The Raymond Comfort Zone

Raymond Plumbing Works with Lorain County to Better Economy

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

The stories focusing on the economy over the course of the last three years, both locally and nationally, have not been very uplifting. There are some bright spots that just don’t seem to make the news. We at Raymond Plumbing would like to give some recognition to a company that is taking positive steps to improve their service along with their bottom line.

O'Reilly Auto Parts Installs High Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning Units with the Energy Star Label

We have recently completed our eighth store for O’Reilly auto parts. They are a national company that wants to be the number one auto parts and service store for businesses and individual consumers. We have performed work at their stores throughout the area upgrading plumbing, heating and air conditioning in established stores and installing systems in their new locations. They have chosen wisely in both types of instances, installing highly efficient heating and air conditioning units with the Energy Star label.

Raymond Plumbing has been working with corporate partners in the area since 1957. Our project with O’Reilly auto parts was especially satisfying as it was with a company that has similar ideas about what great service can mean to a customer.

Our Lorain County plumbing and heating contractors enjoy a synergistic relationship with many companies in the area. We have performed major and minor plumbing and HVAC projects with national companies like O’Reilly’s and with small local establishments like The Knotty Pine Eatery and Mama Joe’s Pies.

We can offer local businesses more than just new installations and equipment upgrades as well. In fact, one of our best features when it comes to relationships with customers is our maintenance plan. If you have signed up for our maintenance plan and an emergency hits, we will be there to keep your company up and running. We are committed to getting this economy turned around and look forward to joining with other companies like O’Reilly Auto Parts to make the future in Lorain County bright.

If you are a business looking to install highly efficient heating and air conditioning units with the Energy Star Label, contact us today!

Ohio Department of Development Believes in Energy Efficiency

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:15:00 GMT

The Ohio Department of Development has established the Energy Loan Fund which will give low interest loans to businesses, non-profit groups and government agencies that want to reduce energy usage. The fund intends to loan money to businesses and other entities that will be spending it on projects that will reduce energy use by at least 15%.

Reduce the Energy Consumption in Your Business and Reduce the Amount You Pay Each Month for Utilities.

The projects being funded, in addition to reducing energy use by 15%, must demonstrate they will have a positive economic effect for the state and a positive effect on the environment. Loan repayments will be held for future use by other businesses for energy efficiency projects. Ohio has a strong hope that the reduction of a business’s utility bill will lead to the extra money being used for expansion thus creating more jobs.

Ohio is a strong proponent of energy job creation and is cited as the number 2 in the country in solar and wind energy construction jobs. This particular loan program is more focused on finding ways to save on energy use and will not require the borrower to move to renewable sources if they can’t afford it. The lesson is that new jobs can be created by new technologies and by improving the performance and efficiency of the older ones.

The HVAC contractors have been contributing to these efforts for many years. One of the fastest and most economical ways to conserve energy, a yearly heating performance check on your heater and air conditioning system, is being offered at a discount of $20 when you sign-up online. Our expert HVAC technicians are also well versed in major projects like oil to gas conversions and complete HVAC system replacements. Set up an appointment with one of our HVAC experts today to find out how you can reduce the energy consumption in your home or business and reduce the amount you pay each month for utilities.

Remodel your Bathroom the Digital Way with Raymond Plumbing

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:38:00 GMT

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.

Getting in the Zone for Heating and Cooling Systems

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:16:00 GMT

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

Go Green with Carrier and Get a Free Air Conditioning System

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:54:00 GMT

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.

Ringing in the New Year More Energy Efficiently

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:03:00 GMT

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

Not all Air Conditioning Requires Ducts

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:24:00 GMT

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/

A Positive and a Negative Increase the Price of Heating Oil.

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:55:00 GMT

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

Senators Fighting Energy Assistance Cuts

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:02:00 GMT

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.

Help Your Appliances be More Energy Efficient

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:04:00 GMT

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.

An Unexpected User of Energy

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:56:00 GMT

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.

Energy Efficiency Tips from the Government

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:03:00 GMT

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.

Keep Your Heater Running Efficiently with a Heating Performance Check

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:39:00 GMT

It’s best not to wait until after the first major snow storms to have your heater serviced if you want to ensure that your Lorain County home will have a properly functioning heating system as old man winter rolls into town this January. In fact, if you want to avoid all of the headaches that could stem from going without heat as the temperature drops below freezing you might want to schedule your service now!

Early January is the Perfect Time to Schedule and Heating Performance Check before the Furnace is put to Heavy Use!

Scheduling your heating performance check with a qualified Lorain County heating specialist while the weather is still relatively mild actually has a number of benefits. A January service appointment will allow for a thorough cleaning of all of the buildup from last year’s operation prior to the furnace being put to heavy use. Filters can be replaced, burners can be cleaned and inspected, pipes and connections can be examined for leaks and faulty controls can be repaired or replaced.

Having this work done during the first part of winter will help to ensure that your family won’t be going without necessary heat for several hours during a time of year when the temperature outside is unbearable. It will also ensure that your home heating system will be operating as efficiently as possible when the time comes for you to crank up the thermostat. A properly maintained unit will limit the chances of break down during the time when you and your family need heat the most and help you save a considerable amount on your monthly utility bill.

Annual heating services performed by a heating specialist can also help to catch minor problems before they turn into major issues. Identifying and expertly repairing small problems is a great way to extend the life of your unit and to ensure that your home will be nice and warm when the weather outside turns frightful.

Still Time to Save Money By Going Green

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:02:00 GMT

If you have yet to take advantage of the multitude of generous federal tax incentives for making your home more energy efficient you are running short on time. There tax incentives still in place at present but some are scheduled to come to an end December 31, 2011. Other rebates will still be available after the New Year but many are for more “green” improvements such as adding a geothermal heat pump to your home’s heating and air conditioning system.

Our expert Lorain County HVAC service technicians are very familiar with the new equipment and improvements that will help you qualify for federal rebates and help you save money on your utility bill. Our experts can also explain the incentives available from First Energy of Ohio that include rebates on energy efficient air conditioners and water heaters, LED lighting and programmable thermostats. The deadline for many of these rebates is December 31^st as well but the simple changes like upgrading light bulbs and installing a new thermostat can easily be accomplished quickly enough to qualify.

Your quest for a more energy efficient home doesn’t have to stop with only those upgrades and services that qualify for rebates though. A heating performance check from a Lorain County HVAC professional can identify potential issues with your unit that could be costing you extra money unnecessarily each month on your utility bill. This service includes replacing filters, cleaning all moving parts and inspecting all safety features.

Take just a few minutes of time to register for your heating performance check and you can save $20.00 on the regular cost of this valuable service. Take advantage of this opportunity now to ensure that your heater is operating efficiently and that your home will be comfortable as the temperatures outside begin to dip.

Photo Credit: tracitodd

Time Running Out to Cash In on Federal Energy-Efficient Tax Credit

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:04:00 GMT

Time is running out to take advantage of lucrative savings being offered for the installation of energy-efficient home equipment. In addition to manufacturers’ rebates, state programs and other programs geared toward improving the energy efficiency of U.S. homes, Lorain County residents can maximize their energy savings by taking advantage of this year’s federal income tax credit for the purchase and installation of qualifying energy-efficient home improvements.

Lorain County plumbing, heating and air conditioning professionals urge home owners not to delay. To qualify for the federal tax credit and most other programs, qualified energy-efficient equipment must be purchased and installed by December 31, 2011 – that’s less than a week away! Don’t get caught in the year-end installation crunch and risk losing out on your tax credit. Call Raymond today to discuss energy-savings options, equipment installation costs and anticipated energy savings for your home.

Raymond’s knowledgeable experts can tell you which home comfort equipment models qualify for the federal income tax credit. Lorain County homeowners can receive a tax credit on their 2011 federal income taxes of up to $500 if improvements are completed by December 31, 2011. Click here for more details on energy-efficient equipment that qualifies for the 2011 federal income tax credit and how to receive your credit!

Don’t miss the opportunity to minimize your energy consumption and maximize your financial savings on the installation of energy-efficient home equipment; contact Raymond Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Photo Credit: Earls37a

Find Out How Mama Jo's Pie is Saving Money and Energy

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:02:00 GMT

Residents from all around the Cleveland area have been delighted by Mama Jo’s pies for years, especially around the holiday season. An unexpected emergency right before Thanksgiving nearly forced this Ohio dessert staple to hold off production during one of their busiest times of year though. Mama Jo’s rooftop HVAC unit broke down, which could have put the production of those amazing pies on hold.

Mama Jo's Pie is Saving Money with a New Energy-Efficient HVAC Rooftop Unit

We provided Mama Jo’s with a brand new, energy efficient rooftop unit that will keep the facility comfortable. As an added bonus to being up and working again the owner’s of Mama Jo’s will realize reduced utility bills with the new, more efficient heating system. The new HVAC unit at Mama Jo’s also qualifies for federal tax incentives that will help offset the cost of the equipment required to get them up and running again.

HVAC Emergencies Can Happen at Anytime! Consider a Heating Performance Check Today!

These types of emergencies can happen to anyone at anytime. If your HVAC unit is approaching ten years old or older you should seriously consider having a heating performance check done by one of our techs. If your unit is outdated, inefficient or in need of repair our technicians will be able to provide a viable solution so you don’t suffer the same scare that the owner’s of Mama Jo’s went through.

Federal Tax Incentives Available for Home and Business Owners

There are still federal tax incentives available for home and business owners who replace existing HVAC equipment with qualifying high efficiency heaters. If your current unit is beyond repair now is the time to act. The available incentives can help offset the cost of the installation and you can begin reaping the benefits of lower energy bills before the deep chill of winter fully sets in.

Enjoy Holiday Cheer with a FREE Mama Jo Pie!

During this very special time of year we’ve got an incentive beyond savings as well. We’ll be giving away one of Mama Jo’s incredible pies starting on December 19 through December 23. Sign-up to win a FREE Mama Jo Pie! Hurry! Limited time only.

Photo Credit: sahlgoode

Being Home for the Holidays Can Save You Money & Energy

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Our holiday season can see a lot of hectic days and long nights. Major shopping excursions, large family meals and long drives to see family and friends can be incredibly fun but also exhausting. That is probably a big reason why a lot of people like to take the week off between Christmas and New Years - to decompress from all the running around earlier in the month.

Schedule a Heating Performance Check the Week Between the Holidays

If you are one of the lucky ones who have looked ahead and planned this week off you can get something else important accomplished as well. The week between the Holidays can be the perfect time to schedule a heating performance check with your Lorain County HVAC contractor. During your heating performance check our well trained technicians will thoroughly examine your unit to determine its efficiency and to identify any potential problems. The detailed report that you’ll receive will help you to determine the best course of action when it comes to keeping your home comfortable for the coming winter.

Tax Credits Available Until December 31, 2011

There are still rebates and tax incentives available up to December 31 as well, depending on what work is performed. If you replace your heater with a newer more energy efficient model before the end of the year you could be eligible for a fairly sizeable tax credit to help offset the cost of your new unit. Our expert technicians have been working on supplying these qualifying units since 2008 and will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Make Saving Money on Your Utility Bill Your New Year's Resoultion

If you have the desire to save some money now and want to look forward to saving money each month moving forward, reach out to the Lorain County HVAC contractor today. Make saving money on your utility bill the New Year’s resolution that you actually keep by visiting our website and scheduling an appointment before 2011 has come to a close.

Save Money and Energy by Reading the Label

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The quest for energy savings has become easier for the American consumer due to the increase of information available on packaging. The prospective energy saver can look for the Energy Star rating on appliances and other products and have confidence that a purchase will lead to savings. The package for a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) has information on energy cost, life expectancy of the bulb and an estimated savings compared to using an incandescent bulb.

This breakdown can make choosing new light bulbs much easier for the energy minded consumer. CFLs and LEDs are becoming more popular because of their longer life span and energy savings. These types of bulbs may cost a bit more initially but the savings begin the first time you turn the lights on.

The Energy Star labeling on appliances is also helpful in the search for monetary savings and reduced energy use. When it comes to a new heating or cooling system, no one is more familiar with these labels than the plumbing and heating contractor. Your Lorain County HVAC contractor can quickly assess your home to determine the most energy efficient units to keep your home and your utility bill comfortable all year long.

If you act quickly you can still take advantage of the very generous state and federal tax incentives that are available for making your home more energy efficient as well. Our heating and cooling experts have all the information necessary to help you select a qualifying new HVAC unit or accessory that will help you save energy and reduce your utility bill. By taking action prior to December 31^st you can begin to save money right away and the available incentives will help to offset the cost of the initial investment. Download tax credit information here>>

Photo Credit: ManoharD

Have a Healthy, Safe and Happy Holiday Season with a Humidifier

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:36:00 GMT

Take Safety Precautions When Decorating Your Home

The way we use energy during this time of year can cause problems you don’t see at other times of the year. There are those who make due with a couple of extension cords to light up their homes and Christmas tree when a power strip with a surge protector would be much safer.

Every family wants to show their holiday spirit at this time of year but it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions when you are decorating your home. It’s a good idea to make sure your electrical system can handle the additional load that holiday lighting and powered decorations can bring.

All outside lights should have protective coverings on connections and plugs and all inside lights on real trees should be examined for safety. The increased use of artificial trees over the years may have reduced the risk of fire in many homes but plenty of families still like the smell and beauty that a real tree provides.

Keep Your Family & Your Christmas Tree Healthy with Humidifier

The Lorain County home that is equipped with a humidifier may be a bit safer during the holiday season than a home without one. A humidifier can keep your major Christmas decoration healthy and it also provides some added health benefits to your family as well. A whole house humidifier can keep the air in your home from becoming too dry and minimize throat, sinus and dry skin issues among family members.

The Lorain County HVAC contractor can explain all the available choices to help you select the most appropriate humidifier for your home. These highly efficient appliances will save you money, provide you with comfortable air and keep your family and your Christmas tree healthy this holiday season.

A New Energy Based Tax Credit has been Introduced

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:02:00 GMT

Three U.S. Senators have introduced legislation to give homeowners up to a 30% tax credit for improving the energy efficiency of their homes. In a press release Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine said the bill would give Americans who improve their energy efficiency by twenty percent a tax credit of 30% on the expenditures up to $5,000. This bill introduced November 18, 2011 would continue the work of previous tax credits that are available until December 31, 2011.

The bill would make these credits available until 2016. In addition to promoting energy efficiency the bill will also help to stimulate the construction industry.

Our Lorain County HVAC professionals have been working to improve Ohio citizen’s energy efficiency for a long time. The information on all current federal and state sponsored rebates and tax credits is available on our website.

You can improve your home’s efficiency and qualify for rebates by using Energy Star rated hot water heaters, furnaces and other appliances such as a geothermal heat pump. These credits can still be taken advantage of if you take action by the end of the year. The credits for the geothermal appliances and solar powered products are in place already and will continue into 2012.

The bill announced by Senator Snowe has yet to be voted on but the current plan is still available if you act now. There are state rebates through First Energy of Ohio that you may qualify for and some manufacturer incentives as well. Contact your Lorain County HVAC professional today and get all the information available to take advantage of current programs before this tax year is through.

Save Money During the Holidays through Home Energy Efficiency

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:04:00 GMT

The Holiday season could just be the most wasteful time of year for the average Ohio family when it comes to using energy. Some of these wasteful activities can be helped though. There are times when you’re all nice and cozy when a bunch of visitors arrives and takes a nice long time getting into the house. You can’t really tell them to run in and shut the door so you bite the bullet and greet them kindly while your heat escapes out into the neighborhood.

Save Holiday Expense by Increasing the Efficiency of Your Lights and Heating System

It’s wonderful to have the whole family home the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day but this can cause your utility bills to rise as well. With the kids home during the day you can’t turn down the thermostat like you do when they are away at school. The holidays don’t mean that you are powerless to save any money in energy costs though.

Everyone wants to show their holiday spirit but you can do it without spending too much money by using more energy efficient lights. There are LED lights available that use up to 90 % less power than the old large bulbs. You would best be served by a timer that shuts them off at the same time every night as cutting down on how long you keep them lit can save you some hard earned money.

Another great way to save is by installing a programmable thermostat available through your Lorain County heating and air conditioning technician. These thermostats can help you better control your home’s heating system which will keep your home comfortable without unnecessary waste.

You can also schedule a heat performance check to improve your unit’s efficiency before the holidays bring about the anticipated increased usage. Save some holiday expense by increasing the efficiency of your lights and heating system and have an enjoyable holiday without worrying about wasting energy.

Smartphones For an Energy Efficient Home

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:04:00 GMT

Monitor Your Home's Energy Usage with Smartphone Apps!

The desire to have a more energy efficient home is always near and dear to the Ohio resident’s heart as it can help save money. The smartphone has become an ally in this task with a couple of apps that can help monitor your home’s energy usage. There is an app called Meteread that you can use to check your monthly electricity usage. This user friendly app breaks down your energy usage in much easier terms than is available on your monthly utility bill. You can use the info to cut down on electric usage the next month and easily track it on your phone to see the measures you are trying are working.

The smartphone has been an ally to efficiency minded consumers in another way as well. There are apps that can be installed that can connect you to your programmable thermostat. This can help you cut down on the energy being used while the house is empty due to holiday visits and long shopping trips.

Many people who go away for these reasons in the past may have intended to turn down the thermostat but forgot. Now you can do it remotely and save even more money over the amount a programmable thermostat usually saves you.

The Lorain County HVAC contractor has been installing programmable thermostats for years. These efficient pieces of equipment are a part of the First Energy of Ohio’s rebate program so you start to save right at the time of installation. Once your new programmable thermostat is installed the savings will mount and with the smart phone application you are ready to take full advantage of what this product can offer. Contact your HVAC contractor today and see just how much the technology revolution can save you in energy costs.

Plumbing Disasters Can Put A Damper on Holidays

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:38:00 GMT

Every plumber has a holiday disaster story. The guy who tried to defrost a turkey in his dishwasher is certainly a front-runner in the plumber’s Hall of Shame. A Central Ohio plumber was called out Thanksgiving Day to unclog a dishwasher only to find all the pumps plugged with gooey turkey parts. The cook had forgotten to defrost the Thanksgiving turkey so put it in the dishwasher thinking a cycle of warm water would clean and defrost the bird. He found out the hard way that turkeys and dishwashers are not compatible. The experiment did defrost the turkey, but agitation from the water jets tore it apart. Chunks of fatty skin and turkey flesh were sucked into the pumps, completely destroying the dishwasher. Not a warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving, but certainly a memorable one!

Lorain County plumbers are gearing up for another bout of holiday disasters over the holiday season. There’s always someone on call during the holidays to handle emergencies.

Clogged kitchen sinks are No. 1 on the plumbers’ holiday hit parade. Most clogs are caused when people try to stuff too much down the kitchen drain at one time. Greasy foods and stringy vegetables can combine to form an impenetrable mat inside drain pipes that is impervious to household drain cleaners. Lorain County plumbers recommend disposing of most vegetable and meat debris in the trash and running your disposal more frequently.
Slow running shower or bathroom drains are No. 2 on the emergency call list. A slow running drain that might be a minor annoyance when used by your family can quickly become a holiday disaster with increased volume from holiday guests. Lorain County plumbers recommend fixing slow drains before the holidays to prevent disaster.

Bottom line: If clogged drains don’t respond to household drain cleaners within an hour, don’t make matters worse; call a Lorain County plumbing professional immediately 440-244-5584.

New Plumbing Dictionary to Serve the Industry is Planned

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:27:00 GMT

The plumbing community is one step closer to having consistent, globally accepted terminology

A recent story reports an impending team up between the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and the American Society of Sanitary Engineers. The two groups have announced plans to combine their two current dictionaries of terms to enhance public safety and bring the two organizations closer together.

Setting industry standards is a good idea especially when you consider these two organizations are involved in bringing the most important human need into our homes. The need for concise definitions in the industry will help consumers as well as contractors. There is an almost endless array of systems and equipment available for customers to choose from. It will help if different contractors spoken to will be able to better provide “apples to apples” comparisons when quoting a specific job.

The hot water heater system chosen 10 years ago for instance had a choice of electric or gas. Now customers are also faced with tank less options and geothermal technology. Even choosing what type of pipes you want now is a more difficult decision than it was a few decades ago.

Raymond Plumbing always keeps up with the latest industry standards. The winter is coming and now can be a good time to look at those pipes and your water heater as ways to save some money when the cold sets in. Hot water heaters have never been more efficient and many have greatly improved insulation which keeps that heated water nice and warm for those morning showers.

A properly functioning plumbing system is integral for both safety and comfort inside of your home.

Making the right choice for a new water heater or home heating system can be incredibly difficult if you don’t have information that is accurate and easy to understand.

With the impending seasonal change and severely cold weather right around the corner it makes sense to schedule an appointment with an experienced HVAC pro today. Our knowledgeable technicians can evaluate the plumbing and heating equipment in your home and help you make the most informed decision for increased efficiency and comfort.

Why Winter is the Perfect Time for an Air Conditioning Evaluation

Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:56:00 GMT

The winter holidays are coming and you want your friends and family who visit to be comfortable. There are holidays in the summer too and you want visitors to be equally comfortable on those special occasions. This might seem like a strange time to look at the air conditioning system but doing it before New Year’s Day may just be the best time.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits on Air Conditioning Units Before December 31

After December 31, 2011 you may lose the opportunity to take advantage of tax incentives and rebates being offered to people who upgrade to a more efficient air conditioning system. If you opt for one of the best energy savers, the geothermal heat pump, you are improving the way your home is heated and air conditioned.

In the summer the heat pump reverses the way it works in winter and eliminates heat and humidity in the air inside of your home. The government is offering a tax incentive for these geothermal units and First energy of Ohio is offering rebates of up to $600 for them as well. The incentives can be taken on this year’s tax return if you act before the end of the year. Download the facts on the tax credit for all the necessary information you need to qualify for these tax benefits.

Your heating and air conditioning contractor has a variety of ways to help you save money on your energy bills. If you act now and have a new unit installed before December 31^st you’ll have access to the very generous federal tax incentives. As an added bonus, upgrading to a brand new energy efficient unit will help you spend less money each month without having to sacrifice being comfortable in your home.

Photo Credit: Paul V8