Gelinas HVAC : Heating Pumps

I’m sure we all felt the freezing temperatures outside as well as in our wallets. Have you ever thought about the different ways that you could potentially save money on your heating costs? The people over at Gelinas HVAC have a way that you could save up to $1,000 next year on your fuel bills.

You may be wondering, how could I possibly save that much in just a year?! They have one simple answer for you, install the most efficient product available, a heat pump. Have you ever thought how much of your total energy usage goes towards just heating and cooling your home? Well it can be up to as much as 50% of your total energy usage. Getting a brand new, highly efficient heat pump can cut your energy bills by as much as 30%.

They highly professional and educated people at Gelina’s HVAC can install and service your heat pump unit. The reason that heat pumps save you money is because they move the heat instead of spending the energy converting it from a fuel source like most heating systems do.  Not only do they save you money in energy costs, they also help improve indoor air quality and take up minimal space.

Don’t wait and start saving money on your heating and cooling costs today! Gelinas HVAC is a certified Elite Contractor with Fujitsu, which is one of the top manufacturers of heat pumps. With the Elite Contractor title, they got top of the line training with service and support. They can give their customers a 2 year extended warranty on the Fujitsu units. This would give the unit a coverage of a total of 12 years!

Dirt Direct : Topsoil & Loam

Dirt Direct offers a convenient, affordable solution to ordering bulk aggregate and landscape materials. Among the many services they offer, topsoil and loam delivery is one that many people may be starting to think about. Seeing as the first day of spring is on March 20th, it’s about that time of year for people to start thinking about planning their landscaping work.

Bulk delivery may not be for everyone, but if you’re in need of a large delivery of topsoil or loam, Dirt Direct is your company. Dirt Direct will work with you to make sure you get the right amount of topsoil or loam you need for your home or work site. The topsoil and loam they have to offer is quality material. It includes composted materials and is screened as to provide a consistency from 3/4″ to a small particle of dirt. Why does “screening” matter you ask? The screening process is done to add nutrients to enhance the food and minerals for your plants. To thrive in our Maine climate most plants need quality topsoil or loam to supply the plants with necessary nutrients.

Are you aware that topsoil and loam are not the same material? Topsoil is mostly what the name suggests, it is the upper most layer of the ground. It is naturally occurring dirt which is comprised of organic decaying matter. While loam is more of a commercial mixture of sand, clay and silt. This is considered to be the best topsoil because the natural mixture allows water to be soaked, while also allowing the water to drain and air to circulate. Just remember that  while all loam is topsoil, not all topsoil is loam!

Casco Bay Clean Out : Junk Removal

Usually at some point in our lives we are in need of some junk removal. Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, basement or cleaning up your lawn, Casco Bay Cleanout can help you out! They offer a large number of junk removal services for a variety of clients.  Essentially if you have stuff that needs to go to the dump, Casco Bay Cleanout and can help you!

Some of their biggest clients are usually real estate agents, construction companies, residential or commercial property managers, but they’ll work for the everyday joe too! A more specific list of services are;

  • Garage, basement and attic cleanouts
  • Hoarding cleanouts
  • Appliance removal
  • Furniture removal
  • Brush and storm debris removal
  • Carpet removal
  • Oil tank and furnace removal
  • Mold remediation and removal
  • & more!

If you have things that could stand a junk removal but you’re not sure if they’ll take it, just give Casco Bay Cleanout a call and they’ll be happy to answer any questions. Don’t let your property or job site get cluttered and perhaps dangerous, call the junk removal professionals today!

Dirt Direct

Dirt Direct is a trucking and delivery company based out of Gorham, Maine that specializes in bulk aggregate and landscape material delivery. Dirt Direct offers a variety of services for your project needs. Some services they provide are

  • General Trucking
  • Debris Disposals
    • Concrete, soil, stumps
  • Lanscape and Aggregate material delivery
    • Landscape Materials: Mulch, loam, compost
    • Aggregate Materials: Sand, gravel, crushed stone
    • Winter Materials: Salt sand, bulk road salt, and more! 

Dirt Direct services Southern Maine areas within a 20 mile radius of Gorham, Maine. Deliveries beyond 20 miles may be subject to an additional charge. You can order your materials online and they even will help you calculate how much materials you will need. Dirt Direct is a great trucking and delivery company for your aggregate and landscape material needs. Be sure to learn more and visit their website at www.dirtdirectme.com

 

Gelinas HVAC : Heating Systems

There are many different types of heating systems out there that essentially all do the same thing. The heating system is one of the most important systems in your home or business, and is also one of the largest investments you will make. Gelinas makes it a priority to offer service repairs, replacement of current heating systems, energy efficient upgrades, annual service checks, burner conversions, duct cleaning, indoor air quality testing, and maintenance programs with discounted hourly rates. Gelinas has very knowledgable workers that give you advice on what to do and what you should upgrade. Heating systems have a big impact on your pocketbooks as well as the planet, that is why Gelinas’ top priority is to be trained and certified in the latest technology in efficient heating systems. If you are looking for more information or to contact Gelinas HVAC, visit www.gelinashvac.com!

Gelinas HVAC : All About Heat Pumps

What are Heat Pumps and what do they do exactly?

Heat Pumps are a central system that moves heat rather than generating heat. The systems do not require fuel consumption and provide the same space heating and conditioning at 1/4 of the cost of the traditional heating and cooling appliances. Heat Pumps provide a central system that is very energy efficient as well as being less invasive to install than the traditional heating and cooling systems. Since heat pumps are an all in one assembly, they are a great alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. Heat Pumps use a compressor to absorb heat energy in the air as well as circulate it within the indoors and outdoors. For instance, heat in the cold months and cool air in the warmer months.

Heat pumps are less invasive and any circulating unit can be placed on any flat ceiling, wall, or floor surface. Just one outdoor unit can provide for multiple indoor units that include individual temperature controls. Indoor units have a self modulating setting to maintain an interior temperature without being there. The compressors and motors are located in the outside unit to provide a quiet indoor environment. The annual savings from using a heat pump can be 30% over the current consumption and costs of propane* as well as 20% over the current consumption and costs of natural gas*.

heat installation

*Cost savings are approximate, and based on current market conditions.

To learn more visit Gelinas HVAC at www.gelinashvac.com!

Gelinas HVAC : How’s your indoor air quality?

The air pollution has been a big topic recently, and but you don’t hear many people talking about the air quality in your home. There have been recent studies that state air quality inside our homes can be more polluted than the air outside. This can cause health issues for you and your family. It is said that we spend 90% of our time inside. Don’t fear, indoor air pollution is something you work to improve!

The most common cause of indoor air pollution are the gases and particles floating around in the air. These particles can come from a number of different places, such as poorly ventilated heating systems, toxic building materials, personal care products, household cleaning solutions, pet dander and even mold. Here are some basic tips for taking control of your indoor air quality.

• Eliminate the individual sources of pollution;
• Improve building ventilation; and
• Install effective air filtration and air cleaning devices.

 

Another good way to eliminate the sources of pollution in your home is keep areas clean and free of debris. Making sure to vacuum regularly can make a large improvement in controlling pet hair and other harmful things in the air. Make sure not to let damp or water to sit, this will encourage mold and mildew to grow. Mold disperse spores into the air that can affect our breathing.

Not having the proper ventilating greatly increases pollutant levels, this is due to the lack of fresh air, the fresh air dilutes the emissions. Be sure to check that any piece of equipment that has an air intake also has the proper sources of fresh air to pull from, and has a proper exhaust.

Making sure your HVAC systems are properly maintained which ensures that the ventilation is working and is filtering properly. Don’t wait any longer and have your HVAC system checked out, as well as your attic and other ventilation points in your home.

Gelinas HVAC : Upgrading Your Heating System

As home owners there’s a lot to think about and sometimes your heating system can slip through the cracks. Upgrading your heating system can save you time and money. Is your heating system more than 10 years old? Do you find that you’re often making repairs to it? Or perhaps you’ve noticed hot and cold spells only in specific rooms? It is probably time to replace your system, but don’t take my word for it, call in a professional to have it evaluated.

 

Don’t make the mistake of waiting until your system dies, take the time now to do your research and look at all your options. It can by a lot of money to upgrade/replace your heating system so don’t let saving money on your energy bills be your only motivation. When you have the professional come in to evaluate your system make sure that they also check for leaky ductwork, which could be the cause of your issues.

If your heating system is more than 10 years old, there are some amazing new energy efficient systems to choose from. One great place to start would be to contact your local HVAC professional, like Gelinas HVAC, and have them check out your current system and for any potential leaks. While they’re there they will be able to offer you recommendations on what size and type of unit is best for you and your home. Don’t let you old system cost you more money, call a professional today!

Morrison Real Estate : Private Mortgage Insurance

First off, what is private mortgage insurance? Often referred to as PMI, it is an insurance policy that is designed to protect the lender from any loss on their investment if you end up in foreclosure. PMI is determined based on how much you put down as well as your credit score. It can range from 0.3% – 1.5% of the orignial loan amount per year. It can be around $100 a month or more depending on how much your mortgage is for.

Don’t worry, if you have to get PMI you won’t be stuck with it forever! Once the principle of your loan drops below 78% of your home’s value, the lender MUST automatically cancel your private mortgage insurance. Although it does get automatically canceled it can take several years to get your principal below 78% of your home’s original value. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your loan balance and contact your lender once your balance reaches 80% of your home’s value.

Reaching below 78% of your home’s value isn’t the only way to get your PMI cancelled. Refinancing or getting a new appraisal could get your PMI canceled. Getting a new appraisal would help if you think your home’s value has increased largely. One thing that will help increase your home’s value would be home improvements that would increase it’s value. Contact your lender to run some numbers for you!

Another great way to get your PMI canceled would be through refinancing. Not only could this get your PMI possibly canceled it could also get you a lower monthly payment.

In conclusion, most people will end up needing private mortgage insurance, but you’re not stuck with it for the life of your mortgage!

Gelinas HVAC : Maintenance Agreements

Using the sticky note approach to remind you to have your HVAC system maintained? Get ready to throw out those bright yellow annoyances! Gelinas HVAC offers Maintenance Agreements for all your HVAC equipment.

Have an oil furnace? No worries! Or perhaps you have a gas fired unit, they’ll maintain that as well! And of course, they will maintain your AC units.

If you sign up for a service agreement with Gelinas HVAC they will;

  • Check and replace dirty air filters
  • Inspect electrical connections
  • Check thermostat and controls
  • Clean vents and burners depending on your system
  • Vacuum heat exchanger on oil firing units
  • + so much more!

For more information and details about maintenance agreements please check out their website.