Posts Tagged ‘ Costs ’

 

DATELINE: DORCHESTER, MA…

Don’t be alarmed if you don’t know what your AFUE is – most people don’t know the answer or even what the acronym means. However, the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of your furnace or boiler provides the key to how much fuel you’ll burn this winter according to John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical of Boston.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy “Specifically, AFUE is the ratio of heat output of the furnace or boiler compared to the total energy consumed by a furnace or boiler. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 10% escapes up the chimney and elsewhere.”

 

To make comparisons easy for consumers, new models of furnaces and boilers are required to display their AFUE, but it’s also possible to identify and compare a system’s efficiency by its equipment features as well. For instance, an old, low-efficiency heating system that utilizes a natural draft for combustion and features a continuous pilot light may have an AFUE of only 68%-72% according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. “Compared to a high efficiency heating system with an AFUE of 90%-97%, it’s a cold hard fact that replacing an older, less efficient heating system can shave 30% or more off of fuel bills,” notes Wood.

As of mid September, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs estimated the average statewide cost of heating oil at $3.82 a gallon. “Although most people know it’s going to take a small fortune to heat their home this winter at those prices, they often don’t really think about the efficiency of their boiler or furnace as long as the unit continues to fire up every heating season,” notes Wood. “Even though a high efficiency boiler or furnace can be expensive to purchase upfront, think about the alternative – literally watching a third or more of your annual heating fuel cost going up in smoke.”

 

U.S. Department of Energy estimates indicate that replacing an existing heating system with an AFUE of 60% with a high efficiency system with an AFUE of 90% could save $33.33 for every $100 of fuel costs. In addition, high efficiency heating systems not only offer a way to save on fuel costs, but also help save the planet. The U.S. Department of Energy points out that, “Upgrading your furnace or boiler from 56% to 90% efficiency in an average cold-climate house will save 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year if you heat with gas, or 2.5 tons if you heat with oil.”

 

ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, provides more food for thought by offering an online savings calculator that helps consumers look at their potential savings when heating with a high efficiency heating system versus a conventional heating system. The free interactive calculator can be found at www.energystar.gov.

 

About Hub Plumbing & Mechanical

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 16 full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and residential HVAC service.

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was recently highlighted in a new book entitled “The Celebrity Experience” where Hub Plumbing & Mechanical’s Red Carpet Service was cited as an example of how it’s possible to create faithful life long customers by showering them with treatment usually reserved for celebrities.

 

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical’s signature Red Carpet service features experienced teams of licensed technicians who not only protect your floors with a red carpet, but also cover their work boots with stain-resistant booties, wear ID badges for security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms.

 

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate access and peace of mind. Dedicated 2nd and 3rd shift night dispatchers internally handle all calls at Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, not an answering service. The difference between the two enables Hub Plumbing & Mechanical to get real-time info on the customer 24/7 to expedite the call as efficiently as possible.

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 70 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston, MA 02127. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call 1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit www.hubplumbing.com.

 

 

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DATELINE: SOUTH BOSTON, MA…

Boston area residents know that summer isn’t over yet but many are singing the mid-summer blues as they face ever-increasing energy costs, including the cost of keeping cool.

 

John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, offers some cost-effective ways to reduce the load on your air conditioner. Notes Wood, “Some of the steps that you can take now will not only help curb your current electric bill but will also help control your heating costs this winter.”

 

Don’t make your air conditioner work harder than it has to  – warm air entering through cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, and attic doors all keep your air conditioner’s compressor running longer, costing you more.

 

Taking the following steps now will help reduce both air conditioning and heating costs:

·                Check for air leaks around doors and windows

·                Use caulk, insulation, or weather stripping to seal air leaks to reduce drafts

·                Add attic insulation

·                Insulate duct work

 

Year round energy savings can be achieved with the use of a programmable thermostats for cooling and heating. An empty house or apartment doesn’t need to be kept cool all day. Even many newer window air conditioners have timers that can be set to cool things down in time for your arrival home from work.

 

Ceiling fans should also be used year round. During warm weather the ceiling fan should be set to turn in a counter-clockwise direction. The breeze created by this airflow creates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler.

 

When it’s hot outside, don’t create more heat inside:

·                Minimize the use of heat producing appliances during the hottest part of the day, such as a clothes dryer or dish washer

·                When cooking use an outdoor grill, a microwave, or a toaster oven to avoid heating up the kitchen by turning on a full sized oven

·                Minimize the use of heat producing light bulbs –replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents that produce less heat

·                Close shades, blinds, or drapes on windows that in are in full sunlight

 

Both central air conditioning systems and individual room air conditioners need to be kept in good running condition for maximum efficiency:

·                Change or clean filters at least once a month

·                Keep coils clean and dust free

·                Make sure you have a proper sized unit – a unit that is too big lowers the temperature without running long enough to reduce the humidity to a comfortable level resulting in a cold clammy feeling

Consider investing in a central air conditioning system if a number of your individual air conditioning units need replacing. A central air conditioning system is more expensive to purchase up front but it can result in lower energy costs over time.

 

About Hub Plumbing & Mechanical

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 16 full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and residential HVAC service.

 

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical’s signature Red Carpet service features experienced teams of licensed technicians who not only protect your floors with a red carpet, but also cover their work boots with stain-resistant booties, wear ID badges for security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms. Imagine actually looking forward to a visit from your plumber!

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was recently featured in a new book entitled “The Celebrity Experience” where Hub Plumbing & Mechanical’s Red Carpet Service was cited as an example of how it’s possible to create faithful life long customers by showering them with treatment usually reserved for celebrities.

 

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate access and peace of mind. Dedicated 2nd and 3rd shift night dispatchers internally handle all calls at Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, not an answering service. The difference between the two enables Hub Plumbing & Mechanical to get real-time info on the customer 24/7 to expedite the call as efficiently as possible.

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 70 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston, MA 02127. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call 1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit www.hubplumbing.com.

 

 

 

Continue Reading »

 

DATELINE: SOUTH BOSTON, MA…

Boston area residents know that summer isn’t over yet but many are singing the mid-summer blues as they face ever-increasing energy costs, including the cost of keeping cool.

 

John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, offers some cost-effective ways to reduce the load on your air conditioner. Notes Wood, “Some of the steps that you can take now will not only help curb your current electric bill but will also help control your heating costs this winter.”

 

Don’t make your air conditioner work harder than it has to  – warm air entering through cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, and attic doors all keep your air conditioner’s compressor running longer, costing you more.

 

Taking the following steps now will help reduce both air conditioning and heating costs:

·                Check for air leaks around doors and windows

·                Use caulk, insulation, or weather stripping to seal air leaks to reduce drafts

·                Add attic insulation

·                Insulate duct work

 

Year round energy savings can be achieved with the use of a programmable thermostats for cooling and heating. An empty house or apartment doesn’t need to be kept cool all day. Even many newer window air conditioners have timers that can be set to cool things down in time for your arrival home from work.

 

Ceiling fans should also be used year round. During warm weather the ceiling fan should be set to turn in a counter-clockwise direction. The breeze created by this airflow creates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler.

 

When it’s hot outside, don’t create more heat inside:

·                Minimize the use of heat producing appliances during the hottest part of the day, such as a clothes dryer or dish washer

·                When cooking use an outdoor grill, a microwave, or a toaster oven to avoid heating up the kitchen by turning on a full sized oven

·                Minimize the use of heat producing light bulbs –replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents that produce less heat

·                Close shades, blinds, or drapes on windows that in are in full sunlight

 

Both central air conditioning systems and individual room air conditioners need to be kept in good running condition for maximum efficiency:

·                Change or clean filters at least once a month

·                Keep coils clean and dust free

·                Make sure you have a proper sized unit – a unit that is too big lowers the temperature without running long enough to reduce the humidity to a comfortable level resulting in a cold clammy feeling

Consider investing in a central air conditioning system if a number of your individual air conditioning units need replacing. A central air conditioning system is more expensive to purchase up front but it can result in lower energy costs over time.

 

About Hub Plumbing & Mechanical

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 16 full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and residential HVAC service.

 

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical’s signature Red Carpet service features experienced teams of licensed technicians who not only protect your floors with a red carpet, but also cover their work boots with stain-resistant booties, wear ID badges for security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms. Imagine actually looking forward to a visit from your plumber!

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was recently featured in a new book entitled “The Celebrity Experience” where Hub Plumbing & Mechanical’s Red Carpet Service was cited as an example of how it’s possible to create faithful life long customers by showering them with treatment usually reserved for celebrities.

 

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate access and peace of mind. Dedicated 2nd and 3rd shift night dispatchers internally handle all calls at Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, not an answering service. The difference between the two enables Hub Plumbing & Mechanical to get real-time info on the customer 24/7 to expedite the call as efficiently as possible.

 

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 70 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston, MA 02127. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call 1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit www.hubplumbing.com.

 

 

 

Continue Reading »