Press Releases / Educating Homeowners on Potential Fire & Safety Hazards of Home Heating SystemsBlind & Sons Helps Homeowners Solve Winter Indoor Air Quality ProblemsBe Careful of Extreme Heat, the “Silent Killer”Blind & Sons Helps Customers Cope with the WeatherBlind and Sons Asks Homeowners “Do You Have the Low Water Pressure Blues?”Leave Internet Purchases to Products That Don’t Rely on Installation and MaintenanceDon’t Let A Power Outages Stop You in Your TracksTax Credits for Energy Efficient Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Household Upgrades are ExtendedOne Moment Can Change Everything . . .Avoid the Greasy Stuff!Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Heating & Cooling System?Warranties vs. Maintenance – Do You Know the Difference?Save Water, Energy, and Money with Green PlumbingWhy You Should Always Use a Licensed PlumberWhy You Shouldn’t “Super” Size Your New Heating and Cooling SystemTips and Tricks Before You Leave On Spring BreakChoosing the “Right” ContractorGet the Most out of Your Heating System this WinterHomeowners Need to be Aware of the R-22 Refrigerant (Freon)Understanding the Importance of Heating & Cooling System MaintenanceBlind & Sons Helps Homeowners Battle Poor Indoor Air Quality  Blind & Sons, A Company Working to Meet Customers’ Needs

 Akron, OH October 2011 – October is National Fire Safety Month and heading into winter means an increase in residential fires according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA cites home space heating as the second leading cause of residential fires during the winter season. According to a 2009 USFA report, 50,200 fires, 160 deaths, 550 injuries and $301,300,000 in damage were the result of residential heating fires.

Proper maintenance of heating systems can help reduce the safety and fire hazards.
Bill Blind, of Blind & Sons states, “When it comes to your heating system, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular maintenance. To operate safely, heating systems need to be annually inspected including being cleaned and tuned-up by a professional.”

Blind goes on to say, “During an annual check-up the safety switches on your furnace are tested and the combustion is checked. Also, if your furnace has a pilot light, it’s extremely important to make sure there aren’t any leaks in the heat exchanger. Leaks in the heat exchanger can allow combustion products like carbon monoxide into your home, creating a serious safety concern.”

“Carbon Monoxide poisoning is known as the ‘silent killer,’ because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it, but it claims nearly 300 lives each year,” according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Blind states, “If you have an electric heating system, like a heat pump, it needs to be checked annually as well. Running electric heat puts an enormous load on your electrical circuits. The heating up and cooling down of the wires can lead to expansion and can loosen connections. A loose connection can lead to higher amperage and can burn wires. During a tune-up, all of the connections are checked to make sure they are tight. Also, safety switches and relay points are checked to ensure the system is operating properly.”

“Smoke detector preventive maintenance is another way to keep your family safe. If you haven’t done so already this year, change the batteries in all of your homes’ smoke detectors,” says Blind. According to the CPSC smoke detectors should be tested every month and batteries changed once a year.

“The investment in regular heating system maintenance is well worth the money. Even if there is nothing wrong with your system, you can sleep better at night with the peace of mind of knowing everything is in good shape,” says Blind.

For more information visit Blind & Sons at www.blindandsons.com.

For more information on National Fire Safety Month go to www.nfpa.org.


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH September 2011 – As temperatures cool off outside, most Americans move to indoor activities. Looming cooler temps also prompt homeowners to tightly seal any cracks in their homes, preventing cold drafts from entering. This, in turn, seals off a house from any fresh air and raises concentrations of both allergens and pollutants in the house.

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. The EPA also reports that indoor pollution levels can be anywhere from two to five, to as much 100 times higher than the air outside. Studies have shown that breathing contaminated air can put your health at risk. According to the American College of Allergists, 50% of illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. Indoor pollutants have also been linked to headaches, lung irritation and fatigue as well as more long-term conditions such as asthma, allergies and infectious diseases.

Bill Blind, of Blind & Sons says, “If you have a central heating and/or cooling system, the air is circulated throughout your home by this system. Most heating and cooling systems only use a basic air filter. These filters were originally designed to protect the equipment and not the people served by the equipment. The average air filter is only capable of removing 3-5% of the particles that pass through it. Today, several indoor air filtration products, which work in conjunction with your heating and cooling system, are available to homeowners.”

There are a variety of air filtration products on the market including HEPA filters, air cleaners and air purifiers. HEPA filters are designed to remove particulate (down to .3 microns) such as dust, pollen, molds and spores, but do not reduce odors or kill germs and viruses. “The addition of a HEPA filter to your heating and cooling system helps reduce particulate in the air and offers relief to allergy sufferers,” says Blind.

Another option for homeowners is a whole-house air cleaner, which can offer the same removal of particulate (down to .3 microns) from the air and depending upon the brand may offer some removal of bacteria, viruses, and germs, and odors. According to Blind, “Air cleaners can be as much as 40 times as efficient as the standard 1” filter and keep your home cleaner allowing for less frequent dusting.”

Air purifiers, a third option, are designed to remove particulate, kill germs and viruses, and eliminate odors. “These systems typically provide the greatest degree of particulate removal; up to 100 times more efficient than a standard 1” filter and offer the best protection against germs and viruses,” says Blind.

A whole-home air filtration system also helps maintain the efficiency of a central heating and cooling system by filtering out dust and dirt. According to Energy Star*, this build-up of pollutants on equipment can reduce its efficiency by as much as 25%. Dust and dirt build-up can also be damaging to a heating and cooling system, contributing to expensive maintenance or premature failure.

“As we head into the winter months and are spending more and more time indoors, a whole-home air filtration system is a great way to provide a healthier environment for your family. You’ll not only be able to breathe easier, but also help lower utility bills while increasing the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.” says Blind.

For more information visit Blind & Sons at www.blindandsons.com or www.energystar.gov.


*Energy Star is a government organization established by the EPA and the DOE to create an international standard for energy efficient consumer products.


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.




Akron, OH August 2011 – The excessively hot temperatures we’ve been experiencing this summer has not only been uncomfortable and inconvenient, but also dangerous. Many people are unaware of how deadly heat can be. In contrast to the visible, destructive and violent nature of floods and tornadoes, heat is the “silent killer.” According to a CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) study, 8015 deaths were caused by exposure to extreme heat from 1979-2003. From 1999-2003 more people died from excessive heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined. The CDC reports an average of 350 people a year die due to the effects of heat.

It’s important to take precautions to avoid over exposure to these extreme temperatures. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) and local heating and cooling company, Blind & Sons, offer preventative measures on how to stay safe and cool during extreme heat.

Air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death, according to the CDC. During conditions of extreme heat, people should spend more time in air-conditioned homes or buildings such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in their area.

“If your air conditioning at home goes out make sure you have the name of a reputable heating and cooling service company that offers 24/7 emergency service,” says Bill Blind, of Blind & Sons. “Keep this information handy. Air conditioning rarely goes out at a convenient time and in this heat getting your system fixed promptly can be crucial.”

“Air conditioning systems have to work hard to keep up with the demand of these hot temps. Make sure you are checking and changing or cleaning your heating & cooling system air filter regularly. A dirty filter will restrict the air flow in your system and reduce home comfort,” states Blind.

“Another great tip for homeowners is to adjust their blinds, drapes or curtains seasonally. Direct sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by as much as 10-20 degrees,” states Blind. “You can keep direct sunlight out by closing your blinds, drapes or curtains on the east and west facing windows during the day. This helps keep the sun’s direct rays from entering your home and helps reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner puts forth to keep your home cool. In the evening, open your window treatments to allow the heat to escape back out through the windows of your home.”

The CDC says, “The best defense is prevention” and offers these great tips.

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Use fans, particularly ceiling fans, to help cool your home. Fans help move cool air and can also ease your air conditioner’s workload.
• Keep in mind, using electric fans may provide some comfort, however, when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. The elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Create a "neighborhood watch" to check on family, friends and neighbors that are elderly, "shut-in”, sick or disabled to make sure their air conditioning is keeping up with the heat. Watch these individuals for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need more frequent watching.
• Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses!

Finally, remember to use common sense and stay indoors, if at all possible, in an air conditioned place. Safety is the number one priority during these extreme hot summer days.

For more information visit Blind & Sons, at www.blindandsons.com and the CDC, at www.cdc.gov.



Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com. Akron, OH, June 2011 – The old saying goes... if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. That certainly has not held true this year. Here in Northeast Ohio we went from the terrible ice and snowstorms of this past winter to torrential downpours this spring to the most recent unseasonably hot weather. Local company, Blind & Sons, can help, from air conditioning systems to whole house generators; they keep you comfortable and safe in your home no matter what the conditions are outside.

Blind & Sons offers a full range of air conditioning products and services, from regular maintenance to installation. Bill Blind, of Blind & Sons states, “We carry a full line of Trane products, but will service any make or model of air conditioner. And we offer maintenance agreements to our customers to help make regular maintenance worry free, in addition to priority service and special discounts to our Service Partners.”

“Inevitably when your air conditioning system goes, it’s typically on the hottest day of the year, when you’re expecting a house full of guests or some other inconvenient time. That’s why we offer our customers convenient emergency service 24/7, 365 days a year,” says Blind.

Blind reminds homeowners, “Regular maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner in good working condition and helps reduce the amount of electricity it needs to keep your house cool, saving you money on your electricity bill. It will also save you money in the long run with fewer repairs and a longer service life for your air conditioner. And last, but not least, a well-managed system means a more comfortable home for you and your family during these hot summer days.”
Power outages are another issue facing homeowners, which are prevalent this time of year due to storms and excessive heat. Outages leave in their wake; spoiled food, home damage not to mention the risk of your family’s comfort and safety. Blind states, “People depend upon power in one way or another; whether it’s everyday necessities like cooling your home, refrigeration and lights, or daily essentials like cooking, laundry or kids’ bath times. A power outage can literally stop you in your tracks!”

Blind states, “An excellent solution to these problems is to install a generator or personal power supply to your home. A generator will provide uninterrupted comfort and protection for your home and family in the event of a power outage. Having a home generator installed before a serious power outage hits, keeps your family safe and comfortable and avoids the major inconveniences power outages cause.”

From problems with your air conditioner to power outages, when dealing with home comfort issues this summer, Blind & Sons offers the right solutions to help homeowners.

For more information go to: www.blindandsons.com, www.trane.com and www.generac.com.



Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at http://www.blindandsons.com.


Akron, OH, April 28, 2011 – Low water pressure can make even the simplest tasks difficult and inefficient, from taking a shower to washing the dishes to using a sprinkler system this summer. There are a number of causes that can lead to this frustrating problem. According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, a local heating, cooling, and plumbing expert, “Sometimes it’s caused by something as straightforward as running two plumbing fixtures at the same time, other times it may be an indication of a more serious problem.”

Blind & Sons lists a number of causes leading to low water pressure in your home.

• Clogs. Over time mineral deposits can form and clog faucet aerators and showerheads. Try removing fixtures that are experiencing low water pressure; rinse off the clogged or corroded screen and parts of the device or replace. For a more thorough cleaning, try soaking faucet aerators and showerheads in a vinegar and water solution to dissolve mineral deposits.
• Corrosion. If your home has older pipes, they may have become corroded, restricting the water flow. Blind states, “In this situation, it’s extremely important to have a professional plumber come out to your house, diagnose and fix the problem.”
• Home elevation. Home water pressure can be affected by the height of a property in relation to other buildings. A home located on the top of a hill may receive reduced water pressure in comparison to a property situated at the foot of the hill. According to Blind, a professional plumber will be able to offer solutions for fixing this problem.
• Main valves. The two main valves on your home need to be turned on the “on” position. One valve is located in the meter box and the other is located near the hose bib, at the front of your home. If by accident they get slightly or completely turned off, you can have a water pressure problem. Check these valves to make sure they are turned “on” the entire way.
• Inadequate municipal water supply pressure. You may have inadequate water pressure coming from the municipal system from which you get your water. Blind says, “This can be an easy fix. Often times we’ll recommend the simple solution of installing a booster pump.”
• Peak usage periods. Most people (along with their neighbors) have the same routine everyday, from taking showers to watering the yard. Due to these high hours of water usage your water pressure may be low. If you find yourself in this situation you may want to alter your schedule a bit.
• Poor hot water pressure. If your hot water pressure is noticeably worse than your cold water pressure, the problem may be due to the sludge build up in your water heater. Water heaters should be drained annually to reduce this build up. Blind states, “A plumber can perform this simple service, which increases efficiency, saves you money in utilities, increases the volume of hot water available and extends the life of your water heater.”
• Pressure regulators. A pressure regulator, a bell-shaped device usually located below the front hose connection of your home, regulates the pressure of water coming into your home. These are typically preset by the manufacturer and shouldn’t need adjustment, however, sometimes a pressure regulator goes bad and needs to be replaced. Blind states, “Make sure to have a professional plumber replace your pressure regulator, doing this incorrectly can lead to even more water flow problems.”
• Recent home changes. Blind states, “If you are having inadequate flow to the entire house, say since adding a new plumbing fixture(s), you may need to increase the size of the main supply pipe from the water meter to the house.”
• Water leaks. “Any damage to a pipe that results in a leak, big or small, will result in lower water pressure,” says Blind. In order to check for a leak Blind recommends that you try reading your water meter before you go to bed at night and then again in the morning before using water. The following are also signs of a leak: low water pressure, high water bills, damp patches on floors and walls, hissing water sounds or abnormal plant growth. Blind says, “Call a plumber if you have a leak and get it fixed immediately!”

Whatever your water problem is, Blind recommends calling a professional plumber to provide you with the appropriate solution. Remember, fixing plumbing problems incorrectly can lead to increased damage and costs.

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.


PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject: Local Heating and Cooling Company, Blind & Sons, Warns Homeowners to Leave Internet Purchases to Products That Don't Rely on Installation and Maintenance

Akron, OH, March 28, 2011 – People are using the Internet more and more when deciding on purchases. However, for certain purchases like heating and cooling systems, Blind & Sons, warns homeowners against this practice. Purchasing heating and cooling equipment involves more than just “who has the best price” and “who carries the top brand”. Choosing the right heating and cooling technician for installing and repairing your heating and air conditioning system is very important because proper installation and maintenance are the biggest factors in determining a system's life span and efficiency.

According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, “The success (or failure) of your heating and cooling system is based largely on the installation and maintenance.”

Blind states, “A properly installed heating and cooling system starts with a qualified technician performing a load calculation on your home prior to system selection. This calculation is necessary to insure that you get the correct size system to meet the needs of your home.” According to Blind a unit that is too big (oversized) may have a higher upfront cost, raise utility costs, remove less humidity and fail more quickly. Also, a unit that is too small will have to work harder to heat and cool a home and can lead to premature failure. A load calculation takes into consideration factors such as; the square footage of usable space in your home, the number of windows, types of windows, insulation amounts, the direction your home is facing, as well as many other factors.

Another major factor in insuring that your system in installed correctly, according to Blind, is to hire a reputable, trained technician. A professional service technician will recognize the need to check your ducts before installing a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system. “If the ducts are too small they will cause your HVAC system to use more energy and will deliver less comfort. Too small of ducts will lead to early equipment failure as well,” says Blind. A trained technician will also know to measure and document your airflow, to measure refrigerant charge, to ensure that your unit is safe electrically, to test the firing rate on a new furnace or boiler and to test your thermostat to ensure it is compatible with the new equipment.

Blind points out that by choosing a reputable HVAC company for installation, they’ll provide a copy of the installation checklist with a record of all measurements taken during installation, as well as a copy of the owner’s manual, manufacturer’s warranty and their warranty. Blind says, “Along with this you should get a list of recommended maintenance requirements. Maintenance is key to keeping your system working at peak performance.”

There is nothing better for your heating and/or air conditioning system than annual maintenance. “Annual maintenance allows your system to continue to work at peak efficiency year in and year out. A system that is maintained annually experiences considerably fewer breakdowns and costly repairs along with using less energy. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your system is saving you money on your utility bills every time it comes on. In some instances, the energy savings are enough to pay for the cost of the planned annual maintenance service,” says Blind.

So, when purchasing a new heating & cooling system listen to the advice from Blind & Sons, your local heating and cooling specialists, and pick a reputable, experienced HVAC company leaving the internet to products that don’t rely on the value of installation and maintenance.


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.

Akron, OH, February 28, 2011 – Let’s face it our lives depend on power in one way or another; whether it’s everyday necessities like heating, cooling, refrigeration and lights, or daily essentials like cooking, laundry or kids’ bath times. A power outage can literally stop you in your tracks. And power outages or blackouts can happen at any time, day or night, for any number of reasons - thunderstorms, ice and snow storms, fire, tornadoes, earthquake, high-energy consumption, accidents, overused power grids and human error - and can last for a few hours or even a few days. Power outages leave in their wake: spoiled food, home damage not to mention the risk to your family’s comfort and safety.

According to the USDA, the average amount an American family spends on a month's worth of food for a family of four is between $771.10 and $916.30. If your home is without electricity for any length of time that’s a lot of spoiled food and a huge expense for any family. And if you have a family member that requires medicine that must be refrigerated, facing a more serious problem, the health of that family member.

Power outages can also cause sump pump failure - the #1 cause of sump pump failure. A sump pump that’s not working can cause extensive and expensive damage to your home. With the heavy spring rains around the corner this is a concern for many Ohio residents.

The icy cold weather and resulting power outages this past winter left many us worried about the comfort and safety of our families. The cold temps and lack of heat lead many of us to seek out alternative arrangements, staying with friends or temporarily moving into hotels. Power outages such as we’ve experienced this winter - literally leave you out in the cold!

Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons states, “An excellent solution to these problems is to install a generator or personal power supply to your home. A generator will provide uninterrupted comfort and protection for your home and family in the event of a power outage. A powerful electric generator system will automatically kick on when your power goes out and can keep your life going – uninterrupted.”

Connected to an in-home standby generator, sump pumps keep operating in a severe rainstorm, preventing flooding damage; freezers and refrigerators continue running so the contents don't thaw or spoil. Having furnace blowers, air conditioners and well pumps on a home generator keeps a house habitable, allowing you to wait out an extended outage in your home rather than paying for a hotel.

Blind states, “Having a home generator installed before a serious power outage hits, keeps your family safe and comfortable and avoids the major inconveniences power outages cause.”

For more information go to: www.blindandsons.com and www.generac.com.


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH, December 28, 2010 – In a recent turn of events, both Houses passed and the President signed into law an extension of the tax credits for homeowners who make qualified energy efficient retrofits to their homes. Known as the 25C Tax Credits, these tax credits are extended through 2011, but contain some differences from the previous 2009 – 2010 tax credits that homeowners should be aware of such as: a cap on the total amount of credits homeowners are eligible for, varying maximums set by product group, and changes in qualifying equipment standards.

From January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, eligible homeowners can claim 10% of the costs, capped at $500, for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements, with some limitations. The cap is on the total amount of credits a homeowner can claim between 2006 and 2011, not just for 2011. Bill Blind, President of Blind and Sons states, “A homeowner who has already claimed $500 or more in credit through this allowance will be unable to claim new credits for improvement made during 2011.”

Next, all qualifying energy efficient products have a tax credit worth 10% of installed costs with restrictions set to establish maximum limits for the different product categories. Qualifying central air conditioners have a $300 maximum; gas furnaces, oil furnaces, and boilers a $150 maximum, a $200 maximum when paired with an energy efficient blower motor; heat pumps a $300 maximum; and water heaters a $300 maximum. These individual maximum amounts are additive to a $500 maximum lifetime tax credit.

And lastly, the qualifying standards for the central air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters have not changed; however, the new law increases the qualifying standards for natural gas hot water boilers, propane hot water boilers, oil furnaces and oil hot water boilers to 95% AFUE (from 90% AFUE). The qualifying standards for natural gas furnaces and propane furnaces remain at 95% AFUE.

The extension of the federal tax credits give homeowners another chance to replace old, inefficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems and save money. “Advancements in technology, energy efficiency, and performance in the last ten years mean that the equipment you buy today will pay for itself quicker,” states Blind. “Replacing older, inefficient equipment allows you to save money with the tax credit, lower energy usage and decrease your monthly utility bills.”

For more information about these new tax laws and qualifying products go to: www.dsireusa.org and www.blindandsons.com.


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.


Akron, OH, November 22, 2010 – Most of us can think of that “one moment” that forever altered our lives in some way. That “one moment” happened for 22-year-old Quaid McIver of Akron, Ohio in July of 2010, when working as an automotive detailer at Lexus of Akron-Canton.  An unoccupied SUV he had been working on accelerated and pinned Quaid against the wall, causing him to lose both of his legs above the knee, forever changing his life.


Akron, OH, October 25, 2010 – While preparing for your holiday dinner this year, remember not everything should go down the drain.  According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, Inc., a local heating, cooling, plumbing & electrical company, putting the wrong things down the drain can cause serious and expensive damage to your household plumbing system.  You also don’t want to spend your holidays trying to contact a plumber to unclog your drain while the dirty dishes pile up!

Many of us think that when we see something disappear it is gone for good – out of sight, out of mind!  This type of thinking is especially harmful when it comes to our plumbing.  Not everything is designed to go down the drain.  Blind states, “Pouring the wrong thing into your kitchen sink will eventually mean that you have a big problem in your pipes, costing you a lot of time and money in order to fix the issue at hand.”

According to Blind, there are a lot of materials that when poured down a drain will accumulate, clog pipes, and some will eventually corrode the joints, causing leaks and severe damage.  The most common item is grease.  This includes meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine.   Grease is a liquid that seems like it should go okay down the drain, but remember it is only a liquid while it is hot.  As soon as grease cools down, it will begin to form into a solid.  As it sits in your pipes it catches other particles, and eventually plugs up your system.  It may also start to smell!  Blind states, “Running hot water as you pour grease down the drain will not help, and home garbage disposals won’t keep grease out of your plumbing system either.  These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces but do not prevent grease from going down the drain.” 

According to Blind, while it’s safe to run hot water from the sink through the garbage disposal, it’s best to use cold water when you are operating the disposal. Using a strong flow of cold water and keeping the disposal running at least 30 seconds after grinding has stopped helps flush food particles through the drain line. Cold water will solidify any excess fatty and greasy waste so it is chopped up and flushed down the drain, however, the best way to dispose of grease experts say, is to avoid putting it down the drain to begin with, and instead, put it into a container to harden and then throw it away in the trash.

If you do end up with a clogged drain this holiday season and are planning on fixing it on your own using liquid drain cleaners, avoid chemical drain cleaners.  Blind warns homeowners, “Most drain chemicals are very toxic in nature and not a good thing to keep around the home if you have children or pets.” (Note: By putting them down the drain you’ll also be contributing to global pollution!)

Blind further states, “Chemical drain cleaners can have a negative effect on your piping. Over time these chemicals may deteriorate your pipes from the inside out. When this happens, the drain line(s) will have to be replaced.” Don’t confuse toxic drain cleaners with the various drain care products that are on the market today. Blind recommends products containing “friendly” bacteria and enzymes. They work great to keep any drain sludge and grease from building up in the pipes.

So, remember while you are cooking your holiday dinner, don’t put any grease down the drain.  Instead scrape food off plates into the garbage and let grease solidify into a container before disposing of it into the trashcan.  A moment of convenience is not worth the cost of repairs down the road!


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH, September 29, 2010 – If your heating and/or air conditioning system fails, you are often faced with a choice, to repair the existing unit by replacing parts or by buying a new system.  According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, a local heating & cooling company, “When faced with this decision there are three main factors you should consider: life expectancy, efficiency and current condition of your unit.”

According to Blind, “Most units will last between 12 to 15 years for air conditioners and 15 to 20 on heating systems, after that point they become expensive to repair and break down more often.  Also parts are sometimes discontinued which causes them to be more expensive, if not completely unavailable.”  Consider the age of your equipment and if a unit it’s an 8 year old or more air conditioner or a 10 to 15 year old or more furnace (or heat pump) it is nearing the end of its life expectancy.  Blind points out that you can add at least four years onto this number if you’ve consistently had it professionally maintained during this time.

Blind states, “Even if you completely restore an aging unit (which is expensive to do!), you will still only have the efficiency that it was rated for when it was manufactured, at best.”  Newer unit efficiencies, due to constant improvement and increasing government-imposed energy standards, have greatly improved over the past 20 years.  According to Blind, in a lot of cases, installing a new heating and/or air conditioning system can pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short period of time. 

The condition of your unit is the third factor to consider.  Blind says you should take into account the quality of your current unit, number of breakdowns you’ve experienced, and how often your unit has been maintained.  If you have not maintained your unit and breakdowns are frequent, replacement should be a serious consideration. In this situation, no matter what the skill of the installer or service technician, there is little that can be done except restore the unit.

So when faced with the decision to repair or replace your heating and/or air conditioning system, make sure to consider all of these factors.  This will help you make an informed decision that is most beneficial to you!

Blind wants to remind homeowners that are considering heating and cooling system replacement, to keep in mind that there is a federal tax credit available on primary residences equal to 30%, up to $1500, on qualified Energy Star rated (www.energystar.gov) furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners.  You will need to act quickly, as this tax credit will expire on December 31, 2010!


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH, July 29, 2010 –“Going green” is not a new term for most of us, however, it might be as it applies to the plumbing in your home.  According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, “Green plumbing is plumbing that is designed to be the most energy efficient and at the same time conserve the most water.  A great by-product of saving on water and energy is that you will also be saving on your monthly utility bills.”  Green plumbing involves anything from changing traditional fixtures and faucets, to water saving fixtures, to installing energy saving water heaters.  Some basic green plumbing products include toilets, sinks and showerheads, water heaters, hot water re-circulating, and high-efficiency appliances.

Toilets and water fixtures for sinks and showers on the market today offer a great inexpensive way to reduce your water usage according to Blind.  Low flow, dual flush toilets are a significant water saver.  The dual flush mechanism allows you to choose the amount of water required for waste.  For your sinks, low flow aerators are efficient devices that save water without compromising on your pressure.  They can be directly fitted onto the faucet head and control the water flow.  Low-flow showerheads are also based on control flow technology to manage the water flow and save considerably on water consumption.

According to Blind, water heaters are a very important part of green plumbing.  High efficiency water heaters conserve water along with energy.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, hot water heating can account for as much as 14-25 percent of your total home energy use.  Replacing an older unit with a new, high-efficiency one can have a big impact when it comes to reducing your home heating costs.

Tankless or instant water heaters are another way to reduce not only water usage but also to gain energy savings.  Tankless water heaters obtain hot water without first storing water in a tank.  They heat the water instantly, providing it as needed, so you will only pay for heating water that you actually use.  Because you do not store water in a tank you will eliminate standby heat losses associated with a traditional tank water heater. 

A hot water circulation pump is another green plumbing method.  Every year thousands of gallons of wasted water go down the drain, costing homeowners thousands of dollars. A significant amount of this waste occurs when homeowners wait for their water to reach a comfortable temperature before they shower or wash their hands.  A circulation pump eliminates this wait and unnecessary waste of water by providing instant hot water.
 
Blind states, “A last step we can all take to be more ‘green’ with our plumbing is to replace older appliances with new energy efficient appliances.”  High-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers will save you on energy usage as well as water.  Newer appliances use less water and energy.  You can check with www.energystar.gov for products that are energy efficient in both of these categories.  

Green plumbing is a way to reduce your water and energy usage.  As you begin to replace fixtures or appliances in your home you should seriously consider replacing them with “green” plumbing products.  Most people do not have the money to make all of these changes at once, but as you implement them over time, you will be able to decrease your carbon footprint and conserve our natural resources with the added benefit of lower utility bills!

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH, June 28, 2010 – We often get calls to help repair damage caused by homeowners or unlicensed plumbers, states Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons.  We recently had a situation in which a homeowner, (we’ll just call him Joe to protect his identity) tried to fix a clogged drain by himself.  Joe went out and rented a drain cleaning machine.  He brought it home and then muscled this one hundred pound plus contraction up a full flight of steps to the upstairs bathroom in order to try to unplug the toilet.  I say unnecessarily because as he found out later, clogs can be located and fixed through a main drain.

So now Joe has this contraption upstairs and he starts using the 100-foot cable that comes with it and snakes it down into the toilet.  Unfortunately for Joe, he doesn’t realize until too late that the cable isn’t hooked up to the equipment and is now long gone.  After panicking a bit and wasting a few more hours in a futile attempt to recover the cable, he admitted defeat and called us in for professional help.

Joe, like any respectable do-it-yourselfer, doesn’t want to admit what he has done and doesn’t tell us right away what happened – he just wants us to fix a clog.  As soon as we put our video equipment down the toilet, we were able to see the cable still in the pipes and that’s when we realized there was more to Joe’s story. Reluctantly Joe filled us in on the rest of the details and asked us if we could help.

We proceeded to fish out the cable, although it took some work.  Joe mistakenly thought the problem was taken care of.  We had to explain that whatever caused the clog to begin with wasn’t fixed and we’d do some further investigating to figure out the cause of the original clog.  We again put the camera down the drain and were able to determine what had caused the clog in the first place.  (All of which took a lot less time and money than it took for Joe to rent and improperly use the equipment, which he informed us later!)

About this time Joe’s wife shows up looking surprised and wants to know what a plumber is doing at the house.  Joe sheepishly replied, “I promise never to do my own plumbing again!”

All to often at Blind & Sons, we receive calls from frantic homeowners who need us to help repair damage caused by homeowners or unlicensed plumbers.  We find in most cases by the time we get called into one of these situations, the homeowners has already wasted a lot of time and energy on the problem, they’ve spent twice as much to fix the problem, and in many cases they have to pay extra for damage that was done because the job wasn’t done right the first time. 

A professional plumber should have all of the latest tools, gadgets, and liquid remedies to eliminate any stoppage in your plumbing system.Don’t mess around, wasting time and money, when you want it done right the first time, contact a professional plumber.  

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com. Akron, OH, May 27, 2010 - We as Americans, think that bigger is better and buy products that are “jumbo”, “extra large”, or “mega” size.  We generally think we are getting a better value and more of what we want.  But when it comes to a home’s heating and cooling needs, super-sizing your system can cost you in both money and comfort.

If you are in the market to replace older, inefficient heating and cooling system with new energy efficient ones, an understanding of the critical importance of sizing the system correctly is needed.  The correct size of heating and cooling equipment in your home will improve your comfort while reducing costs, maintenance and energy usage.

To give you some history, homes were not as tightly constructed in the past as they are today and it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that were two to four times the necessary capacity.  Now most people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes.  Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer allows you to install a much smaller system while still being comfortable and saving on your monthly utility bills.

According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons Heating and Cooling, the most common mistake made in new heating and cooling systems is oversizing.  This will make the new system not only more expensive to buy and install, but also forces it to operate inefficiently.  An oversized system will also breakdown more often and cost more to operate.  Oversized heating equipment creates uncomfortable and large temperature swings.  Oversized air conditioners (and heat pumps) do not run long enough to dehumidify the air, which results in the air feeling “clammy” and the potential for unhealthy mold growth in your home. 

Blind states that oversized equipment experiences frequent starts and stops (known as “short cycling”), which accelerate the wear and tear on the equipment, and can lead to premature failure.  Oversized equipment also uses more fan power for the blower, which often leads to duct leakage due to higher operating duct pressures.

On the other side, undersized equipment, with airflow that is too low, can reduce the efficiency of the air distribution and accelerate wear on the system components, leading to earlier failure.  Basically, your system will have to work longer and harder to keep up with your comfort demands.

According to Blind, a home “load calculation” is critical when homeowners are looking for a new heating and cooling system.  This is basically a list of factors that determine what size system you need.  A good contractor/technician will look at things such as, wall measurements, floor space, windows, R-value of home’s insulation, overall square footage of livable space, etc.  A close estimate of a building’s air leakage is also necessary.  This estimate should also include an inspection of the size, condition of seals on joints and insulation and location of distribution ducts in a forced air system. 

Blind also mentions that you should beware of a contractor/technician who only checks the “nameplate” (the label listing BTU’s) of the existing unit and tries to sell you one just like it or even worse, one that’s larger.  This is not the correct way to size equipment and is not in your best interest.  Another method includes using simple “rule of thumb”.  They may base the size of your home on similar homes like it, using a chart that takes into account a variety of factors.  This method can be used for a first estimate, but should not be used to size the actual system.  You should include a requirement to produce a written sizing calculation when negotiating with your heating and cooling contractor/technician.

So remember when you are looking to buy a new heating and/or cooling system correctly sizing of your system will directly affect the comfort level in your home, as well as the long-term life of the system and overall cost to you.  Pick the right size and skip the super-size!


Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
Akron, OH, March 24, 2010 - It’s that time of year when families are making plans to go on vacation for spring break. Before you head out the door, it is important to look after your home.  Leaving on vacation is always a stressful endeavor and many times you forget to do something before you leave, and by then it’s too late! 

Below is a checklist of tips and tricks that will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.

1. Check all appliances and faucets.  Before leaving home you should check all appliances and faucets to make sure that they are off.  Accidentally leaving on a stove or a bathtub can cause fires or floods that could well cause permanent damage to your home.  Be sure that you unplug everything that you can unplug.  Also remember to turn off appliances that are on timers, like alarm clocks and coffee makers.  That way you’ll avoid accidents and driving your neighbors crazy!
    
2. Unplug most electronic items especially those that are expensive or many have valuable data on them.  These can include your TV set, stereo, and especially computers.  If a storm comes through while you are away, these items can be damaged beyond repair simply by being plugged into the wall outlet.  
    
3. There is no need for your water heater to continue to operate at a high level since it will not be used throughout the time that you are gone, so turn it down to a low setting.
    
4. Set the heat to fifty degrees - not off, to prevent pipes from freezing - or your air conditioning to seventy-eight degrees in the summer if you are concerned about mildew.  Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, a local heating and cooling business states that the ComfortLink™ II Communicating System by Trane® enables the homeowner to adjust the temperatures inside their home remotely.  This is a great feature for travelers!  You can adjust the temperatures in your home and make any necessary adjustments for local weather (i.e. an unexpected snow storm comes through and temperatures drop dramatically) while you are out of town.  You’ll then be able to re-adjust the temperature to a comfortable level for when you return home.  You’ll be saving money and reducing your energy usage, while not losing anything in comfort!
    
5. Unplug your washing machine hoses.  These can easily break and if they do while you are away for several days it could cause near catastrophic flood damage to your home before you would be able to do anything about it.
    
6. Have mail and/or newspapers held or picked up.  When newspapers and mail pipe up, it is a sure sign that the home is unoccupied and a prime target for thieves.  Have a trusted neighbor pick up these items and store them for you until you return home.  You can also have the post office hold your mail and pick it up when you return.  
    
7. Don’t leave a message on your phone voicemail or email that you are out of town.
    
8. Set timers for your lights.  Setting lights on timers is a great way to make your home appear as if people are home, even if in fact the place is deserted.  Also leaving a radio or some other noise going in the house that makes sound will make it seem like someone is home.
    
9. Lock all windows and doors throughout your home.  Pull blinds down and close drapes.  Make sure to hide jewelry and valuable or move them to your safety deposit box.
    
10. Disconnect the garage door so that it cannot be operated by from the outside.  Usually there is a lever that you can pull on the opener that can accomplish this easily.
     
11. Remove any perishable food from your refrigerator.  Consider making a meal to put in your freezer so that you will have something to eat the first night you are back from vacation.
     
12. Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out on your home while you are away.  They should have a key for emergencies and a copy of your itinerary in case they need to get a hold of you.  Also leave them with numbers for your plumber, electrician, alarm service and veterinarian (if applicable).  Your neighbor could even take your trashcans in and out for you to make it look like someone is still home.

Now go and enjoy your vacation!  Leave the stress behind, because you know that you have left your home safe and secure, just waiting for your return. 

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.

Akron, OH, February 23, 2010 – Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it.  Anyone who has any experience working with contractors knows that price is not the only factor to consider.  Less tangible items like your ability to communicate and feel comfortable working with your contractor often prove to be much more important with your eventual satisfaction with the job. 

Blind & Sons is Ohio’s premier home comfort specialists; and, with the cooperation of your local Better Business Bureau, have gathered ten time-tested tips for selecting the best contractor for your project.

• Don’t make any decisions before you check with your local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.

• Always ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experiences.

• Check local licenses: Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage.

• Get a detailed written proposal: A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor. Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed written proposal. 

• Heat loss-heat gain calculation: Expect a thorough calculation performed with an on-site evaluation. A good contractor should measure your home, check insulation factors and evaluate your overall comfort needs.

• Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.

• Follow contract law: Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A new comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to New Jersey law, all home improvement contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.

• Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new system: What can you do yourself and/or does the contractor offer maintenance services? A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your system's performance, reliability and safety.

• Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.

• Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get two or three estimates or references and compare. More information is better than less; however, compare more than just price when evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!

Many of us know, unfortunately, that choosing the wrong contractor for a home project can be very expensive.  Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had home service work done. Get written estimates from several firms, ask for explanations for price variations and remember, don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Akron, OH, January 28, 2010 – With the frigid winter temperatures outside Blind & Sons knows that your heating system is getting a work out!  Blind & Sons wants you to be able to get the most out of your equipment and offers some helpful tips to do so.

According to Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons Heating, “A heating system not maintained is a problem waiting to happen. The best way to maximize your current heating system is to have it serviced by a professional every year to ensure that it is operating properly.”

Unmaintained heating and cooling equipment, according to Blind, at the very least, will have escalating operating costs due to inefficient use of fuel and the eventual need for repairs.  In the worst case, improperly maintained equipment may compromise safety by causing dangerously high levels of CO, resulting in death or injury.

Blind says, all furnaces should be inspected, cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted on an annual basis by a qualified heating technician.  Your annual check-up will help to discover any safety or operational concerns and can lessen the costs of maintenance and operation over the long run.

During a maintenance check, your technician should check and detect any carbon monoxide leaks, prevent the development of any hazardous conditions, and reduce dust particles and bacteria.  Regular maintenance will also ensure that your furnace runs to manufacturer’s design specifications.  This helps reduce your monthly heating bills by ensuring that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency and helps increase the lifespan of your furnace.  Regular maintenance also reduces the hassle of unexpected and inconvenient breakdowns and eliminates the time spend searching for a reputable contractor on short notice.

According to Blind, something every homeowner can do on their own is to check their air filters and change them as needed.  During the heating season when your system is running more you should check your air filters at least monthly.  Changing your air filters greatly improves the amount of heat and airflow produced helping your system work more efficiently. 

Blind states, you can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.

Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule. As a result, you don't operate the equipment as much when you are asleep or when the house is not occupied so not only will you be saving money but also causing less wear and tear on your equipment.

According to Blind, “Zoned Heating” is an additional way to get more out of your heating system and help eliminate those “too hot” or “too cold” rooms in your home.  A “zoned” system allows you to heat the areas of your home where you spend the most time rather than heating the whole house. 

A “zoned” system is simply a way of dividing a home into areas with similar cooling and heating needs. With zoning, you can have the same flexibility with your temperature as you do with your lighting, by independently controlling different areas of your home according to their needs and occupancy.  You can increase the comfort in your home and decrease the costs by heating only the areas that you spend the most time.

Although it’s cold outside, according to Blind, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice on comfort inside.  Follow some simple tips and keep your equipment running efficiently and comfortably for years to come.

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.

BARBERTON, OH (December 2009) – The refrigerant R-22 (also known as freon) has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for over four decades. As of January 2010 this refrigerant, a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) will not be allowed to be used in new equipment. The Title VI of the Clean Air Act implemented by the EPA has established a schedule to phaseout HCFCs that contain ozone-destroying chlorine. Since the manufacture of R-22 is being phased out over the coming years as part of the agreement to end production of HCFCs, manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.

Through this transition it is important for homeowners to understand the future availability, replacement refrigerants, and price considerations of R-22, as well as what homeowners should know when having an existing system repaired or when purchasing a new A/C system or heat pump.
The Clean Air Act does not “allow any refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere during installation, service or retirement of equipment”. This means that R-22 must be “recovered and recycled (for reuse in the same system), reclaimed (repossessed to the same purity levels as new R-22), or destroyed.” After 2020, the servicing of R-22-based systems will rely on recycled refrigerants. According to the EPA, this reclamation and recycling should ensure that existing supplies of R-22 will last longer and be available to service a greater number of systems.
Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22. There is no EPA requirement to change or convert R-22 units for use with the new non-zone-depleting refrigerants. In fact, when a system is changed over to 410A it would need to change the condenser (outdoor unit), the evaporator coil and the refrigerant copper line set in most cases. Therefore, service technicians who repair leaks to the system will continue to charge R-22 into the system as part of the repair.

Substitutions will be made available in the HVAC industry for R-22 as it is gradually phased out. One of these non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants is R-410A. This is manufactured and sold under various trade names, including GENETRON, AZ-20 ®, SUVA 410A ®, and Puron ®.
Another factor to be considered is price. The price is expected to go up as the supply of R-22 dwindles over the next 20 – 30 years. The EPA, however, believes that consumers are not likely to be subjected to major price increases due to the lengthy phaseout period. Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, Inc. states, “I agree with the EPA, the prices for R-22 will gradually go up the next few years but should not be outrageous for a long time.”
According to Blind, the life expectancy of an air conditioning unit or heat pump is around 15 years. Blind states, “What this means is if you had installed a new R-22 air conditioning system in the year 2002, you will be able to get refrigerant for your system at least until the year 2020 when it will no longer be manufactured. Chances are, within that much time you will need a new system, so you shouldn’t base a purchase on freon alone.”
The new systems will incorporate compressors and other components specifically designed for use with specific replacement refrigerants. This significant change in both the product and production processes will require new testing and training. According to Blind, “Consumers should be aware that dealers of systems that use substitute refrigerants should be schooled in installation and service techniques required for use of that substitute refrigerant.”
Homeowners that have older equipment and decide to replace their old system should strongly consider purchasing high-energy efficient systems. Energy-efficient systems will result in costs savings for homeowners. Today’s energy efficient air conditioners use much less energy to produce that same amount of cooling. According to the EPA, Energy Star ® labeled products can save homeowners 10 – 40% on their heating and cooling bills every year.
Blind states, “We realize this is a change that benefits everyone, including our planet. We just want homeowners to understand how it will affect them and to be prepared.”

You can go to www.energystar.gov for more information on energy efficient systems.

Blind & Sons, Inc.
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BARBERTON, OH (November 2009) – It is that time of year again, the weather is cold and you’ve probably already had to turn your heat on. Like most people, we don’t think about our heating and cooling systems. We merely adjust the thermostat and look forward to it providing the home comfort that we expect. When this doesn’t happen we want an immediate solutions, especially if it’s really cold out! You might ask yourself, when was the last time you had your system serviced?

Most people wouldn’t dream of driving their car without performing regular oil changes and tune-ups, but they will go year after year without servicing their heating and cooling systems. According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” Your heating and cooling system, like your car, needs a tune-up to prevent breakdowns and unnecessary repairs.

Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons states, “Your system requires a yearly maintenance check-up. This check-up will insure that your system is performing at its most efficient and providing optimum home comfort. A maintenance check-up will also extend the life of your equipment, increase cost effectiveness, and insure safe operations of your equipment.”

Did you know that as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling? Making smart decisions on your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can increase the efficiency of your system and have a large affect on your utility bills. In fact, studies show that properly maintaining your heating and cooling systems can reduce energy bills by up to 35%!

When we turn on our central heating and air conditioning systems we expect them to be able to deliver the temperature we want to be comfortable in a variety of conditions and to deliver it all day long. If your HVAC unit is not maintained properly, it may be working too hard or inefficiently to deliver the comfort of a consistent air temperature.

We all, of course, want our heating and cooling system to last as long as possible. But just like a new car will decline in performance without regular maintenance, so will your heating and cooling system. According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, your system will last several years longer with proper maintenance.

Blind states that many people avoid routine maintenance because of the expected high cost. You can get regular maintenance done on your equipment for around $150/year (and even less with multi-year agreements). Don’t wait until your air conditioner won’t cool or your furnace won’t ignite before you call for service. At this point you’ll typically pay more (because it’s an emergency call) and have to wait (because it’s usually around the hottest or coolest day of the year). Having your HVAC system put on a yearly maintenance schedule will pay for itself in lower repair costs, less aggravation, and more efficient operation.

One of the most important reasons to schedule routine maintenance is for safety – for you and your family. According to Blind, a typical maintenance check-up will include tightening all electrical connections, measuring the voltage and current on motors and checking for small holes in your system’s heat exchanger or firebox. These issues can be very dangerous … even fatal. Faulty electrical connections can cause shorts and unsafe operation, while carbon monoxide leaks or open flames in your living space can create fire or a serious health hazard.

According to Trane, a manufacturer of HVAC systems, proper air conditioning maintenance can help your unit last decades. On the flip side, a neglected air conditioner loses roughly 5% of its efficiency each year that it operates without upkeep. Proper maintenance just makes good sense! You will increase the longevity of your heating and cooling system and the overall comfort of your home year round.

Blind & Sons
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.

Barberton, Ohio, October 26, 2009 – Statistics show that the average American spends 70% of their times indoors and according to the American Lung Association the quality of indoor air can be 5 times worse than the air we breathe outside. We are also seeing an alarming increase in the number of individuals who suffer from asthma, 23 million according to the EPA. Also, fifty percent of illnesses, such as colds and flu (the Swine Flu!), allergies and asthma, are caused or aggravated by mold, mildew, bacteria and fungi according to the American College of Allergists.  Indoor air quality is becoming an important issue in our society and finding the solutions has become a goal of the HVAC industry.

Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons, states that, “The HVAC industry has already come up with ways to improve the air quality in homes. There are a variety of products available on the market today as well as some simple preventative measures that homeowners can take.” It is important to investigate the different options and find out which option makes the most sense for your home and family.

One way to improve indoor air quality is to install an air purification system to your existing heating and cooling system. Blind says that Blind & Sons carries the Aprilaire Whole-Home Electronic Air Cleaner 5000, which has been rated #1 three years running by leading products ratings magazines. This air cleaning system traps 99% of airborne pollen, mold and spore-sized particles, eliminates 98% of airborne bacteria-sized particles and removes 94% of respirable dust, dust which the EPA reports can trigger asthma.

A second option is to attach an Air Purifier to your current heating and cooling system. Blind & Sons carries the TRANE CleanEffects™, considered the most effective whole-house air filtration system available on the market today. This system is designed to filter better than a HEPA filter and delivers air that is heated as well as cooled, conditioned, meticulously filtered and cleaned of up to an unprecedented 99.98% of airborne allergens that pass through the filter.

A third option, Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Lamps, provide another way of removing airborne contaminants from your home.  Mold and bacteria can easily grow on air conditioning coils as a result of normal condensation that takes place during the cooling process.  A UV Germicidal Lamp is designed to eliminate the mold and bacteria on the air conditioning coils.  The elimination of mold and bacteria will reduce your family’s risk of allergic reactions and illnesses as well as get rid of foul odors.  It also allows your home comfort system to run less often, for shorter periods of time and at peak efficiency. 
 
Whole-house duct cleaning is also a great way to improve air quality inside your home.   Duct cleaning dislodges dirt and debris in the airflow systems and is followed by a thorough cleaning.  This cleaning will kill germs and bacteria, remove dust from your home, improve the efficiency of your system, and make your home smell clean and fresh.
 
A last simple thing that homeowners can do, according to Blind, is to change the filters on their heating and cooling system once a month.  This will cut down on the amount of dust and pollutants in the air.  Filters remove dust and other particles from the air such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet dander, and plant and mold spores.  Changing out your filters regularly will also help increase the energy efficiency and prolong the life of your heating and cooling system.

Blind says, “The air we breathe in our homes is loaded with pollutants and since we spend so much of our time indoors, we owe it to ourselves and our families to provide the cleanest air we can.  Removing dust, allergens, bacteria and odors can do wonders for your health and the quality of your life.”



Blind & Sons
A family owned-business, Blind & Sons is a company who truly knows what homeowner's need. Ever since John W. Blind opened the doors in 1937 to offer coal furnaces and gas conversion burners, Blind & Sons has been evolving to meet the comfort needs of homeowners in Northeast, Ohio. Blind & sons has built a name for themselves in Northeast, Ohio and their business continues to grow through repeat business and customer referrals.

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Barberton, OH, September 23, 2009 – Blind & Sons, a local heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical company, has been a family owned business for three generations. Ever since John W. Blind opened the doors in 1937 to offer coal furnaces and gas conversion burners, Blind & Sons has been working to meet the comfort needs of homeowners in Northeast Ohio. Bill Blind, President of Blind & Sons states, “We are always evolving our services to meet the needs of our customers. We've built a name for ourselves in Northeast, Ohio and our business has grown through repeat business and customer referrals.”

Blind & Sons recently identified a need that had not been addressed in their current list of services and as a result added a new drain cleaning service. Clogs are the #1 most common plumbing problem that homeowners experience and Blind & Sons now offers fast, affordable and effective drain cleaning. They have all of the latest tools to eliminate any stoppage in your plumbing system.

Blind & Sons wants their customers to come to them with all of their heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical needs. Blind states, “We believe in investing in exceptional products and services, supporting our community and helping keep our local economy strong.”

Blind & Sons
Blind & Sons is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their Northeast Ohio neighbors. Based in Barberton, Ohio, they have been in business since opening their doors in 1937. They are a full service company offering heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing and electrical products and services to the communities in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their website at www.blindandsons.com.