During the two day presentation, Home Comfort Specialists from IES were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice on how to get your home ready for the long, cold winter months ahead.

In April 2000 Rick decided to leave his 11-year position as Service Inspector at Union Energy (formerly Union Gas) to start up a Residential Plumbing and Heating business. With the support of his wife, Jody (nee Connors), Rick worked from the basement of his home in Valley East with 2-5 employees.

In 2001, Rick bid on his first Commercial job at the Club D’Age D’Or in Hanmer. The Board of Directors was pleased with his presentation and awarded him the job. This large renovation quickly grew into a large mechanical project and allowed Rick to increase his workforce. The experience was a success and helped set the foundation to pursue work in the commercial market.   In September 2004 Rick relocated the business to the Valley East Industrial Park at 2869 White Street where Independent Energy Services, provides Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning equipment and services to both the Residential and Commercial markets.

Rick makes it very clear that he is in this business for the long term. “I believe that I have formed a sound foundation for this business and, I intend to pass it on to my sons, Justin and Joel. I am hopeful that it will be passed on for generations and that it will continue to employ and support many families within the Sudbury region as well as continue to serve our customers’ needs”.

Rick and Jody used the event to introduce the community to their team of professional “Home Comfort Consultants”. 

"An educated consumer makes wise choices," indicated Rod O'Grady, Sales Manager of Independent Energy Services.

Rod especially enjoys demonstrating new products and technology to home owners who stop by to visit their corporate public exhibit. According to Rod, everyone was very interested in the TRANE CleanEffects air filtration system which uses a special technique to "electronically charge" air-borne particles in order to trap them as they pass through the cold-air return in your furnace. "This is a new product by TRANE that will filter up to 99.98% of air-borne mold spores, allergens and other particles that are known to create problems for people with respiratory conditions," explained Rod. "As the particles flow through the filter they are given an electrical charge, which then allows them to be trapped inside the system. The air that goes on to the furnace and then into the house is 99.98% particle free. With so many people complaining about allergies today, this system will go a long way to providing them with added comfort and an improved quality of life."

Rod O’Grady, shown in the photo on the right, found that many people were equally impressed with information about the TRANE XR Series Air Conditioners which are built with a Duro-Tuff basepan and a state-of-the-art Spine Fin Coil. Homeowners are surprised to find out that it is really not very expensive to install a central air conditioning system in existing homes. According to Rod, most new homes being built today come with central air already installed. 

If you didn't have a chance to meet with the Independent Energy Services Team during the display at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, then you may want to explore their new web site to find out more about the company and the products they carry. You'll find out what is meant by “clean air, the best air and, Total Home Comfort - the Independent Way with Trane products.  “At Independent Energy, we are committed to building customer relationships and providing customers with the best HVAC systems and the most value — value through technical expertise and quality Trane products. Remember, “It’s hard to stop a Trane!”