Home Is Where the Health Is - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Taking Care of Your Home While on Vacation

Getting ready for a long vacation can be exciting, but what will happen to your home while you are away? There are a few easy things you can do before you leave to make sure you’re home is in tip-top shape when you return.

Got houseplants? Don’t let them die while you’re away. Most plants can survive a week or maybe two without being tended to. However, if you’ve got a plant that needs special care, it would be worth purchasing a watering bulb that sticks into the soil and takes water as it needs it.

As for home security measures, consider leaving a light on inside or using a motion detecting light to ward off intruders. Leaving a car in the driveway instead of in the garage may also give the appearance of someone being home. Be sure to lock all gates, doors, windows, etc. before leaving.

Going on vacation is a good time to save on water and energy since you won’t be at home. Turn down the thermostat some. Don’t make it too cold for plants, pets, or even pipes, but it doesn’t need to be cozy. It’s also a good idea to turn down the hot water heater since it won’t be in use.

Since electronics are major energy suckers, unplug your computers and televisions. If your fridge doesn’t have much in it, don’t be afraid to make it a little warmer, too. Otherwise, it will continue to cool an empty fridge, which is unnecessary.

Make sure all of your faucets aren’t dripping so you don’t waste water. Also, if any of your toilets are running, just shut the water valve off and have it fixed when you get home.

Following these simple steps will make coming home from vacation as positive as it can be.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Thompson Lends a Helping Hand to Homeless Vets

Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling employees participate in Giving Tree program for local homeless veterans.

Cincinnati, Ohio (PRESS RELEASE) December 20, 2012 – Did you know that one in five homeless adults is a veteran? This time of year, it’s important to give back, especially to homeless veterans who need your help – that’s the philosophy of Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Cincinnati’s national-award winning Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling company. The company and all of its team members recently participated in the Volunteers of America Giving Tree program to help local homeless vets.

Volunteers of America is an organization committed to ending homelessness for America’s Veterans. VOA provides employment and job training, as well as emergency housing to the homeless veterans in Greater Ohio. Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling recently teamed up with the organization to assist veterans. 

This holiday season, Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling sponsored a Volunteers of America Giving Tree at the company’s headquarters. The tree was adorned with tags, each offering a suggestion of something an employee could contribute to help a homeless veteran. Thompson asked everyone in the company to stop by the tree and take a tag. The company now proudly reports that every single Thompson team member did his or her part to help a homeless vet and participated in the Giving Tree.

A major advocate of giving back to those who have served and sacrificed in our Armed Forces, Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has donated more than $180,000 to veterans since 2009.

If you would like to learn more about Volunteers of America and find out how you can help out those less fortunate this holiday season, go to www.voago.org.

About Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

With over 80 years of service, Thompson Electric Plumbing Heating & Cooling is among the most trusted and reputable electric, plumbing heating and cooling companies in the greater Cincinnati area. Thompson has received numerous national awards and recognitions over the years, including recognition from Airtime 500, an elite HVAC contractor association. Thompson is open 8-8, 7 days a week, No Overtime. To learn more about the award-winning services of Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, or to schedule a service today, visit 333help.com or call 513-333-HELP. You can also follow Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling on Twitter at @ThompsonPHC.

5 Reasons To Follow Your Home Service Provider Online

Guest Blog Featuring: Oliver Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing -- Morton, Pennsylvania.

 

I recently had the chance to sit down and chat with a group of customers, who asked me a great question in the course of our discussion. “I’ve seen your Facebook and Twitter icons, but why should I follow you guys? I mean, you’ll tell me everything I need to know in the newsletters, right?” Of course we’re all bombarded with information, and I know that I have personally had to filter out a lot of messages from companies, even ones I have a good relationship with, just because I’m so overwhelmed. So I totally understand that you can’t keep up with everyone. But here are five good reasons to maintain at least one point of contact online with the people you count on to keep your home running smoothly:

1) In an emergency situation, information can be distributed quickly and universally from a company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. When Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast recently, many offices were closed and access to regular channels of communication were limited. Service providers with social media accounts were able to keep their customers informed of emergency closures, limited transportation access, and safety information for homeowners dealing with the impact of the storm.

2) You have better things to do than to keep up with ever-changing regulations and technology. That’s our job, and we’re happy to do it. When something comes out that you need to know about, we will include articles in our newsletters but our Facebook and Twitter pages are where you can find links to third-party articles and information that will help you decide what’s best to do for your home.

3) You should feel comfortable with people providing service to your home. Following service providers online gives you a clearer look at who we are and why we do the things we do. A well-run company page gives customers a forum to talk about their experiences with the company in an interactive way.

4) Experts at your fingertips. If you’ve got a question, a service provider’s Facebook and Twitter pages are another great resource – check out previous posts to see if we’ve already answered it, or drop us a line and ask, we’d love to hear from you!

5) Keep up with what’s going on in the area. Locally owned and operated businesses, like ours, are proud of our place in the community. Having a fleet of technicians on the road also gives service providers a unique look at what’s happening all throughout our territory, and we’re happy to share the hidden treasures that we find!

What other reasons do you have for following (or not following) your service providers online?

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Find out about local services at the Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling website.

You can also find Thompson on:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/333HELP

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thompsonphc

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/thompson4450

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Check out the Oliver Heating Cooling & Plumbing blog at http://oliverhvac.wordpress.com/

Thompson Honors Veterans at Annual Veterans Day Breakfast

Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, a company that has raised over $180,000 since 2009 to support veterans hosted its 4th annual Veterans Day Celebration today at its company headquarters.

The firm presented a check in the amount of $55,010 to Marc Burgess, Executive Director of the Disabled American Veterans National Headquarters. The DAV is a non-profit organization dedicated to the service of our nation’s injured heroes.

In addition, Thompson presented a check for $10,000 to Marian and Adolfo Olivas, customers of Thompson, whose son, Army Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas, was killed in the line of duty this year at Zharay, Afghanistan on May 30, 2012, while serving Operation Enduring Freedom. The Olivas family will donate the check their chosen charity, the Fisher House Foundation.

Thompson’s employees donated $7,000 in savings bond to Cpl. Olivas’ son, Connor.

The Veterans Day Breakfast and Celebration featured guest speaker Lt. Col. Brad Wenstrup, who is an Iraq War veterans. Wenstrup was recently elected as Ohio’s 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

In keeping with the company’s ongoing commitment to serve the community and veterans, Thompson launched its Fourth Annual Veterans campaign on August 1, 2012, raising over $65,000 this year.

Thompson thanks the overwhelming support of their loyal Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky customers that have helped raise more money this year for veterans than ever before.

About Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been providing electric, plumbing, drain cleaning, heating and cooling repair and installation and service to Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for over 80 years. Thompson is dedicated to providing National Award Winning Service. Thompson’s clients receive upfront pricing and guarantees on all work performed. Thompson is open seven days a week, from 8 to 8, no overtime! Call 513-333-HELP (4357) for more information or go to http://333help.com/veterans/.

Save the Date! Veterans Day Celebration November 12th with Thompson

 

 

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Home is Where the Health Is is written & published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Receives State Farm "Good Neighbor" Award

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/8/prweb9826101.htm

 

Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) August 24, 2012

Cincinnati-based plumbing and HVAC systems contractor Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling received the State Farm “Good Neighbor” Award, an honor that recognizes local companies for their work in the community.

Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling received the “Good Neighbor” Award during a Pre-Game Onfield Ceremony taking place at the Great American Ball Park prior to the Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs game on Saturday, August 18, 2012.

Founded in association with Major League Baseball (MLB), the State Farm Go to Bat program is a nonprofit initiative. In addition to recognizing companies like Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for their charitable contributions to local communities, Go to Bat allows baseball fans to support their favorite charities, awarding $18,000 to a fan-selected charity each week.

Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has more than 80 years of service in the Tri-State area. Thompson bears the “Green Screened” and “Technician Seal of Safety” certifications and has won numerous national awards recognizing its professionalism and high-quality plumbing, repair and HVAC services. Among the organizations recognizing Thompson’s excellence is Airtime 500, the most forward-thinking organization of independent HVAC contractors in the industry today.

Thompson is an active member of multiple trade organizations with the best heating and cooling systems contractors in the country, granting them access to the most cutting-edge technology and the best training practices.

Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is dedicated to giving back to the community on both a local and national level. The company is a proud supporter of the Disabled American Veterans, raising more than $100,000 for veterans since 2009.

To schedule a service or to learn more information about the services offered by Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, visit 333HELP.com or call 513-333-HELP (4357).

 

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Home is Where the Health Is is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

WIN A DINNER FOR TWO WITH MARTY BRENNAMAN

Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers contest to win dinner with the voice of the Cincinnati Reds.

CINCINNATI, OH — Legendary Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman is teaming up with the Tri-State area’s favorite plumbing and HVAC systems contractor, Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, to offer one lucky customer the opportunity to have a private dinner with this local legend.

All Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling customers who have service during the months of August or September will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a dinner for two with Marty. The winner of the contest will be announced at the Thompson Veterans Day Breakfast and Check Presentation, taking place at Thompson’s Headquarters on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Marty Brennaman has served as at the voice of the Cincinnati Reds as a broadcaster on the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network since 1974. Celebrated for his provocative, straight-talking style, Marty has been named Ohio Sportscaster of the year several times and was presented the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to Major League Baseball in 2000.

More recently, in July 2012, the broadcasting icon vowed to shave his head if the Reds achieved a 10-game winning streak. When the Reds reached this threshold with a 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on July 29, Marty had to make good on his promise. After challenging fans to donate $20,000 to the Reds Community Fund to see the haircut take place on the field, Marty publically parted with his famous white locks following the Reds’ August 3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans ended up raising over $50,000 for the charity.

To schedule a service or to learn more information about the services offered by Thompson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, visit 333HELP.com or call 513-333-HELP (4357).

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Home is Where the Health Is is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Call (513) 333 - HELP (4357)

This blog is written and published by Thompson Plumbing - Heating - Cooling

Christmas Fire Hazards

The holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but they also mean more lights, candles, things to plug in—all which can be dangerous. This year, cover all the bases with the proper fire safety tips.

If you decorated a live Christmas tree in your home this year, there are a few special things you should do to care for it and prevent a fire. For starters, don’t place your tree close to any heating source such as a vent or a fireplace. The heat from these sources will dry out the tree, making it more likely to catch fire.

Of course, do not drop or flick cigarette ashes near the tree. It is a good idea to take your tree down after two weeks, as it will get too dry. While it is up, be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water all the time.

When it is time to take down the tree, never put the tree branches or needles in a fireplace or a wood-burning stove. Once the tree becomes dry, get it out of the house right away. Take it to a recycling center or have it picked up by a community pickup service.

Maintaining your holiday lights is an important part of fire safety. Make sure the lights you put up don’t have any frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, or excessive wear. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions state it is safe. Connect the strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into an outlet. Periodically check the wires, they should never be warm. As always, never leave the lights on unattended.

When decorating your home for the holidays, use non-flammable decorations and place them away from heat vents. Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace as it could cause a large fire with dangerous sparks and may even result in a chimney fire.

Avoid using lit candles, and if you do use them, place them in stable holders where they can’t be easily knocked down. Never leave candles burning unattended. And never put lit candles on a Christmas tree.

{post by DanBrady}

Should I clean air ducts in my home?

We often make it a routine to clean many areas in our homes, but what about the air ducts? The air we breathe in our homes is circulated through these ducts, so you should consider cleaning the air ducts if there is substantial mold growth inside the ducts or on any components of your heating or cooling system, if the ducts are infested with rodents or insects, or if they are clogged with dust and debris.

If the air ducts in your home have any of the above conditions, there is a reason for it. Consider having a professional clean the ducts in order to identify the problem so it doesn’t continue to happen.

Not only will cleaning the air ducts improve the air quality in your home, it will also improve the efficiency of you heating and cooling system since it won’t have to work as hard to get through the ducts.

Since the air ducts are a component of your home, it is recommended that they are cleaned even if some of the serious problems are noticeable. However, it isn’t necessary to make it a routine to have the ducts cleaned, just as it is needed.

It should be noted that cleaning the air ducts in the home has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Dirty air ducts only one of many possible sources of particles that air present in the home. Pollutants can enter the home from outside or indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, or smoking. But there is no evidence that small amounts of household dust in an air duct poses any risk to our health.

Whether or not you decided to have your air ducts cleaned, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep unwanted particles from entering the system. Start by using a high efficiency air filter for your heating and cooling system. Make it a habit to change the filters. If the filters become clogged, change them more frequently. Also, remove dust from your home and vacuum regularly.

{photo by Toms Baugis}