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2012 Federal Tax Credits Can Save You Up To 30% On A New Home Geothermal Heat Pump
A geothermal heat pump is similar to a traditional heat pump, except it uses the ground instead of outside air to provide heatiing and air conditioning, and in many cases, hot water.
Because Geothermal uses the earth's natural heat, it is among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available.
Which geothermal heat pumps qualify?
All ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps are eligible for the tax credit. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.
How much will I save?
The federal tax rebate includes 30% of the cost – including installation/labor costs - with no upper limit.
How long does the rebate last?
Tax credit are in effect in through 2016. Must be installed in a home you own and use as a residence (no rentals, but second homes qualify) between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016.
How do I file for the tax credit?
File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return. For details, please consult with a tax professional. For more information on the federal energy tax credit for geothermal heating and cooling, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
For an in-home geothermal consultation, call Genz-Ryan today. Or make an appointment online.
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Choosing The Right Air Conditioner For Your Home
Written by
Andy Ryan
Buying a new air conditioner for your home is a major investment. But when selected and installed correctly a new air conditioner will provide you with years of comfort, economy and reliability. When repairs are no longer an option, or the cost savings of a new, energy efficient air conditioner make an upgrade a worthwhile investment, the first step is to call Genz-Ryan for help in selecting the right air conditioning unit for your home.
We offer free in-home consultations to help you select the right size and type of air conditioner for your needs. Your Genz-Ryan home comfort consultant will ask some questions about your home and your unique requirements, including:
1. The approximate square footage of your home. This will help ensure you get the right size air conditioner.
2. Inspection of your air ducts - Because air conditioning is a system, not just a stand alone unit lie a refrigerator, your technician will need to ensure that your home's air delivery system can move the air efficiently throughout your home. In some cases duct work will need to be updated to help your new air conditioner perform at its best.
3. Air conditioner size & efficiency - With air air conditioners, bigger is not necessarily better. One common mistake many homeowners and installers make is choosing a unit that is too large for the space. This can result in a unit that turns on and off too frequently.
The Energy Star® rating system makes it easier to find out how much energy you can expect your new air conditioner to use in a typical cooling season. Ensure that your AC unit it has the highest rating possible - at least a SEER 14 rating.
4. Air Quality - Your home comfort consultant will also ask you if you have any health conditions like asthma or allergies which could be help by an air filtration system.
Once your new air conditioner is installed, your technician will explain how to use your programmable thermostat and answer any questions you have about your new air conditioner.
The process of buying a new air conditioner doesn't have to be stressful. With the advice and guidance of an experienced consultant you will have a partner who will work hand-in-hand with you to determine which system is right for your home. Then, you sit back and relax knowing that your new air conditioner is ready to properly cool your home for many years to come.
Written on Tuesday, 01 May 2012 10:13 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
Tags: ac air conditioner air conditioning cooling installation new energy efficiency Be the first to comment!
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The Benefits Of An Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance
Written by
Andy Ryan
Like your car, your home's air conditioner needs regular maintenance to operate at peak efficiency and to ensure it lasts as long as it was designed to by the manufacturer.
According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) over 55% of homeowners do not regularly maintain their home's air conditioniner – yet over half of all homeowners reported dissatisfaction with the performance of their air conditioner and the cost to operate it.
While many people will schedule an oil change for their car without a second thought, far fewer people are considering the importance of annual air conditioner maintenance.
According to several industry studies 9 out of every 10 air conditioner breakdowns occur from simply having a dirty unit.
According to a 2001 Louisiana State University study, the average homeowner spends $33 more every month on their energy bills simply by not have their heating and cooling system regularly maintained.
In addition to the increased operating expense and higher repair frequency, a unmaintained air conditioner is likely to require earlier replacement.
Written on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 08:43 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
Tags: ac maintenance air conditioner air conditioning cooling preventative maintenance Be the first to comment!
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Extend the Life and Performance Of Your Water Heater With Regular Maintenance
Written by
Andy Ryan
Conventional Tank-Style Water Heater Maintenance
Traditional tank-style water heaters will last for many years. However, over time sediment and rust can build up, reducing their efficiency and shortening the lifespan of the water heater.
To keep your water heater working efficiently and lasting longer, follow these maintenance steps:- Drain the water heater tank at least once a year to remove sediment buildup. This is especially important if your home has hard water. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Be sure the other end of the hose is outside or by a drain in the basement floor! Use caution, as the water can be dangerously hot and cause severe burns. If you are unsure of how to flush your water heater, call Genz-Ryan. We can advise you on the best method to drain your hot water heater.
- Look for leaks and rust on the exterior of the water heater.
- For natural gas water heaters, check the ventilation flue to make sure air is vented properly by lighting a match next to the bell housing. The smoke should be existing out the flue.
- Test the relief valve by placing a bucket underneath the extension pipe and opening the valve. Water should flow freely when the valve is opened.
- Ensure the thermostat is set to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. It it should never be set above 125 degrees. We recommend not setting it above 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you have have young children.
- Keep pan under the water heater tank to make it easier to detect leaks.
- If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light to make sure it is burning blue and steady.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Tankless water heaters offer an energy efficient alternative to traditional tank water heater because water is heated as it's needed inside the water heater itself. Because there is no storage tank you essentially never run out of hot water as long as it has been properly sized for your needs.
Like traditional water heaters, if your tankless water heater is not maintained properly it will operate less efficiently, reducing the savings you can experience versus the operating cost of a traditional tank unit. So, spending some time on maintenance yourself — or calling Genz-Ryan for routine maintenance — will ensure that you are taking advantage of all the benefits a tankless water heater.1. Check and Clean the Screen Filter
Periodically inspect and clean the filter located on the water inlet side of your tankless water heater. It's best to have a licensed plumber do this job. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, please learn the correct procedure before attempting this task. Never use chemical solutions to clean your water heater, since it will enter your drinking water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaner.
2. Flush the System
To prevent the a harmful buildup of lime and scale, flush your tankless water heater periodically. Genz-Ryan can help you flush your water heater. As noted above, please be sure to flush it with vinegar and not chemicals that could contaminate your water supply.
Written on Sunday, 26 February 2012 16:53 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
Tags: water heater tankless water heater maintenance Be the first to comment!
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2012 Federal Tax Credits Can Save You Up To 30% On A New Home Geothermal Heat Pump
Written by
Administrator
A geothermal heat pump is similar to a traditional heat pump, except it uses the ground instead of outside air to provide heatiing and air conditioning, and in many cases, hot water.
Because Geothermal uses the earth's natural heat, it is among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available.Which geothermal heat pumps qualify?
All ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps are eligible for the tax credit. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.
How much will I save?
The federal tax rebate includes 30% of the cost – including installation/labor costs - with no upper limit.
How long does the rebate last?
Tax credit are in effect in through 2016. Must be installed in a home you own and use as a residence (no rentals, but second homes qualify) between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016.
How do I file for the tax credit?
File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return. For details, please consult with a tax professional. For more information on the federal energy tax credit for geothermal heating and cooling, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
For an in-home geothermal consultation, call Genz-Ryan today. Or make an appointment online.
Written on Sunday, 29 January 2012 19:14 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
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Number of Residential Geothermal Installations is 'Exploding'
Written by
Andy Ryan
Number of local residential installations is 'exploding'Geothermal heating and cooling systems are increasingly taking root under the green, green grass of homes.
Area contractors say they are doing 40 to 50 per year, up from five to 10 a few years ago.
As more metro homeowners fret over the rising costs of energy, demand for residential geothermal systems is skyrocketing – even on small city lots that don’t have room for the most commonly installed “loop” systems.Click Here To Read More: http://www.worldofrenewables.com/vbnews.php?do=viewarticle&artid=1950&title=geothermal-hits-home
Written on Thursday, 10 June 2010 08:34 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
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KARE 11 News Article on Geothermal Home in Mineapolis
Written by
Andy Ryan
Going geothermal eventually means free home heating and cooling.
"Geothermal is using the heat from the earth to heat and cool your house," Mike Otto said.
The head of his own construction company, Otto added, "You'll make a mess out of your front yard, but nothing that can't be sodded over."
Yes, even on a dry day going geothermal gets a little messy.
Crews at a residence in south Minneapolis spent Wednesday moving through mud as they were drilling 200 feet down into the earth below a Minneapolis home. Prior to the construction started, the state inspected the site to make sure the yard can support the system of tubes.
Click Here to read more: http://www.kare11.com/news/earthkare/earthkare_article.aspx?storyid=515509&catid=309
Written on Thursday, 10 June 2010 07:54 in Genz-Ryan Home Comfort Blog
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