Being in the Air-Conditioning and Heating business, we take safety very seriously. Here we have our technicians attending their annual Right-to-Know training. Also updating their training on the safe use of ladders and personal protective equipment. Safety comes first at Owens Companies, protecting not only our technicians but also our customers.
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Just announced, the Department of Energy will not enforce the Regional Furnace Standards that would have required home owners install non condensing residential gas furnaces of at least 90% AFUE (efficiency).
While Owens Companies still recommends higher efficient furnaces, we understand they can come with a higher and in some cases almost prohibitive cost. So we agree with and are happy with this recent development. We will continue to update our customers and friends, as this process continues to evolve this year, through our Owens Companies blog, Facebook, Twitter, and hey, even the old fashioned way-in person.
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We still need the court to approve vacating this requirement. Suggested today that ruling may not happen until March 1. Until that time and until the court agrees, the requirement for nothing less than 90% efficient furnaces stands.
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Pending any further challenges as well as acceptance by the court, the proposed Regional Standards that was to take effect May 1, 2013, requiring nothing less than 90% furnaces be installed in the Northern Region has been “vacated”. Homeowners replacing and upgrading their home furnace and air-conditioning systems still have all options
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This past Saturday, Owens Companies’ technicians were part of the 26 annual Heats On program in the Twin Cities. The technicians inspect, clean, and service the heating systems for the elderly and disadvantaged. Ironically, we were almost a day late and a dollar short for one homeowner. We learned today the reason they were not in their home for the scheduled appointment was because they had gone to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, they are all right and we expect to service their system tomorrow. We will also be sure that they have the proper carbon monoxide detectors. Not only do homeowners need a good working carbon monoxide detector, they also should have a low-level device. Detectors purchased at hardware stores normally only alarm at 77 ppm. This is much too high, particularly for elderly, those with immune this deficiencies, and young children. Owens companies provides a carbon monoxide detector that will alarm as low as 5 ppm. Every home should have one
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We are pleased to recognize Jen Stub as our Employee of the Year. Jen started with the company in the Home Comfort Division and has since moved into the ever demanding and larger Building Services Division. With the number of technicians, accounts and volume of work, Jen is in constant motion.
As one nomination read, ” Jen is reliable, dedicated, and easy to work with. She has a thousand details to juggle with techs, work orders, accounting, customers and the computer, and she does it with a smile on her face”. Congratulations to Jen Stub.
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We are proud to recognize Margie Oxborough as our Sales Person of the Year. Margie started with Owens in 1984 as our receptionist, from there moved to Customer Service, then Project Coordinator and finally her current position as a Technical Services Representative in 1990. This is her fourth time to receive this annual recognition.
Margie manages numerous accounts and is always there to help her customers. Whether it is helping with their mechanical budgeting, a simple repair or a major retrofit, Margie does it all.
We are happy for Margie and all of her accomplishments over all these years. She is a testament to the ability to make a career at Owens Companies.
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Proud to be recognized as an Energy Efficiency Partner for 2012, recognizing our efforts to help the environment by implementing and promoting energy-efficiency improvements.
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The cost of R-22 refrigerant is going through the roof! See attachedR22 Refrigerant 020712
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In just the last day, I have received over a dozen Google Alerts about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Please homeowners be sure you have functioning CO monitors in your home. If you have young or old or anyone with compromised immune systems living in the home, we highly recommend a low level monitor. Call Owens Companies for details 952.854.3800
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