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Weather Master Vice President Offers Advice About Improving Indoor Air Quality

Knightdale, NC, December 2011 - The Environmental Protection Agency’s indoor air quality report lists air quality as one of the top five environmental health risks because the air inside homes and businesses is two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. Since most people spend 90% of their time indoors, especially during winter months, Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating, cooling and air quality company, wants everyone to be aware of how to reduce the particles, pollutants, and allergens that can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies.


The average person breathes in about 1,120,000,000 particles every day, including dust, molds, viruses, bacteria, and dander. The smallest of these are called respirable particles because they can be inhaled and lodge in the lungs, aggravating respiratory illnesses and allergies.


The single best way to improve indoor air is to ventilate with clean air from outdoors. “But that’s not always possible, especially during the coldest months,” states Hill.
“When you can’t open the windows, you have to rely on other methods of improving the air, including air purifiers and cleaners, upgraded air filters, humidity controllers, and duct cleaning.”


Air filters come in many styles and levels of effectiveness. Pleated air filters are the most popular type of air filter for home use. “They are a good balance of effectiveness and cost efficiency for the majority of homes,” explains Hill. Check the filter’s MERV rating to get an idea of the percentage of particulates trapped in the filtration material. For residential use, the MERV rating will be between one and 16, with higher numbers equating better filtration. A filter with a MERV of 11 will capture about 90% of large particles that it comes into contact with. “But remember, even the best filter will be ineffective if you don’t change it monthly,” cautions Hill.
Air purifiers take air filtration to the next level. For someone with allergies or respiratory issues, the initial cost of an air purifier is justified by the fact that it will remove about 99.98% of allergens, up to 100 times as many particles as a standard air filter.


Air cleaners, also known as air sterilizers, use ultraviolet lights inside the furnace or air handler to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold that can grow on the surfaces there. These lights eliminate the chance that this moist environment is fostering the growth of these pollutants and allergens.


Humidity levels also affect air quality. Indoor air should have 30 to 50% humidity; air that is too moist can contribute to mold, and dry air can be rough on the respiratory system. “Locally, our air can be very dry in the winter and very humid in the summer. Having a humidity gauge in your home is a good idea so you know when to humidify and when to dehumidify,” states Hill Humidifiers can be used room-by-room or installed for the whole house. Dehumidifying is often as easy as running the air conditioner.


Ducts can contain dirt, mold, and mites, among other particles. Clean ducts improve indoor air by removing these pollutants at the source, before they are recirculated. Have a professional check your ducts annually, especially if you have a fuel burning furnace or stove or a fireplace.
Air quality is an issue that affects everyone. A high-efficiency air filter is a good first line of defense against indoor air pollution. Additional steps should include air cleaners and purifiers, humidity control, and duct cleaning, especially for those homes with very young children, the elderly, or who face respiratory illness or allergies. If you are concerned with the quality of air in your home, contact a professional for an analysis of your needs.

For more information visit Weather Master at www.weathermasterhvac.com.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.
 

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Weather Master Aims to Collect 4,000 Pounds of Food for Local Food Banks

Knightdale, NC, October 2011, (November 2011)– Weather Master, a local heating, cooling and plumbing company, is conducting a food drive for local food banks in the Triangle area through December 16 with the goal of collecting 4,000 pounds of food. Weather Master is offering additional discounts off services in hopes of collecting non-perishable items from the homes they service. All donations will go to a variety of local food banks.


“It’s a great way to give back to the community. Not only are we providing great service to our customers but we can use that same opportunity to serve our community as well,” says Lee Hill, co-owner of Weather Master. “We need your help to reach our goal.”
 

The most-requested items for donation include cereal, peanut butter, canned pasta, crackers, boxed meals such as Hamburger Helper, and toiletries. All nonperishable foods will be gladly accepted, however.
 

Donations are being collected during service calls, or anyone interested in donating may contact Weather Master via telephone at (919) 229-4314 or their website, www.weathermasterhvac.com, for more information.

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.
 

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Educating Homeowners Fire & Safety Hazards of Home Heating Systems That Lack Regular Maintenance

Knightdale, NC, October 2011 – October is National Fire Safety Month and heading into winter means an increase in residential fires according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA cites home space heating as the second leading cause of residential fires during the winter season. According to a 2009 USFA report, 50,200 fires, 160 deaths, 550 injuries and $301,300,000 in damage were the result of residential heating fires.

Proper maintenance of heating systems can help reduce the safety and fire hazards.
Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master states, “When it comes to your heating system, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular maintenance. To operate safely, heating systems need to be annually inspected including being cleaned and tuned-up by a professional.”

Hill goes on to say, “During an annual check-up the safety switches on your furnace are tested and the combustion is checked. Also, if your furnace has a pilot light, it’s extremely important to make sure there aren’t any leaks in the heat exchanger. Leaks in the heat exchanger can allow combustion products like carbon monoxide into your home, creating a serious safety concern.”

“Carbon Monoxide poisoning is known as the ‘silent killer,’ because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it, but it claims nearly 300 lives each year,” according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Hill states, “If you have an electric heating system, like a heat pump, it needs to be checked annually as well. Running electric heat puts an enormous load on your electrical circuits. The heating up and cooling down of the wires can lead to expansion and can loosen connections. A loose connection can lead to higher amperage and can burn wires. During a tune-up, all of the connections are checked to make sure they are tight. Also, safety switches and relay points are checked to ensure the system is operating properly.”

“Smoke detector preventive maintenance is another way to keep your family safe. If you haven’t done so already this year, change the batteries in all of your homes’ smoke detectors,” says Hill. According to the CPSC smoke detectors should be tested every month and batteries changed once a year.

“The investment in regular heating system maintenance is well worth the money. Even if there is nothing wrong with your system, you can sleep better at night with the peace of mind of knowing everything is in good shape,” says Hill.

For more information visit Weather Master at www.weathermasterhvac.com.

For more information on National Fire Safety Month go to www.nfpa.org.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Hurricane Season is Here … Are you prepared?

Knightdale, NC, August 2011 – According to the AOML (Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory), there’s a “very peaked season from August to October, with maximum activity occurring in September for hurricane activity.” Being prepared for a hurricane can keep you and your family safe and comfortable during the storm and helps save time and money in the aftermath. “Getting your home’s air conditioning system ready for hurricane season is an important part of being prepared,” states Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master.

“An important part of your home and overall comfort is your air conditioning system. It’s also one of the most expensive investments, after your home. Making sure it weathers the storm is important to not only you and your family’s comfort, but also to your pocketbook,” says Hill.

Weather Master lists some important steps to take in order to prepare an air conditioning system for hurricanes or extreme weather and some precautions to take in the aftermath of a storm.

  • Turn off your air conditioning system. Make sure your entire system is turned off, at the thermostat and the circuit breaker. This will help avoid any unnecessary damage. Power to your air conditioner can be a fire hazard or cause electrical shock, in the event of flooding.
  • Batten down the hatches! Securing your equipment is one of the most important steps you can take. The hardware holding your air conditioning unit in place can rust or come loose over time, and loose equipment can move and cause significant damage. Make sure to use hurricane straps or bolts to secure your system to the base.
  • Eliminate loose items near or around the air conditioning unit. Remove any items near the outside of the air conditioning unit that might become airborne and cause impact damage to the unit such as patio furniture, plants, toys, and bikes.
  • Flooded air conditioners. If you live in an area that flooded, make sure conditions are dry before you try to operate your air conditioner. NEVER restore power to the system until you know you are completely safe to do so. It’s best to have a professional technician do a thorough inspection to determine if it is safe to operate.
  • Impact damage or debris. Before turning the air conditioner back on, check it for damage or debris around that could cause it to malfunction or overheat. If you are unsure, have a professional technician check your system.

These simple steps can be the difference between major and minor repairs and being prepared for severe weather can lessen the aftermath in terms of reduced home comfort as well. Hill reminds homeowners, “If your air conditioning system is compromised in any way after a storm, make sure to contact a professional technician. They will ensure the safety of you and your home.”

For more information visit Weather Master, at www.weathermasterhvac.com.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

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“Cut Costs & Stay Cool” This Summer with Helpful Tips from Weather Master

Knightdale, NC, June 2011 – As electricity prices are expected to rise along with hot summer temps, it’s causing many to look for ways to cut back on expenses. Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating and cooling company says, “Homeowners can beat the heat this summer, reduce their air conditioning (a/c) usage, while still enjoying savings by following a few simple tips.”

According to Hill, “One easy tip is to seasonally adjust your drapes, blinds or curtains. By closing your blinds or drapes on east or west facing windows, you can keep the sun’s direct rays from entering your home. This helps reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner puts forth to keep your home cool. In the evening, open the drapes, blinds or curtains to allow the heat to escape back out through the windows of your home.”

Another simple task is to shade your outdoor air conditioning unit. “The ideal location for your air conditioner is on the north side of your home, however, this is not always feasible. Landscaping such as trees or shrubs can provide shade, keep the direct sun off of your house, while making your yard look nice,” says Hill. Hill reminds homeowners that they should “keep in mind an air conditioner needs to have at least 2 feet clearance around and above for proper air circulation, and to maintain access for maintenance and repair.”

“During the summer when your system is running more frequently it’s especially important to be diligent about checking and changing your filter,” says Hill. “Changing or cleaning an air conditioning filter on a regular basis increases system efficiency and helps lower utility costs. Conversely, a dirty filter lowers the efficiency of a cooling system, increases utility costs, while making a system run harder and longer.”

According to Hill, “An air conditioning tune-up can help you save money this summer. A tune-up ensures that your system is running efficiently and safely, while saving you money and giving you peace of mind.” Studies show that air conditioners at peak efficiency will use up to 20% less electricity and last years longer. “In most cases, the savings you get in lower utility costs more than makes up for the cost of the tune-up,” says Hill.

Hill states, “Using fans around your home is another way to help cool your home while reducing a/c usage. Fans help move cool air and ease your air conditioners workload. In some cases fans provide enough cool air so that you can turn your air conditioner above 78 degrees, saving a great deal of energy.”

As they say, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” “A dehumidifier rids your home of humidity while helping your family feel more comfortable. A dehumidifier may even allow you to feel more comfortable at a higher thermostat setting (like 78 degrees), helping to reduce your energy usage,” says Hill.

“And lastly, if you can, leave heat generating chores such as cooking, washing (or drying) clothes, and dishwashing for the cooler parts of the day. Also keep in mind, labor-intensive tasks during the hottest times of the day will make you feel uncomfortable. If possible, do them in the early morning or evening when the heat isn’t as bad,” says Hill.

By following a few simple tips homeowners can decrease their air conditioning usage, reduce their energy usage, cut costs, and still stay cool this summer.

For more information about these or other great tips, visit these websites: www.weathermasterhvac.com, www.energystar.gov, and www.savingsgrid.com.

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.
 

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Contest Winners Improve Customer Service

Knightdale, NC, May 2011 – Contest winners Mr. and Mrs. Ehrenbock of Raleigh, North Carolina are thrilled with their new IPod. Local heating, cooling and plumbing company, Weather Master, in an effort to encourage their customers to submit customer reviews, ran a contest the last two weeks of February. Anyone who posted a review online during this time period was entered into a random drawing. The lucky winners were announced in March.

“At Weather Master we’ve built a business around serving our neighbors and friends and we want to encourage any useful feedback,” says Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master. “We know that the best way to improve how we serve our customers is to hear it directly from them.”

Weather Master has served homeowners and businesses since 1977 and has a reputation for superior technical skills in air conditioning, heating, and air quality systems. Built on a foundation of maintaining the most knowledgeable technical staff with “Trust Certification” – random drug testing, national background verifications and driver’s license checks.

Hill, says, “The main strength of our company is our team members. By hiring the best people in the industry, we have created a great team that provides unmatched value to our clients. Our team is also committed to our mission: establishing long-term relationships with our clients and delivering reliable solutions that are energy-saving and suited to their home or business.”

“We look forward to more interactions with our customers in the future and plan to run another contest soon!,” states Hill.

To learn more about Weather Master, visit their website at, www.weathermasterhvac.com.

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

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Be Healthy, Breathe Easy

Knightdale, NC, April 28, 2011 – For many Americans spring means uncomfortable outdoor allergies. Coughing. Sneezing. Wheezing. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma and allergies strike 1 out of every 4 Americans and are the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. among all age groups. And it’s not just outdoor air that’s the culprit. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Indoor air pollutants are particularly concerning because statistics show most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors (American Lung Association).

“The consequences of indoor airborne contaminants are poor health, reduced home comfort, in addition to reduced efficiency of your heating and cooling system,” states Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating and cooling expert. “Your heating and cooling system is the vehicle in which indoor air is circulated throughout your home. Keeping your indoor air healthy means first, keep your heating and cooling system maintained on a regular basis and second, look at products that treat the air in your whole house.”

Hill has some suggestions for homeowners to stay healthy and breathe easier this spring.

First, change your heating and/or cooling air filter on a regular basis. Air filters are designed to collect dust and dirt. By changing (or cleaning) your filter on a regular basis you’ll help cut down on the amount of pollutants in the air of your home. “Keeping a clean air filter also improves the energy efficiency and prolongs the life of your heating and cooling system,” says Hill.

According to Hill, “Another way to improve the quality of air in your home is to upgrade the type of filter in your heating and cooling system. If you switch from a standard 1” filter to a higher quality HEPA filter you’ll increase the filtration of particles in the air of your home and depending upon the type of filter, remove pollutants such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet dander and plant and mold spores.” One thing to note, a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is the standard method for comparing the efficiency of air filters. The higher the rating, the better the filter is at removing particles in the air. Filters with higher ratings will not only remove more particles from the air, they will also remove smaller particles.

“Another great way to improve the quality of air in your home is through air cleaners or air purifiers,” states Hill. Both of these products work through your heating and cooling system, improving the air throughout your home. Hill states, “A portable air purifier or cleaner will only be effective in the room that it is placed in, whereas a whole house air cleaning system will clean the air in your entire home.”

Whole house air cleaners help protect your furnishings and save you the time and aggravation of continuous dusting and cleaning. Hill states, “Whole-house air cleaners provide relief from irritants by removing very small particulates from the air and preventing them from being re-circulated.”

According to Hill, “An air purifier whole-house filtration system will capture small particles and microorganisms, and safely remove and destroy chemical vapors and odors. One of the best products on the market today is the Lennox PureAir™ Purification system, which uses patented light-purification technology and two types of filtration, cleaning the air better than any other single system.”

For suggestions on improving your indoor air quality, contact Weather Master, your local expert for all of your heating, cooling and air quality needs. “It’s our goal to help you breathe easier this spring!” says Hill.

 

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

 

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Weather Master Warns Homeowners About Internet Purchases

Knightdale, NC, March 28, 2011 – People are using the Internet more and more when deciding on purchases. However, for certain purchases like heating and cooling systems, Weather Master, a local heating and cooling service company, warns homeowners against this practice. Purchasing heating and cooling equipment involves more than just “who has the best price” and “who carries the top brand”. Choosing the right heating and cooling technician for installing and repairing your heating and air conditioning system is very important because proper installation and maintenance are the biggest factors in determining a system's life span and efficiency.

According to Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master, “The success (or failure) of your heating and cooling system is based largely on the installation and maintenance.”

Hill states, “A properly installed heating and cooling system starts with a qualified technician performing a load calculation on your home prior to system selection. This calculation is necessary to insure that you get the correct size system to meet the needs of your home.” According to Hill a unit that is too big (oversized) may have a higher upfront cost, raise utility costs, remove less humidity and fail more quickly. Also, a unit that is too small will have to work harder to heat and cool a home and can lead to premature failure. A load calculation takes into consideration factors such as; the square footage of usable space in your home, the number of windows, types of windows, insulation amounts, the direction your home is facing, as well as many other factors.

Another major factor in insuring that your system in installed correctly, according to Hill, is to hire a reputable, trained technician. A professional service technician will recognize the need to check your ducts before installing a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system. “If the ducts are too small they will cause your HVAC system to use more energy and will deliver less comfort. Too small of ducts will lead to early equipment failure as well,” says Hill. A trained technician will also know to measure and document your airflow, to measure refrigerant charge, to ensure that your unit is safe electrically, to test the firing rate on a new furnace or boiler and to test your thermostat to ensure it is compatible with the new equipment.

Hill points out that by choosing a reputable HVAC company for installation, they’ll provide a copy of the installation checklist with a record of all measurements taken during installation, as well as a copy of the owner’s manual, manufacturer’s warranty and their warranty. Hill says, “Along with this you should get a list of recommended maintenance requirements. Maintenance is key to keeping your system working at peak performance.”

There is nothing better for your heating and/or air conditioning system than annual maintenance. “Annual maintenance allows your system to continue to work at peak efficiency year in and year out. A system that is maintained annually experiences considerably fewer breakdowns and costly repairs along with using less energy. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your system is saving you money on your utility bills every time it comes on. In some instances, the energy savings are enough to pay for the cost of the planned annual maintenance service,” says Hill.

So, when purchasing a new heating & cooling system listen to the advice from Weather Master, local heating and cooling specialists, and pick a reputable, experienced HVAC company leaving the internet to products that don’t rely on the value of installation and maintenance.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

 

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Weather Master Disputes the saying “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Knightdale, NC, February 24, 2011 – This saying, though funny and often true (especially when referring to that annoying neighbor) doesn’t always work in cases like your heating and cooling system. Your quietly humming along heating and cooling system, that you ignore year after year expecting it to work without any maintenance. Then, unexpectedly - well before the projected expiration date of our system and on the hottest, most inconvenient day ever - the humming stops suddenly and you’re faced with major repairs. You may never hear that “squeaky wheel,” but the results of lack of maintenance are loud and clear; a decrease in your system’s efficiency, a decrease in the lifespan of your system and a decrease in your overall home comfort.

Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master says, “Don’t skip maintenance! Regular maintenance ensures that your system runs day after day without fail while providing efficient, comfortable cooling to your home.”

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), as much as half (often times more than half!) of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling, so it makes sense to keep your equipment working as efficiently as possible. Hill states, “Regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system can increase the efficiency of your system and have a large affect on your utility bills.” In fact, studies show that properly maintaining your heating and cooling system improves efficiency and can reduce energy bills by up to 35%!

“The build-up of dirt and dust in your air conditioning system, if left unchecked, will eventually lead to equipment failure,” says Hill. According to the EPA, this build-up is the #1 cause of air conditioning system breakdowns. And increased breakdowns mean higher maintenance costs to you. Hill reminds homeowners that their systems will last several years longer with proper maintenance.

According to Hill, routine maintenance not only increases the longevity of your system but it can also gage the “age-correctness” of your system as well. Your technician will be able to help you determine when the life cycle of your system is at an end (when repairs and maintenance costs escalate and become too expensive) and get it replaced before your system breaks down (like on the hottest day of the year!)

And lastly, we all expect our heating and cooling system to be able to deliver the temperature we want, to be comfortable in a variety of conditions, and to deliver it all day long – which is the case most of the time. Hill states, “If your system is not maintained properly, it may be working too hard or inefficiently to effectively deliver the comfort of a consistent air temperature.”

So don’t wait to hear the “squeaky wheel” before deciding on regular system maintenance. Having your air conditioning system regularly maintained will pay for itself in lower repair costs, less aggravation and more efficient operation, not to mention increased home comfort. And most of the time the money spent on a tune-up you more than save with lower utilities and fewer repair bills!

For more information go to: www.weathermasterhvac.com.

 

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

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Homeowners Lower Energy Costs While Improving Home Comfort

Knightdale, NC, January 31, 2011 – Technology in the heating and cooling industry is always improving and providing homeowners with better ways to heat and cool their homes. One such great innovation is the variable speed furnace. This technology works like a dimmer switch. It can be turned down (“dimmed”) when your heating needs are less demanding and then turned up when your comfort needs increase. Variable speed furnaces allow you to save money with the added benefit of improved air quality in your home.

Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, states, “ ‘Variable speed’ actually refers to the furnace’s indoor air blower motor. The blower motor is the component that determines the amount of air the blower is required to deliver to your home. A variable speed blower motor moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home.”

For example, on chilly, but not cold days, your furnace will run at a low setting, but for longer periods of time. This allows it to operate at the most efficient temperature without the many stops and starts that create inefficient burning. On cold days, it runs at full capacity to accommodate the more demanding heat load. Most variable speed furnaces run at a low setting approximately 90 percent of the time.

According to Hill, “A variable speed motor will typically use two-thirds less power per hour, compared to a conventional blower. By consuming less energy, you are able to save a significant amount on your yearly utility bills.”

In addition to saving money, running the burner and blower longer at a lower setting distributes air in rooms more evenly and pushes more air through the furnace filter. This results in cleaner air, better humidity control and overall a more comfortable home environment.

With a variable speed furnace you can save money while providing better indoor air quality to your home. A winning combination!

For more information about variable speed furnaces go to www.weathermasterhvac.com or www.lennox.com.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.
 

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Extension on Energy Efficiency Tax Credits Through 2011

Knightdale, NC, December 28 30, 2010 – Signed into to law last week by President Obama, the tax credits for homeowners who make qualified energy efficient retrofits to their homes has been extended. Known as the 25C Tax Credits, these tax credits are extended through 2011, but contain some differences from the previous 2009 – 2010 tax credits that homeowners should be aware of such as: a cap on the total amount of credits homeowners are eligible for, varying maximums set by product group, and changes in qualifying equipment standards.

From January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, eligible homeowners can claim 10% of the costs, capped at $500, for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements, with some limitations. The cap is on the total amount of credits a homeowner can claim between 2006 and 2011, not just for 2011. Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master states, “A homeowner who has already claimed $500 or more in credit through this allowance will be unable to claim new credits for improvement made during 2011.”

Next, all qualifying energy efficient products have a tax credit worth 10% of installed costs with restrictions set to establish maximum limits for the different product categories. Qualifying central air conditioners have a $300 maximum; gas furnaces, oil furnaces, boilers a $150 maximum; heat pumps a $300 maximum; and water heaters a $300 maximum. These individual maximum amounts are additive to a $500 maximum lifetime tax credit.

And lastly, the qualifying standards for the central air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters have not changed; however, the new law increases the qualifying standards for natural gas hot water boilers, propane hot water boilers, oil furnaces and oil hot water boilers to 95% AFUE (from 90% AFUE). The qualifying standards for natural gas furnaces and propane furnaces remain at 95% AFUE.

The extension of the federal tax credits give homeowners another chance to replace old, inefficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems and save money. “Advancements in technology, energy efficiency, and performance in the last ten years mean that the equipment you buy today will pay for itself quicker,” states Hill. “Replacing older, inefficient equipment allows you to save money with the tax credit, lower energy usage and decrease your monthly utility bills.”

For more information about these new tax laws and qualifying products go to: www.dsireusa.org and http://www.weathermasterhvac.com


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

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Is “Peace of Mind” a Gift Worth Giving?

Knightdale, NC, November 30, 2010 – During the holidays every year the folks at Weather Master experience a large number of “no heat” calls from panicked homeowners whose furnace has broken down and they’re expecting a house full of guests. It happens every year, but it doesn’t have to. We all have our to do lists around the holidays, everything from getting food ready, to making sure the house is in order. Most of us realize the importance of having a furnace check-up on our list, but put it off for one reason or another. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to check that task off your list right now? I bet if you asked one of those people who experienced this panicked situation last year they’d wish that they’d checked furnace tune-up off their list before the holidays. Avoid being one of “those people”, call today to schedule maintenance on your furnace and give the gift of “peace of mind” to yourself or someone you love!

Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master states, “Your heating and cooling system is the ‘heart’ of your home. It needs regular check-ups, just like your car. If you stop all maintenance on your car it won’t run efficiently and eventually it will seize up and quit working altogether. The same applies to your heating and cooling system. Routine maintenance helps your system operate efficiently, effectively and age-appropriately.”

According to the EPA, as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling, so it makes sense to keep your equipment working as efficiently as possible. Regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system can increase the efficiency of your system and have a large affect on your utility bills. In fact, studies show that properly maintaining your heating and cooling system improves efficiency and can reduce energy bills by up to 35%!

We all expect our heating and cooling system to be able to deliver the temperature we want, to be comfortable in a variety of conditions, and to deliver it all day long – which is the case most of the time. However, if your system is not maintained properly, it may be working too hard or inefficiently to effectively deliver the comfort of a consistent air temperature.

Lastly, we all want our heating and cooling system to last as long as possible and be “age appropriate”, but without proper maintenance, performance will decline at a quicker rate as it ages. According to Energy Star, your system will last several years longer with proper maintenance. Routine maintenance not only increases the longevity of your system but it can also gage the “age appropriateness” of your system as well. Hill states, “Your technician will be able to help you determine when the life cycle of your system is at an end (when repairs and maintenance costs escalate and become too expensive) and get it replaced before your system breaks down (like on Christmas Day when your home is full of guests!).”

Having your heating and cooling system regularly maintained will pay for itself in lower repair costs, less aggravation and more efficient operation. Remember don’t become one of “those people”, someone who has to get a technician out to the house for an emergency call on Christmas morning in order to fix the problem and restore heat to the home, before guests arrive!


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Avoid the Greasy Stuff!

Knightdale, NC, October 25, 2010 - While preparing for your holiday dinner this year, remember not everything should go down the drain. According to Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master’s Mr. Plumber, putting the wrong things down the drain can cause serious and expensive damage to your household plumbing system. You also don’t want to spend your holidays trying to contact a plumber to unclog your drain while the dirty dishes pile up!

Many of us think that when we see something disappear it is gone for good – out of sight, out of mind! This type of thinking is especially harmful when it comes to our plumbing. Not everything is designed to go down the drain. Hill states, “Pouring the wrong thing into your kitchen sink will eventually mean that you have a big problem in your pipes, costing you a lot of time and money in order to fix the issue at hand.”

According to Hill, there are a lot of materials that when poured down a drain will accumulate, clog pipes, and some will eventually corrode the joints, causing leaks and severe damage. The most common item is grease. This includes meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine. Grease is a liquid that seems like it should go okay down the drain, but remember it is only a liquid while it is hot. As soon as grease cools down, it will begin to form into a solid. As it sits in your pipes it catches other particles, and eventually plugs up your system. It may also start to smell! Hill states, “Running hot water as you pour grease down the drain will not help, and home garbage disposals won’t keep grease out of your plumbing system either. These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces but do not prevent grease from going down the drain.”

According to Hill, while it’s safe to run hot water from the sink through the garbage disposal, it’s best to use cold water when you are operating the disposal. Using a strong flow of cold water and keeping the disposal running at least 30 seconds after grinding has stopped helps flush food particles through the drain line. Cold water will solidify any excess fatty and greasy waste so it is chopped up and flushed down the drain, however, the best way to dispose of grease experts say, is to avoid putting it down the drain to begin with, and instead, put it into a container to harden and then throw it away in the trash.

If you do end up with a clogged drain this holiday season and are planning on fixing it on your own using liquid drain cleaners, avoid chemical drain cleaners. Hill warns homeowners, “Most drain chemicals are very toxic in nature and not a good thing to keep around the home if you have children or pets.” (Note: By putting them down the drain you’ll also be contributing to global pollution!)

Hill further states, “Chemical drain cleaners can have a negative effect on your piping. Over time these chemicals may deteriorate your pipes from the inside out. When this happens, the drain line(s) will have to be replaced.” Don’t confuse toxic drain cleaners with the various drain care products that are on the market today. Hill recommends products containing “friendly” bacteria and enzymes. They work great to keep any drain sludge and grease from building up in the pipes.

So, remember while you are cooking your holiday dinner, don’t put any grease down the drain. Instead scrape food off plates into the garbage and let grease solidify into a container before disposing of it into the trashcan. A moment of convenience is not worth the cost of repairs down the road!


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning, heating and plumbing equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Heating & Cooling System?

Knightdale, NC, September 29, 2010 - If your heating and/or air conditioning system fails, you are often faced with a choice, to repair the existing unit by replacing parts or by buying a new system. According to Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating & cooling company, “When faced with this decision there are three main factors you should consider: life expectancy, efficiency and current condition of your unit.”

According to Hill, “Most units will last between 10 to 12 years for air conditioners and 10 to 15 on heating systems, after that point they become expensive to repair and break down more often. Also parts are sometimes discontinued which causes them to be more expensive, if not completely unavailable.” Consider the age of your equipment and if a unit it’s an 8 year old or more air conditioner or a 10 to 15 year old or more furnace (or heat pump) it is nearing the end of its life expectancy. Hill points out that you can add at least four years onto this number if you’ve consistently had it professionally maintained during this time.

Hill states, “Even if you completely restore an aging unit (which is expensive to do!), you will still only have the efficiency that it was rated for when it was manufactured, at best.” Newer unit efficiencies, due to constant improvement and increasing government-imposed energy standards, have greatly improved over the past 20 years. According to Hill, in a lot of cases, installing a new heating and/or air conditioning system can pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short period of time.

The condition of your unit is the third factor to consider. Hill says you should take into account the quality of your current unit, number of breakdowns you’ve experienced, and how often your unit has been maintained. If you have not maintained your unit and breakdowns are frequent, replacement should be a serious consideration. In this situation, no matter what the skill of the installer or service technician, there is little that can be done except restore the unit.

So when faced with the decision to repair or replace your heating and/or air conditioning system, make sure to consider all of these factors. This will help you make an informed decision that is most beneficial to you!

Hill wants to remind homeowners that are considering heating and cooling system replacement, to keep in mind that there is a federal tax credit available on primary residences equal to 30%, up to $1500, on qualified Energy Star rated (www.energystar.gov) furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners. You will need to act quickly, as this tax credit will expire on December 31, 2010!

 


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Warranties vs. Maintenance – Do You Know the Difference?

Knightdale, NC, August 24, 2010 - In the HVAC (heating, cooling & ventilation) industry, we often hear the comments, ”We don’t need planned maintenance, we’re still under warranty.” Nothing could be further from the truth!

Manufacturers, to help compensate for problems caused by manufacturing defects, provide warranties on new equipment. If a piece of equipment fails during the warranty period and if the manufacturer accepts that the failure was not caused by outside influence (through improper use or lack of routine maintenance procedures), then they will generally provide a replacement part, free of charge.

Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating and cooling company states, “Equipment manufacturers don’t typically cover labor and the necessary materials needed to replace a failed/ broken part, however, at Weather Master, we cover parts and labor for the first year on all repairs made and all systems we install.”

In some cases, if a manufacturer determines that a lack of routine maintenance has contributed to the failure of equipment then the warranty coverage can be revoked leaving the homeowner to accept the full cost of repair.

According to Hill, Planned Maintenance inspections are important to not only keep your warranty valid, but also to keep your heating & cooling system working efficiently and safely. Most of us think that after we’ve bought our heating and cooling system, we’re done. We put out the money to pay for this expensive equipment (the most expensive equipment in most homes!) and we expect it to work, without any more effort.

I doubt that any of us would think the same of our cars. We know that our cars require regular maintenance if we want them to keep performing day after day. If you were to stop all maintenance on your car it would eventually seize up and quit working. The same applies to your heating and cooling system, which without regular maintenance will eventually breakdown or fail in approximately 2-3 years. After spending a bunch of money on a HVAC system no one wants to turn around and have to shell out this same money 2-3 years down the road. Your heating and cooling equipment, like your car requires regular maintenance.

Hill states, “Looking back at our records, we were able to determine that 50% of our repair calls could have been avoided by regular maintenance. By having a yearly tune-up on your system, you can avoid much more expensive repairs.”

During a typical tune-up, your technician will have a long list of checks that they perform on your heating & cooling system. These checks enable the technician to catch things like a loose electrical connection or parts with visible wear. These problems caught at the time of a tune-up can easily be fixed and will help avoid costly repairs later.

Lack of maintenance will lead to dirt and dust build-up in your system as well. According to Energy Star (a government run program founded by the EPA), “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” This build-up will cause your system to run harder and longer and greatly decreases its efficiency. As your system works harder to beat the heat or cold, your monthly utility bills will increase.

Lack of maintenance on your heating & cooling system can also lead to safety issues. During a tune-up all of the electrical connections are examined, and the unit disconnect switch along with all of the safety devices are checked. If you do not have your system checked out annually you could be running a serious safety risk and not even be aware of it.

As with our cars, we realize that if we don’t do regular maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups, we will void our warranties. If something major goes wrong with our car we won’t be able to go into the dealership and have it fixed under warranty. Well, the same goes for your heating and cooling system. Most appliances have a 5-10 year warranty, and if you don’t maintain the equipment and something goes wrong, you’re out of luck and the warranty will be void. You’ll end up spending a large amount of money to fix it or even replace equipment that would have been covered under warranty, had you kept up with maintenance.

A lack of maintenance leads to repairs and early equipment failure, inefficiency, higher utility bills and an overall decrease in the system’s ability to keep your home comfortable, not to mention, invalidating your warranty and creating an unsafe environment in your home. When you look at all of this, the cost of a yearly tune-up is cheap in comparison!


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.
 

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Save Water, Energy, and Money with Green Plumbing

Knightdale, NC, July 29, 2010 - “Going green” is not a new term for most of us, however, it might be as it applies to the plumbing in your home. According to Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master’s Mr. Plumber, “Green plumbing is plumbing that is designed to be the most energy efficient and at the same time conserve the most water. A great by-product of saving on water and energy is that you will also be saving on your monthly utility bills.” Green plumbing involves anything from changing traditional fixtures and faucets, to water saving fixtures, to installing energy saving water heaters. Some basic green plumbing products include toilets, sinks and showerheads, water heaters, hot water re-circulating, and high-efficiency appliances.

Toilets and water fixtures for sinks and showers on the market today offer a great inexpensive way to reduce your water usage according to Hill. Low flow, dual flush toilets are a significant water saver. The dual flush mechanism allows you to choose the amount of water required for waste. For your sinks, low flow aerators are efficient devices that save water without compromising on your pressure. They can be directly fitted onto the faucet head and control the water flow. Low-flow showerheads are also based on control flow technology to manage the water flow and save considerably on water consumption.

According to Hill, water heaters are a very important part of green plumbing. High efficiency water heaters conserve water along with energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, hot water heating can account for as much as 14-25 percent of your total home energy use. Replacing an older unit with a new, high-efficiency one can have a big impact when it comes to reducing your home heating costs.

Tankless or instant water heaters are another way to reduce not only water usage but also to gain energy savings. Tankless water heaters obtain hot water without first storing water in a tank. They heat the water instantly, providing it as needed, so you will only pay for heating water that you actually use. Because you do not store water in a tank you will eliminate standby heat losses associated with a traditional tank water heater.

A hot water circulation pump is another green plumbing method. Every year thousands of gallons of wasted water go down the drain, costing homeowners thousands of dollars. A significant amount of this waste occurs when homeowners wait for their water to reach a comfortable temperature before they shower or wash their hands. A circulation pump eliminates this wait and unnecessary waste of water by providing instant hot water.

Hill states, “A last step we can all take to be more ‘green’ with our plumbing is to replace older appliances with new energy efficient appliances.” High-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers will save you on energy usage as well as water. Newer appliances use less water and energy. You can check with www.energystar.gov for products that are energy efficient in both of these categories.

Green plumbing is a way to reduce your water and energy usage. As you begin to replace fixtures or appliances in your home you should seriously consider replacing them with “green” plumbing products. Most people do not have the money to make all of these changes at once, but as you implement them over time, you will be able to decrease your carbon footprint and conserve our natural resources with the added benefit of lower utility bills!


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Why You Should Always Use a Licensed Plumber

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Knightdale, NC, June 28, 2010 - We often get calls to help repair damage caused by homeowners or unlicensed plumbers, states Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master’s Mr. Plumber. We recently had a situation in which a homeowner, (we’ll just call him Joe to protect his identity) tried to fix a clogged drain by himself. Joe went out and rented a drain cleaning machine. He brought it home and then muscled this one hundred plus pound contraction up a full flight of steps to the upstairs bathroom in order to try to unplug the toilet. I say unnecessarily because as he found out later, clogs can be located and fixed through a main drain.

So now Joe has this contraption upstairs and he starts using the 100-foot cable that comes with it and snakes it down into the toilet. Unfortunately for Joe, he doesn’t realize until too late that the cable isn’t hooked up to the equipment and is now long gone. After panicking a bit and wasting a few more hours in a futile attempt to recover the cable, he admitted defeat and called us in for professional help.

Joe, like any respectable do-it-yourselfer, doesn’t want to admit what he has done and doesn’t tell us right away what happened – he just wants us to fix a clog. As soon as we put our video equipment down the toilet, we were able to see the cable still in the pipes and that’s when we realized there was more to Joe’s story. Reluctantly Joe filled us in on the rest of the details and asked us if we could help.

We proceeded to fish out the cable, although it took some work. Joe mistakenly thought the problem was taken care of. We had to explain that whatever caused the clog to begin with wasn’t fixed and we’d do some further investigating to figure out the cause of the original clog. We again put the camera down the drain and were able to determine what had caused the clog in the first place. (All of which took a lot less time and money than it took for Joe to rent and improperly use the equipment, which he informed us later!)

About this time Joe’s wife shows up looking surprised and wants to know what a plumber is doing at the house. Joe sheepishly replied, “I promise never to do my own plumbing again!”

All to often at Weather Master’s Mr. Plumber, we receive calls from frantic homeowners who need us to help repair damage caused by homeowners or unlicensed plumbers. We find in most cases by the time we get called into one of these situations, the homeowners has already wasted a lot of time and energy on the problem, they’ve spent twice as much to fix the problem, and in many cases they have to pay extra for damage that was done because the job wasn’t done right the first time.

A professional plumber should have all of the latest tools, gadgets, and liquid remedies to eliminate any stoppage in your plumbing system. Don’t mess around, wasting time and money, when you want it done right the first time, contact a professional plumber.


Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

 

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Why You Shouldn’t “Super” Size Your New Heating and Cooling System

Knightdale, NC, May 27, 2010 - We as Americans, think that bigger is better and buy products that are “jumbo”, “extra large”, or “mega” size. We generally think we are getting a better value and more of what we want. But when it comes to a home’s heating and cooling needs, super-sizing your system can cost you in both money and comfort.

If you are in the market to replace older, inefficient heating and cooling system with new energy efficient ones, an understanding of the critical importance of sizing the system correctly is needed. The correct size of heating and cooling equipment in your home will improve your comfort while reducing costs, maintenance and energy usage.

To give you some history, homes were not as tightly constructed in the past as they are today and it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that were two to four times the necessary capacity. Now most people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes. Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer allows you to install a much smaller system while still being comfortable and saving on your monthly utility bills.

According to Lee Hill, Vice President of Weather Master Heating and Cooling, the most common mistake made in new heating and cooling systems is oversizing. This will make the new system not only more expensive to buy and install, but also forces it to operate inefficiently. An oversized system will also breakdown more often and cost more to operate. Oversized heating equipment creates uncomfortable and large temperature swings. Oversized air conditioners (and heat pumps) do not run long enough to dehumidify the air, which results in the air feeling “clammy” and the potential for unhealthy mold growth in your home.

Hill states that oversized equipment experiences frequent starts and stops (known as “short cycling”), which accelerate the wear and tear on the equipment, and can lead to premature failure. Oversized equipment also uses more fan power for the blower, which often leads to duct leakage due to higher operating duct pressures.
On the other side, undersized equipment, with airflow that is too low, can reduce the efficiency of the air distribution and accelerate wear on the system components, leading to earlier failure. Basically, your system will have to work longer and harder to keep up with your comfort demands.

According to Hill, a home “load calculation” is critical when homeowners are looking for a new heating and cooling system. This is basically a list of factors that determine what size system you need. A good contractor/technician will look at things such as, wall measurements, floor space, windows, R-value of home’s insulation, overall square footage of livable space, etc. A close estimate of a building’s air leakage is also necessary. This estimate should also include an inspection of the size, condition of seals on joints and insulation and location of distribution ducts in a forced air system.

Hill also mentions that you should beware of a contractor/technician who only checks the “nameplate” (the label listing BTU’s) of the existing unit and tries to sell you one just like it or even worse, one that’s larger. This is not the correct way to size equipment and is not in your best interest. Another method includes using simple “rule of thumb”. They may base the size of your home on similar homes like it, using a chart that takes into account a variety of factors. This method can be used for a first estimate, but should not be used to size the actual system. You should include a requirement to produce a written sizing calculation when negotiating with your heating and cooling contractor/technician.

So remember when you are looking to buy a new heating and/or cooling system correctly sizing of your system will directly affect the comfort level in your home, as well as the long-term life of the system and overall cost to you. Pick the right size and skip the super-size!

 

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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You Can Still Claim Tax Inct. for Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Knightdale, NC, April 27, 2010 - With the 2009 tax year coming to an end, many homeowners are still unaware of the availability of tax credits through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These tax credits are for homeowners interested in making energy efficient improvements to their primary residences. Even those familiar with the tax credits may not realize that they continue through the end of this year. Not only can these credits lower your tax liability, but they can also reduce your energy costs by up to 40% and provide for a cleaner environment according to the ACCA, Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

A tax credit is a huge incentive to individuals as it directly applies against a taxpayer’s liability, reducing the amount owed to the IRS on a dollar for dollar basis. Qualified purchases made in 2010 need to be filed with your 2010 taxes.  Make sure to check with your tax advisor on how these tax credits can help you reduce your liability.

Homeowners who install qualified furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, central air conditioners, and hot water heaters in 2009 or 2010 may qualify for a tax credit equal to 30% of the installed costs, up to $1500. (Note: Installed costs for HVAC and hot water equipment include equipment and labor.) Basically what this means to you is if you spend $5000 on one or more qualified energy-efficient products you will qualify for a $1500 tax credit (30% of $5000 = $1500). You can find a list of qualified products by going to www.energystar.gov or check with your contractor/technician.

“Advancements in HVAC technology, energy efficiency, and performance in the last ten years means that the equipment you buy today can pay for itself in just a few years,” states Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local heating, cooling and plumbing company.

Homeowners who install qualified renewable energy efficient improvements, such as geothermal heat pumps, wind and solar energy systems, and fuel cell technologies to existing or new homes will qualify for a special tax credit equal to 30% of the installed costs with no dollar limit. This tax credit is available for the years 2009-2016 and these credits do not count against the $1500 tax credit limits.

If you filed for a tax credit in your 2009 taxes, but did not use the total $1500 credit you can still use the remaining balance on qualified improvements in 2010. In order to claim these tax credits, taxpayers will complete and file a Form 5695 with their regular tax return. They won’t need to submit any more information, but they will be required to keep copies of the certificates provided by the manufacturers or contractors on file.

If you weren’t aware of these tax credits or haven’t taken advantage of the full $1500 amount, consider the advantages of buying energy efficient products in 2010. There is no better time than the present to make energy efficient changes in your home. Until the end of this year you can take advantage of this great tax incentive, reduce your energy usage and lower your overall costs.

For more information regarding tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, visit www.energystar.gov and www.acca.org.

 

Weather Master
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians.

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Tips and Tricks When Leaving on Spring Break

Knightdale, NC, March 24, 2010 – It’s that time of year when families are making plans to go on vacation for spring break. Before you head out the door, it is important to look after your home.  Leaving on vacation is always a stressful endeavor and many times you forget to do something before you leave, and by then it’s too late! 


Below is a checklist of tips and tricks that will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.

  1. Check all appliances and faucets.  Before leaving home you should check all appliances and faucets to make sure that they are off.  Accidentally leaving on a stove or a bathtub can cause fires or floods that could well cause permanent damage to your home.  Be sure that you unplug everything that you can unplug.  Also remember to turn off appliances that are on timers, like alarm clocks and coffee makers.  That way you’ll avoid accidents and driving your neighbors crazy!
     
  2. Unplug most electronic items especially those that are expensive or many have valuable data on them.  These can include your TV set, stereo, and especially computers.  If a storm comes through while you are away, these items can be damaged beyond repair simply by being plugged into the wall outlet. 
     
  3. There is no need for your water heater to continue to operate at a high level since it will not be used throughout the time that you are gone, so turn it down to a low setting.  You may also want to consider turning off the main water valve to the house while you’re gone.  This could be done in addition to turning the water heater off.
     
  4.  Set the heat to fifty degrees - not off, to prevent pipes from freezing - or your air conditioning to seventy-eight degrees in the summer if you are concerned about mildew.  Lee Hill, Vice-President of Weather Master, a local air conditioning business states that installing a programmable thermostat is a great option for travelers! 
    You can lower the temperatures in your home while you are out of town and then have it programmed to automatically return to a comfortable temperature before you arrive back home.  You’ll be saving money and reducing your energy usage, while not losing anything in comfort.
     
  5. Unplug your washing machine hoses.  These can easily break and if they do while you are away for several days it could cause near catastrophic flood damage to your home before you would be able to do anything about it.
     
  6. Have mail and/or newspapers held or picked up.  When newspapers and mail pipe up, it is a sure sign that the home is unoccupied and a prime target for thieves.  Have a trusted neighbor pick up these items and store them for you until you return home.  You can also have the post office hold your mail and pick it up when you return. 
     
  7. Don’t leave a message on your phone voicemail or email that you are out of town.
     
  8. Set timers for your lights.  Setting lights on timers is a great way to make your home appear as if people are home, even if in fact the place is deserted.  Also leaving a radio or some other noise going in the house that makes sound will make it seem like someone is home.
     
  9. Lock all windows and doors throughout your home.  Pull blinds down and close drapes.  Make sure to hide jewelry and valuable or move them to your safety deposit box.
     
  10. Disconnect the garage door so that it cannot be operated by from the outside.  Usually there is a lever that you can pull on the opener that can accomplish this easily.
     
  11. Remove any perishable food from your refrigerator.  Consider making a meal to put in your freezer so that you will have something to eat the first night you are back from vacation.
     
  12. Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out on your home while you are away.  They should have a key for emergencies and a copy of your itinerary in case they need to get a hold of you.  Also leave them with numbers for your plumber, electrician, alarm service and veterinarian (if applicable).  Your neighbor could even take your trashcans in and out for you to make it look like someone is still home.

Now go and enjoy your vacation!  Leave the stress behind, because you know that you have left your home safe and secure, just waiting for your return. 

Weather Master Heating & Air Conditioning
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians. 

 

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Choosing the “Right” Contractor

Knightdale, NC, February 23, 2010 – Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it.  Anyone who has any experience working with contractors knows that price is not the only factor to consider.  Less tangible items like your ability to communicate and feel comfortable working with your contractor often prove to be much more important with your eventual satisfaction with the job. 

Weather Master Heating & Air Conditioning is North Carolina’s premier home comfort specialists; and, with the cooperation of your local Better Business Bureau, have gathered ten time-tested tips for selecting the best contractor for your project.

  • Don’t make any decisions before you check with your local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.?
  • Always ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experiences.?
  • Check local licenses: Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage.?
  • Get a detailed written proposal: A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor. Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed written proposal. ?
  • Heat loss-heat gain calculation: Expect a thorough calculation performed with an on-site evaluation. A good contractor should measure your home, check insulation factors and evaluate your overall comfort needs.?
  • Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.?
  • Follow contract law: Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A new comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to New Jersey law, all home improvement contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.?
  • Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new system: What can you do yourself and/or does the contractor offer maintenance services? A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your system's performance, reliability and safety.?
  • Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.?
  • Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get two or three estimates or references and compare. More information is better than less; however, compare more than just price when evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!


Many of us know, unfortunately, that choosing the wrong contractor for a home project can be very expensive.  Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had home service work done. Get written estimates from several firms, ask for explanations for price variations and remember, don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.


Weather Master Heating & Air Conditioning
Weather Master Heating and Air has been serving Wake, Durham, Granville, Chatham and Johnston counties since 1977. By providing the very best in air conditioning equipment and service, Weather Master Heating and Air delivers world-class service with a small-company touch. They are committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to deliver immediate comfort to North Carolinians. 
 

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