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.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
Take Advantage of Tax Credits on Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners
It may be difficult to think about sultry summer nights when the world outside your door is cold and snowy, but recent changes in government policy could affect the operation of your air conditioner this summer. It’s best to consider you’re A/C options now and prepare while you can take advantage of federal tax credits on new fuel-efficient air conditioners.
The EPA Banned The Use of Freon in Air Conditioners
Many homeowners cool their homes with older air conditioners that use R22 refrigerant, or Freon. Until recently, Freon was the industry standard in the manufacture of central air conditioning systems. Unfortunately, R22 refrigerant is also a notorious ozone depleter. Last summer the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of Freon in newly manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps which now use Puron, a new, environmentally-safe refrigerant.
Freon Prices Have Went Up At Least 300%
But what about the older air conditioner in your home that still uses Freon? You can still run your A/C; but if your air conditioner has developed a leak that requires recharging at the start of each cooling season, be prepared for a major price increase. Freon prices have shot up at least 300%. The fill that cost you $100 last summer will cost you at least $300 and likely more this summer. And expect the price to continue rising. Refrigerant manufacturers must stop production of R22 refrigerant on January 1, 2020. Even if your old A/C is still chugging, you’ll no longer be able to get it recharged.
Consider A New Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner
If your Freon-based air conditioner is showing signs of age, the high cost of servicing and recharging makes this a good time to consider replacing it with an energy-efficient, environmentally safe Puron air conditioner. With the federal government offering excellent tax credits on the purchase of new Energy Star air conditioners this year, why keep throwing good money after bad?
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Feb 11, 2010
Budget Energy-Efficient Upgrades This Year and Qualify for Tax Credit
Snowmagedon that buried the East Coast is just the latest in this winter’s string of extreme weather disasters. Usually snowy Vancouver had to helicopter in snow to cover Olympic ski slopes. Torrential rains resulted in massive mud slides in California. Children in Orlando got their first taste of snow. Bizarre weather has made this winter one of Alaska’s warmest and Florida’s coldest. Climatologists tell us it’s all the result of global warming which is disrupting long-standing weather patterns. In Lorain County, meteorologists say we can expect colder, snowier winters and hotter, stickier summers which means your furnace and air conditioner will be working overtime for years to come.
Maximize Energy Savings by Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump
Smart Lorain County homeowners are budgeting energy-efficient upgrades to their heating and cooling systems this year to take advantage of the Federal Stimulus Tax Credit for energy-efficient appliances. If you’re looking for a heating and cooling system that will maximize energy savings, consider having your Lorain County heating and air conditioning professional install a geothermal heat pump. A renewable energy source, geothermal heat pumps qualify for tax credit through December 31, 2016.
Geothermal Heat Pumps Qualify for a Tax Credit Through 2016
Credit for Energy Star rated geothermal heat pumps is equal to 30% of the purchase and allowed installation costs with no cap on expenses, making it the most generous tax credit available in the government’s program to encourage energy efficiency. Geothermal heat pumps make use of the Earth’s ability to conserve energy. The insulating properties of the Earth allow water to maintain a fairly constant temperature at a depth of 30 feet. Geothermal heat pumps exploit this temperature stability by creating a specialized heat exchange that draws warmth from the Earth in winter while expelling cold air from inside your house. In summer the same principal is used to draw in cool air and expel warm air. Geothermal heat pumps allow you to maintain a comfortable indoor home environment year round with minimal energy expenditure.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Feb 09, 2010
New Heat Pump Water Heater Qualifies for the Tax Credit!
Rheem’s new Heat Pump Water Heater installs in a snap so you can start saving money right away – and it qualifies for the government’s income tax credit! Double bonus! Available now from Raymond Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Lorain County, Ohio, the Rheem heat pump water heater marries state-of-the-art water heater technology with green energy-efficiency to create a superior water heater that will supply the hot water needs of a family full of teenagers without making a dent in mom and dad’s budget.
Energy-Efficient Water Heater
The new Rheem heat pump water heater installs similar to a standard electric water heater. This energy-efficient heat pump water heater makes use of the same standard connections as your old energy-gobbling water heater making it easy for your professional Lorain County plumbing contractor to switch out your old energy hog and install a new energy-conserving Rheem heat pump water heater. The narrow 21-inch diameter trim-line design allows your plumbing contractor to easily install your new Rheem heat pump water heater precisely where it will guarantee maximum energy efficiency.
Save Money with Rheem's Heat Pump Water Heater
The most advanced, energy-efficient water heater on the market today, the Rheem heat pump water heater extracts heat from the air, then intensifies that heat with a compressor before delivering it to the water. After the process, cooler air is exhausted back into the atmosphere. Instead of expending electricity or gas to heat water, the energy-efficient Rheem heat pump water heater makes use of warm ambient air, nearly halving your hot water costs. In Lorain County the annual cost to operate a standard 50-gallon electric water heater is about $520. The annual operating cost of a Rheem heat pump water heater is just $234! Even without the federal income tax credit for new energy-efficient appliances, that’s a pretty nice savings!
This heat pump water heater qualifies for the energy-efficient tax credit of up to $1,500. Click here to get the facts on the tax credit.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Feb 05, 2010
Install Ventilators to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Back when energy was cheap, many U.S. homes were not insulated or weatherized. Homeowners didn’t need to worry about indoor/outdoor air exchange. Plenty of fresh air seeped into older homes through unsealed windows, doors, chimneys and roofs. Back then, homeowners didn’t have to worry about stale air, humidity buildup or sick homes. And when the house felt cold and drafty, homeowners just cranked the furnace up another notch.
Over the last few decades, as energy costs climbed steadily, the need for more energy-efficient homes drove development of products and building techniques designed to prevent heat loss. Insulation products and weatherization practices allowed builders to create homes that were so well insulated that indoor/outdoor air exchange was practically zero. It wasn’t until families started getting sick that people realized a certain amount of air exchange is healthy for humans – and houses.
Not only did super-weatherized homes trap cold and flu germs inside where they could infect and reinfect families, these well-sealed homes didn’t allow the safe dissipation of chemical vapors emitted by building materials, household cleaners and other things we use everyday. In homes with little air exchange, these vapors could build to unhealthy levels. Another unexpected consequence was the build-up of excess humidity, promoting mold and bacteria growth. Sweating windows also rotted window frames and played havoc with paint and wallpaper. Families feared they were sacrificing their health for energy efficiency.
Ventilators Draw Fresh Air In, Then Distribute Air Through The Home
The solution was simple. Heating and cooling professionals started installing ventilators to draw fresh air into homes and expel stale air and excess humidity. Ventilators draw fresh air in through a filter, heat or cool the air, then distribute it through the home. Indoor air stays fresh and warm or cool while stale, humid air is expelled. Homeowners now enjoy the best of both worlds. Safe, fresh, well-ventilated air and energy-efficient homes.
Are you worried about the air you breathe in your home? Find out if your home's air is polluted with a simple diagnostic test called the AirAdvice™ Indoor Air Analysis. Register with us online today!
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.