<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Auchinachie Home Talk</title>
	<atom:link href="http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com</link>
	<description>News and advice about heating, central air and plumbing</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 18:59:31 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.com/</generator>
<cloud domain='auchinachie.wordpress.com' port='80' path='/?rsscloud=notify' registerProcedure='' protocol='http-post' />
<image>
		<url>http://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.png</url>
		<title>Auchinachie Home Talk</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com</link>
	</image>
	<atom:link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/osd.xml" title="Auchinachie Home Talk" />
	<atom:link rel='hub' href='http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?pushpress=hub'/>
		<item>
		<title>Westinghouse 97% Efficient Gas Furnace</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/westinghouse-97-efficient-gas-furnace/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/westinghouse-97-efficient-gas-furnace/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 18:59:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What do you look for when choosing a furnace? Chances are you want quality, dependability, energy-efficiency, value and comfort—all from a brand you know and trust. Westinghouse has a reputation for building high-quality products. You can be sure…if it&#8217;s Westinghouse. This Westinghouse furnace is one of the most efficient gas furnaces available today and features [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=27&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="whbodytext">What do you look for when choosing a <em>furnace</em>? Chances are you want quality, dependability, energy-efficiency, value and <a title="Designing a complete air comfort system." href="http://www.westinghousehvac.com/ComfortResource.asp" target="_self">comfort</a>—all from a brand you know and trust. Westinghouse has a reputation for building high-quality products. You can be sure…if it&#8217;s Westinghouse.</p>
<p>This Westinghouse <em>furnace</em> is one of the most efficient gas <em>furnaces</em> available today and features the latest technology for providing more balanced temperatures in the home. In fact, this Westinghouse iQ Drive Fully Modulating <em>Furnace</em> is so efficient it qualifies for the EPA&#8217;s <a title="What are Energy Star® products?" href="http://www.westinghousehvac.com/whenergystar.asp" target="_self">Energy Star®</a> rating for reducing energy consumption.</p>
<p class="whbodytext">Gas <em>furnace</em> efficiency is measured based on the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings, (AFUE). The higher the percentage the more efficient the unit. This <em>furnace</em> delivers 97+% AFUE (Annual Fuel Usage Efficiency). Older <em>furnaces</em> may deliver as low as 50-60% efficiency. Properly sized and installed, this <em>furnace</em> is 25-47% more efficient than older models.</p>
<p class="whsubhead2">Features and Benefits:</p>
<ul class="whbodytext">
<li>Westinghouse <em>furnaces</em> feature a SmartLite® Control Board to increase the life of the igniter beyond the standard life expectancy. SmartLite® learns and adapts its ignition process to the <em>furnace</em>.</li>
<li>A modulating <em>furnace</em> continuously adjusts its heat output to exactly match the needs of your home – so you maximize your energy efficiency while enjoying constant comfort.</li>
<li>The Westinghouse iQ Drive <em>furnace</em> operates anywhere from 15% to 100% of its capacity, based on your home’s needs.  The <em>furnace</em> analyzes the indoor temperature every 60 seconds and adjusts its  percentage of firing accordingly.</li>
<li>You’ll notice a  more uniform mix of air throughout your home, with virtually no hot or cold  spots and improved air filtration.</li>
<li>The quiet motor is encased in an insulated cabinet for ultimate sound reduction. The three-phase motor design produces a very low torque ripple, and because it ramps up to speed, it minimizes the abrupt change in sound found when a standard single-stage <em>furnace</em> motor cycles on and off.</li>
<li>Westinghouse <em>furnaces</em> are service-friendly and accept add-on components with ease, and can reduce common allergens and irritants, such as, dust, mold, pet odor, and dry air. Contact your Westinghouse dealer for more details.</li>
<li>The iQ Drive <em>furnace</em> is controlled by the iQ Drive thermostat, which means you have complete control over your home’s indoor environment – including maintenance reminders, programmable comfort schedules and troubleshooting diagnostics.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.westinghousehvac.com/WHGlossary.asp#iSEERgloss">iSEER™</a> The <em>furnace</em> works with any Westinghouse split-system air conditioner and actually makes your air conditioner more efficient. On a 13- or 14-SEER air conditioner, the iQ Drive <em>furnace</em> will increase SEER up to another  point – in essence, boosting your outdoor unit’s cooling efficiency by up to  almost 8%.</li>
<li>The 97+%* AFUE Fully Modulating <em>Gas Furnace</em> exceeds the Energy Star® guidelines for efficiency and performance.</li>
<li>This <em>furnace</em> is designed to seamlessly integrate with  our Award-Winning<br />
<a href="http://www.westinghousehvac.com/wh23srac.asp">iQ Drive® 23 SEER air conditioner</a> to create the  most energy efficient comfort system available for the home.</li>
<li>Designed for  upflow applications.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a quality <a href="http://www.auchinachie.com/content.php?id=3">Johnson City furnace</a> or a living in Greater Binghamton and looking to have your furnace replaced, call the experts at Auchinachie.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/27/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=27&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/westinghouse-97-efficient-gas-furnace/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Choose an Energy Star Air Conditioner</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/choose-an-energy-star-air-conditioner/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/choose-an-energy-star-air-conditioner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 13:33:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Central Air Conditioning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year — nearly half the home&#8217;s total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30 percent. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=25&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year — nearly half the home&#8217;s total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30 percent.</p>
<div id="mid_col" class="two_col">
<p>Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.</p>
<ul>
<li>ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) than standard models, which makes them about 14% more efficient than standard models.</li>
</ul>
<p>Remember, saving energy prevents pollution.  By choosing ENERGY STAR and taking steps to optimize the performance of your cooling equipment, you are helping to prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air while enhancing the comfort of your home.</p>
<p>You may also be interested to know:</p>
<ul>
<li>Though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.</li>
<li>When buying new equipment, it is important to get a quality installation. Make sure you get a contractor who can do the job right.</li>
<li>You can get better performance out of your cooling equipment by <a href="index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing">sealing your home</a> and making sure your <a href="index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_ducts">ducts</a> don&#8217;t leak.</li>
<li>EPA offers <a href="index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac_suggestions">additional suggestions</a> for improving the performance of your cooling system as well as general <a href="index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index">home improvement advice</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Finding Qualified Equipment</h3>
<p>The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) have developed an online database which<br />
can be used to find qualifying ENERGY STAR equipment. All equipment listed in this online database meets the specification requirements<br />
for ENERGY STAR. This online database is solely maintained and operated by CEE and ARI.</p>
<p>To help understand how to use this online database, we have created a <a href="ia/products/heat_cool/cac/../CEE-ARI_Guide.pdf">quick guide</a> <img src="images/pdf_tiny.gif" alt="PDF" /> (1.4MB) to help you with the various fields used in this online database.  <a href="http://www.ceehvacdirectory.org/">Click here to search CEE-ARI Online Database</a> .</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a new and efficient <a title="Endicott Central Air" href="http://www.auchinachie.com/content.php?id=5">Endicott Central Air</a> Unit to cool your home, call Auchinachie today at <strong>(607) 352-3113</strong></div>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/25/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=25&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/choose-an-energy-star-air-conditioner/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Endless Hot Water</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/20/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/20/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:25:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Water Heaters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tankless hot water]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=20</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Never take another cold shower again!  Auchinachie is now offering tankless water heaters which heat water on demand, so you&#8217;re never limited to a fixed pre-heated supply as with a traditional tank equipped water heater.  You&#8217;ll enjoy hot water when you want it, for as long as you need it.  Take a shower, wash dishes [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=20&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Never take another cold shower again!  Auchinachie is now offering <a title="tankless hot water heater" href="http://www.auchinachie.com">tankless water heaters</a> which heat water on demand, so you&#8217;re never limited to a fixed pre-heated supply as with a traditional tank equipped water heater.  You&#8217;ll enjoy hot water when you want it, for as long as you need it.  Take a shower, wash dishes and do laundry all at the same time!</p>
<p><strong>Energy Costs</strong></p>
<p>With Auchinachie&#8217;s tankless water heaters, you&#8217;ll enjoy up to <strong>40% energy savings</strong>.  That&#8217;s because our units are designed to be highly efficient and only heat water when it&#8217;s needed.  When the demand for water ceases, the unit shuts down and uses no energy, a revolutionary advantage over inefficient tank-style heaters.<br />
Performance and Longevity</p>
<p>With an auchinachie tankless water heater, you get the durability and reliability of a commercial-grade copper heat exchanger and an industry-leading 12-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger.   Plus, Auchinachie tankless water heaters have a typical life span of 20 years or more installed in residential applications, up to twice as long as a tank.</p>
<p><strong>Clean, Fresh Water</strong></p>
<p>When using a traditional tank-style water heater, rust and scale build-up can collect in the interior of the tank, where the hot water you use day-to-day for bathing and drinking is stored.  With Auchinachie tankless water heaters there is no tank to store water, so you&#8217;ll always experience fresh, clean hot water because our unit heats water on demand as it passes through the unit.</p>
<p><strong>Space Savings and Flexible Installation Options</strong></p>
<p>Reclaim precious space in your home.  Traditional tank water heaters can take up to 16 square feet of valuable floor space.  However, Auchinachie tankless units-about the size of a carry-on suitcase- can be installed on virtually any wall inside or outside of your home.<br />
More Capacity</p>
<p>Meeting increased hot water demands can be a challenge for traditional tank-style heaters, however, with Auchinachie&#8217;s innovative technology you&#8217;ll never run out of hot water.</p>
<p>Our units can be used individually, in pairs or in banks of three or more for residential, commercial and multi-family applications.<br />
Peace of Mind</p>
<p>With Auchinachie tankless water heaters, there&#8217;s no tank to leak or break, thus reducing the risk of flooding.  Plus, Auchinachie offers a line of controllers that make it easy to set water temperatures precisely for multiple locations in your home to ensure comfort and prevent scalding accidents.  If you&#8217;re looking for a <a title="Binghamton Tankless Water Heater" href="http://www.auchinachie.com/products.php?id=16">Binghamton tankless water heater</a>, contact Auchinachie today.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/20/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=20&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/20/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>To Cover or not to Cover</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/to-cover-or-not-to-cover/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/to-cover-or-not-to-cover/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:14:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Central Air Conditioning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=14</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many folks disagree on whether it&#8217;s a good idea to cover outdoor central air condenser units in the winter.   Many old timers come from the &#8220;leave it be school&#8221; of thought. Last Summer Auchinachie had replaced a Vestal Central Air unit that had  survived 20+ years in harsh winter conditions and was never once [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=14&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many folks disagree on whether it&#8217;s a good idea to cover outdoor central air condenser units in the winter.   Many old timers come from the &#8220;leave it be school&#8221; of thought.</p>
<p>Last Summer Auchinachie had replaced a <a href="http://www.auchinachie.com/content.php?id=5">Vestal Central Air</a> unit that had  survived 20+ years in harsh winter conditions and was never once covered in the winter. And we don&#8217;t find it that surprising as these are pieces of equipment that were designed to be subjected to the elements year after year.</p>
<p>That said &#8211; if your condenser sits in an area where it&#8217;s apt to collect excessive debris from trees etc, it certainly doesn&#8217;t hurt to place some plywood across the top or a loose fitting cover in the off season. It may or may not extend the life of your unit, but it&#8217;ll definitely make it easier to clean out in the spring if it&#8217;s been a problem in the past.</p>
<p>Keeping excessive amount of debris out of the condenser is a good idea, but covering a condenser too tightly can be just as destructive. Tight covers encourage condensation build up which is damaging to the electrical controls and components.</p>
<p>We feel that it couldn&#8217;t hurt to cover your condensor unit during the wintertime if only to keep debris out.  As we mentioned, don&#8217;t wrap the unit in plastic or any other non-breathable material that can cause water build-up or become destructive if the unit is accidentally turned on.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/14/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=14&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/to-cover-or-not-to-cover/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Simple Projects this Spring to Save Big All Year</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/10-simple-projects-this-spring-to-save-big-all-year/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/10-simple-projects-this-spring-to-save-big-all-year/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DIY Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=10</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With a steep rise in natural gas and heating oil costs and some very cold days, we know it&#8217;s been a tough winter. It&#8217;s never too late to start thinking about the next cold season and Spring is the best time of year to begin winterizing your home for next winter. The cool spring weather [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=10&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 20px;"><span style="font-size:12px;">With a steep rise in natural gas and heating oil costs and some very cold days, we know it&#8217;s been a tough winter. It&#8217;s never too late to start thinking about the next cold season and Spring is the best time of year to begin winterizing your home for next winter. The cool spring weather lets you get up into the attic without dealing with extreme heat, and many of our tips will help you save money even in the Summer months. If you have any questions about our tips or if you&#8217;re interested in replacing that old furnace sitting in the basement, call your qualified Auchinachie technician at <strong>(607) 722-7234</strong></span></p>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">10. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate.</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/insulation.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">One of the most important features protecting your home from both cold and warm weather is your home&#8217;s insulation. Even more important is your attic insulation which acts as the first line of defense against the elements. What many people don&#8217;t know is that you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic regardless of the climate you live in. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Don&#8217;t waste your time trying to figure out R-values. The most simple thing you can do is climb up into the attic and take a good look around. If you can see ceiling joist, you know you&#8217;re losing a lot of money each year through your homes attic. Since ceilings have joists that are around 11-12 inches deep looking for exposed joists acts as a good rule of thumb.</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">9. Check Those Ducts</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/duct.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">According to the US department of energy, a home with forced hot air heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before it even reaches the rooms of your home. The reason for this? Many times ductwork is not well connected, or the taping has come off the connections due to the age of the duct work. This leads to a colossal waste of energy and money on your monthly bill and causes your furnace to work much harder than it should. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Many times ducts are hard to see, but if you have an unfinished basement or attic you can often easily access your duct work. Run your hand along the duct and feel for any air that may be flowing out of joints. A candle is also a good way to check for drafts, but obviously be careful with the open flame. Be sure to use a metal backed tape to repair joints (duct tape shouldn’t be used as it doesn’t hold up over time).  Although your ducts may look like they&#8217;re in good shape they may be in need of an internal cleaning to protect you an your family from mold and allergens.  Call <strong>Auchinachie</strong> today to learn about our affordable duct cleaning services. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">8. Reverse Your Fans</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/fan.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">Reversing your fan is a really simple way to push the warm air back down into the main room where it belongs. Reversing your fan can often lead to a 5-10 degree increase in the temperature of your room. Not sure which direction your fan is in? It&#8217;s easy, simply look up and if you blades are turning in a clockwise direction then you’re ready for winter.  If the cold weather has made its way out look for a counter-clockwise rotation and you&#8217;re ready for those warm summer months.</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">7. Wrap Water Pipes</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/pipe.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">Nothing&#8217;s worse than coming home from a winter vacation and finding out your pipes are frozen. What results is a nightmare for both your wallet and your time. If you know you have a trouble place in your home where the pipes freeze often, make sure to shut the valve off and drain the pipes before you leave for that last spring trip to the mountains. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Spring is a great time to check where your pipes are running and be sure to wrap any exposed pipes with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Common problem areas where pipes are exposed are basements, garages and attics. If you have a really tough area, you can pick up heating tape which in essence is an electrical cord which emits heat. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">6. Upgrade Your Windows</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/windows.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">Upgrading to more energy efficient replacement windows is a great way to add a layer of protection for your home. Many of the older EJ homes in the area still have single pane windows that are drafty and are in turn a major loss of energy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Although replacing windows is not terribly cheap you can budget to replace a few at a time. In the meatime, a window insulation kit is an affordable way to add another layer of protection for the winter while you&#8217;re waiting to upgrade. The kits are available at any hardware store and end up costing around $4 per window.  Get yours in the Spring time and store them away as they&#8217;re much more difficult to find in the hardware store as winter nears. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">5. Check Under the Door</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/sweep.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">The Department of Energy found that 5-30% of your energy waste may be from the draft that comes into your home through the gap under your outside doors. For a quick fix buy or make a “snake” which was originally a Great Depression era invention and put an end to those drafty doors. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">For a more professional and permanent solution, visit your hardware store and pick up a door-sweep. It only takes about a half hour to install and provides a tight seal between your door and your threshold. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">4. Turn Down the Hot Water Heater</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/water.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">We all love a hot shower, but is it really necessary to have scalding 140 degree hot water coming out of your pipes? Most people that take the time to turn down their water heaters don&#8217;t notice the temperature change and still get the same hot shower experience they&#8217;re accustomed to. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees will lower your gas bill by 6-10% which amounts to big savings on your heating bill all year long. Eventually you may wonder why you need a big tank of hot water sitting in your basement and have Auchinachie install a super energy efficient <a href="/products.php?id=16" target="_blank">tankless water heater</a> to save even more. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">3. Tune up Your Furnace</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/tune.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">Before the deep cold sets in next winter, it is wise to turn your furnace on in the fall to make sure everything is working properly. You may get a strange smell throughout the house when you first start up your furnace, but simply open the windows and the smell will dissipate. If the odor continues, be sure to call your pros at Auchinachie immediately. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">It&#8217;s a good idea to have your furnace cleaned and tuned annually. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted will reduce your energy use and save you up to 5 percent on your heating bill. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">2. Check for Tax Credits</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/tax.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">There are a host of tax credits that can help you this Spring with your energy efficient projects. For example, at the end of 2008 you could get a federal 30% production tax credit which would benefit up to $2,000 for the first ten years of a renewable energy product&#8217;s operation. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">Various state, local, and federal incentives have been created to encourage the purchase of storm doors, energy efficient furnaces, and much more. View a detailed list of available opportunities at the <a href="http://www.dsireusa.org/" target="_blank">Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency</a>. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1 style="border-bottom:1px dashed #cccccc;display:block;font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;color:#617878;font-family:'Trebuchet MS';margin:10px 0;padding:5px 0;">1. Replace that Old Furnace</h1>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 10px 10px 0;" valign="top"><a href="#"><img src="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/energy.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="90" align="left" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><span style="font-size:12px;">Thankfully it&#8217;s not something you have to do every year or even every decade, but if you have an old (15+ years) furnace in your basement, it&#8217;s time to upgrade. Not only will you save a ton of money on your heating bill, but you&#8217;ll also increase the value of your home by upgrading to a new unit. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;">By upgrading from your 15+ year model to an Energy Star-certified model from <strong>Auchinachie</strong>, you&#8217;ll save over 50% on your heating bills next winter. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span style="font-size:12px;"><br />
<strong>Auchinachie Plumbing and Heating</strong> has many products and service that will help you save all year around on your gas and electic bill.  Call one of our pro&#8217;s today at <strong>607-352-3113</strong> to learn how we can get your home ready for the new season.</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/10/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=10&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/10-simple-projects-this-spring-to-save-big-all-year/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/insulation.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/duct.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/fan.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/pipe.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/windows.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/sweep.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/water.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/tune.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/tax.jpg" medium="image" />

		<media:content url="http://www.auchinachie.com/newsletter/energy.jpg" medium="image" />
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner</title>
		<link>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/heat-pump-vs-air-conditioner/</link>
		<comments>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/heat-pump-vs-air-conditioner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:14:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>auchinachie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Central Air Conditioning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/?p=3</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing a heat pump as a comfort solution is typically driven by the climate you live in, and is relative to your comfort needs. The heat pump is designed to provide heat in the winter and is best in environments that do not drop below freezing, not suited for our cold Binghamton Winters. Your Auchinachie [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=3&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choosing a heat pump as a comfort solution is typically driven by the climate you live in, and is relative to your comfort needs. The heat pump is designed to provide heat in the winter and is best in environments that do not drop below freezing, not suited for our cold Binghamton Winters. Your Auchinachie sales person can recommend the right choice for you, a choice that could save you money during the winter months.</p>
<p>A &#8220;split&#8221; system is the most common heating and cooling <a title="Binghamton Central Air" href="http://www.auchinachie.com/content.php?id=5" target="_self">Binghamton central air</a> set-up installed. Your split system air conditioner or heat pump is the outdoor component of a total system. The indoor component is a matched coil, which typically sits on top of the furnace, or in warmer climates, an indoor air handler is used.</p>
<p>When you replace your outdoor system it is extremely important to replace the indoor portion as well, in order to meet energy efficiency performance and not void important warranties. Not changing your indoor component is like buying a new car then placing old, worn tires on it.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/auchinachie.wordpress.com/3/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=auchinachie.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7183406&amp;post=3&amp;subd=auchinachie&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://auchinachie.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/heat-pump-vs-air-conditioner/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/98ab5bf7720c7d63f5b887661b2c8e3a?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">auchinachie</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
