Dine at T9

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taqueria nueve

“Anyone know a good HVAC professional that would enjoy trading some expertise for delicious tacos and margaritas?”

Back in July, on a particularly hot night, the air conditioning unit at Portland’s Taqueria Nueve decided to give out. It was Saturday night and the customers were sweating alongside their margaritas- the owners were forced to shut their doors early, and they needed help quick. They reached out on Facebook, asking their friends and followers “Anyone know a good HVAC professional that would enjoy trading some expertise for delicious tacos and margaritas?” Julie, who was hip to the fact that “T9” (as the cool kids call it) pumps out some delicious fare, jumped right on the opportunity and messaged them Rick’s cell phone number. They gave Rick a call and he went out there Sunday morning, having the AC unit up and running before the taco hungry crowds rolled in, oblivious to the whole debacle. Read more

Gas Fireplaces: Better For the Environment and More Efficient

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gas fireplacesGas fireplaces get a bad rap. Some people like the idea of the snap crackle and pop of a real wood burning fireplace, the nostalgia of it all. The idea of a gas fireplace might sound wasteful or frivolous to some. But, what if I told you that gas fireplaces are actually much better for the environment, and that they are up to eight times more efficient than the standard wood burning fireplace? It’s true. The folks at Northwest Natural Gas offer some information on their website about the advantages of using gas fireplaces, and I’d love to share it with you here: Read more

Save Money- Do a Little Research

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A few minutes of research could end up saving you big money on your next HVAC purchase- a great way to get started is by checking out www.dsireusa.org. This helpful website, called DSIRE, is an acronym for Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, and it’s funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s clear and easy to use; just select the state you live in on the map shown and you will be sent directly to a comprehensive and current list of financial incentives that you could be eligible for.

If you’re shopping around for a new heating or cooling system, another great way to find out about rebates and CashBack programs is to check out your equipment manufacturer’s website. For instance, Rheem has a rebate center on their website, which helps you easily navigate local and federal tax credit information.

Also- don’t forget to check out the website for your utility company. Most utility companies have incentives and rebate information on pamphlets they send you with your monthly bill, as well as online information. PG&E has a great resource on their website under Renewables & Efficiency, which makes it easy to read up on local home and business energy savings opportunities.

We hope this is helpful! Feel free to call us or email us with any questions; we want to point you in the right direction so you can feel good about your next HVAC purchase!

DAMAR’s Grape Escape

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wine tasting

Two weeks ago, Julie and Rick Wiggins of DAMAR Heating partook in what they describe to be one of the most unique wine tasting experiences they have had in Pacific Northwest. Mike and Kristy Thayer of Pete’s Mountain Vineyard opened up their tasting room to welcome Rick, Julie, and five other people to sample an array of their wines, some of which were made using grapes grown right on their gorgeous 20 acre estate. What made this experience so unique was the level of hospitality imbued by Mike and Kristy, as they welcomed their guests with the warmth and kindness of good friends. Read more

Portland Beer Champ Lucky Labrador Brewing Turns 20

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beer, lucky labrador, portland, heating, anniversary

Old buddies Rick Wiggins, owner of DAMAR Heating, Inc. and Gary Geist, co-owner of Lucky Labrador, go way back- they met through an acquaintance 15 years ago when Gary and his partners were opening up a second location in Multnomah Village. Rick designed and constructed the HVAC system in that building, which was converted from an old masonic temple into a gorgeous neighborhood staple that draws a large human and K-9 crowd year round. Lucky Lab now has two breweries and four pubs throughout Portland, and DAMAR Heating, Inc. continues to update and maintain all of their HVAC systems. Read more

Expose Yourself To Ductwork! Exposed Ducts as a Design Element

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ductwork

Ductwork: not just to be seen from your attic anymore. Spice things up with exposed ducts.

Let’s talk about Ductwork.

What if, instead of thinking about ductwork as an ugly metal tubing system necessary to get air from one part of your home to another, you thought of it as a wonderfully practical design element? A statement piece, with a purpose. Could it be that ductwork can actually add style to your home- beautifully complimenting that new gas range you just installed in your kitchen, or providing a sexy, modern aesthetic to your revamped bedroom? We say, heck yes! The times, they are a-changin’. Read more