Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Jan 31, 2012
The digital age has been responsible for making everything from work communications to how we spend our leisure time easier and more personally satisfying. Many are telecommuting and no longer have to drive to the office. Our children are easier to keep track of with cell phones and we can access our emails from any location. Our televisions can be used for video games and we can access just about any movie or television show we may have missed all by using a remote control.
Moen ioDIGITAL Vertical Spa Installation
Now even the time you spend in the shower has been digitally enhanced by a product available from the Moen Corporation. This unique innovation called the ioDIGITAL can be installed when building a new home or when remodeling. Homeoweners can program their perferred shower settings to memory and can dial in their precise water temperature with the ioDIGITAL controller. See how the ioDIGITAL works and watch Raymond Plumbing install Moen's ioDIGITAL Vertical Spa with ease.
Raymond Plumbing and Heating has installed this shower system in an Ohio home that is over 100 years old and we can do the same for you. The body spray option has been available for some time as has the personal hand shower. This system has those plus a rainshower and you can choose which ones you want to use with the digital controller placed on the shower wall. This controller also adjusts the water temperature and you can even make adjustments using a remote control.
Another advantage to this unique system is that you can choose shower heads that use less water and save some money at the same time as having a comfortable and fashionable shower. Our video is a great aide in showing what this digital system offers and your Lorain County plumbing contractor has all the experience needed to install it properly.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Mon, Jan 30, 2012
Manage the Climate in your Home with a Zoned Heating System
The thermostat is readily accessible to everyone in the house. This accessibility is convenient but can lead to some problems, especially during the really warm and really cold times of the year. The thermostat ensures that the room it is in reaches the temperature set but other rooms may be warmer or colder and raising the thermostat affects every room.
This can be taken care of by looking into zoned heating and cooling systems. These systems can keep the rooms with special needs just as comfortable as the living room, family room and kitchen without wasting energy. Some rooms may have more glass due to large windows and even a large glass door with exposure to the outside and may be warmer or cooler than you want them to be.
With a zoned heating system dampers in ductwork and separate thermostats can help you manage the climate in these areas. The best part about zoned HVAC systems is that a more even distribution of the conditioned air will maximize comfort at the same time as discouraging the constant adjustment of the thermostat.
Most homes could probably be divided into two or three sections with a zoned heating and cooling system. The areas would have their own thermostats and the heated or cooled air would only be going to those areas that really needed it. The multiple thermostats can be adjusted accordingly when no one will be in certain sections of the home to save money on your utility bill.
Decrease your Energy Usage with a Zoned System
The zoned system is just one of the ways to decrease your energy usage that can be discussed with a Lorain County HVAC contractor. Making large scale changes like a new HVAC system may not be necessary for your home. Making changes such as adding the zone system or a programmable thermostat may be all you need to cut your energy bill by up to 25%.
photo credit: Joelk75
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Jan 24, 2012
The Carrier Corporation and Raymond Plumbing and Heating have a special offer for those who want to upgrade their furnace. If you have been thinking about making your home more energy efficient and adding a system that is better for the environment, while saving you money, this is a deal you won’t want to pass up.
Get a Free Carrier Puron Air Conditioner When you Purchase
Carrier Infinity Gas Furnace
A purchase of the Carrier Infinity Gas Furnace with a matching Infinity Control or Edge thermostat will qualify you for a free Carrier Puron air conditioning system. You may also qualify if you combine the furnace purchase with a Carrier Air Handler and heat pump. The new systems have to be installed by our HVAC professionals by February 29 to get the free air conditioning system.
Carrier is making this upgrade an affordable option for the Lorain County area and has combined this offer with the latest in programmable thermostats. Both the Edge and Infinity thermostats can be programmed for an entire week and accessed by computer or Smartphone when you are away. These thermostats are a tremendous ally in the effort to reduce your utility bills.
The heat pump is another incredible green option that helps heat the home in the winter and partner with the air conditioner in the summer to keep energy prices low all year round. This heat pump will be combined with a more efficient system and thermostat keeping prices lower than you might have thought possible.
For information about this special offer available through Raymond Plumbing, click here! Call us to schedule an appointment - it’s time to go green and save some green with Carrier and Raymond Plumbing and Heating.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jan 20, 2012
The 32,000 lights that made up the ball that helped ring in the New Year in Times Square were highly efficient LED lights. These lights can be thought of as an energy efficient symbol for what the United States should be doing for this year. There are many proposals on the table to make the goal of using less energy a fact nationally. Some states have already enacted laws to make energy efficiency a priority for the coming year.
Nationally the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act was introduced last year and has been endorsed by the Senate Energy Committee. It is the bill’s goal to create jobs while increasing the use of energy efficient technologies in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. This will be achieved through a number of loan programs.
The bill hopes to see manufacturers and efficiency advocates come together on efficiency standards for outdoor lighting, heating and cooling systems and residential appliances. The federal government will be required to use energy saving techniques and, if passed, the law would strengthen building codes to make new homes and commercial buildings more energy efficient.
Many states have been rewarding energy efficiency with programs and rebates and that will continue in 2012. Maryland and Texas have just passed legislation to increase energy efficiency codes for new homes built. Texas believes its new energy code will save the homeowner 15% on their energy bill. Lorain County home buyers can expect Ohio to establish new energy codes this year similar to what Texas and Maryland have done.
The Lorain County HVAC contractor is well aware of the current standards for new buildings but they also have many options available that will make an older home more energy efficient. Energy Star rated water heaters, furnaces and central air conditioning systems can be installed by this pro to help you see substantial savings on your utility bill.
picture credit: davehunt82
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Jan 19, 2012
The Knotty Pine Eatery in Vermillion Ohio was open for business early last year. When the summer rolled around they found that the existing air conditioning system was not getting the job done. It would have been impossible to keep customers comfortable, especially those seated close to the kitchen, during the dog days of summer without a properly functioning air conditioning system. Installing a new traditional system, along with new duct work, would have forced the fledgling business to close the doors for remodeling.
Why You Should Consider a Split Air Conditioning System
Thankfully the expert technicians at Raymond Plumbing and Heating had a perfect solution for the new business - a ductless split air conditioning system. Installing this type of system is faster and less labor intensive than a traditional unit which allowed the new restaurant to stay open during the upgrade while quickly creating the perfect environment for their customers. Diners could eat their food in air conditioned comfort and enjoy some quiet dinner conversation because, unlike a window unit, the noise for this system is kept outside.
This type of business is not the only one that might want to consider a split air conditioning system. An office that relies on telephone contact with customers would be served very well by this kind of system as well. A business that has a large amount of computers sharing a network could also use a ductless split system keep their server room at ideal temperatures if the room had no ducts installed.
Ductless systems offer a perfect solution for buildings that were originally built without the need for specific climate control. If your business could benefit from a high efficiency HVAC unit but currently has no duct work installed, contact Raymond today to find out about this convenient and affordable solution.
picture credit: http://www.vermilionohio.com/
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Tue, Jan 17, 2012
Avoid Paying Higher Oil Prices This Winter
Bloomberg Business News reported on December 27 that the American consumer is feeling more confident going into the New Year. Oil speculators see this confidence as a possible reason to believe in increased use of heating oil in the near future. Unfortunately the ongoing tension surrounding Iran is also contributing to the expected bounce in oil prices.
The hope is that tensions ease and this problem will not contribute to more consumer negativity and a continuation of economic stagnation. Heating oil prices in Lorain County will undoubtedly be affected by these events. This makes now the perfect time to investigate what can be done locally to ease the effects of world politics on our homes and local businesses.
Check Your Home for Drafts and Eliminate Them to Reduce Your Heating Bill
Checking your home for drafts and eliminating them is one way to reduce your heating bill. You can accomplish this by lighting a candle or incense stick and placing it by doors, windows and even electric receptacles. Any wind coming into your home will make the candle flicker or cause the smoke from the incense to move away from the draft.
If there are drafts coming into your home there may very well be a fast and easy fix that will help you reduce your utility bill. There are insulating plates you can purchase for the receptacles. Caulk and weather-stripping can fix drafts around both the windows and doors and a rubber door sweep can minimize drafts coming in under your door.
Convert Your Home from Oil Heat to Propane
A larger project may be in order if you really want to avoid paying higher oil prices this winter. A Lorain County heating and air conditioning contractor can convert your home from oil heat to propane. This may seem drastic, but increased oil prices seem to be a fact for now and the future and an upgraded unit could save you money on your utility bill for years to come.
Picture Credit: drburtoni
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jan 13, 2012
The Low Income Energy Assistance Plan has been cut by 45% for 2012
A number of Northeastern Senators are currently trying to pass a bill that will provide additional funding bringing the 2012 total up to what was available last year. The cuts were made to try and slow down the government’s spending but the senators are concerned about what less money would mean to their constituents, especially if the winter is harsh.
Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio has had success in getting an additional $8,000,000 in funds to Ohioans. This program does make it better for those who have trouble paying their utility bills. It also helps those same utilities in replacing some of the money that shutoffs would have caused.
The Lorain County HVAC contractor has a number of maintenance plans designed to help increase energy efficiency. Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment can make it easier to pay your utility bill even if Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds aren’t readily available.
You can begin by scheduling an appointment for an affordable heating performance check before the winter really kicks into full swing. A performance check will help to ensure that your heating equipment is operating at optimal efficiency and that you won’t be wasting money or energy this winter when keeping your home comfortable.
Identifying minor problems now can help you save on major expenses in the future. Your heating performance check can point out essential repairs and allow our expert technicians address them before they become major issues.
While our technician is at your home performing your heating performance check you can also discuss plans for having your air conditioner serviced as well. You may not have an imminent need for your central air right at the moment but an offseason service can prepare your unit for the upcoming season and identify any potential problems. Having your entire HVAC system thoroughly cleaned and inspected now will ensure proper operation and energy and money savings through 2012.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Thu, Jan 12, 2012
Make Appliances More Efficient to Save a Substantial Amount on Your Utility Bill
Many appliances are improved every year to use less and less energy but buying new models every year is hardly cost effective. There are ways that you can keep improving the efficiency of some of the biggest energy users in your home after their purchase.
Make Your Washer and Dryer More Efficient
Your washer and dryer for instance can consume a tremendous amount of energy – up to ten percent of your total utility bill if you don’t take the necessary steps to help make them more efficient. The first thing you can do after purchasing a more efficient washer would be to use the cold water feature for all clothes. There are cold water detergents that will get clothes as clean as when you use hot water. You should also always try to run the washer at full capacity. If you must do a smaller load be sure to set the washing machine accordingly.
There are also actions that you can take to make your dryer more efficient. First and foremost you need to make sure that you aren’t over drying clothes unnecessarily. Many newer dryers have energy saver settings that you should take advantage of that will dry your clothes without wasting energy. You should also keep the lint trap clean and check the vent pipe for clogs to prevent the dryer from shutting down and wasting a lot of energy in the process.
Insulate the Pipes for Your Hot Water
The hot water heater’s performance can be improved by insulating the pipes that carry the water to your kitchen, bath and laundry room. You can also adjust your water heater to lower temperatures to increase savings.
Upgrade to a New Water Heater
Your Lorain County plumbing contractor has Energy Star rated hot water heaters that have many new efficiency improvements. Upgrading to a new water heater and taking the steps to make all three of these appliances more efficient can help save a substantial amount on your utility bill immediately and for years to come.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Wed, Jan 11, 2012
Maximize the Efficiency of your HVAC Unit
The HVAC system in your home accounts for about 55% of your utility costs each year. The main units are usually the focus of energy efficiency minded homeowners. Older units tend to cost more money than newer units to operate but there could be an additional and overlooked facet of your HVAC system that is wasting energy – a leaky duct system.
Over the years connections can become loose and leak the heated air into the basement or behind the walls instead of in the room it was intended for. If leaky ducts cause a lack of heat in the room where the thermostat is located that thermostat will be firing the heater unnecessarily when the rest of the house is comfortable.
Ducts can be covered with insulation to keep heat or cool air from escaping. When new ducts are installed they can be placed in the spaces of the home that the comfort system services, like in drop ceilings. This way any heat escaping can be utilized instead of escaping into the attic or basement.
All return air duct grills should be kept clear as well. Return ducts may be in each room or located in central location on each floor. An older home may benefit from newer, better designed grills for either air return or the air that is heated and circulated in your home.
The Lorain County HVAC professional can look at your entire home comfort system and make suggestions for duct work improvements to increase your heater and air conditioning systems efficiency. An HVAC performance check on the units can be conducted at this time as well to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Once the ductwork is brought up to its peak efficiency you can be assured that the heated or cool air is going where it is needed to make your home comfortable and save you money.
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Jan 06, 2012
Following the Federal Government’s Lead
The federal government has been encouraging businesses to be more energy efficient and has rewarded these businesses and private citizens with tax incentives to accomplish this goal. It is good to know that they have decreased their energy usage as well with some strategies that the small business can emulate.
The federal government is the largest user of electricity and fuel in The U.S. The measures they have taken to save energy include: building retrofits, lighting and equipment upgrades and use of occupancy sensors and lighting controls.
The retrofit of the buildings included very inexpensive changes like adding insulation and sealing up leaky ductwork and cracks that were creating drafts. They also installed draft barriers and programmable thermostats.
One of the more interesting changes was the use of LED lights in 5 Senate hearing rooms in the Capitol building. These rooms used 80% less electricity because the LEDs require less power and they are much cooler so air conditioning use was reduced as well. These are certainly economical improvements that the average business and home can accomplish without putting a dent into their monthly budget.
Look for the Energy Star Label on Appliances When Upgrading Equipment in Your Business or Home
The government also embarked on some larger and more costly improvements like upgrading to high efficiency HVAC systems. They used Energy Star furnaces and air conditioning units like those available to Ohio residents through the Lorain County Heating and Air Conditioning contractor. The Energy Star label is now on many appliances and looking for it when upgrading equipment in your business or home is an easy way to reduce energy consumption.
Setting up a maintenance plan with a Lorain County HVAC professional is also a very cost effective way to cut down on energy use and reduce your monthly utility bill. This energy expert will clean and service all the working parts of both the heating and air conditioning systems to help you get the most out of your energy expenditures.
