Business Spotlight: Harry's Heat Pumps

When you’ve had enough of soaring energy bills and are considering a highly efficient heating and cooling pump, there are many reasons to choose Harry’s Heat Pumps of Windham.

Based in Windham, Harry's Heat Pumps can
help save home and business owners money
through efficient heating and cooling systems.
The company specializes in installation,
service and maintenance and is a family
business. COURTESY PHOTO

Harry Wood has lived in Windham his entire life and has owned and operated Harry’s Heat Pumps for more than four years and has racked up a decade of expertise and experience in the industry. Besides that, choosing Harry’s Heat Pumps strengthens community resilience, uplifts the local economy, and paves the way for a more sustainable future. As a Windham resident, he also understands how important it is to save money on heating and cooling throughout the year.

“We offer a year-round product and provide exceptional customer service because we live locally and are aware of how costly it is to heat and cool a home,” Wood said. “We specialize in keeping you and your family comfortable year-round whether it’s in one room or the whole house.”

Based in Windham, Harry’s Heat Pumps sells heating and cooling pumps, installs them, performs service repairs, cleanings and all associated preventative maintenance.

Because his business is small and local, the response time for Harry’s Heat Pumps is quicker than the larger companies and is a highly affordable option to help community residents to save money.

“I’m the local guy you can call who will provide exceptional customer service and get it done right the first time,” Wood said. “We’re a family- oriented company.”

According to Wood, heat pumps use electricity to pull heat out of the air. In winter, they pull warmer air inside to heat your home while in the summer, it acts like an air conditioner, moving warm air out while circulating cooler air inside. When you’ve had enough of soaring energy bills and are considering a highly efficient heating and cooling pump, there are many reasons to choose Harry’s Heat Pumps of Windham.

Harry Wood has lived in Windham his entire life and has owned and operated Harry’s Heat Pumps for more than four years and has racked up a decade of expertise and experience in the industry. Besides that, choosing Harry’s Heat Pumps strengthens community resilience, uplifts the local economy, and paves the way for a more sustainable future. As a Windham resident, he also understands how important it is to save money on heating and cooling throughout the year.

“We offer a year-round product and provide exceptional customer service because we live locally and are aware of how costly it is to heat and cool a home,” Wood said. “We specialize in keeping you and your family comfortable year-round whether it’s in one room or the whole house.”

Based in Windham, Harry’s Heat Pumps sells heating and cooling pumps, installs them, performs service repairs, cleanings and all associated preventative maintenance.

Because his business is small and local, the response time for Harry’s Heat Pumps is quicker than the larger companies and is a highly affordable option to help community residents to save money.

“I’m the local guy you can call who will provide exceptional customer service and get it done right the first time,” Wood said. “We’re a family- oriented company.”

According to Wood, heat pumps use electricity to pull heat out of the air. In winter, they pull warmer air ins

He said heat pumps are very quiet and help improve air quality by filtering the air and dehumidifying a home.

“Air quality can be a key component for optimum health and prevention of illness,” Wood said. “Because a heating and cooling pump uses no fossil fuels, it is eco-friendly by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere while saving a bundle on heating and cooling costs.”

Heating and cooling pumps require little maintenance and that can add up to substantial savings which can be used for other projects by homeowners, Wood said. “Right now rebates are running between $4,000 and $8,000.”

“The primary advantage of installing a heat pump is that it’s one of the lowest cost sources of heat and that when installed with multiple indoor units, heat pumps allow for room-by-room temperature control,” he said. “They are safe because heat pumps are electrically powered and there is no risk of combustion gas leaks. Many people have the misconception that the electricity consumption cost with a heat pump is higher, but in reality, are very efficient and also help dehumidify and cool homes in the summer.”

When compared to larger companies, Harry’s Heat Pumps is highly competitive in its pricing.

“We have much lower overhead allowing us to offer significant savings,” he said. “And heat pumps also typically provide 250 to 300 percent efficiency when compared to oil prices.”

Online reviews for Harry’s Heat Pumps are extraordinary.

“Harry runs an awesome operation. He is responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. He and his team showed up, treated the workspace as if it was their own house, knocked out the work expediently and with high quality. He communicated well throughout, and he (and his team) took pride in their work. All this great service plus the pricing was phenomenal. Highly recommend.” Matt Reichel

“My experience with Harry was by FAR the best I've had with any tradesman in years. Polite, professional, on time, responsive, answered all my questions and then some. A great guy! You cannot go wrong with Harry's Heat Pumps.” Fern Oates

“Harry was great to deal with. He diagnosed the problem with my old system, recommended a solution, and got it done in a timely manner. Attention to detail was top notch, he was punctual, and communication was great. I am very happy and recommend using Harry's Heat Pumps.” Drew MacVane

Harry’s Heat Pumps is insured, licensed, fully certified to work on heating and cooling pump systems and they are a registered vendor with efficiency Maine.

The company is currently booking for the summer season. Find Harry’s Heat Pumps online at https://www.harrysheatpumps.com/ or on Facebook, Instagram and Google or call 207-310-3473 for Harry’s Heat Pumps. <

Business Spotlight: Maine Community Solar

It may sound like a concept directly from the future, but community solar farms are generating power and sharing it for residences and businesses alike and reducing electric bills in the process. Based in Portland, Maine Community Solar educates consumers about the benefits of community solar programs and helps them enroll in one that’s right for them. Locally owned and operated, Maine Community Solar envisions a sustainable future by making the state a leader in sustainability and renewable energy.

Maine Community Solar employees are active in the 
community, such as recently volunteering to serve a meal
at a Preble street homeless shelter in Portland. The company
educates consumers about the benefits of community solar
programs and helps them enroll in one that's right for them.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

A solar farm is a collection of photovoltaic solar panels that absorb energy from the sun, convert it into electricity and send that electricity to the power grid for distribution and consumption by customers like you. Community solar farms are mounted to the ground instead of rooftop panels and come in all shapes and sizes.

“Maine created a free community solar program for residents to promote locally produced renewable energy and to offset the costs of this transition and other electricity cost increases for Mainers,” said Tony Napolitano, the owner and founder of Maine Community Solar. “Most people don't know this program exists to benefit them, are misinformed, or don't understand how it works. We are here to educate people and help them participate.”

According to Napolitano, services provided by Maine Community Solar are free.

“What we do is help customers understand Maine's community solar program and join a local solar farm so they can support local renewable energy and save on their electricity bill,” he said.

The company serves the entire state of Maine and all customers that pay an electric bill with CMP or Versant.

Napolitano said the best aspect of his work with Maine Community Solar is having an opportunity to assist everyday people understand renewable energy while helping protect the planet in the process.

He has worked in green building and renewable energy for 20-plus years. He grew up in Maine and attended Portland High School. He launched his own marketing company, Roundhouse Media, in 2010 and founded Maine Community Solar on Jan. 1, 2021.

“When I learned about community solar and the fact that anyone could benefit from renewable energy with no upfront costs, long-term commitment or other barriers to entry, I thought it was a game changer,” Napolitano said. “I signed up for a local solar farm right away and made it my mission to spread the word as far and wide as possible.”

Significant savings for Maine consumers is the foundation of Maine Community Solar’s success.

“A Mainer that pays an average electric utility bill can save more than $22 per month or $250 per year on their electricity costs, or about 15 percent,” Napolitano said. “Many people can save more. We've helped hundreds of Maine businesses and thousands of Mainers join a local solar farm. Customers we helped in 2023 will account for more than 80,000,000 kwh of locally-produced, renewable energy powering Maine homes and businesses. We focus on doing the right thing and the right way. If you put customers first, the success takes care of itself.”

Well respected for taking an educational, community-based approach to advocating for renewable energy and its benefits, reviews posted online for Maine Community Solar are exceptional.

“I don’t usually write reviews, but: Maine Community Solar! Everyone should be doing this. I had been meaning to make the change to solar energy for a while but kept pushing it off. A gal named Sydney followed up with me a few times and I’m so glad she did. The signup is super easy (you use your log in information with your existing electricity supplier, which couldn’t be simpler!). I’m not super tech savvy, but Sydney walked me through every step to make sure we got it right. You save money, support the growth of local solar farms, and basically don’t have to do a thing in the process. Do it!” – Emily Smith

“Great experience signing up with Maine Community Solar. Very professional, helpful, and responsive. The agent was personable and really aided me through the process. Excited to save 15 percent on my CMP bill.” – Bill Nalls

“I tried to sign up for solar electricity and kept hitting roadblocks. Maine Community Solar made it easy.” – Susan Hall

To arrange a meeting with one of Maine Community Solar’s Education Specialists to learn more about what they can do for you and how they can help you start saving through community solar, call 207-888-3670 or visit them online at https://mainecommunitysolar.org/save-15-on-your-electric-bill-with-community-solar/. You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/mainecommunitysolar207. Sign up now and receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for helping to create a sustainable Maine. <

Business Spotlight: The Whitening Lab Co.

Exceptional care, affordability and giving confident smiles to patients is what The Whitening Lab. Co. in Gray provides and along with offering jewelry, pottery, beauty and aesthetic services, the business is rapidly developing a reputation as the place of choice in New England for professional teeth whitening.

Located at 19 Main St., Suite 1 in Gray, The Whitening Lab Co. was opened in June by Tabatha Post and Courtney Carll, both of whom are highly experienced in the dental field.

“After 30 years in the dental field, we felt that the patient experience was significantly declining and something had to change,” Post said. “From the minute you walk into The Whitening Lab to the second you leave we want our clients to be our main priority and not a production quota.”

According Carll, a visit to The Whitening Lab is highly affordable with significant savings realized over conventional dental practices, and convenient appointments.

The Whitening Lab Co. offer professional teeth whitening, dental jewelry (popularly known as tooth gems) and its newest launch, a “Confidence at Home Whitening Kit,” where clients can now take their whitening beyond the studio.

“We take pride in our experience from start to finish, making our clients truly feel comfortable, educating them on how to maintain and care for their teeth, and leaving with confidence in their smile,” Carll said. “We have expanded in offering services from Aestheticians Tanasia Street and Tanya Herald, the owners of Eden Spa Aesthetics. We additionally offer a retail side of The Whitening Lab which features only local artisans, from handmade jewelry from the co-owner Tabatha to paintings from Nancy Polito, homewares from Fern and Fiddle, pottery from For the Love of Clay, handmade cards from Bolster Mills, and bath and body products from Lakehouse Lavender.”

To provide the best in aesthetic services, The Whitening Lab Co. has partnered with Eden Spa Aesthetics, which also has an office in Standish.

“We are a medical spa that specializes in Botulinum toxin injections multi-area, dermal fillers multi-area, micro-needling procedures with Skin Pen and Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP injections for restorative care, neck rejuvenation, and Eden was the first spa in the state to offer Geneo Oxygen facials which offer a high level of flexibility with patients’ skin care needs,” Street said.

Herald and Street visit The Whitening Lab Co. every Thursday and are both aestheticians and Registered Nurses which is necessary for injections. They have more than 30 years combined nursing experience and three-plus years of experience in aesthetics.

“We hold two things in the ultimate regard,” Street said. “First is our integrity. We pride ourselves on informing you of your decisions and making you feel at ease. We want you comfortable in mind and body during your treatments and we believe that that begins with you fully understanding your procedure. We do our utmost to keep you physically comfortable, but we believe that relaxation begins with information.”

She said that secondly, they understand that people can be very self-critical when it comes to impressions of self.

“We want you to see in yourself what we see. We know that people that come to sit in our chairs are perceiving something of themselves that is ‘bothersome’ to them,” Street said. “Sometimes that is all that it is … a perception. We tend to talk our patients out of more things than we talk them into in regard to aesthetics. We want you to leave seeing the person that others see and releasing some of that self-criticism with the least amount of investment possible.”

Staying up on current trends is what truly sets The Whitening Lab Co. and Eden Spa Aesthetics apart from competitors.

Post said everyone who walks through the door of The Whitening Lab Co. can expect five things.

"We want to provide authenticity, honesty, transparency, exceptional client service and a fun experience for everyone,” she said.

For more details about The Whitening Lab Co. visit their website at www.thewhiteninglabco.com Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Thewhiteninglabco  To book an appointment, call The Whitening Lab Co. at 207-200-6494.

For more information or to book an appointment with Eden Spa Aesthetics, call 207-200-7010 or visit them online at www.edenspamaine.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/edenspamaine <

Business Spotlight: The Lender Lady

There’s a good reason why Haley McGovern of Northstar Mortgage is known as “The Lender Lady” and it’s evident with every person that she helps to purchase a home. From the very first phone call or meeting, Haley makes it clear that her first and foremost priority is working on their behalf no matter what needs to be done or the time that’s involved to help them get into their new residence at the best possible rate. 

Haley spends a great deal of time at her office located at 625 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. Her availability doesn't stop when she heads home for the day. Haley is available around the clock when customers seek to purchase or refinance a home.

With the expertise and resources necessary to save her clients thousands, Haley’s reputation has grown as someone who is resourceful and truly understands how important the purchase or refinance of a home can be for individuals and families.

“I am local, you can come into my office anytime. I am a think outside the box kind of person and work with lenders who also think outside the box,” she said. “We can match someone with a mortgage suited for their specific needs. I work with the number one lender in the U.S., offering competitive prices and fees for customers. They say the average savings per homeowner per year is $3,700 working with me.” 

According to Haley, the key to her success with her customers remains the ability to build a solid relationship with them. 

“It’s all about strong relationships and being available,” she said. “I care a lot and I want to see people get into homes. I’m flexible and I’m local and I realize that everyone is different and that everyone has different needs and financial situations.”     

She goes out of her way to help make the process of buying a home or refinancing as easy as possible.

“If someone cannot get pre-approved up front, I work with them to make sure they know the necessary steps to get where they want to be,” Haley said.

Haley offers exceptional and personalized customer service with closings in just 30 days or less.

Her devotion to her customers has led to many outstanding reviews for “The Lender Lady.”

Haley McGovern

“I have 18 Five-Star reviews on Google in about seven months since I first launched my business page,” McGovern said. “I am all about making the experience as stress-free as possible.”

Those glowing reviews reflect the genuine admiration customers have for McGovern’s work.

“Haley was great to work with. She was super helpful and explained the mortgage process step by step,” said Jordan Boucher. “She responded in a timely manner and was always reachable by phone or email. I would highly recommend Haley to anyone about to go through the mortgage process.” 

David Hall said working with Haley was an awesome experience.

“She talks with you in person. No button pushing,” he said. “She is available in person, very knowledgeable and always makes time out of a busy day for you. She saved me a load of money. Not my first rodeo. If you’re not dealing with Haley, you’re missing out.”

Haley said that she’s constantly studying current trends in the mortgage industry that will help her customers save money.

“This brings me to Reverse Mortgages where elder people are struggling right now due to high inflation. I have been getting a lot of calls from the community wanting to pull out equity in their home to live a better, more stress-free retirement,” she said. “Reverse mortgage loans allow homeowners to convert their home equity into cash income with no monthly mortgage payments.

For more information or to reach “The Lender Lady” Haley McGovern, visit thelenderlady.org or call 207-653-9107. <

Business Spotlight: Dave's World

Summer may not usually be associated with thinking about winter heating costs, but there’s never been a better time for home and business owners to consider investing in a highly efficient dual-purpose heating and cooling pump from the experts at Dave’s World with great rebate opportunities available.

With Maine locations in Windham, Scarborough, Dover-Foxcroft, and Ellsworth, Dave’s World is committed to providing only the finest high-quality products and legendary customer service after the sale. Offering more than 40 years of experience and knowledge of the products they sell and maintain, Dave’s World has become the largest residential heat pump installer in the United States and remains a trusted leader in the field of heating technology.

“We’ve been in business since the 80’s and have 60 employees and growing,” said Matt Scott, Dave’s World vice-president. “The best thing we offer is peace of mind. We’re really good at electronics and can fix any issue that arises with a heat pump. Our reach is tremendous and extends from Jackman to Calais to Ellsworth to Kittery and we have a dedicated sales team at each store that truly cares about customer service.”

Scott said that Dave’s World specializes in ductless heat pump systems that are energy and environmentally efficient and supply long range heating and cooling solutions tailored to fit customer needs. The company sells state-of-the-art hyper-pump brands such as Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, LG and Haier and their own brand, Osem.

According to Scott, a heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from one place and transfers it to another, similar to the technology used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The heat pump cycle is fully reversible and can used to warm homes in the winter and cool them in summer.

Heat pump systems deliver quiet and reliable comfort throughout the year at substantial savings over wood, pellet, oil, and propane systems. They are a smart, energy-efficient alternative that take the place of both furnace and air conditioning units and offer unbeatable efficiency and an environmentally friendly upgrade to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The process begins with a simple and convenient consultation in your home with a Dave’s World sales team member. A written estimate is developed on the spot based upon the size of structure to be heated and your desired budget. All heat pump systems come with a full 12-year warranty and a one-year workmanship guarantee and financing for systems is also available.

“We offer the total package and the best value in the business,” Scott said. “We use top-notch installers and stay up to date on cutting-edge technology to better serve our customers.”

He said during the installation process, Dave’s World handles all mechanical and electrical permits needed to add a heat pump, so all customers have to do is sit back and enjoy the savings they will experience.

“They are most gentle on the environment because they are electrical,” Scott said. “From no other heating source can you get above 100 percent efficiency, yet heat pumps offer 300 percent efficiency. Every single BTU is used.”

By regulating the climate inside homes and businesses, heat pumps also promote health and improved quality of life by eliminating buildups of condensation, mites, mildew, and airborne spores through the circulation of clean and dry air to breathe.     

Because the company has been in business for four decades, customers can rely on Dave’s World for practical and honest guidance about heating solutions or repair costs.

“Our customers are not guinea pigs,” Scott said. “We’re very seasoned and we know the best products to use with every structure. And one of the most important things we’ve found through the years we’ve been doing this is that service after the sale really matters.”

Costs to operate a properly sized heat pump are about one third of those of a conventional heating and cooling system and lead to huge savings for home and business owners in the long run, Scott said. 

Because Dave’s World is a family business, Scott said that each and every employee can relate to concerns and questions customers may have.

“We’re small town people and treat everyone like family,” he said. “We keep the same pricing no matter who you are and care about everyone we work with. We believe in sharing our expertise and industry knowledge with all of our customers to help them make informed decisions that meet their unique needs.”

In Windham, Dave’s World is at 359 Roosevelt Trail and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturdays. 

For more information, call 207-523-9414 or visit davesworld.com.   <