Kellam Mechanical Earns Energy Star Building Rating
Kellam Mechanical Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical, owned by Scott Kellam has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR certification, which signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.
“Kellam Mechanical is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Scott Kellam, President. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to positive environmental efforts while also lowering our energy costs. I am proud to share that Kellam Mechanical is the 1st and only heating and air conditioning residential contractor in the state of Virginia to achieve this accreditation. We not only promote green products and practices, we live it every day.”
Commercial buildings that earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Scott Kellam constructed Kellam Mechanical’s office/warehouse in 2007 with energy efficiency at the forefront.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, Kellam Mechanical took the following actions:
· Installed a highly efficient Geothermal system that does not use fossil fuels nor emit combustible gasses into our environment
· Installed highly effective insulation systems
· Installed energy efficient lighting
EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a 75 or higher on EPA’s 1-100 scale may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification and Kellam Mechanical scored an impressive 89%. Commercial buildings that can earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, data centers, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, houses of worship, and warehouses.
To learn more about Kellam Mechanical’s green products and practices, click here!
How old is your water heater?
Don’t you love being in hot water? Not the kind with flashing blue lights, but on a cold day a hot shower starts the day on the right path…right? We take our water heater for granted every day. It serves many purposes that help glide us through our day without even thinking about it. Hot water for the shower…check. Hot water for cleaning dishes…check. Hot water for washing clothes…check. But when hot water fails to flow through the pipes our senses dislike that cold punch. Repairing or replacing water heaters are a part of household maintenance so it is important to know whether yours is gas or electric, the age and its gallon capacity (40-50 gallon is most common for single family homes).
Conventional water heaters act as one of the largest household energy consumer behind your heating and cooling systems. According to consumer reports your water heater eats up to 30% of your energy budget. If your water heater is older than 10 years, it is time to think about replacing it. It is common for aging water heaters to rust and leak so keep a close eye on yours, especially if it is located in your attic. Leaks can cause expensive and inconvenient damage to ceilings, walls and personal belongings. Flood safe shut off valves are also a smart solution. It detects leaks then activates the shut off function to prevent unnecessary water overflow damage. Drain pans will not hold 50 gallons of water! Energy efficient technology has advanced so take advantage of welcomed savings when selecting a new water heater for your home. Annual cost of operation rating stickers are located on the tank to refer to for savings guides and Energy Star labels indicate certified energy efficient products. Every household consumes different amounts of water, so consider the recovery rate when ready to replace. This measures the number of gallons a water heater will heat in an hour. The dimensions can also be a crucial factor as well if limited space is available.
Tankless water heaters deliver exceptional efficiency and since it heats water as used, not stored, there is an eternal supply of hot water. They also last about 20 years compared to the conventional water heater’s life expectancy of 10 – 15 years. Repairs are reportedly fewer, parts are easier to replace and the tankless model is less likely to leak. Also, its design is small, a welcomed space saver is. Energy Star reports that tankless water heaters can deliver up to 34% energy savings using 86 gallons less daily equaling approximately $100 annual savings.
Conservation. According to the EPA less than 1% of the earth’s water is usable by people. The rest is salt water or frozen. The average household uses 260 gallons daily. With a little effort this can be reduced. It is responsible to practice conservation so take in a few tips to save energy, water and money.
- Use only what you need.
- Repair plumbing leaks.
- Use rain barrels to water lawn and outdoor plants; reuse water to feed indoor plants.
- Install a smarter, high efficient water heater, tankless water heater, clothes washer, dishwasher and toilets.
- Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save 6 – 10% energy.
- Install a water heater blanket.
Qualified contractors. When scheduling your water heater repair or replacement, turn to a licensed and insured contractor. Kellam Mechanical values trained technicians and dispatches NATE certified professionals to deliver code compliant service. 757-430-0358. Tell ’em Kellam!
Customers Have Rights!
To show our cust
omers that we value them and we have a serious commitment to customer service, we implemented a Customer Bill of Rights. We provide this document at every visit to your home.
First, we offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, within the first year after installation, we will remove the equipment and give you a full refund.
Secondly, our employees are courteous and on time. Kellam technicians are drug free and smoke free. Don’t worry about finding cigarette butts on your property, because it will not happen. We offer a Clean Home Guarantee as well as an On Time Guarantee.
Thirdly, your comfort is a priority. With our Comfort Guarantee, we promise that there will be no more than a 3 degree temperature variance between rooms. Our total comfort system air will be re-balanced if needed.
A 24 Hour Service Guarantee is also a part of our Bill of Rights. If you have a problem during the warranty period with your comfort system repair and it is not completed in 24 hours, we will pay for your night in a hotel.
Kellam Mechanical takes the service to our clients seriously. For more info or details on our Customer Bill of Rights, click here!.
Efficiency & Economics – Why Geothermal Heating and Cooling is Smart
A few feet below the earth’s service, the temperature stays constant. This ground temperature is warmer than the air above it in the cold seasons and cooler in the hot seasons. Geothermal heating and cooling is based on this technology of generating heat and cool air right from your backyard.
Whether you are constructing a new home or replacing an old unit in an existing home, the geothermal system is a smart investment. It costs less to install and operate than a conventional system based on your return on energy savings and the life span of the equipment which is up to 25 years. Studies also prove that fewer failures occur with geothermal systems, which reduces repair costs.
We, at Kellam Mechanical, believe so much in Geothermal Heating and Cooling that we not only installed this technology in our office building, but also in our personal residence and we LOVE the savings! Kellam has NATE certified technicians available to ensure a proper installation and strategically installs equipment in crawl spaces and attics to preserve the beauty on the outside of your home.
To reduce your investment, apply 30% tax credits that are available only through 2016. Be green and save green with an energy efficient comfort system through Kellam Mechanical at 757-430-0358!
Four Reasons You Need a Heat Pump Tune-Up
This local Coastal Virginia weather has been fun this winter. We experienced eight to ten inches of snow earlier in the year then bounced to 75 degrees then roller coasted back down to freezing temps. After turning your heat on and off several times, you may wonder “when was the last time I called a HVAC contractor”? A tune up is in order.
The four reasons to call Kellam Mechanical today for your Heat Pump tune- up are:
- A tune up will improve efficiency and the life of your heat pump.
- A tune up will ensure your unit is clean and has good air flow.
- A tune up will reduce your energy usage and monthly utility bill.
- A $90 rebate is available now from our local power company!
Through Dominion Virginia Power, Kellam Mechanical is able to offer Heat Pump tune-up rebates. As a participating company, we can help you tune up and earn a rebate. Note there is one tune-up rebate per unit.
If you feel it is time to upgrade to a higher efficiency Heat Pump, call Kellam today.
757-430-0358