Archive for the ‘GeoThermal’ Category

Is Geothermal Heating Right for Your Home?

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer has never been easier — or more environmentally friendly.

By utilizing the free and renewable solar energy stored in the ground, geothermal heating systems offer the finest in home comfort heating and air conditioning.  This is a free, renewable, clean and environmentally-friendly source of energy.

So, if it is decreased energy costs, enhanced comfort, safety and reliability that you want out of your heating system, a geothermal heating unit could be the right fit for you.

WaterFurnace Geothermal logoThe experts at WaterFurnace recommend geothermal systems, like the Envision series, which can be easily installed in a wide varity of installations – new or old homes, large or small.  Although most systems are simply single units in a forced-air application, they can also be used for other types of installations depending on your home and your heating and cooling needs.

Take a look at how homeowners are now using geothermal energy:

  • Geothermal units provide hot water for radiant floor applications, by circulating warm water through the tubing encased in the floor.  Floors covered in tile, wood, linoleum or stone are kept toasty warm, even on the coldest days.  Since the entire floor acts as a giant radiator, you’ll experience a room that is comfortably conditioned with head-to-toe consistent comfort.
  • Homes with large demands for domestic or potable water heating will benefit from the exceptional efficiency of a WaterFurnace Synergy geothermal system.  This unit provides dedicated hot water for heating and domestic use and both heating and cooling furnished through a conventional duct system to condition the air inside the home.  The complete system provides the ultimate in savings and comfort with safe, reliable and quiet performance.
  • Geothermal units can also be utilized to heat water for pools and spas.  You’ll find a geothermal heat pump will heat your pool or spa for much less than an ordinary pool heater.  And compared to fossil fuel burning heaters, it’s much safer too, without concerns associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • A geothermal heat pump can keep your sidewalks or driveway free of ice and snow during the cold winter months.  Eliminate the hazards of walking on ice-covered sidewalks, and forget the back-breaking effort of shoveling snow.

Geothermal systems operate more efficiently than traditional heating and air-conditioning systems because they deliver four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used.  By combining stored earth energy with safe electrical power, homeowners may realize savings of up to 70 percent on heating, cooling and hot water costs when they install a geothermal unit.

For more information on installing an energy efficient heating and cooling system, like the Envision Series by WaterFurnace, call your locally-owned Geothermal experts at Marshall Mechanical at 804.323.0189.  And if you’d like to read more about geothermal energy, you can find details on our website at this link:  Geothermal Heat Pumps.

P.S.  Geothermal heat pumps / geothermal systems qualify for 30% Federal tax credits due to their high energy efficiency.  Don’t forget to ask about this when you call us at 804.323.0189.  Ask for Mike Smith, our Geothermal expert.

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Secretary Chu visits WaterFurnace: Geothermal energy is what’s really “green”

Monday, December 21st, 2009

While the Global Warming crowd is partying in Copenhagen this week, let’s celebrate by talking about something really GREENGeothermal energy.  Basically, there is a constant temperature just underground. In the winter, you use the warmth underground to bring heat into your home.  In the summer, you send the heat in your home down to dissipate in the cooler earth. The EPA estimates that homeowners could save up to 70% in heating and cooling costs by utilizing this green technology.  So if your heating and cooling bills make you scream, then we’ve probably got your attention now.

Of course, the Obama administration is all over any kind of “green” energy like geothermal.   Here is an informative YouTube video showing U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu touring WaterFurnace International – the industry leader in residential geothermal heating and cooling systems, of which Marshall Mechanical is an authorized dealer:

Secretary Chu was there to announce $50 million dollars in government aid to homeowners who convert to a geothermal heating and cooling system.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 a.k.a. “Stimulus Bill”, according to the video, says homeowners who install a geothermal system in their homes will be eligible for a tax credit of 30% total investment. The system must be installed by December 31, 2016 to qualify and additional incentives and/or rebates may be available depending on your area.

One of the reasons we like WaterFurnace products is their efficiency ratings. In fact, one unit has 500% efficiency.  So, for every dollar spent on electricity, their system delivers 5 dollars worth of heating.  The other benefits of  their geothermal systems are:

  • Least expensive to operate overall (even though cost outlay is higher)
  • Most quiet (no outdoor unit, no ignition, no vent motor etc.)
  • Very low to maintain (no outdoor unit, no combustion parts to break, etc.)
  • Best in indoor air quality

For more information and to use a savings calculator, visit our WaterFurnace Geothermal heat pump page by clicking here.

So, geothermal heating and cooling systems may be very attractive to the “Greenie” who wishes they were in Copenhagen, bicycling around and drinking chocolate milk like the Danes … or to the “Thrifty Crowd” who is sick of being on the verge of a stroke every time they open a heating/cooling bill. It’s something to consider for sure – lower your bills, get a tax credit, reduce your carbon footprint – however you look at it, the technology is definitely appealing.

If you’d like to know how you can benefit from installing geothermal heat pumps in your Richmond area home, simply call Marshall Mechanical’s geothermal expert, Mike Smith, at 804.323.0189 today.

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HVAC engineers keep you comfortable, no matter the weather.

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Staying comfy? Thank an HVAC Engineer.

Staying comfy? Thank an HVAC Engineer.

Just ran across this Washington Post article by Roger K. Lewis, an architect and professor at the University of Maryland, talking about the challenges we go through in order to keep indoor climates safe and comfortable.  “Properly conditioning building interiors,” he says, “also means taking care of humidity, unseen condensation, mold and mildew, indoor air quality, acoustics and air drafts, not to mention energy conservation.  Thus, sustainability creating comfortable, healthy interiors entails multiple, often contradictory, demands.”

He’s right.  Temperature regulation is only one small part of what HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) engineers have to worry about.  Roger goes on to say, “Beyond regulating temperature and humidity, an effective HVAC system helps achieve favorable, year-round air quality by continuously introducing fresh air while keeping out particulate matter and other toxic pollutants.”

Maintaining humidity levels, filtering air, managing noise from system vibrations, and draft levels are all things us HVAC engineers are concerned about.  That’s why when homeowners are in a rush because their air conditioning system isn’t working, for example, we provide an immediate solution like a window air conditioner in order to give us time to take into consideration all the aspects of the environment to engineer and install the right system that will provide lasting comfort for years to come. 

This is especially true these days when energy efficiency and green building technology are so critically important.   Solar and geothermal heat pumps, for example, are being used much more than ever before because of their ability to not only save on monthly energy costs but significantly reduce the carbon footprint for both homes and commercial buildings. 

Designing a home or building and engineering it with the new HVAC energy efficient HVAC technologies requires solar and geothermal expertise.  At Marshall Mechanical, we are your Richmond heating & air conditioning contactor and engineering experts.  We recently installed the first solar assisted heat pump in central Virginia right here in Richmond and we also successfully completed the geothermal installation for the Caroline Family Practice Health Center in Bowling Green, VA.  For all your HVAC engineering needs, both residential and commercial, call professional engineer Sean Cantrell at 804.323.0189.

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It’s official. Marshall Mechanical earns SWaM Certification for HVAC & Plumbing small business.

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Marshall Mechanical is now a SWaM Certified Small Business.
Marshall Mechanical, Richmond Virginia, is now a SWaM Certified Small Business for HVAC and Plumbing and Electrical services.

We’re proud to announce that we’ve been officially certified by the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (aka DMBE) as a Certified SWaM business owner serving City of Richmond, Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield counties and surrounding areas.

SWaM stands for “Small, Women and Minority-Owned” business and the goal is to assist the Commonwealth of Virginia with supplier diversity.

The mission of the DMBE is to promote access to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s contracting opportunities and ensure fairness in the procurement process. DMBE has two key goals: (1) increase the number of certified businesses in the Commonwealth, and (2) increase the total dollars allocated to SWaM vendors as a percentage of all discretionary spend or contract dollars. 

Marshall Mechanical’s SWaM certification number is 680427.  We’re listed in the directory of SWaM certified small businesses right here (just type in Marshall Mechanical in the search box).  As always, we’re pleased to serve both our residential and commercial customers for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services.  If you have any questions about our SWaM certification, please call Marshall Mechanical owner, president & professional engineer, Sean Cantrell, at 804.323.0189.

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Geothermal for your home: Reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.

Sunday, August 9th, 2009
Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Soaring energy costs, renewable energy sources and the human impact on the global environment have been in the news a great deal lately — often topics of controversy. 

But when it comes to sustainable, cost-effective home heating and cooling systems, one thing is certain:  According the the EPA studies, geothermal heating and cooling, using the renewable solar heat energy stored in the earth, is the most energy-efficient option available.

The experts at WaterFurnace Renewable Energies say it’s also the most plentiful source of renewable energy, and it’s available virtually anywhere in the United States, including right here in Richmond Virginia.

The sustainability and energy-efficiency of geothermal systems comes from the fact that the temperature just a few feet below ground remains almost constant throughout the year, regardless of climate or season.  That’s because the ground absorbs, and retains, 47% of the sun’s energy.  A geothermal heat pump uses a small-diameter pipe called an earth loop to reach this energy source and provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter –  without burning fossil fuels.  Even noise pollution is avoided — the system’s sound level is similar to that of a refrigerator. 

It’s the greenest system available in more ways than one: homeowners can reduce both their carbon footprint and their utility bills.  The energy savings provided by a WaterFurnace Envision geothermal system, can be as much as 70% compared with a conventional system (natural gas, oil, electricity or propane fuel).

Geothermal systems can also generate free heat or hot water in the summer months and provide tempered water for your water heater the rest of the time.  For Richmond area homeowners looking to reduce both energy costs and their carbon footprint, things are looking up because more and more homeowners are looking down — to take advantage of the green, renewable geothermal energy lying right beneath their own yard.

Best of all, geothermal heat pumps qualify for 30% Federal Tax Credits.  At Marshall Mechanical, we have some customers getting $5-$12,000 back in tax credits alone.  “Everyone thinks geothermal systems are real expensive until they calculate the monthly savings,” says Mike Smith, our Green Home expert.   “And with the Federal Tax Credits on geothermal systems, basically the government is reimbursing you for your loop field.” he adds.  So it couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of Geothermal heating and cooling systems.

If you’d like to read more, you can download two PDF brochures from WaterFurnace:  1) Federal Tax Credits ExplainedWaterFurnace Residential Product Brochure  and 2) WaterFurnace Geothermal products.  Then simply call us for a free Geothermal energy savings estimate which we can do for you right over the phone.  Call our Marshall Mechanical office today at 804.323.0189 and start saving and reducing your carbon footprint today.

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$28 million in Stimulus provides RVA Homeowners with Energy Efficiency Rebate of up to $2,000; Federal Tax Credits of 30% of purchases

Monday, June 29th, 2009

If you caught NBC WWBT 12’s new story this morning, you already know that Virginia is receiving $28 million from the Federal government to help homeowners become more energy efficient in the form of an energy rebate of up to $2,000. According to the news story by Laura Geller, if the stimulus program is successful, Virginia is apt to receive another $35 million.

These Virginia state rebates are in addition to the Federal Tax Credits we told you about earlier this year.

If you own an existing home, you can qualify for Federal Tax Credits of 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 and 2010, for replacement windows and doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, water heaters (non-solar) and biomass stoves. For HVAC, this means energy efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, climate controls or programmable thermostats, etc. Sure, up to $1,500 credit is really good but listen up.

Here’s the unbelievable news… If you are a homeowner of an existing home OR if you are building a new home, Federal tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, WITH NO UPPER LIMIT for the following: Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Heat Panels, Solar Water Heaters, as well as small wind energy systems and fuel cells.

This is in addition to the Virginia State rebate on energy efficiency just announced, of up to $2,000. As soon as the details of the stimulus rebate are posted on the VA Stimulus website, we will post again to give you that link.

Marshall Mechanical is experienced in installing Geothermal Heat Pumps by WaterFurnace and is a WaterFurnace HVAC dealer right here in Richmond VA. WaterFurnace has helpful information on their website to educate the home owner about using the 30% tax credits.

Like to know more about what the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has to say about the Return on Investment of Geothermal Heat Pumps? You can read the full article right here. What you need to know is that while the installation price is of a geothermal unit is higher than that of traditional air-source systems of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to the homeowner in energy savings in as little as 5-10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop.

At Marshall Mechanical, we are your Richmond VA Green Home and Energy Efficiency experts. We will help you navigate through the Virginia State Stimulus Rebate for Energy Efficiency and we will help you get the paperwork right to apply for the Federal Tax Credits. Most of all, we will work with you one-on-one to take the time to answer all your questions about what HVAC units or programmable thermostats are best for your home. We can even give you a estimated calculation of Geothermal heat pump monthly savings for your home in just minutes.
Your Richmond area home is an investment. Let us help you maximize it. Call Sean Cantrell or Mike Smith at 804.323.0189 today to help you take advantage of the Virginia energy efficiency stimulus rebates and Federal tax credits. And then enjoy your comfortable home and your energy savings for years to come.
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Is it too hot and your air conditioning isn't working? Or got a water leak and need a Richmond plumber? Are you remodeling your kitchen or bath?

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

No matter what the Richmond summer brings you as far as air conditioning or plumbing problems or service needs, Marshall Mechanical has the answers. We’re available 24/7 for HVAC or plumbing emergencies and we offer same day water heater replacement and guaranteed next day HVAC service in the RVA and surrounding counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield.

At Marshall Mechanical, we’re dedicated to solving your Richmond air conditioning or plumbing problems, quickly and easily. When you’re having trouble with any of your HVAC systems or need a Richmond plumber in a hurry, our technicians will assess the situation and walk you through what is necessary to fix the problem as soon as possible. And we often will give you a temporary solution, like a window air conditioning unit for your bedroom, to help you stay comfortable while we take the time to fix the problem right.
  • If you require a new HVAC system, an additional system, or if you’re planning to remodel, a member of our sales team will come out to your home or business for an on-site consultation at your convenience, offering you options for high-efficiency and high-value systems that will save you money each month on both your cooling as well as heating bills.
  • We even have options such as the industry’s first solar assisted heat pump by Lennox and we’re installing the first one in the Central Virginia area, which is one family’s first step toward living off the grid!
  • Or we can explain the benefits of the WaterFurnace geothermal energy heat pump, which is “The World’s Greenest Heating and Cooling Systems.”

And our expert plumbing team, led by master Richmond plumbers, will replace hot water heaters, upgrade faucets, fixtures and toilets, clean drains, even install gas lines and appliances. And you can call us for big jobs, like water line and sewer line replacements too. We are here to service all your Richmond cooling and plumbing needs throughout the summer.

So for all your Richmond Plumber and HVAC needs both now and year round, please call Mike Smith at 804.323.0189 to schedule a service appointment today. Remember, we’re available 24/7 for any cooling or plumbing emergencies so you can easily protect the investment you’ve made in your home or business.

And, yes, we service commercial HVAC design, build and maintenance clients too.

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Spring Lennox HVAC promotion with rebates for Homeowners up to $1,500 thru April 17th, 2009!

Monday, March 30th, 2009

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Lennox brand of Home Comfort Systems. There are many reasons why we are moving to this premier brand but the most important is to offer our customers great value right from the start of our relationship.

The 2009 Lennox Spring promotion allows Marshall Mechanical to customize an HVAC system based on your home’s specific requirements. We can pick a Lennox system from a range of qualifying products from their outdoor, indoor, healthy climate and controls lines and the homeowner will be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,500 for buying one in each category. The rebate includes up to $1,200 for a system purchased and installed by June 12, 2009, with a $300 Early Bird bonus rebate if system is purchased and installed by April 17, 2009.

Or you can get 90-day no payment, deferred interest financing, available for qualified applicants.

Many of you have heard that the stimulus plan has provided for Federal tax credits on energy-efficient products. The homeowner can qualify for tax credits in addition to the Lennox rebate program. Please refer to our separate blog post regarding tax credit details but what you need to know is:

  • Tax credits of 30% up to $1,500 are available on HVAC and non-solar water heaters for those installed in 2009 & 2010 in existing homes.
  • Tax credits for up to 30% with no upper limit are also available for geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters through 2016 for existing homes and new construction.
The bottom line is that if you replace your HVAC system before April 17th with a Lennox Comfort Care system, you can now qualify for product rebates, an early bird bonus rebate and Federal tax credits. And all that is in addition to the savings you’ll get each month by having a new more energy efficient unit installed in your home for true comfort all year round.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this offer. Please call your Richmond HVAC guys at Marshall Mechanical today at 804.323.0189. Sean and Mike will be happy to answer your questions and set up an appointment to review your heating and air conditioning needs prior to the arrival of the summer heat and humidity that the Richmond area is known for. Now there are even more ways to both protect and maximize the investment you’ve made in your home!

P.S. Additional details will be on our
website soon but we wanted to get this information to you asap as the Lennox Spring promotion started last Monday and is in full swing! And please remember to TELL A FRIEND USING THE BUTTON BELOW!!

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Right-sized HVAC units and Geothermal or Solar Heat/AC options for your home.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

News : Trends : Heating and Cooling Go Green : HGTVPro.com

Right-sizing of HVAC system

I heard a story through a friend of a friend that a homeowner in Chesterfield had to replace his HVAC unit. The house was about 14 years old and, from what I understand, the unit just wore out. The homeowner had four HVAC contractors give him an estimate for the replacement and all four of them said the original HVAC unit that the builder installed in the home was definitely too small for the square footage of the home.

In fact, one of the HVAC contractors was from the company that originally put the unit in the home for the builder. So when the contractor told him that the unit was too small, the homeowner asked him why his company installed it that way. The HVAC contractor swore that there was no way they would have put that unit in that sized house but the homeowner had the original paperwork to prove it. The HVAC contractor then said it must have been installed prior to the time he was personally working for the company.

Mis-sizing of heating and cooling equipment is an all-too-common occurance, especially if homeowners are buying spec houses in which the builder wanted to save money. Or perhaps his builder didn’t order accurate load calculations from the original contractor. In addition, it is tempting for homeowners to purchase replacement systems that are too small because they cost less. On the flip side, sometimes both builders and homeowners can install units that are too large for the home. Since recent technology has improved, new smaller units can often be more energy efficient and therefore the appropriate solution. In this article from HGTVPro, writer Rob Fanjoy clearly states how the right-sized HVAC equipment can save homeowners money and can create a more energy-efficient and comfortable home. An excellent write-up that all homeowners should read.

Geothermal heat pumps: Digging deep for green

The HGTVPro article goes on to talk about the benefits of using the new geothermal HVAC units. While more expensive at retail cost than a non-geo unit, they come with energy tax credits up to 30% with no limit and “they have the biggest upside in terms of energy savings and environmental consciousness. They use the earth’s natural below-surface temperature of about 55 degrees to provide heating or cooling to spaces above ground.” The article goes on to say that the EPA “estimates annual heating savings of as much as 70% and cooling savings of close to 50%.” These are significant savings for the homeowner, especially when annualized over the life of the unit.

Need assistance?

If you’re a homeowner in the Central Virginia area, specifically Richmond, and you find yourself in the position of having to replace your HVAC unit, please call us to discuss your needs. First, we’ll make sure that your unit requires replacement — that may not be the only solution. Second, if it is determined that your unit does need to be replaced, we’ll make sure that you not only get the right-sized unit for your home but that you also are presented with options including geothermal units and even the new Lennox solar-assisted units. These may not only make your home more energy-efficient and “green” but also more appealing to a home buyer in case you need to sell your home in the future.

I am a licensed professional mechanical engineer and started Marshall Mechanical in 2005 to service both residential and commercial clients. Previous to starting Marshall Mechanical, I worked for 15 years at the premier architecture firm in Richmond, designing HVAC systems for some of Richmond’s largest companies, including the Dominion Energy Trading Floor, MCV’s Gateway Building and Owens & Minor.

You deserve to call someone you can trust to help you make the right decisions to protect the investment you’ve made in your home. Call or tweet us anytime — even if you just have a simple question about heating, cooling, plumbing, air filtration or moisture control. We’re here for you and we pledge never to forget that.

- Sean Cantrell, 804.323.0189. You can find both me and Mike Smith on Twitter and LinkedIn

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