lorain County heating, cooling and plumbing professionals, home builders, individual residents and newly-minted alternative energy companies are working to increase that figure. Northern Ohio is becoming a Mecca for the state’s green energy initiatives. A solar cell power grid is replacing corn in farm fields near Upper Sandusky. Wind turbines are rising along Lake Erie’s shores to catch the winds crossing the lake. The state’s energy-efficient appliance rebate program has encouraged countless Lorain County residents to invest in Energy Star air conditioners and furnaces, heat pumps and solar-powered water heaters.
A Green House has Sprouted at the Ohio State Fair
Showcasing many of the new energy-efficient technologies and products now available to Lorain County residents, a “green” house has sprouted at this year’s Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Constructed from 21-inch thick earthen blocks that provide natural insulation, the home was designed to minimize heating and cooling requirements. Solar panels adorn the building’s roof to provide electricity. A radiant heat system was built into the floor to keep the home warm in winter while reducing furnace use. And those are just a few of the fascinating technologies on display at the green house.
After the fair, the green house is slated to become a permanent site fixture on the fairgrounds that will be used to promote renewable energy sources and eco-friendly products. In its current demonstration mode (some wall and floor areas have been exposed to reveal the energy-saving technology behind them) the home may not be move-in ready, but add few energy-efficient appliances like an Energy Star air conditioner and a solar-powered hot water heater and it could create a cozy home for a Lorain County family.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Mon, Jun 28, 2010
Climate Change Shows Evidence That Warmer Summers Will Become The Norm
Climate researchers say May 2010 was the hottest May on record. With more high 80 and 90-degree temperatures bearing down on Lorain County this week, June is already following in May’s sizzling footsteps. If climatologists are correct – and so far they’ve been right on the money – Lorain County residents can expect hotter than normal temperatures to become the norm in northern Ohio. Since 1985, scientists say the planet has been experiencing exceptionally warm weather worldwide. Temperatures around the world have been exhibiting a distinct upward trend for decades. May marked the 303rd consecutive month that was warmer than its 20th-century average, according to information released by the U.S. National Climatic Data Center.
Don't Expect Warmer Winters In Lorain County
Interestingly, hotter summers don’t necessarily mean warmer winters as might be expected. Over the past few years, erratic wind currents in the upper atmosphere have wrought havoc with winter weather patterns around the planet. At last week’s meeting of International Polar Year researchers, scientists warned that the current pattern of brutal winters is expected continue in parts of North America, Europe and eastern Asia next year and into the foreseeable future. James Overland, a leading U.S. climatologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicted, “Cold and snowy winters will be the rule rather than the exception.”
Save Money Now With Energy Efficient Products
If, as climatologists predict, greater temperature extremes and more severe storms are to be the norm here in Lorain County, smart homeowners will invest now in energy-efficient air conditioners and Energy-Star furnaces. With Ohio offering money-saving rebates on many Energy Star appliances and the federal government offering lucrative income tax credits on the installation of energy-efficient home comfort appliances, this is the perfect time to contact your Lorain County plumbing, heating and air conditioning professional about upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace and air conditioner.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Apr 23, 2010
Decrease the Amount of Energy You Use to Protect Our Planet
If they have done anything, this winter’s bizarre winter storms have placed new emphasis on our need to protect our planet. Climatologists tell us the unusual storm patterns that have dumped record snowfalls on the East Coast, sent the temperature plummeting in Lorain County, turned California into a mud bath and forced usually snowy Vancouver to import snow for the Olympics are all signs of global warming. What’s more, we can expect fiercer storms and weird weather patterns to continue into spring and fall and, in fact, become the norm. Everything each of us can do to decrease the amount of energy we use and limit the harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere helps to relieve environmental stress and protect our planet.
Install Eco-Friendly Appliances and Make a Difference
Individuals can make a difference by choosing to have their Lorain County heating, cooling and plumbing professional install eco-friendly appliances in their homes. Some of the eco-friendly choices you can make to protect the environment include:
- Install an energy-efficient gas furnace to heat your home.
- Use an energy-efficient Puron air conditioner to cool your home. The next generation A/C refrigerant, Puron doesn’t release harmful ozone-depleting fluorocarbons into the atmosphere like Freon does.
- Consider using an eco-friendly heat pump to boost heating and air conditioning power by harnessing the Earth’s natural ability to regulate heat.
- Install an energy-efficient programmable thermostat to automatically reduce furnace or air conditioning use when you aren’t home.
- Make use of geo-thermal water heaters to harness the Earth’s heat to provide unlimited free hot water for your entire home.
Best of all, when you have your Lorain County plumbing, heating or air conditioning professional install certain energy-efficient appliances in your home this year, they may qualify for the federal government’s tax credit program which will save you money on your 2010 income taxes. Geothermal tax credits for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters continue through 2016.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Apr 16, 2010
You snooze; you lose. Ohio’s Cash for Clunkers appliance rebate program is already running out of cash. Lorain County residents who want to cash in on their purchase of qualifying Energy Star home appliances had better hurry. Ohioans have already reserved 66,291 rebates and redeemed half of them. Of the $11 million set aside for the rebate program, only $2.3 million are left. Energy Star dishwasher, refrigerator and clothes washer rebates are nearly gone. About half of the $100 rebates available for high-efficiency gas storage water heaters half of the $250 electric heat-pump water heater rebates remain unclaimed. To cash in on the Ohio appliance rebate program, residents must reserve their rebate by calling 1-888-686-8896 or logging onto www.OhioApplianceRebate.com.
The Ohio rebate is just one of several programs offered in 2009 and 2010 to encourage people to retire their energy-guzzling appliances and buy energy-smart models. Last year the federal government rolled out the Federal Stimulus Tax Credit program that provides tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements. There are a few things Lorain County residents should about tax credits before filling out your income tax forms.
There are two types of tax credits:
- Refundable credits can result in a tax refund even if you pay little or no tax.
- Non-refundable credits lower your tax bill but never below zero.
The federal tax credits that apply to the purchase and installation of energy-efficient appliances are non-refundable tax credits. If you had a qualifying Energy Star central air conditioner, gas furnace or heat pump installed in 2009 or 2010 (2012 for heat pumps), you can claim a 30% tax credit up to $1500. You may also be eligible for additional energy credits related to other home improvements. This tax credit can reduce your tax liability, perhaps even down to 0, but cannot result in a tax refund. Consult your accountant for details.
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 Thu, Feb 04, 2010
This winter’s bizarre weather patterns are enough to confuse any weather forecaster, even the four-legged furry kind. Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil and Ohio’s favorite groundhog, Buckeye Chuck, couldn’t agree on when this winter’s cold, snowy weather would end. Apparently, nature’s pros are having as much trouble as our local Lorain County weather forecasters predicting this winter’s erratic weather patterns.
Six More Weeks of Winter. Stay Warm With an Energy Efficient Gas Furnace
Famed weather seer Punxsutawney Phil reportedly saw his shadow Tuesday, dooming us to six more weeks of winter. Surrounded by the press and hundreds of fans, Phil gibbered his forecast to his handlers in the traditional dawn ceremony on Gobbler’s Knob. Though not as nationally famous as Phil, Ohio’s own Buckeye Chuck is the hometown favorite when it comes to Groundhog Day weather predictions. When Chuck stuck his nose out of his Marion, Ohio burrow, all he saw were gray, overcast skies and falling snow. With no shadow in sight, Chuck predicted an early spring before burrowing back down into his cozy den.
While German tradition holds that we’ll have six more weeks of winter if a groundhog sees his shadow on February 2, who are you going to believe when the pros disagree? Since most Lorain County homeowners are getting tired of wielding the old snow shovel, we’re siding with Buckeye Chuck. When in doubt, always go with the hometown favorite.
Whether spring comes early to Lorain County or we’re forced to slog through six more weeks of cold weather, an energy efficient gas furnace will keep your Lorain County home warm and toasty. Purchase and installation of a new Energy Star rated energy efficient furnace can earn you a nice tax credit on your federal income taxes. Buy a top-rated energy efficient Carrier Infinity gas furnace during February and you’ll receive a free Puron air conditioner with Raymond's Go Green This Winter promotion.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Feb 03, 2010
As temperatures dip below freezing, homeowners can practically hear their utility meters clicking off the dollars. Studies show that saving money is the primary motivator for saving energy. Decreasing environmental impact is important, but keeping expenses low is the biggest reason people turn down the thermostat and buy energy efficient appliances.
The most effective way to save energy and decrease your utility bills is to have an energy-efficient furnace installed by your heating professional. Heating and cooling technology has advanced considerably in the last few years with the national focus on energy efficiency driving significant improvements in furnace and air conditioning materials and construction. Today’s energy efficient furnaces and air conditioners are 96% efficient compared to older furnaces that were only 70% efficient when they were new. New energy-efficient furnaces and air conditioners are also eligible for federal tax credits.
The best way to bring down utility bills is to use energy-efficient appliances, but there are a few simple things you can do to start saving energy – and money -- today:
- Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees during the day and 60 to 65 degrees at night. Every degree under 70 can save you 10% on the electric portion of your heating bill.
- Turn your thermostat down whenever you leave your home. Installing an energy efficient programmable thermostat makes it easy to save energy when you’re not home.
- Use portable heaters sparingly; they’re tremendous energy guzzlers. It can cost you $149 a month to run a 1500-watt heater full time.
- Have your heating professional test your air ducts for leaks. Repairing leaky ducts can save you up to a third on heating and cooling bills.
- Turning your water heater down to 120 degrees can save you up to $85 a year. Installing an energy-efficient water heater will save you even more.
Start saving money today with energy-efficient equipment! Schedule a FREE estimate on all installation projects.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jan 29, 2010
While some Northern Ohio furnaces run on heating oil, most U.S. homes are heated by natural gas-burning furnaces.
How Gas Furnaces Work
Here’s how gas furnaces work. Hot gases created by the burning gas pass through curved metal tubing called a heat exchanger, then exit your home through a vent pipe. At the same time, the air circulating through your home is directed over the heat exchanger where it absorbs the heat from the hot metal. This warmed air is then circulated through your home by the furnace fan.
Why does gas smell like rotting eggs? The natural gas used to run your furnace is an odorless, colorless, highly-flammable gas. Because natural gas can be highly dangerous, particularly in enclosed spaces like your home, a minute amount (less than 1%) of ethyl mercaptan is added to serve as a warning should a gas leak develop. This stinky additive creates the distinctive sulfuric smell associated with natural gas.
Natural Gas can be Dangerous to your Health
Why is gas dangerous? Natural gas is an asphyxiant that can cause suffocation and death. As natural gas leaks into the air, it displaces the air’s oxygen content. When the oxygen level drops below 19.5%, suffocation gradually occurs. Asphyxiation progresses through several stages. At first breathing and pulse rates increase. Headache, nausea and drowsiness develop. Vision problems may be experienced with dizziness and confusion. As the level of gas increases, muscle coordination fails. Muscles feel weak and develop tremors. As oxygen levels fall below 8%, unconsciousness (narcosis) occurs. Extremities become numb and turn bluish (cyanosis) from lack of oxygen in the blood. The central nervous system is permanently damaged and death follows. If oxygen levels continue to decrease below 6.5% to 3.8%, the gas ignites.
A tragic scenario and one that can be avoided with an annual Heating Performance Check by a licensed home heating professional. It is not to late to have a heating performance check. Schedule today!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Jan 28, 2010
$1500 Income Tax Credit on Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Lorain County residents still have time to cash in on the government’s new energy tax credit. The federal government is offering up to a $1500 income tax credit on the purchase and installation of certain energy-efficient appliances. While many Lorain County residents worried that they had missed the boat and that the program had expired at the end of last year, we want to reassure folks that’s there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of this money-saving program. Federal income tax credits on the purchase and installation of energy-efficient furnaces, central air conditioners, water heaters, heat pumps, boilers, circulating fans and other Energy Star rated appliances will continue all year long through December 31, 2010 (2016 for heat pumps). Click here to download a free information packet about the $1500 tax credit.
Save Money on your Utility Bill
While Lorain County residents have all year to take advantage of the government’s tax credit offer, there are important reasons to make the switch now. Why wait? The sooner you start using energy-efficient Energy Star appliances in your home, the sooner you start saving energy and cash on your monthly utility bills. Using Energy Star appliances in your Lorain County home can reduce your monthly utility bill by as much as 30%. The sooner you switch the more you save.
But if you’re considering replacing your furnace or central air conditioner, you should definitely make your move now. Until February 28, 2019, Raymond Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning will give you a brand new, energy-efficient Puron air conditioner with the purchase and professional installation of an Energy Star Carrier Infinity high-efficiency furnace. Our Go Green this Winter is a deal that just can’t be beat. Not only do you get a top-rated energy-efficient furnace packed with top-of-the-line features, but you get a free super energy-efficient air conditioner and you can collect on the fed’s tax credit for both appliances.
You just can’t beat this offer. The time to act is now!