Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Aug 27, 2010
August may be coming to a close but summer’s heat will be with us for a while longer, warn Lorain County weather forecasters. If you haven’t converted your energy-guzzling air conditioner to a new, energy-efficient Carrier air conditioning system, there’s still time to make the change and cash in on Uncle Sam’s Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements. Investing in an Energy Star-rated home comfort appliance is an excellent way to put a little of that federal stimulus money into your own pocket for a change. Click here to get Raymond’s free tax credit facts sheet.
Investing in an energy-efficient Carrier Infinity, Performance or Comfort air conditioner will do more than save money on next April’s federal income taxes. An energy-efficient A/C costs less to operate than older, less efficient models. When your Lorain County air conditioning professional installs an energy-sipping air conditioner in your home or business, you’ll begin to realize significant savings on your monthly utility bill immediately. And those savings will continue for the life of the unit. In just a few years, your new air conditioner will pay for itself.
The savings generated by energy-efficient air conditioners are not just monetary. When you use energy-efficient appliances, you reduce your carbon footprint and help save the environment. All Carrier energy-efficient air conditioners use eco-friendly Puron refrigerant, not the ozone-damaging Freon used by older A/C units. With global warming increasing, record-breaking heat waves are predicted to become the summertime norm in Lorain County. Reducing your personal carbon footprint is one of the most productive personal actions you can take to protect the environment.
Energy-efficient appliances save money and save the environment. Sounds like a win-win for Lorain County residents!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Mon, Aug 09, 2010
The Number One Factor People Go Green
What motivates most companies – and people -- to go green? Interestingly, for most Americans, the No. 1 factor in adopting energy-efficient, sustainable products and practices is not a desire to improve the planet or halt global warming, it’s money! Yep, business owners and ordinary folks in Lorain County go green to save green!
A whopping 97% of American businesses ranked saving money as their primary reason for investing in energy-efficient appliances, products and systems, according to a nationwide survey of corporate energy decision-makers conducted by Johnson Controls. Other decision-making factors paled in importance to saving money when energy use was on the line. In a close tie for a distant second place were:
- Enhancing their public image or brand motivated 63% of U.S. companies to go green.
- Government and utility company rebates and incentives were cited as a motivating factor by 62% of the firms surveyed. (As many noted, another way to save money.)
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions motivated 62% of survey participants.
How Energy-efficient Home Comfort Appliances Save Money
Individual Lorain County citizens are more likely than their corporate counterparts to go green as a matter of conscience, but saving money clearly provides an undeniably huge incentive to save energy whether you’re an individual or a huge conglomerate. Federal tax credits and Ohio rebates have spurred Lorain County sales of energy-efficient heat and cooling systems, heat pumps and hot water heaters. Lorain County consumers concerned about the initial cost of investing in energy-efficient home comfort appliances will be glad to hear that investment costs are generally recouped within a few years at most. After that, energy costs plummet to zero which means that once you’ve recouped your investment, energy use is free! You can’t beat that for saving money!
Reserve Your Rebate Today
Note to Lorain County consumers: If you’ve been thinking about taking advantage of Ohio’s appliance rebate program to install an energy-efficient water heater, stop dragging your feet. The Ohio Department of Development which oversees the rebate program is considering reassigning funds earmarked for water heaters to other appliances like refrigerators and clothes washers. Don’t lose out! Reserve your Ohio rebate today and contact Raymond Plumbing to schedule installation of an energy-efficient water heater.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Mon, Aug 02, 2010
Solar power is the ultimate green resource. It creates clean energy from the sun’s rays without producing harmful byproducts or emissions. No wonder Ohio is rushing to turn itself into a solar power Mecca. Forward-thinking Lorain County homeowners, business owners and property owners are exploring the power of solar energy for they know the cost-benefit ratio will only improve over time.
Solar Energy Offers Significant Benefits And Savings
Large scale solar energy projects are still relatively new, generating the usual uncertainty among those who have yet to become converts. If the experience of Pennsylvania real estate developer L.A. Davis is any indication, putting aside those fears and embracing solar energy use in homes, commercial buildings and multi-family properties offers significant benefits – and savings -- to both property owners and their tenants.
Davis, who has been developing real estate for two decades, has spent the last four years retrofitting properties in Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. to improve energy efficiency. Installation of solar panels to help power heating and cooling systems and generate hot water has brought down not only his energy bills as a property owner, but dramatically decreased the monthly utility bills of his low-income tenants.
Davis’ actions go against the main stream. Because tenants usually pay their own utility bills, most property owners are not motivated to reduce energy costs or improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Davis calls this short-sighted thinking. Davis said providing more affordable housing for his tenants has resulted in a greater number of long-term tenants, fewer costly evictions and utility reconnections and decreased legal fees. He says his investment in energy-efficient solar energy has paid off financially and in improved tenant relations. Davis shares his experience, know-how and advice with other landlords on www.SolarLandlord.com.
Get Started With An Energy Saving Solar Water Heater
Lorain County homeowners who are ready to embrace solar power can get started with an energy-saving solar water heater. Call your Lorain County plumbing professional to discuss installation of a solar water heater today.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Mon, Jul 26, 2010
Old Habits of Water Conservation
If you’re into water conservation, you’ve probably heard the eco-ditty: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” It refers, of course, to toilet flushing habits. The idea is that less flushing conserves more water. While an admirable sentiment, the practice can be startling to unprepared Lorain County homeowners or their visitors. The solution is to have your Lorain County plumbing professional install dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets let you save water without offending your grandmother’s sensibilities when she raises the toilet lid.
New Water Conservation Habits
Newer, water-efficient toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Older toilets, however, use 4 to 6 gallons of water per flush. Dual-flush toilets are designed to use less water to flush waste. First developed in Australia in 1980, dual-flush toilets are just beginning to become popular with mainstream America. States where drought conditions are common were among the first to embrace and promote their use. Dual-flush toilets use a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, chopping water use in half. Users choose the amount of water to be used by pushing the toilet handle one way for a half flush or in the other direction for a full flush.
Results of Poor Water Conservation
By 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 36 states will be fighting serious water shortages brought on by drought, inefficient water management, increased consumer demand and aging water system infrastructures. The Southwest and portions of California have been struggling with water shortages and been forced to impose strict water rationing for years.
Current News On Water Conservation
Dual-flush toilets are now a standard feature in green building designs. When the U.S. National Park Service constructed a new visitors’ center at Denali National Park in Alaska, dual-flush toilets were installed in all the restrooms.
Conserve Water And Save Money
Installing dual-flush toilets decreases your water use (good for the environment) while decreasing your water and sewer bills (good for your bank account). Definitely a win-win choice!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jul 23, 2010
Solar Energy On The Rise In Ohio
West of Lorain County, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, rows of solar panels line what used to be cornfields in the biggest solar energy project yet in Ohio. The 80-acre solar complex being financed by American Municipal Power is expected to produce 12 megawatts of power. The Columbus-based non-profit utility company has plans to grow this initial investment 25 fold, within the next few years creating the nation’s largest solar power grid with a capacity to produce 300 megawatts of electricity across several states.
Solar energy is experiencing a tremendous growth spurt. AMP, which provides power for many municipalities in Ohio and neighboring states, is just one of the players jumping on the solar band wagon. AMP is focusing on creating alternative power sources to serve peak demand periods such as the summer air conditioning season when electrical use – and expense to consumers – skyrockets. By creating cheaper solar power to handle critical use periods, AMP expects to bring down the cost of electrical power for its consumers.
Solar energy engineers say the idea is definitely doable. Ohio receives an average 4 kilowatt-hours (kwh) of sun per day, ample to effectively power photovoltaic panels, particularly in the summer. According to the Department of Energy, the average U.S. household uses 11,040 kwh of electricity per year, or about 30 kwh per day. At that rate, about 80 square feet of solar panels would be required to power one Lorain County home for a year. However, meeting the needs of summer peak use and using the higher kilowatt-hour output of the summer sun would require fewer solar panels.
Try Out A Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters now available to Lorain County residents require only a minor solar panel installation to provide year-round hot water. Professional installation is required for these complex systems, but they easily pay for themselves within 7 years after which all of your hot water is free!
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 Mon, Jul 19, 2010
Still Time To Get Cash For Clunkers
If you’ve been putting off purchasing a new energy-efficient home appliance, you’re in luck! There’s still money available in Ohio’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program and the state is anxious to hand that cash out to qualifying Lorain County residents. Of the $11 million originally set aside for Ohio’s cash for clunker appliances program, $9.8 million has been distributed since the program began in March. Fortunately for procrastinators, nearly $250,000 is still left in the fund and available to Ohio residents who decide to upgrade their energy-gobbling home appliances to new energy-sipping Energy Star appliances.
Save Money With Rebates
Lorain County residents can get Ohio rebates on energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, electric heat pump water heaters and high-efficiency gas storage water heaters. Rebates range from $100 to $250 and vary by appliance. Details can be obtained from the state website at www.OhioApplianceRebate.com or by calling 1-888-686-8896. To obtain a rebate, Lorain County residents must reserve a rebate online or via phone, purchase an energy-efficient appliance within three days, recycle their old appliance and submit required information to the rebate center. Eight to 10 weeks later they’ll receive their rebate check.
Combine Rebate With Your Tax Credit
By the beginning of July, the state had mailed out 51,481 rebate checks to energy-savvy Ohio residents. Many Lorain County residents who are purchasing high-efficiency gas water heaters and heat pump water headers are combining their Ohio rebate with the Federal Stimulus Tax Credit to maximize their savings. Of course, the money these energy-efficient appliances will save them on their monthly energy bills stands to at least triple their savings!
If you’re ready to start saving energy – and cash – the energy experts at Raymond Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can answer your questions and help you select the energy-efficient appliances that will best meet your needs. Give us a call today for a free installation estimate!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jul 16, 2010
Solar Water Heaters In Lorain County
Solar water heaters are among the new green appliances available to increase energy efficiency in Lorain County homes. Lorain County provides plenty of sunshine to make solar water heaters a smart, money-saving investment for Northeast Ohio homeowners.
Leave Installation To The Pros
Several different types of solar water heaters are being marketed. All require installation by a Lorain County plumbing professional experienced in the installation of complex systems such as geothermal heat pumps, backflow devices, radiant floor installations and HVAC systems.
All solar water heaters have two basic components:
- Solar collectors to capture the sun’s energy and heat water.
- Well-insulated storage tanks to store the hot water for use.
Active Solar Water Heater Systems
Transfer of the sun’s heat to household water is accomplished either through “passive” systems using direct heat transfer or via “active” systems that rely on circulating pumps and controls. In climates where the temperatures rarely plummet below freezing, active systems employ direct circulation to pump household water through solar collectors and into the home. However, in climates like ours, active systems that employ indirect circulation work best. In these systems, non-freezing fluid is pumped through the solar collectors and a heat exchanger to transfer heat to household water.
Passive Solar Water Heater Systems
Passive solar water heaters are less efficient than active systems but are somewhat cheaper because they lack the pumps and controls of active systems. Integral collector-storage systems are typical in warmer areas, but in Lorain County thermosyphon systems are more productive. These systems rely on the natural rising of warm water and sinking of cool water to function. Solar collectors are installed below the storage tank, allowing warm water to rise into the tank.
If you’re ready to save money and enjoy unlimited hot water courtesy of the sun, contact an experienced Raymond Plumbing professional today.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Just think, if you had an energy-efficient geothermal heat pump with a waste recovery unit installed in your Lorain County home, not only would you be saving big bucks on your energy bills, you’d be enjoying FREE hot water all summer long. No more waiting for the dishwasher to finish cycling before you hop in the shower or worrying about how many showers your grooming-conscious teens are taking. Connecting a waste recovery unit to your geothermal heat pump ensures plenty of hot water for the whole family this summer -- and it won’t cost you a dime!
How A Geothermal Heat Pump Can Save Money
Geothermal heat pumps tap into the Earth’s natural temperature regulating capabilities to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Geothermal heat pumps offer savvy Lorain County consumers real cost savings on their energy bills. Properly installed by your Lorain County plumbing, heating and air conditioner professional, a geothermal heat pump can save Lorain County homeowners from 50% to 70% on winter heating bills and up to 40% on summer air conditioning costs. Plus, purchase and installation of a geothermal heat pump this year qualifies for Federal Stimulus Tax Credits which could save you a nice chunk of change on your income taxes. The geothermal tax credit is available through December 31, 2016 and provides a 30% income tax credit on installed costs with no maximum limit.
Geothermal heat pumps capitalize on the ground’s natural ability to conserve energy. At a dept of 30 feet, ground water maintains a constant temperature throughout the year. The units work by transferring heat and cold between your home and the ground via a piped water system. In the summer, a by-product of that heat transfer is plenty of nice, hot water, free for the taking when you have a geothermal heat pump!
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Jun 08, 2010
Lorain County home improvement stores are showcasing supplies for summer projects, and homeowners have started to make to-do lists. With the cost of energy going up each year, it just makes sense to add increasing the energy efficiency of your Lorain County home to your summer to-do list. Reducing your home’s energy consumption will not only reduce your family’s carbon footprint (good for the environment), it will decrease your monthly utility bills (good for your family budget).
There are many home comfort appliances on the market today that are built to minimize energy use while maximizing energy output. Federal income tax rebates and Ohio appliance clunker programs make this an excellent year to upgrade old energy-guzzling appliances with new energy-efficient models. Consider the energy-efficient options below, then call your Lorain County plumbing, heating and air conditioning expert to schedule a free installation estimate. Knowledgeable Raymond professionals can discuss your family’s energy needs and recommend energy-efficient appliances that will reduce energy use while improving home comfort.
- Energy-efficient central air conditioners use eco-safe Puron refrigerant that won’t damage the ozone. Carrier’s two-speed air conditioners save 50% energy by running on low speed 80% of the time. The high-speed cycle is used only to bring your Lorain County home down to a comfortable temperature. Superior air circulation eliminates hot spots, providing even cooling throughout your home.
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Enter Raymond’s Facebook contest to win a FREE A/C Performance Check to keep your current A/C system running smoothly. While he’s there, ask your Raymond A/C professional to evaluate your cooling system and recommend energy-efficient improvements.
- Heat pumps harness the Earth’s natural temperature regulating ability to maintain a comfortable, even temperature in your home year round.
- Geothermal heat pumps provide free hot water all summer while improving heating and cooling comfort.
- Programmable thermostats save energy by cooling your house only when you’re home.