Stop spending hundreds of dollars on your monthly heating and air conditioning bills and start saving money with a new high energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system from Marshall Mechanical.
Now you can get a complete heat pump system with payments as low as $79 / month.
Virtually any combination type of heating and air conditioning system qualifies whether your needs are for gas furnace, heat pump or air conditioning unit replacement. We have the right system for your home — and the right size for your square footage to cool and warm your home efficiently all year long.
Do it before the Federal tax credit expires which can save you up to $1,500 off the total price.
Pay in full or get low monthly payment options OR 12-months, 0% financing. This could make your payments as low as $79/month for a complete HVAC system.
Best of all, you can start saving on your monthly cooling and heating bills right away — and with our severe temperature swings we’ve had this year in the Richmond area, your savings can really add up to help defray the cost of your new HVAC system.
Call Mike Smith at 804-212-8496 to discuss your home's HVAC needs.
For a full assessment of how a complete heat pump system can save on your home’s monthly energy costs, call Mike Smith today at 804-212-8496.
We serve the entire Greater Richmond area including the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan.
Call Mike today during our Summer HVAC Blowout Sale. Hurry as prices and inventory won’t last long!
Marshall Mechanical is a locally-owned, Richmond Virginia-based fully licensed heating, air conditioning and plumbing contractor for both residential and commercial clients.
Bills will rise with higher usage despite slightly lower fuel rate
Company urges consumers to take steps to save energy, money
June 2010 hottest on record for Richmond since 1943
RICHMOND, Va., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — With the hottest June on record causing Virginia homeowners to use as much as 76 percent more energy for cooling than in an average June, Dominion Virginia Power is encouraging customers to take steps to save energy and money.
The impact of hot weather on June bills could seem magnified because bills in April and May reflected mild weather as well as rebates from a rate settlement agreement. Dominion Virginia Power’s fuel rate went down slightly July 1 but that will not affect previous bills. For rate information: www.dom.com/varates.
“Outdoor temperatures drive home energy usage more than any other single factor,” said Ken Barker, vice president of customer solutions and energy conservation. ”The extremely hot weather in recent weeks is sending just about everyone’s energy bills higher, but there are steps you can take to control your energy use.” View Dominion’s video on tips for saving energy in the summer at: www.dom.com/about/conservation/summer-tips.jsp.
Some of the lowest-cost, most effective measures include:
Raising the thermostat setting to 78 degrees to recognize savings of 1 percent or more on the monthly electric bill for each increase of one degree.
Changing the direction of a ceiling fan so that the air blows downward in the summer. A ceiling fan uses less power than air conditioning and increases comfort, particularly when used in conjunction with raising the thermostat. It can make the room feel 10 degrees cooler.
Closing drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home. Sunny windows account for a significant amount of unwanted heat and make air conditioners work much harder.
Scheduling activities that require hot water — such as washing dishes or clothes — for the early morning or late evening. This will result in less heat and humidity being added to your home.
Summer temperatures in Virginia thus far have been significantly higher than normal. As a result, the amount of energy needed to cool a typical single-family home also has increased significantly. Compared with last year, cooling energy needs for June 2010 increased by the following amounts compared with an average June:
Northern Virginia: 55 percent;
Richmond: 76 percent; and
Hampton Roads area: 53 percent.
Many other uses of electricity — such as lighting, cooking, washing and drying clothes, and computers — are not affected by the weather.
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – With severe heat expected again today in the metro Richmond region, the Henrico County Public Health Department advises residents to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness and take steps to protect themselves.
Individuals especially at risk for heat-related illness include small children, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions who are not in an air-conditioned environment; however, anyone can be affected by severe heat.
Early signs of heat-related illness can include cramping, fatigue, dizziness and fainting. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention – call 911.
Drink two-to-four glasses of cool fluids each hour; if working outside or exercising, drink fruit juice or sports beverages.
If possible, conduct outdoor activities before noon or at night. Limit physical activity and rest frequently. Avoid sunburn. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing. Use the buddy system if working outside.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles with closed windows, even momentarily. Temperatures quickly can reach 150 degrees, resulting in heat stroke and death.
Keep cool indoors. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the number of heat-related illnesses; be aware that a fan may not prevent illness when temperatures reach the upper 90s. Seek shelter from the heat by going to air-conditioned facilities such as indoor malls and public libraries.
P.S. And if you need help with repairing or replacing your air conditioner unit, please contact Marshall Mechanical at 804.323.0189 today. Don’t wait if your a/c unit is broken, as you may be putting your health in danger with these hot temperatures.
CHESTERFIELD OBSERVER - With summer right around the corner, the Chesterfield County Building Inspection Department has made backyard safety the focus as it recognizes May as Building Safety Month. Building officials are encouraging county residents to take time now to ensure their decks and pools are ready for some safe summertime fun.
Each year, hundreds of people are injured as a result of deck failures or collapses, which can be prevented with regular maintenance. According to the International Code Council Foundation, roughly half of the 40 million decks in the United States are in need of repairs or rebuilding. Chesterfield County building officials recommend the following:
Check support posts and beams for rot, splitting or abnormal movement
Closely examine points at which the deck attaches to the house
Check all fasteners, including bolts and brackets, for any rust or corrosion
Make sure all the rails are sturdy and well-secured
Pools pose obvious safety risks, but there are other risks that may not be as apparent. Like the deck on the back of a house, many pools, especially above-ground pools, have decks beside or around them that require just as much maintenance. How a pool is built or installed, and how a pool is equipped, also can pose risks. Chesterfield County building officials recommend the following:
Make sure that fences, gates and covers that protect the pool from entry by unattended children are operable and in good repair.
Remove access ladders on above-ground pools when the pool is not in use.
Make sure that pumps and other electrical equipment are installed by a qualified individual familiar with the bonding and grounding provisions of the electrical code.
Make sure that pool heaters are installed only by a qualified individual familiar with the code requirements for gas and electric appliances.
Make sure that pools with recirculation filters are equipped with approved entrapment protection.
Should a potential problem be spotted, an inspection by a county building official is recommended. Inspections are free, and most can be completed within a day of when you call. The inspector will know what needs to be done and whether a building permit would be required. They’ll also inspect any work that’s done.
For more information, contact the Chesterfield County Building Inspection Department’s Citizen Assistance Line at 804-748-1779.
Note from Marshall Mechanical: If you are in need of plumbing help related to broken pipes, clogged drains, gas lines or sewer lines, our Master Plumber can help you. Simply call 804.323.0189 today. Same with pool heaters or any type of heating and cooling equipment for your home or outdoor living spaces.
Unless a low-end unit, heat pumps should last between 10 to 20 years, especially with annual maintenance. But a lot of it has to do with other factors like proper ventilation, and where the heat pump has been located — in or outside the home.
This photos is of a 9-year old heat pump unit in a Richmond home that failed because it was installed in a basement with no air flow whatsoever. That’s why most heat pumps are installed outside the home, particularly in a shady area that gets proper air flow and protects them from the sun. Being in the sun makes them have to work harder to keep your home cool and therefore they are less energy efficient and thus end up costing you more.
If you are in the Richmond area, and you have a heat pump installed in a basement, you may end up having to replace it earlier than the typical lifespan of the product. If you haven’t had your heat pump unit checked within the last 12 months, please call us today at 804.323.0189 and we’ll get one of our highly-trained HVAC technicians to inspect the unit and make suggestions on how to keep it running longer and more efficiently.
The investment in a home is most likely the largest financial investment that you will ever make in your lifetime. Due to the size of this investment and the impact it could have on your family, it is important that you do everything you can to protect your investment. Therefore, if you have a basement in your home, you need to understand the importance of having a sump pump to make sure your home is protected from water damage.
First, you may be asking, what exactly is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a pumping system that allows your basement to be protected in the event of a flood or water entering via other ways , like air conditioning pan overflow or broken pipes, etc. If your home has a basement, you know that it is the most susceptible area in the house to a flood due to the close proximity to the soil that could be saturated by a good rain. Water damage could cost you a lot of money and prized possessions, again emphasizing the importance of a sump pump in your basement.
The sump pump removes water that collects in a sump “pit” and sends it away from the house where it can do no damage. In older homes, the sump pump may pump collected water into the sanitary sewer. This is probably not up to code anymore, so check with your permit office to make sure that it is still acceptable in your area (or just call us).
Often in newer homes, the sump pump moves collected water into the drainage system that gets the water away from the foundation of the house. Many times this drainage system is the same buried pipe that collects water from the downspouts coming down from the roof.
There are 2 main types of sumps – pedestal and submersible.
The submersible sump pump is specially sealed to prevent electrical short circuits and is placed down in the sump pit.
The pedestal sump pump is mounted above the sump pit, which makes it easy to service, but it is so … right there screaming “Hello! I am a sump pump!” The submersible pump is the way to go if you want your sump pump out of sight.
Either way, it is nice to have a cover over the sump pit, so you can’t just look down into a pit of water. With an open pit, you run the risk of things falling into the pit and possibly damaging the pump. There’s nothing quite like finding a drowned mouse in your sump pit – yippee! A cover on the pit is also good because it will help with that dank, musty smell that comes with standing water.
Another way that sump pumps will help your home and your financial situation is that they will likely give you a good break on your homeowners insurance. Insurance companies are always excited to see their clients take precautions against possible risks and that is just what a sump pump does. Check with your insurance company to see what sort of discount they give with the installation of a sump pump system.
For more information about sump pumps, contact the professionals here at Marshall Mechanical.
Many Richmond VA homeowners are looking for low-cost home improvements that can make a difference in your home energy bills.
Dominion Virginia Power has a number of suggestions to manage your Richmond home’s energy costs with a new video featuring Bob Fulton, Dominion’s weatherization specialist, who demonstrates how to include a number of energy saving initiatives, such as:
Adding the proper amount of attic insulation and having the proper attic ventilation
Determining the best time of day to use your dishwasher and other appliances
Using a microwave oven or, better yet, an outdoor grill for cooking and why it makes sense in the summer
This is a short video, with great tips. Marshall Mechanical suggests having your heating and air conditioning unit checked twice a year (Spring and Fall) rather than every three years as Bob indicates. Every three years would be the minimum but to maintain your equipment in good working order and have the HVAC units last longer for you, we suggest two times a year.
Many of our clients have annual maintenance contracts and that prevents problems from happening in the first place.
Also, be sure to change your air conditioning filter once a month or once every three months, depending on the type of filter you’re using. Some don’t have to be replaced but need to be cleaned or vacuumed regularly.
If you have any questions specific to home energy savings particularly with your home’s heating and air conditioning units, or you want to know how to save up to 70% with a geothermal heat pump, simply call our office at 804.323.0189. You’ll learn how to save money each and every month with a simple and free home energy analysis.
Last week, NBC12 released a story about how allergy season struck early this year with the pollen count up and the tree pollen, especially, out earlier this year.
Here’s the story:
At Marshall Mechanical, we have high-efficiency home air filters as well as home air purification systems that can help keep the pollen, dust and other airborne contaminants out of the air in your home.
Don’t wait. Let us help you breathe better during Richmond’s allergy season. Don’t suffer from airborne allergies this year – simply call our office at 804.323.0189.
The Lennox Spring HVAC rebate promotion launched at Marshall Mechanical today. With the Lennox manufacturer rebate of up to $1,000, the Federal tax credits of up to $1,500, and zero percent, 12-months financing offered by Marshall Mechanical, you can save up to $2,500 on a new heating and air conditioning system.
But you must act now to take advantage of these savings as the Lennox rebate ends with equipment being installed by June 30, 2010.
This Lennox rebate promotion allows Marshall Mechanical to customize a heating and air conditioning system — a Lennox Home Comfort System — based on your personal home comfort requirements and your home’s specific needs.
Lennox Spring Rebate — save up to $1,000
We can create a Lennox heating and air conditioning system from a full range of qualifying products from Lennox’s outdoor, indoor, healthy climate and temperature control lines and the homeowner will be then eligible for a manufacturer’s rebate of up to $1,000 for buying one qualifying product in each category of select systems purchased and installed by June 30, 2010. And we’ll help you with the paperwork in order to get your rebate processed.
Best of all, Marshall Mechanical also offers you 12-month, 0% financing through GE Money — available for qualified applicants.*
If you purchase and install your heating and air conditioning system with a qualifying Lennox Home Comfort System before June 30th, you can receive:
1. Up to $1,000 in Lennox product rebates on qualifying home comfort systems
2. Up to $1,500 in Federal tax credits
3. 12-months 0% financing from Marshall Mechanical
Therefore, your total savings can run up to $2,500!
And, of course, those savings are in addition to the money you’ll save each and every month by having a new and more energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system installed in your home, further saving you hundreds of dollars each year as you and your family enjoy your new Lennox home comfort system. And that’s a lot of extra cash for you to spend on other things you need each month.
So don’t wait to take advantage of this offer
Please call your Richmond heating and air conditioning professionals at Marshall Mechanical today at 804.323.0189. We’ll 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 hot summer temperatures and humidity conditions that the Richmond area is known for.
With Marshall Mechanical and Lennox, now there are even more ways to both protect and maximize the investment you’ve made in your home!
P.S. Call 323.0189 today as the 2010 Lennox Spring Rebate Promotion lasts only until June 30, 2010, with equipment being installed by that date. Lennox rebate requests must be postmarked by 10 days from installation or by July 14th, whichever occurs first. Don’t miss out on these great savings! Call us today at 804.323.0189.
It’s not always easy to determine if you need to replace your home’s heating and air conditioning system. A professional HVAC engineer can work with you to determine whether fixing or replacing it is the best option.
But here are the some points to help you make your decision if you are considering replacing your HVAC system:
❏ Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.
Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder.
❏ Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust.
Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help.
❏ Your cooling system is noisy.
Your duct system could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.
❏ Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient.
❏ Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 12 years old.
Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And, remember, high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR.
❏ Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing it with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both types of heating systems.
❏ You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.
You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.
❏ Your score on the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick is below five.
That means you’re using more energy at home than most Americans and probably paying more than you need to on energy bills. Get personalized recommendations to improve your home and/or heating and cooling system. Find the Home Energy Yardstick at www.energystar.gov. Click on Home Energy Analysis.
The professional HVAC engineers and technicians at Marshall Mechanical can help you determine what’s best for you, your family’s comfort and your home. Simply call us at 804.323.0189 today.
Source: “A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stop spending hundreds of dollars on your monthly heating and air conditioning bills and start saving money with a new high energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system from Marshall Mechanical.
