Woodfin Home Team Blog

This Mother's Day, Consider a Medic Alert System from All Secure Watchdog Security

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:52:05 -0400

Your mom cared for you when you were sick - this Mother\'s Day, May 13, you can do something nice for her, too - help her stay active, independent and well protected with a medical alert system from Woodfin\'s All Secure Watchdog Security division.

Whether Mom is a senior living alone or a has medical or physical challenges, a medical alert system will give both of you the peace of mind knowing that help is available with the touch of a button.

A medical alert system offers these benefits:

Automatic medication reminders
Smoke, gas and flood detection
Instant two-way, hands-free voice communication
Remote socialization
Inactivity monitoring
Remote programmability
Telemedicine capabilities
Powerful speaker and speed dialing capabilities
Plug-in installation

Quick response to a medical emergency can be the difference between a quick recovery, long-term disability, or life and death. Without a reliable system to summon help, you or your loved ones might wait hours for help to arrive. Our own employees have gotten medical alert systems for their moms, and swear by these life-savers.

Do Mom and yourself a favor this Mother\'s Day - contact us now about a medical alert system from Woodfin\'s All Secure Watchdog Security division.

Celebrate Earth Day ... with an A/C Tune-up!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:36:37 -0400

The summer has come early to Virginia! With temperatures in the 80s beginning in March, there\'s no telling what the summer will bring! So, our advice to you is to make sure your air conditioner is running at its very best by calling for your annual A/C maintenance. A well-running air conditioner uses less energy - and that\'s a great way to go green ... just in time for Earth Day - April 22nd!

Our Tune-up is \"a Breed Apart\"
Any company can give you a cooling tune-up ... but only Woodfin can give you a 15-Point Precision Cooling Tune-Up & System Evaluation.

Our air conditioning tune-up is as thorough as you can get - it\'s not one of those \"cheap-o\" slapdash inspections some of our competitors advertising in the paper are passing off as tune-ups. We take our time to do it right ... so you\'ll save energy ... money ... time ... and headaches.

When Is the Best Time for Your Cooling Tune-up?
As soon as possible! With the summery weather coming weeks ahead of time, many of our customers already have their A/Cs running - by the end of the cooling season, those units will have logged some major overtime! Also, once the weather gets really hot, we\'re busy responding to cooling emergencies - so we kindly ask that you take the time to schedule your tune-up now.

What Are the Benefits of a Cooling Tune-up?

Your equipment will last longer - there is less stress on parts
Your A/C will operate more efficiently - and you\'ll save money on your electric bills
Your system will cool better - cleaner coils and filters mean better cooling capacity
Your chances of a breakdown will be diminished - we\'ll find (and fix) small problems before they become big problems
Your maintenance requirements will be satisfied and your manufacturer\'s warranty will remain valid

You maintain your car ... why should your air conditioner be any different?
Operating your A/C for an entire summer is like driving your car 8,300 miles - and more like 11,000 miles on a car if you own a heat pump! You certainly wouldn\'t drive your car like that without regular service - why neglect your air conditioner?

It\'s Money in the Bank!
Up to 80% of air conditioner and heat pump compressor failures could be eliminated if the problems that led to those failures were corrected. Repairs are expensive ... and the electricity you waste when your system is underperforming is expensive. That\'s why preventive maintenance is money in the bank!

Call Woodfin Now!
We don\'t have to tell you how uncomfortable Richmond area summers are - ensure your cool comfort now with a Precision Cooling Tune-up from the experts at Woodfin. Call us at 804-730-5000 or contact us to schedule yours today.

DID YOU KNOW ...
YOUR PRECISION COOLING TUNE-UP IS INCLUDED IN YOUR AIR CONDITIONING COMFORT PROTECTION PLAN. IF YOU\'RE NOT ENROLLED, CALL 804-730-5000 NOW.

Celebrate Earth Day in Richmond with fun and educational activities.
For more information, click here.

Have You Gotten Your Woodfin Comfort Energy Solutions Review Yet?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:12:13 -0400

Did you know that your home could be wasting some serious energy?

When you call our new Woodfin Comfort Energy Solutions Division for your comprehensive Comfort Energy Solutions Review, you could put a stop to air escaping through cracks in walls, windows and doors; through attics; and up chimneys. And by doing so, you could lower your energy bills and improve your total home comfort for years to come.

During your Comfort Energy Solutions Review visit, which we will schedule at your convenience, we will visually inspect your home and make recommendations as to how you can conserve energy and save money. We will then help identify short- and long-term solutions to remedy any problem areas in your home:

High-efficiency heating and cooling products
Attic and crawlspace insulation and sealing
Air filtration systems
Air purification systems
Sealing home envelope air leaks
Attic radiant barriers
Weather-stripping and window sealing
Humidification and dehumidification
Mold concerns
Water-saving plumbing fixtures
Electrical surge protection
Indoor Air Quality products for dust and allergies
Many other items that help you save on all your utility bills!

To schedule your Woodfin Comfort Energy Solutions Review, please call us today at 804-730-5000 or click here to schedule your appointment online. Any questions or just want to talk about energy savings in general? Our friendly customer service team will be happy to help.

By the way ... did you know you could earn Woodfin Paw Points for any service scheduled as a result of your Woodfin Comfort Energy Solutions Review? For more information on our valuable Woodfin Faithful Friends Customer Rewards Program and Woodfin Paw Points, click here!

Thank you, Richmond, Virginia, for choosing Woodfin!

Presidents' Day Special:

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:58:46 -0500

The History of Air Conditioning in the White House
(and Why You Need a Tune-up at Your House)
In honor of Presidents' Day - and in anticipation of cooling season - we thought we'd present some interesting information about air conditioning in the White House, courtesy of Carrier Corp.

In 1909, President William Howard Taft attempted the installation of a cooling system in the White House. It consisted of electric fans blowing over great bins of ice in the attic and cooling the air, which was forced through the air ducts of the heating system. It never worked and was soon abandoned. It seemed as though the nation's capital would never find a solution to the summer heat.

But in the late 1920s, Washington got its wish thanks to Carrier. In 1928, the Chamber of the House of Representatives was air conditioned. A Carrier indoor weather system was officially inaugurated on the opening of the short session of the U.S. House of Representatives in December 1928. Shortly after, in 1929, the Senate was air conditioned.

In 1930, the West Wing of the White House was reconstructed due to the extensive damage of a Christmas Eve fire in 1929. The reconstruction included a central air conditioning system installed by Carrier. The Executive Office Building and the Department of Commerce also received air conditioning systems that year. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his staff experienced their first warm season at the White House in 1933, air conditioning units were added to the private quarters on the second floor, to no doubt ease the pain of the polio-stricken Commander-in-Chief.

It's Time for You to Be the Chief Executive of Your Comfort!
Cooling season is approaching fast - and you know how uncomfortable it can be without a properly functioning air conditioner in our neck of the woods! That's why you need a Woodfin Precision Tune-up.

Your air conditioner requires annual maintenance to run effectively, cost-efficiently and reliably. You may not realize it, but a neglected air conditioning system loses between 5-10% of its efficiency each year it operates without maintenance - even more when a system is low on refrigerant or has other problems that are routinely spotted during an annual maintenance call. That's why it's so important for you to call us ASAP for your 15-point Precision A/C Tune-up and System Evaluation.

Our tune-up is so much more than the low-cost "cleanings" some of our competitors offer. It is a comprehensive inspection where we inform you about the entire condition of the system, alert you to possible problems and offer you helpful energy conservation advice.

If you are enrolled in Woodfin's A/C Comfort Protection Plan, your tune-up is included - and there are so many other benefits to enrolling:

Worry-free service and appointment scheduling
25% discount on parts and labor on all repairs
Priority emergency service
Complete system allowances when systems are upgraded
Earn valuable Woodfin Paw Points in our Woodfin Faithful Friends Customer Rewards Program

Call 804-730-5000 today for your A/C tune-up appointment or contact us online. For more information on our expert cooling services, click here.

Give Your Sweetheart an Air Conditioner for Valentine's Day

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:06:24 -0500

Valentine's Day is coming. But instead of chocolates or flowers or jewelry, why not give the gift of comfort a new energy-efficient central air conditioner.

Woodfin is the cooling expert in the Richmond, Virginia area. We install and service the top ACs in the business and our customers rave about how much energy and money they save with a new air conditioning system.

New cooling systems have the power to save you energy and money all the more reason for you to upgrade!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, today's central air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

How do you know if an air conditioner has a high efficiency? Look for its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) a number indicating the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. The minimum SEER allowed today is 13. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for central air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater, but consider using air conditioning equipment with higher SEER ratings for greater savings. For instance, the Carrier models we sell have efficiencies as high as 21. We also carry high-efficiency units from American Standard and Amana.

New A/Cs are also more environmentally-friendly. As of 2010, all air conditioners are required to have eco-friendly R410A (Puron) coolant and all R-22 (Freon) coolant, believed to be linked to global warming, has been phased out of production.

3 signs that you may need a new A/C:
1. It isn't producing cool air, even after the filter and coils have been cleaned.
2. It's producing loud noises, especially a squealing or grinding sound.
3. There are pools of water forming outside near the base, which could be a sign of a broken drain tube or condensation pump.

Modern central air conditioners are sophisticated systems integrating ventilation, humidification, dehumidification and indoor air quality and the newest units have sophisticated microprocessor-based controls to regulate these functions. The latest A/Cs are also more compact, whisper-quiet and built for greater durability.

Mini-split ductless air conditioning systems are gaining popularity, especially in homes without ductwork, retrofits and home additions, and for installations in compact spaces. Many homeowners are ditching their ugly window and wall units for these slim, compact systems that can be installed high up on a wall or attached to the ceiling (and look nothing like typical air conditioners).

Call or contact us today we'll help you choose a new cooling system that's right for you!

Woodfin Employees Come Together to Help Their Neighbors in Need

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:02:29 -0500

In an unprecedented show of support, Woodfin team members have donated over $5,000 to help local families enjoy a cozy, comfy, warm winter. Thus far, they've helped four Richmond area families pay their fuel bills.

Jack Woodfin, the company's CEO, has matched his employees' contributions dollar-for-dollar. In addition, WTVR CBS-6 and other local companies donated money toward this very worthy cause.

We salute the kindness and generosity of our amazing team members. Thank you very much!

Woodfin Announces "A Warmer Winter" Winner

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:59:55 -0500

We are pleased to announce the winner of Woodfin's "A Warmer Winter" ... Beth Pritchett and family, from Quinton, Virginia.

Beth Pritchett and Woodfin CEO Jack Woodfin

Woodfin recently teamed up with WTVR CBS-6 to help a needy family in the Richmond area enjoy a warmer winter with a new furnace supplied and installed by Woodfin. Promos for "A Warmer Winter" ran throughout December and January during weather segments with CBS-6's Zach Daniel, Carrie Rose and Mike Stone. We asked for nominations through this website, and the winner was announced during WTVR's January 18th newscast.

Thank you for your nominations - and for helping the Pritchett family enjoy "A Warmer Winter."

Go Paperless in 2012!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:25:59 -0500

A very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 from all of us at Woodfin.

One of the newest things that's happening this year is our new paperless billing feature on askwoodfin.com. It's another terrific way to go green - and as you'll read in this issue, there are many different ways to go green!

Paperless billing means you'll have access to your bills online and you'll be notified by email when they are ready. And when you sign up for paperless billing, you'll receive exclusive monthly offers from Woodfin.

Give it a try! Access our new payment portal at payments.askwoodfin.com. To enroll, all you need is your latest statement. Don't worry, you'll find complete information about paperless billing and answers to frequently asked questions on our payment portal.

By the way, Woodfin's Online Payment Center is completely safe and secure. Our number one priority is protecting your information. Over the years, Woodfin has embraced new technologies like paperless billing in order to serve our customers better. From our first Apple II Plus (remember those?) ... to the fax machine nobody thought was necessary in 1983 ... to the computers you'll find today on all our oil and service trucks, we've come a long way.

Again, have a wonderful 2012, and thank you for your loyalty!

Happy Holidays from Woodfin!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:02:01 -0500

We want to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a joyous holiday and a happy, healthy, prosperous new year.

Whether you\'ve been our customer for many years or just a few weeks, we value your business. The reason behind our success as a comfort leader in central Virginia for over 30 years is simple: loyal customers like you. Thank you!

As 2012 quickly approaches, we rededicate ourselves to our mission of providing outstanding comfort and related services. We know you have many choices - but you\'ve told us you\'ve remained our steadfast customer because of the Woodfin Home Team Difference: friendly people ... high-quality products ... and prompt, dependable, full service.

The Woodfin Home Team Difference also means personal service from a family-owned business. We\'re not a large, impersonal entity - and we like it that way. As we like to say, we\'re \"Your #1 Faithful Friend\" for all your comfort needs.

Again, thank you for your patronage, and we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a warm and wonderful winter.

Woodfin Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:37:37 -0500

Award reflects businesses' consistently high level of customer service

Woodfin has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie's List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

"Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie's List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar," said Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. "The fact that Woodfin can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers."

Angie's List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie's List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie's List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Please visit Woodfin at www.AskWoodfin.com, on Facebook www.facebook.com/WoodfinHomeTeam or call 804-730-5000. We look forward to hearing from you.

Angie's List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie's List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie's List magazine and help from the Angie's List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie's List and view the latest Angie's List news.