Lennox - Comfort Matters Fall 2011

View the Comfort Matters - Fall 2011 Newsletter by clicking this link.

IN THIS ISSUE
• Are you ready for some football?
• Warm up to seasonal comfort solutions
• Get in the zone
• Simple steps to keep heating costs low


Simple Steps To Keep Heating Costs Low

As we move from cool fall days into the winter months, you don’t have to spend a fortune on heating to keep warm! Explore ways to save with our top ten tips for a toastier home—minus the high price tag.

1. Schedule an HVAC professional to clean your home’s ducts before it’s time to turn on the furnace. Your system’s efficiency can be reduced by as much as 20% by damaged or blocked ducts.

2. Inspect your home for drafts flowing in from outside. Seal any leaks with insulation, caulking or weather stripping, and you can save up to 10% off heating and cooling costs.

3. Set your thermostat to 68°F while you’re at home, and as low as 60°F when you’re awake or asleep. For each degree the heat is lowered for at least eight hours, you’ll save as much as two percent on your heating bill.

4. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically reduce the temperature in your home while you’re at work. This simple step can reduce heating costs between 5 to 15 percent a year, depending on your climate.

5. Moisturize indoor air. The more humid the air, the warmer you feel. Adding humidity to dry, heated air in the winter helps you stay comfortable at a lower thermostat setting.

6. Change your filter once a month. Dirty filters require your home heating system to work harder, which equates to higher costs on your heating bill.

7. Upgrade your HVAC. An inefficient system can waste hundreds of dollars each year. Install a high-efficiency furnace like the SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace from Lennox to reduce your bill dramatically.

8. Welcome sunny winter days. Opening curtains and blinds on sunny days can help to warm your home, especially on south-facing sides. Close curtains at night to reduce heat loss.

9. Cool down your shower. For every ten degrees you lower your water heater temperature, you’ll save 3-5 percent a year on the cost of warming your water.

10. Entertain a crowd. Each guest in your home is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater. The more the merrier!

Switch To Gas - 1 Month Left! || Mount Forest

With Union Gas's new promotion its now better than ever for people wanting to switch to gas TO switch to gas. Whether you want to upgrade your Furnace AND Hot Water Heater OR just your Hot Water Heater - now is the time! Never before have you been able to just switch over for 1 appliance and now you can and begin realizing the savings that come with Natural Gas!

Give our office a call at 1-866-565-5513 or 519-323-2000 and ask to talk to Mike Johnson our Salesman OR email him (click link)


Heating Season is here - begin saving even more of YOUR MONEY now!

Switch to Natural Gas || JJ McLellan Plumbing + Heating

Union Gas is now assisting new customers in making the switch to Natural Gas!

Check out this information below, which is from the Union Gas website and for more information check out.

http://www.uniongas.com/switchtogas/

AND be sure to check out...

http://www.uniongas.com/residential/campaigns/switchtogas/savings.asp

Switching Has Never Been Easier

This fall Union Gas is making it easier than ever to connect to natural gas and take advantage of low natural gas prices, special fall deals, and government grants. Don't miss out! Contact your local Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Contractor to switch today.

To ensure your new natural gas service is installed this year, have your HVAC apply to Union Gas on your behalf before the deadlines noted below. Hurry, the deadlines are coming soon!

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

These tips courtesty of Lennox.

General guidelines for keeping your home warm and efficient:

• Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your home’s ducts and cooling equipment.



• Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and as low as 60°F when you’re asleep or awake.



• Clean or replace furnace filters every month.



• Clean chimney and check to see if your fireplace is working properly.



• Seal air leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace, and also around windows and doors.



• Insulate inside of windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets.



• Check your attic for proper insulation.



• Close curtains or shades at night and keep them open during the day



• Clean windows on the south side of your house to maximize sunlight exposure.



• Weather-strip doors that lead to cold or outside areas.



• Wrap and insulate waterlines to prevent them from freezing.



• Repair leaky faucets.
  

Extra steps you can take to save energy:

• Install a programmable thermostat, so you can preset temperatures for different times of the day.



• Insulate the water tank and first six feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit.



• Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120°F (for every 10-degree decrease in temperature, you may save 3% - 5% on your energy costs).



• Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and use switch plates on exterior walls.



• Install low-flow showerheads.



• Things you can do to improve air quality and reduce potential health risks:



• When adjusting clocks, change batteries in smoke alarms, as well as radon and carbon monoxide detectors.



• Consider a ventilation system to increase air circulation inside and add a healthy dose of fresh air.
  


• Clean water-damaged carpets and materials, or consider replacement.
  Reduce the potential for buildup of allergy-causing pollutants by keeping your house clean



• Take special precaution when operating fuel-burning appliances to avoid leakage.



• Store and dispose of household chemicals in a safe manner.
  

If you have any further questions or would like to book a fall cleaning and servicing please give us a call at 1-800-565-5513 or 519-323-2000. Interested in a new energy efficient heating, cooling and air quality system - give our Salesman Mike Johnson a call he would be happy to meet you at your home for a free no-obligation quote!

Water Heater Scams || Mount Forest Plumber

This article was just published in the Toronto Star - Roseman: Man, 87, scammed by hot water tank salesman .

For our own customers information and protection I am copying and pasting the exact article from The Toronto Star below, at the bottom of the article is an email address for Ellen, the writer:

Roseman: Man, 87, scammed by hot water tank salesman
By Ellen Roseman 1 hour 10 minutes ago

There’s a new law in Ontario to protect consumers from misleading sales of natural gas or electricity contracts.

The Ontario Energy Board audited 12 companies last month. It found all had failed to comply with the rules in some ways, such as not training agents properly or not mentioning a customer’s cancellation rights in a contract.

Nine companies have agreed to pay fines totalling $212,500, the board said this week. Two companies (Summitt Energy and Energhx Green Energy) have asked for a hearing. One case (MxEnergy) is still outstanding.

Now here’s the bad news. Many companies use the same abusive practices to persuade people to replace their water heaters.

Here’s a story that makes my blood boil, involving a vulnerable senior and a water heater replacement that leaked all over his basement.

A salesman went to the Toronto home of Jose Martins, 87, and said his seven-year-old water heater would be replaced under a government program to get rid of inefficient tanks. The switch took place within minutes.

MorEnergy was a competitor of the company from which he rented his water heater. But Martins, who didn’t speak English well, didn’t know that.

“He said his water heater wasn’t giving him any problems,” says daughter Laura Martins, “but by the end of the persistent and deceptive sales pitch, my dad had given him his gas bill and signed the rental agreement.”

The new tank started leaking a few days after installation. By the time Laura reached MorEnergy (since the office was closed), the carpet was ruined.

“I wanted to cancel the agreement and have the tank removed. The company told me it would cost $300.”

Yes, that’s right. MorEnergy installed the water heater during the 10-day cooling off period provided for sales over $50 made in a customer’s home — and insisted on a $300 fee to cancel during the cooling off period.

The Ontario consumer services ministry has received 1,700 complaints and inquiries about water heaters this year.

The 10-day cooling off period for door to door sales is absolute, says spokesman Stephen Puddister.

A supplier that pushes you to install a tank in a hurry can be seen as trying to deny your right to “cool off” under the consumer protection act.

And if a supplier wants to charge a penalty to remove its rented equipment when change your mind within 10 days, you don’t have to pay it.

MorEnergy president John Nassar doesn’t see things that way.

“I understand the tank was a leaker. Since we don’t manufacture the tanks, we have no control over this,” he said.

As for the $300 removal fee, “the act is clear that if customers invite us in to do the work, then they have to cover the soft costs,” he argued.

Come on, John. Many people don’t “invite” MorEnergy into their homes.

They get a sales pitch from someone who declares their tank is no good — and agree to a replacement under the impression they’re dealing with their existing supplier.

MorEnergy has agreed to pay a $40,000 fine after admitting its agents wore badges that made people think they represented a gas or electricity utility.

Sadly, the misrepresentation leading to rush replacements of water heaters falls outside the Ontario Energy Board’s jurisdiction.

I’d like to see the provincial government crack down on door-to-door sales of all products, including burglar alarms and water purifiers, because of proven abuses.

There’s an election campaign going on now. Is anyone listening?

Also read:

Just say no to water heater offers (click on the title to read)

Ellen Roseman writes about personal finance and consumer issues. You can reach her at eroseman@thestar.ca.

We are the service agents for Reliance within Mount Forest and the Surrounding Area, please do not hestitate to contact us to confirm the individual showing up at your door is NOT with us or Reliance. If you are unsure please call and do not let these individuals into your home! As in the past, any calls of these types of sales going on are immediately reported by us to the Chamber of Commerce who passes them directly on to the Township and OPP.

Also our own sales people will NOT do door to door sales. Our sales people will make appointments with you directly and show up at the specified time. Our company has NO affiliation with door to door sales!

Fall Heating Season Promotion || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

It is almost heating season! Hard to believe that the summer is coming to an end and fall is fast approaching us. With that comes our FALL PROMOTION for Heating & Air Quality Equipment!

We have individual rebate offers as well as system rebate offers. The System Rebate Offers are on an Indoor and Outdoor Units (Furnace and Air Conditioner) and you can also get additional rebates for Healthy Climate & Controls (HRV and Thermostat).

The savings really ADD up! Check it out!

Lennox Fall Promotion
Lennox System Qualifier: Up to $1,200¹
Add-on Select Healthy Climate and/or Controls: Up to $250
Total Potential Savings = $1,450

ecoENERGYRetrofit –Homes Program
Qualifying Heat Pumps/AC, and Furnace Total Grant: Up to: $1,540
Total Potential Savings =$3,290

AND Add total peace of mind to your purchase for your home that you will be completely covered for 10 years with Parts & Labour Warranty as well as very affordable System Financing!

Not only will you receive rebates back from Lennox and the ecoENERGYTRetrofit programs you will also breathe easy knowing you have a very efficient system for your home which will be economical to run and keep your air cleaner!

*It is highly recommended to have your system cleaned and serviced yearly to ensure proper efficiency and operation*

CALL US TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS! 1-866-565-5513 or 519-323-2000


***Come out and see us at the Mount Forest Fall Fair THIS Weekend at the Mount Forest Fair Grounds Sunday and Monday from 10am - 4pm! ***

Product Financing || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

Product Financing
http://www.lennox.com/beforeyoubuy/financing/

As a Premier Lennox Dealer we offer our customers Peace of Mind in more ways than just 24/7 and over 60 years of being in the business. We offer our customers Smart, Flexible and very Affordable financing for their HVAC systems in their homes, cottage or business. Not only that we also offer the Complete Care Warranty which covers you for 10 years for Parts and Labour - this warranty can also be within your finance AND you have the convenience of making your set monthly payments OR making payments right onto the principal with NO penalty!

Your HVAC System operates your homes heating and cooling, not only that but also your air quality! For your own health as well as your family this is an investment you want to ensure is properly fitted for your home size, number of people in your home and runs efficiently - saving you money on utilities!

See below the info that Lennox has available on their website (link also posted above!).

Convenient financing options make your purchase easy and comfortable.

A new HVAC system is one of the most important investments you'll make, one that can deliver energy and cost savings for many years to come. You don't have to let a small budget keep you from getting the most efficient solution for your household. That's why Lennox offers flexible financing options for any budget.

Expand your purchasing power and convenience with:
•Competitive interest rates
•No down payment required
•No annual fee
•Generous credit lines available
•No prepayment penalties
•Low monthly payments
•Simple application—only takes minutes

Canadian Residents
SNAP Financial is the fast, flexible, easy way to pay for your HVAC system without having to wait. Simply ask your local Lennox dealer about different SNAP financing offers, and get approved in seconds. There's no need to delay your purchase of an energy-efficient home comfort system. SNAP makes it simple – start saving money today.

Call us today at 519-323-2000 or 1-866-565-5513 or Email info @ jjmclellan . ca

Funnel Clouds & Thunder Storms || Mount Forest Plumbing & Heating

We have had an evening of many watches, warnings, rain and even some funnel clouds spotted IN some of our customers areas. We hope that everyone is safe and sound!

With all the rain we have had and what is predicted with the thunder, lightening and rain as well as the power flickers, be sure that your sump pumps are running properly, if we get a lot more rain there could be some wet basements if pumps didn't turn on again!

Follow our local news at www.fm102.ca - they are continuing to update on facebook and twitter as well to keep everyone in our area well informed!

Stay safe!

Keeping your family cool this summer!

Keeping your family cool this summer goes beyond the services we can provide such as Air Conditioners...

Chatelaine has an excellent article which I thought many of our customers could benefit from.

Click here to read the article on their site - 12 cheap ways to keep your cool this summer

12 cheap ways to keep your cool this summer

Staying cool during a long, hot summer can be pricey. Here are 12 ways to keep costs down during a heatwave

• By Caroline Cakebread Wed Jun 22 2011

If you thought last summer was too hot, then I’m sorry to say you’re not likely to get much relief this year. Environment Canada is predicting yet another hotter-than-normal June, July and August for Canada. So if you can’t take the heat, you’d better come up with a plan to stay cool. But beating the heat doesn’t have to mean cranking the A/C — air conditioning is really hard on your budget, not to mention the power grid. This summer, why not consider these 12 frugal tips to keep your cool in the hot

Get grilling
When it’s hot outside, using your oven or stovetop can make your house even hotter. Stop sweating in the kitchen and make use of your barbecue whenever you can. You can use the grill for everything — even pizza. If you need inspiration, check out Chatelaine’s 30 days of grilling guide.

Adjust your thermostat
Try not to leave the AC running when you’re not home. There are other ways to keep your house from heating up too much during the heat of the day (see below). Also, consider saving the air conditioning for the very hottest days of summer — and use it sparingly, turning it off when you’re sleeping, for example.

Change your filters
If you have central air, make sure you give your system a once-over and change the filters so that it runs more efficiently (and pumps clean air through your home when it’s on).

Keep the curtains closed
Keep your windows curtained or shuttered during the heat of the day — that will also help the air stay cooler when the sunshine is at its peak.

Use fans
Ceiling fans and portable fans will keep the air circulating through your home so that it stays cooler and fresher.

Cover the vents
If you are running AC, make sure you cover the vents in rooms you don’t use to push the cold air where you want it — especially at night. Covering the downstairs vents can make sure your upper floors are cool when you’re sleeping.

Camp out
Hot nights can be the hardest part of summer, so why not get out of your upstairs bedroom and sleep somewhere cooler? Set up camp in the backyard or in the basement — if you have young kids, you can also make it fun by pitching a tent and making it like a real camping trip.

Use cold showers
Bring down your body temperature before bed by taking a cold shower or bath. It will help make you more comfortable and help you get to sleep even on the hottest nights. To get super cool before bed, stand in front of a fan to dry off instead of using a towel — that gives your body an extra chill that will keep you cooler for longer.

Peg out
Your dryer makes your home even hotter, so use your clothesline instead. Pegging out can also help cut your electricity bill. And you get an added bonus — clothes dried outside smell so much better.

Get a pool (kiddie that is)
Every kid on my block had a Mr. Turtle Pool when I was growing up — kid-sized pools are a great way for your little ones to keep cool. Adults and pets can also cool their heels in the cold water when they need it. If your kids are too small to play safely in a kiddie pool, then turn on the sprinkler to cool them down.

Have lots of cold ones…
Keep yourself well hydrated with cold, icy beverages, preferably non-alcoholic — while a cold beer or two goes down very smoothly on a hot day, the alcohol can leave you dehydrated and feeling even worse.

Make homemade popsicles with the kids
Packaged popsicles and ice creams are expensive — enlist your kids in helping you make juice popsicles of their own. You can also make your own cones and drumsticks — they taste better than the ones you buy at the store.

Caroline Cakebread is a Toronto-based financial writer and editor. She’s also a recovering academic and the mother of two kids. Check out her personal finance blog for Chatelaine Your Money.

Two Important Changes for the Eco Energy Program

Courtesy of http://www.hpacmag.mercuryemail.com/archives/newsletters/P_July_19th.html#news2

The Government of Canada has renewed the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. From June 6, 2011, until March 31, 2012, homeowners are eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient. There are two important changes to the program. First, there is a requirement for participants to register directly with the program before booking their evaluation. Second, homeowners will now be required to provide receipts to their energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation to confirm eligibility for the grant.

ecoEnergy Rebates are back!

It was finally offically annouced that the ecoEnergy Rebates are back!

This means more savings for our customers... we are able to a very affordable financing package along with a 10 year labour + parts warranty AND you may now receive rebates back from the government for upgrading your heating and cooling system to something more efficient (saving $ and energy!).

Here is some info...

http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm

This is in effect from June 6, 2011 to March 31, 2012 - you must have a pre-retrofit inspection prior to making any replacements. However you will find that if you are a previous participant you may make more improvements this way.

Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes

See the information below - which is directlyl from the ecoEnergy website for eligible improvements.

Eligible improvements
Heating systems
Cooling systems
Ventilation systems
Domestic hot water equipment
Insulation
Air sealing
Windows/doors/skylights
Water conservation

Furnace example - a gas furnace or ENERGY STAR qualified oil furnace that has a 94.0 percent AFUE or higher and a brushless DC motor when installing a condensing furnace for the first time. This improvement can obtain a rebate of $790!

A/C example - a central split-system A/C that has an AHRI number meeting the requirements. This improvement can obtain a rebate of $250!

Ventilation example - Install an HRV or ERV that is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) and listed in Section 3 of their product directory. This improvement can obtain a rebate of $375!

For doing these improvements to your home you can not only get $1415!!! Thats money BACK in your pocket.

If you take advantage of our low cost easy monthly financing you can defer your payments for 3 months*, have a low monthly payment with no penalty for making "un-scheduled" extra payments AND pay the balance off at anytime with no penalty.

You can also have the peace of mind of a 10 year warranty on ALL your new equipment which covers you for parts + labour for any repairs in the 10 years! The only thing you have to do is ensure your equipment is serviced each year!

Rebate of $1415 + 10 Year Warranty Parts + Labour + Quality Equipment + Company You Can Trust + Low Monthly Payment = PRICELESS!

Give us a call for your FREE estimate !

Let your stress just melt away... with this Tub! || Mount Forest Plumber

Quick photo of our new addition to the show room! Sleek, modern and deep ! Enjoy a hot sudsy soak after a long days work while gazing out your window at the stars or enjoying a good book with a glass of wine! This could be yours...

A Spa Day... At Home ~ Everyday!

Drop into the showroom to find out more!

Norwell Green Club Eco Expo || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

NorwellGreenEcoExpo, originally uploaded by {PZ.Photography}.

We will be participating in this tomorrow...

Design & Planning Kitchen & Bathroom from Moen || Mount Forest Plumber

Design & Planning Kitchen & Bathroom Advice

Some great tips from Moen

From space-saving designs to the latest in sophisticated style, our design tips are made with you and your dream kitchen in mind.

Design for Your Budget
While you may envision your ideal kitchen with granite countertops and top of the line appliances, many homeowners don't have the budget to afford these dream spaces. However, that doesn't mean that you can't update your space to make it more enjoyable and more uniquely yours.

No matter what your budget, there are many updates that you can make to your kitchen or bathroom to add some design style. Here are a few examples of ways that you can add some design elements and your unique style to your rooms while still following a budget:

$1,000 Budget

With this small budget, you may need to get a bit creative to achieve your goals, but there are some easy steps that will greatly improve the look of your kitchen or bath

Kitchens:

* Countertops — To simulate the look of real (and very expensive) stone, without the cost, use ceramic tile or a higher density, more upscale tile called through-body porcelain tile. Especially for countertops, since they cover a large surface area of your kitchen, a new tile surface will add a dramatic update. However, for an even lower cost, choose a new laminate countertop to replace outdated or worn countertops for a fresh, new look.

* Faucets and Hardware — Replacing an old faucet with a newer, stylish model in an updated finish will instantly perk up a kitchen. Then, update drawer pulls and knobs to match the finish of the faucet to pull your room together.

* Cabinets — If your cabinets are paintable, a fresh coat of paint can brighten and refresh worn cabinets and give the entire room an updated look.

* Window coverings — Remove old valances and let in more natural light with simple, open window treatments. Replace old vinyl blinds with two-inch faux wood blinds. These offer an upscale look of genuine white wood blinds without the associated cost.

* Paint — Perhaps your room has some flowered wallpaper or grandma's favorite shade of pink on the walls. Painting is often the least intimidating project and has the biggest impact on a room. So strip off that wallpaper, prime those walls and add a splash of your favorite color to reflect your style and update your kitchen.

Bathrooms:

* Vanity and Countertops — Since it is the working area of the bathroom and often the focal point, you may want to replace the current vanity. Or, if the vanity is in decent shape, try working with what you have and just replace the countertop and update the knobs and pulls on the vanity. Since you don't have as much area to replace as in the kitchen you may want to try an upgraded material for the countertop, such as a ceramic tile.

* Faucet — Often the focal point of a bathroom is the sink and faucet area. For a modest price with large impact, you may choose a more bold or dynamic new faucet. Faucets today are available in a variety of shapes, designs and finishes to meet the style and functional needs of any bathroom.

* Paint and Color — Inject color and style into a bathroom with a new paint color. Since it is a smaller space, especially for a powder room, choose a color that you love but might not be brave enough to use in a larger, more prominent room. Be sure to tie your color together with coordinating towels and shower curtain.

* Floor — Since the bathroom is one of the most used and abused rooms in the home, try updating the flooring with a ceramic tile or through-body porcelain tile to add style and functionality to your bath.

$5,000 Budget

With a little more room in the budget, you now have the opportunity to do a bit more or to upgrade the materials to transform your room. Just, don't forget the basics, such as painting walls and changing window coverings.

Kitchens:

* Countertops — With a bit more budget, you may now be able to afford upgraded countertop materials, such as stone or a solid surface product, such as Silestone®. The natural-looking surface will update and add style to any kitchen.

* Floors — New laminate flooring may be a cost-effective choice for homeowners who prefer to leave installation to the professionals. However for the adventurous DIYer, natural stone products, such as slate, are now an affordable and stylish option.

* Sinks, Faucets and Hardware — Since the sink and faucet are functional parts of your kitchen that you and your family will interact with everyday, they are great updates to consider. Beyond just replacing with newer models, perhaps you may want to upgrade to an undermount sink or a high arc faucet with pull-down spout. When choosing the new faucet you can let your design flair loose and choose a new finish beyond the traditional stainless. Just be sure to coordinate the drawer pulls and knobs in a similar finish.

Bathrooms:

* Flooring — While ceramic tile is a popular, cost-effective option, a more upscale and luxurious choice for flooring is a natural stone, such as granite. Today's natural stone floors offer a variety of colors and patterns to add a unique and upscale flair to your bathroom.

* Vanity and Sink — With more budget to work with, replacing the current area with a pedestal sink or a new vanity will automatically add an updated, new look to the bathroom. Pedestal sinks often make the room look larger and more upscale than a vanity, but if storage is a concern a new vanity is the wiser, more functional choice.

* Water closet — While you may not think of a toilet adding style to a room, a shiny new toilet (perhaps to match a new sink) will give your bathroom a fresh new feeling for you and your guests to enjoy.

* Faucet and accessories — With the endless variety of coordinating bathroom collections, a new faucet and accessories will update the look of your bathroom, tie your design together for a cohesive look, as well as provide functional storage tools, such as shelving, toothbrush and soap holders and towel bars.

$10,000+ Budget

A big budget opens the door for many other upscale materials or custom design details. Again, even with a bigger budget, don't forget those easy and inexpensive fixes, such as painting!

Kitchens:

* Countertops — Larger budgets could mean larger natural stones, such as marble or large pieces of granite. These beautiful, large slabs of stone can add a naturally beautiful design that you can use as the central inspiration for the rest of the room. Additionally, new popular solid surface countertops, such as Corian® may be an upgrade option.

* Floors — Wood floors add to the natural beauty and design of a kitchen. Newer woods, such as teak, are becoming more popular for their natural moisture resistance and beautiful color tone.

* Lighting — With the extra budget, be sure to banish the fluorescent lighting fixtures to the garage. Many homeowners don't realize that different types of lighting actually produce different colors of light. For instance, fluorescent produces an unflattering, cold, bluish light. To add a warmer, natural-looking light, try recessed lighting fixtures or sconces with incandescent or halogen lights.

* Sinks, Faucets and Hardware — When updating the countertops to new natural stone, an undermount sink is the perfect way to accent the new smooth-edge design. Additionally, with the variety of designs, kitchen faucets can add the final touch. With intricate designs with one or two handles, high arc or even pullout spouts, the faucet can be the jewel in the center of the new beautiful countertop. And if the budget is too low to overhaul the cabinets, be sure to update the old cabinets with new hardware to coordinate with the new sink and faucet.

* Cabinets — Today's options in cabinet colors and styles are endless. No matter what your style preference or budget, there is a cabinet to meet your needs. For tighter budgets, you may look to affordable stock lines of cabinets. Or with larger budget, perhaps semi-custom cabinets with custom storage solutions and accessories are in order. Also, remember the newest mix and match trend when choosing your cabinets. This can add more to your design and may help to accommodate your space or your budget.

Bathrooms:

* Vanity — No longer do you need to choose from what's in stock-with a larger budget, you can begin to design more customized vanities. Whether you are interested in a more traditional look that meets your needs, or a completely original look with exotic materials such as natural stone, the designs can be as big as your imagination.

* Sink — To go along with a custom-designed vanity, you might consider a specialty sink. Whether you are interested in a free-standing vessel sink with a wall-mount faucet, or a uniquely shaped stainless or porcelain sink with a unique asian-themed free-flowing faucet, this area can become a beautiful art masterpiece.

* Shower and Bath — Showers and baths can become the spa-like experience of your dreams. Think about creating a vertical spa with massaging jets in a walk-in shower made of stone or glass. Or add a sunken tub with a large Roman tub faucet to sink back and relax after a long day.

No matter what your budget, any homeowner can add design style to their kitchen and bath(s). You may need to start small or wait until your budget allows, but by adding elements that inspire you, you will be able to enjoy these two well-used rooms.

Click HERE to go to Moen's website and see more tips!

Then drop us an EMAIL or give us a call at 519-323-2000 or 1-866-565-5513 to plan your next plumbing renovation!

Feature Plan of the Week || Mount Forest Plumbing & Heating

Not only do we service what we sell... we also take care of all kinds of makes and models of heating, air conditioning and plumbing systems! We offer you peace of mind with our 24/7 emergency service as well as the reassurance that we have been around for over 60 years! A family business now in its 4th Generation when we say we are The Home Comfort People we truly want our customers to have complete peace of mind!

Call us and ask about our Financing options as well as our Complete Care Warranty Packages to have complete peace of mind for an entire 10 years at a very low cost! A properly maintained and cared for system, much like your car or your own body, will last you for many years AND save you money by running efficient!

Energy Savings Calculator || JJ McLellan Plumbing & Heating

Have you ever wondered just how much money you could save by being efficient...

Lennox has a wonderful calculator on their website - Energy Savings Calculator

Click on this calculator, choose Heating or Cooling, Select your Area (Canada is at the bottom - save the best for last ;) ), then choose the efficiency of the appliance. This is what you're looking for (this is from the Lennox link above).

Heating Efficiency

Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. AFUE works a lot like the miles-per-gallon rating on your car—the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs.

Cooling Efficiency

The measure for the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which compares cooling output to electrical consumption over a range of temperatures. The higher the SEER, the less the unit will cost to operate.

The results this calculator shows you is savings in 5 years. You will see a large savings for your Heating System, the Air Conditioning Systems will not provide you with a huge savings - however it is your comfort level which is the main reason for upgrading your AC, having a more efficient system which is properly sized to your home and system will run much more efficient and if you upgrade to a more efficient system it will be quieter as well - which again is your comfort!

Feature Home Plan of The Week || Mount Forest Plumbing & Heating

Looking to build a new house, do renovations or even minor repairs. Along with us at JJ McLellan & Son check out all of these contractors in our area in this Home Plan Feature which is a feature in the Mount Forest Confederate. We can help with anything from a leaky tap to new home construction plumbing or a furnace service to a complete heating and air system (furnace, air conditioner, HRV).

Looking to move to our area check out the town website for Mount Forest as well as our community guide http://www.wnguide.ca/ for Wellington North!

Do you have a septic system? NEW Environmentally Friendly... || JJ McLellan

We are showcasing this new Environmentally Friendly Septic System tomorrow evening at our shop from 4pm-8pm. If you have a home or business with a septic this is something you will find quite interesting!

Come and check it out.

www.jjmclellan.ca

Water Heater Program || Mount Forest Plumbing & Heating

Contact us to ask about our Water Heater Program .

There is some great information on the Union Gas Website (also seen below)

Natural Gas Water Heaters - Where to Rent or Buy

To obtain a natural gas water heater, there are two options available which include renting or buying.

If you know where you would like to rent or buy, please click on one of the retailers below. If you would like assistance in finding a reputable contractor in your area to help you make the decision, please click on the HRAI logo below.

Where to Rent	Choose a Contractor
Give us a Call or Email

We are members of the HRAI you can do a search for a local contractor by clicking on the logo image above and searching their Contractor Locator click For My Home, Appliance Info and be sure you enter your postal code, it searches based on your postal code for your area matching you with the closest Plumbing & Heating Contractor.

Give us a call or email to ask us about our Water Heater Program!

Its Spring... yet we woke up with snow || Boiler Heating System JJ McLellan Mount Forest

Waking up this morning... the Thursday before Good Friday and seeing a blanket of snow on the ground - just isn't cool! Apparently its still heating season so make sure before you leave this morning your heat is on for when you get home this evening! Save a few dollars on your heating bill by lowering your thermostat just slightly when you aren't home - even better if you have a programmable thermostat you can program it to lower during the day and increase a degree or two just before you get home!

Stay warm... this photo above is two of our gas technicians working on a boiler system with in floor heating.

Remember tomorrow is Earth Day!

Neweco Singular Green Septic System || Mount Forest JJ McLellan and Son

A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

20110329-IMG_1228_Facebook Photo April 2011, originally uploaded by {PZ.Photography}.

Singular Green Onsite Wastewater Treatement - Septic System || Mount Forest JJ McLellan

Join us for an Information & Demonstration of the Singular Green (by Norweco) Complete Onsite Wastewater Treatment Package A great "green" alternative for your Septic System!

Information, Demonstration & BBQ

At our shop located at 695 Queen Street West in Mount Forest On Thursday May 12, 2011 from 4-8pm.

As your local, factory-trained, certified and licenses Singular Green Dealer we Sell, Install and Service every waste water treatment system with Pride! Consider the facts... Provided by Norweco

• The Singular Green treatmetn unit is certified to NSF Standard 40 & the Bio-Kinetic Sstem is certifieid to NSF Standard 46. These listings provide you the highest safety, reliability and quality.


• Contained in a rugged, heavy duty, UV protected polyethylene tank, the Singular Green treatment system weighs less than 900 pounds and can easily be installed with a backhoe.


• 48-hour retention in the Singulair Green system reduces tank pumping frequency as compared to other systems that have smaller capacity.


• System operating costs are low. The only electrical component is our low RPM Singulair areator.


• Durable, reliable componets are safely installed out of sight, below grade. No exposed power cords, compressors, equipment or air lines that are above ground and accessible to children or pets.


• The patent-pending internal and external ribbed design assures long term tank integrity and minimizes the potential for tank damage due to careless pumping or hydraulic forces.


• The robust tank design and integrally molded internal walls allow Singular Green to be installed up to three feet below grade. Injection molded risers and lids, with tamper resistant fasteners, provide security, strength and safety.


• Single tank convenience; the Singular Green contains pretreatment, aeration, clarification, filtration, flow equalization, optional disinfection and dechlorination all in one compact treatment unit. The need for addtional treatment system tankage is eliminated.


• The inherently strong ribbed-arch shape of the Singular Green tank allos the use of most native soils for backfill and minimizes the need for water during the installation process.


• The Singular Green system automatically equalizes influent and effluent flow through all stages of the treatment process. Even during periods of extreme hydraulic or organic overload, effluent quality is maintained. Variations in flow do not affect treatment performance or system operation.


• Your local, factory-trained, certified and licensed Singular Green dealer sells, installs and services every wastewater treatment system with pride!

As a Norweco distributor we are fully trained to install your Singular Green system and any other Norweco product you may choose to protect your environment!

Our company has completed the Norweco nationally accredited Singular Green factory-training program and we have 5 fully trained technicians for the install and service of your Singular Green system!

Feature Home Plan || Mount Forest - Plumbing & Heating

Check out this weeks Feature Home Plan in the Mount Forest Confederate!

This ad can also be found online at http://listowel.flyerland.ca/local-ads/various-home-design-of-the-week-ad-64587

Whether you are building a new home or require plumbing or heating service for your current home give us a call !

We are the Home Comfort People who Service what we Sell !

The Way To Work-High School Students || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

This morning I had the pleasure to participate in "The Way to Work" for high school students which was presented by the CEC - Career Education Council for Guelph - Wellington - Dufferin. The purpose of this program was to give students hands on experience with meeting potential employers as well as resume, interview and networking tips. There were students from Mount Forest as well as Palmerston high schools and most who were already in a co-op course at the high school. We have had a wonderful working relationship with both the Mount Forest high school as well as the Palmerston high school with many co-op students coming from both over the years. One reason for the mentors being there was not only to represent area businesses but also to give the students an opportunity to try mock interview questions, have their resume critiqued and also practice their networking. For me it brought back some great learning experiences to how I personally have gotten to where I am now, I look back and not only was there learning experiences there was a lot of growing as a person and through education intellectually. For someone now working within a position which is within the trades, I was able to provide what we would look for... Someone looking for a future position within the trades or who is currently looking in the trades... some of these are generic to any position. Hints & Tips for Resumes, Interviews and Networking:

• Make sure your name stands out on your resume - make it larger than your address and bold it.


• Ensure your contact information is where you can be contacted and is professional - if you have voicemail make sure it is your name and not music etc, your email should also be your name in some form - not for example (from Emily at TG Minto used) hotstuff@hotmail.com


• What job are you applying for... if you find a job posted for a company be specific and say you are applying for that specific job. Use this as your objective. If you are applying and there isn't a posting specifically put what your objective is and position you are trained for. If a company is looking for a licensed gas technician... and you do not have a licence... does it make sense to apply? No.


• If you have taken a co-op class which relates to the job - this is experience - use this on your resume. If you can get a reference letter or marks from your co-op placement even better.


• Any other direct experience which can relate or is transferable to the job - this is key! The trades are all about hands on just as much as it is about learning the book work in school.


• Training - if you have completed any type of training this is very important! Be sure to list it on your resume - however also be prepared to show proof if asked.


• Before an interview - even before you apply do your research about the company. Do not get into an interview and then ask what we do.


• Speak confidently and ask questions.


• Networking is very important - a lot of time, although 'what you know' is very important for any job, its also 'who you know' that is almost equally or even more important in the job search. By networking you make connections and people talk, when people talk you can almost receive more credit/reliability/respect by obtaining a job this way.


• Social Networking - this is becoming huge not just for inviduals but also for businesses. One tip by Bill Nelson this morning was related to Facebook and the content posted on Facebook. Beware what you post - it will be there forever and potential employers can search online and could potentially find this information.

Some other great tips in general...

• Education is very important and essential to get any kind of job.


• If you are unsure what you want to do as a career, however you are going forward with post-secondary education - choose a path with transferable skills. As a personal example, I took a year off after high school and worked full time at my part time job (maternity leave position at a local car dealership as the service advisor) this provided me with great on the job experience and also helped me to realize that I should to go school for Business. I then applied for General Business at Conestoga College and was accepted, it was a two year course which I thought was perfect, get in, get out! Half way through my 2nd year I seriously debated transferring over to the Business Administration Management Studies program. One thing I will always remember my parents telling me and making very clear is that if we ever wanted to work within our family business we had to go to school - this I am so very grateful for! I switched the program and spent another year in school after which I joined our family business, as a part of the 4th generation. On the job experience is important, however formal education is just as, if not more important. Receiving a diploma, degree, certificate or trade license is incredibly valuable, something that does not cost to carry around with you and once you receive it no one can ever take it away from you, these exact points I remember being reminded of from my own family... its true!

At the end of the workshop the mentors were asked to provide one piece of advice to the students. My piece of advice to the students was... Think of what you enjoy doing, whether it is your hobbies, a part time job, sports etc. Think of the skills you use to do those. Such as for me I enjoy working with numbers, writing, working with people and being creative/artistic. All of which relate to my career!

It was a pleasure speaking with the students and applaude the Career Education Council as well as the High Schools for doing workshops like this for the students. I am sure the information learned will prove to be quite valuable in the future !

Pam

Holstein Maple Fest 2011 - JJ McLellan Proud Supporter

JJ McLellan & Son is a proud supporter of the Holstein Maple Fest. I attended with my family on Saturday and had a wonderful time eating pancakes, checking out how syrup is made, the kids rode some pony's, walked through the trails of the bush and came home with some fresh kettle corn!

The Maple Fest information can be found at http://www.holsteinmaplefest.com/

Plumbing - Hot Water Heater || Mount Forest Plumber

Have you noticed your showers aren't lasting as long or by the end of the night and the kids are all bathed and in bed... you go to enjoy a nice warm and relaxing shower to find that there is no hot water!

Do you know how old your hot water heater is ? Or when the last time it was serviced?

A properly maintained and serviced Hot Water Heater will provide you with much more available hot water than a poorly maintained and not-serviced Hot Water Heater.

One way you as a home owner can save money is by properly maintaining your hot water heater... and another is renting your hot water heater. By renting your hot water heater you simply pay a low monthly rental fee which covers any repairs which may have to be done to the hot water heater - reducing your out of pocket expenses!

Another way to save is with a Natural Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater!

Give us a call or drop us an email and we can discuss your Hot Water Needs and provide a FREE Estimate!

Some great information provided by Union Gas at http://www.uniongas.com/residential/naturalgasproducts/waterheater/

Natural Gas Water Heaters - Product Overview

Natural gas water heaters offer two distinct choices in style (storage tank and tankless) and three choices for venting (conventional, direct vent, power vent). Additionally, you may be able to combine your water heating with home heating.

Storage Tank Water Heaters
A storage tank water heater is the most common type of water heater in Canada. It consists of a gas burner and a steel cylinder storage tank with capacities ranging from 30 to 100 gallons (113 to 378 Litres).

How storage tank water heaters work:

Cold water is drawn into the bottom of the tank where it is quickly heated by a gas burner. Hot water rises to the top of the tank. As the hot water is used, it is replaced at the bottom with cold water.

The tank thermostat controls the water temperature in the tank both when it is leaving the tank to your taps and when it is on “stand by”, waiting in the tank to be used. The more efficient a water heater is the less heat is lost when the unit is on “stand by”.

Tankless Water Heater (also called On-Demand or Instantaneous Water Heaters)
A tankless water heater has no tank and stores no hot water. When hot water is needed, the water is heated on demand. When the hot water tap is turned on it triggers a flow switch that activates the burner which heats the cold water entering the tankless water heater. The water is rapidly heated to the desired temperature. This continues for as long as the hot water tap remains in the ‘on’ position. When the tap is turned ‘off’ the system shuts down resulting in substantial energy savings over units that have hot water stored in the tank on ‘stand-by’.

A tankless water heater can save space and offer flexibility being able to be installed close to the point of use.

Combination Water and Space Heating Systems
While many people have one appliance for space heating and another for water heating, you can have one natural gas appliance that heats both your water and provides heat to your home. This is called a combination system. These systems have one heat source that is shared between conventional pieces of equipment such as a tank water heater and an air handler to accomplish dual heating purposes.

Water Heating Venting 101

A natural gas water heater requires air for combustion and igniting. The air required can either come from outside or from the home itself. There are three types of venting for natural gas water heaters, each offering benefits depending on your installation limitations and requirements:

Direct Vent
A direct vent does not require a chimney, but vents through an outside wall and also brings air for combustion in from the outside. Some types of direct vent water heaters must be located close to an outside wall, while others may be located further away. Replacing

This style of venting is most often convenient when:

• Replacing an electric water heater and a chimney is not available

• You do not have an electrical source close to the water heater to power the vent

FACT - Neither a direct vented nor a conventional vent water heater requires electricity. If there is a power outage you will still have hot water.

Power Vent
A power vent water heater does not need a chimney, but uses an electrically powered fan to move combustion products outside.

This style of venting is used when:

• Replacing an electric water heater and you do not have ready access to a chimney

• You have access to a dedicated electrical receptacle within six feet of the unit

Conventional Vent
A conventional vent is required on most standard natural gas water heaters. Conventional vents can be either type B, double-wall metal vents or a tile-lined brick chimney. The conventional vent can be shared with most standard mid-efficiency furnaces or boilers. This type of vent draws the air it needs from inside your home. In airtight homes it is important that there is an adequate air supply from outside.

Nasties You're Breathing In - Lennox | Comfort Matters Spring 2011

Lennox Comfort Matters Spring 2011

Nasties you’re breathing (and what to do about them)

1. Mold spores, which can be bad for both your health and your home furnishings. Mold thrives where there is too much moisture and natural fibers to feed the spores. To avoid the musty odors, window condensation and wood warping that can result from mold growth, see our online guide. Pairing a dehumidification system and air cleaner provides the best results for mold control.

2. Pet dander, which can stay airborne for hours. Use a brush to catch pets’ loose fur and bathe animals frequently. Air cleaners can also trap pet dander.

3. Unpleasant odors that can linger. Run an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bath to reduce excess humidity and odors, but don’t forget to turn it off afterwards.

4. Dust, and the irritating mites that live in it. Use a damp cloth to pick up dust instead of simply stirring up particles. Wash sheets at least once a week in hot water. Change your furnace and air conditioning filter once a month to control dust.

5. Ozone, ironically from something you use to clear the air. Many electronic particle air cleaners can actually produce ground-level ozone, a manmade pollutant that can aggravate asthma or bronchitis. Rest assured that Lennox Healthy Climate® air systems DO NOT produce harmful ozone.

6. Bacteria, some of which can cause serious illnesses. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and clean sink drains twice a week with an antibacterial solution. Limit unwanted moisture throughout your home.

7. Pollen, triggering asthma or hay fever symptoms. Change clothes when you come home at the end of the day, and remove your shoes when you enter the house. A HEPA air filter can help clear the air effectively.

8. Mildew, a problem with high humidity. Keep your home’s humidity levels between 30% and 60% to control mildew; run your air conditioner to help reduce unwanted moisture, and install a dehumidification system.

9. Viruses, which spread under the right conditions. The same conditions that can cause mildew to spread – poor ventilation and too much moisture in the home – should also be addressed to control the viruses that can worsen sore throats, asthma and other respiratory problems.

10. Chemical vapors that lead to headaches, dizziness and respiratory problems. Be sure to air out dry-cleaned clothes before hanging them in your closet. Also avoid using scented deodorizers, and consider a PureAir™ air purification system that cleans your home’s air better than any other single system you can buy.

The above information is courtesy of Lennox
For more details on Lennox® products or to locate a Lennox Dealer near you, visit us online at JJ McLellan - Premier Lennox Dealer

HRV Air Exchanger Ventilation System || JJ McLellan Mount Forest

With all of these germs floating around infecting everyone … including my own son... What better topic to blog about than a HRV Ventilation System for your home! Such as the one in the photo above...

Ventilation Systems for the home or business are also referred to as an Air Exchanger or a HRV – Heat Recovery Ventilator. HRV stands for Heat Recovery Ventilator. Essentially what this appliance does is “exchanges” air within your home and outside with a continuous supply of fresh air from outside while removing stale air from the home.

The air exchanger can help remove more than just stale air, within the air is fumes from various products within your homes including new products or cleaning supplies, pet dander, pet odour and odours from the bathroom & kitchen. Also for anyone with any type allergies or asthma this can help them breathe cleaner and easier in the home.

Check out the links on our products page on our website located at JJ McLellan Products which will guide you to a few of our suppliers - just click on their logo and you can find out more information on their product. Give us a call or drop us an email for a FREE in home quote.

How to Conserve Hot Water || Mount Forest Plumber

This is some great information I found on saveonenergy.ca to help you not only save hot water but save money by saving hot water!

https://saveonenergy.ca/Consumer/Efficiency-Tips---Tools.aspx

General Plumbing Tips

•Save 15% of your home's hot water use by taking quick showers instead of baths.
•Install low-flow shower heads.
•Turn your taps all the way off and replace worn out washers.
•Attach an aerator to the end of a faucet to reduce the flow rate by about half.
•Do as much household cleaning as possible with cold water rather than hot.
•Only run full loads in the dishwasher. Use the air dry (or energy saver) option if available. Heat drying is a high energy user.
•Rinse dishes in a tub of clean water instead of under hot running water.
•Fix any leaky taps. One constant drip can waste up to 182 litre-sized bottles of water per week. If it’s a hot water tap that’s leaking, you’re sending your energy dollars down the drain.

Faucets

•Repair leaky taps, which can waste 182 litre-sized bottles of water per week.
•Ensure that taps are turned off completely.
•Replace worn-out washers.

Hot Water Heaters
After home heating, water heaters use the most energy in the home. Take advantage of the small things you can do to maximize your savings.

•Fix any leaky taps. One constant drip can waste up to 182 litre-sized bottles per week. If it's a hot water faucet that's leaking, you're sending your energy dollars down the drain.
•To save water and energy, install aerators on your kitchen faucets.
•Wrap your electric water heater with a blanket made for that purpose to help reduce heat loss.
•Insulate your hot water pipes.

Pipes

•Starting at your hot water tank, install pipe insulation around the first metre of the cold water pipe coming into the tank and the first two metres of the hot water copper pipes.
•If you have a gas-heated tank, start the pipe wrap 15cm away from exhaust vents at the top of the water heater.
•Never insulate plastic pipes.

Showerheads

•Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce the flow of water 40 to 60%.

Unscrupulous Water Testers || Public Service Annoucement

Information from the FM 102 Website Local News

Thursday, March 17, 2011 1:10 pm
Southgate is concerned that unscrupulous water testers are going door-to-door offering health-based testing. Southgate CAO Dave Milliner says it is very important that the public is aware that these sorts of businesses sometimes use trickery to convince residents their drinking water is unsafe. The Ministry of the Environment says door-to-door water tests do not tell if water is safe to drink. More information is available from local municipalities or health units.

Being Energy Efficient || Mount Forest Plumbing & Heating

Becoming more energy efficient is more than just changing a few light bulbs and caulking your windows. Being energy efficient is becoming a way of life and holds much more value than just energy savings on your monthly utility bill.

saveONenergy.ca recommends having the following:

• lighting control products
• energy star qualified light bulbs
• power bars with integrated timers or auto shut off's - I just may have to check this one out!
• energy star qualified light fixtures
• energy star qualified ceiling fans
• programmable thermostats - especially for electric baseboard heaters
• weatherstripping
• heavy duty outdoor timers
• outdoor umbrella stands or clotheslines
• insulation blankets for electric water heaters
• pipe wrap for hot water pipes

Now... taking all of that into consideration... think of where and what they are all related to and when you use them most! Some of our suggestions are:

• When you seal up any leaks with weather stripping this can save energy on your heating and less wear and tear on your furnace.
• When using your clothesline or alternative to dry your clothing have your gas dryer serviced - you would be amazed at the amount of lint build up internally which could possibly cause a fire and require more energy.
• You can save even more energy with your hot water heater by having it serviced regularly! Dirt, Dust and Lime build up (internally) can occur over time gradually lessening your hot water available through your tank.
• With spring coming your furnace will soon be getting a well deserved break from the heating season - however do not forget about it until next heating season, ensure you call to have it cleaned and serviced so you are ready and running more efficient for when it is time to fire up the furnace again!
• While calling to book your cleaning and servicing for your furnace ask us for the number of our local Duct Cleaner for the heating and return air ducts in your home. By removing any dust, dirt, dander etc from the ducts your reduce the amount of particles going through or getting stuck in the furnace filter.
• While we are on the topic of your furnace filter now that Spring is fast approaching us - and hopefully the warmer temps are on the way as well - change your furnace filter!
• Also do not forget to book a cleaning and servicing for your gas fireplace!

Please remember to work on gas appliances the technician must be fully licensed - give us a call to book your servicing today! Not only will you save energy, this can extend the life of your equipment by being properly maintained and taken care of.

Now that heating season will soon be coming to an end - could it possibly be time to replace your 15+ year old system? Click HERE to View our current promotions! Or Contact us in our Showroom and we can go over your own requirements, budget, current system and available options!

Spring Cleaning || Mount Forest & Area Septic Pumping

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"A Flush Is Better Than A Full House"

Getting ready for your spring cleaning?
Don't forget your Septic System...
Consider us the Dr for your Home's Internal System!

Give us a call or drop an email to schedule

www.jjmclellan.ca

Winter + Heating... Its not over yet! || Mount Forest

Well Good Morning Mother Nature!

Just when we all thought winter heating season might be coming to an end and we would be blessed with some nice spring weather - WRONG! Horribly wrong ;)

So some Warm Friday Facts...

With all this blowing snow please make sure your furnace vents are clear! If they become clogged with snow this can cause your furnace to fail and leave you with a very cold house. One thing we will ask our customers is if they have checked the vent outside - unfortunately for seniors this can be difficult, so if you have a loved one living on their own please check on them to ensure their heating system is ok!

Who likes SAVING money!? Click HERE to order your FREE ENERGY SAVINGS KIT from Union Gas!

And...

From Lennox

11 minutes to a better year

It's late December and the clock is ticking away the last of 2010. Fortunately, you only need a few minutes to make 2011 easier – on your health, your home and your bank account.

In just 11 minutes, you can:

1. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable to save energy. Every degree you raise the thermostat setting in winter can increase your heating bill three percent. So slip on a sweater and socks and set the indoor temperature two or three degrees lower.

2. Mark your calendar to change your HVAC filter regularly. Dirty filters cause your furnaceto work harder, and can be harder on your allergies, too. Changing your filter once a month – at least during summer and winter, once every three months during the shoulder seasons – is better for your health and your HVAC system.

3. Install rubber gaskets behind switch plates on exterior walls. Available from home-improvement stores, the gaskets help stop cold air from entering through electrical outlets.

4. Change a light bulb. Better yet, change out five standard incandescent bulbs for CFLs in your most frequently used fixtures. If every home did this, it would prevent the production of one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases.

5. Close the doors on your fireplace when it's not in use. Fireplaces look and feel cozy, but they are essentially an open door to the elements.

6. Check your home's air filtration systems. Unless you own an ozone-free filtration system, it may be doing your home more harm than good.

7. Take just a moment to slip off your shoes as soon as you walk in the front door to helpreduce dust and other contaminants swirling in your home. Setting out a basket with house slippers near the door encourages family and guests to do the same.

8. Replace kitchen sponges weekly. Used sponges provide the moist environment bacteria need to breed. As an alternative soak sponges in bleach 15 minutes to help kill the 100,000 bacteria inhabiting every square inch.

9. Unplug battery chargers or power adapters when they're not in use, and use a power strip as a single disconnect point. Electronics still draw a small amount of electricity even when they're turned off, and a power strip allows you to completely disconnect the power supply when units aren't in use.

10. Walk around your home to be sure furniture and draperies aren't blocking air registers. No matter how effective your heating and cooling systems are, they can't keep you comfortable if the warmed or cooled air is blocked by sofas or curtains.

11. Schedule annual maintenance on your HVAC equipment to avoid wasting energy. Locate a technician near your home by downloading the Lennox app for your iPhone™ or Android mobile device or by using the Lennox locator online.