Advantages of a Whole House Dehumidifier

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Dehumidifiers
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The best option to control the humidity levels in your home during the cooling season is a whole house dehumidifier. When your air conditioner cools your home, it also helps dehumidify the air but only when your air conditioner is actually running. However, in humid areas even a central air conditioner cannot keep up with the humidity. This could be especially important when the temperature is relatively mild but the humidity is high, because the air conditioner unit doesn’t run long enough to remove the humidity from the indoor air. Conversely, a whole house dehumidifier also works when the air conditioner is off, continuing to improve your indoor comfort.

The extra moisture in your home, if the humidity is too high for too long, can actually cause water damage to your ceilings, walls, flooring and furniture. Of course, all that moisture can have a “hot-house” effect in allowing and, indeed, promoting the growth of household allergens like dust mites, mildew and mold. This can be prevented by maintaining the indoor humidity of your home at an ideal level. Drier air will also reduce condensation on the inside of your windows.

Best of all, the humidity in your entire home can be controlled by just a singular unit that is also hidden from view. You’d use much more energy installing multiple portable dehumidifiers throughout your home. Additionally, you will save on energy costs because with moderate controlled humidity, your house will actually feel cooler at higher temperatures. With a whole house dehumidifier, keeping cool in the summer months is much easier and more cost efficient.  Consult your local HVAC professional to have your whole house humidifier installed inside your air handler to operate automatically.

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Converting Appliances From LP to Natural Gas

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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In the past, appliances could be converted from propane to natural gas. However, today’s appliances are manufactured specifically to be used with only one type of fuel. They are purposely engineered to not be convertible. This has resulted primarily because of individual home consumers who believed that simply changing out the orifice of the appliance was enough to convert, at great personal risk to their safety and the structure of their home.

In addition to the orifices, other factors need to be addressed in a gas conversion. Appliances are “converted” by changing the internal parts to coincide with the different pressures of different gases. The appliance regulators (which control the amount of pressure under which gas is released) and burners may possibly need replacement. There may also be a need for new venting. For some appliances, gas conversion kits are available; however, the conversion should still be handled by gas appliance professionals, who will ensure that all the necessary adjustments have been made prior to actually operating converted appliance.

Regardless of the gas preferred, both propane and natural gas vapors can be dangerous and tremendously explosive. Your home should periodically be inspected for gas leaks. Gas fired appliances can also have problems with carbon monoxide or improper combustion. An inspector will look for clues, such as size of pilot flame, to make sure that there is a correct ratio of air to gas. Given the potential volatility of making such a conversion, it should be performed only by a licensed technician. If you are considering a conversion, please contact your local HVAC contractor to help clarify all of your questions and concerns.

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Tips for Finding an HVAC Contractor in a New City

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Choosing an HVAC Contractor
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The first major tip for finding an HVAC contractor in a new city may be found in your new home. Whether you’ve purchased a new or previously owned home, there is a record of who has serviced that home in the past, or, at the very least, who installed the system. The technician who installed the system will know more than anyone how to keep it running. If you are looking to install a new system, you may wish to ask your new neighbors for their recommendations. They have probably lived in that area for some time and would be familiar with the area’s reputable local HVAC contractors.

Another good tip is that you may wish to get several estimates for comparison for both HVAC system service and installation. Make sure any estimates include the cost of possibly replacing ductwork, adding a programmable thermostat or hidden fees for a service contract. In addition to cost, you may wish to see what types of units are their specialty. This will allow you to have more of an idea of what you are looking at for the size of your home or the efficiency rating you desire.

Of course, most of this information can be found today by searching the Internet for certified, licensed, service companies in your specific location. Some sites may even provide access to ratings provided by former customers. Your local general contractors will certainly know the HVAC industry in your area and can provide some direction. However, nothing builds confidence like a personal recommendation of first-rate service. Listen to your neighbors, and start your search with the local HVAC professional who receives their highest praise.

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Why You Need to Change Furnace Filters in the Summer

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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At first glance, the words “furnace” and “summer” just seem incongruent; they don’t go together!  Why worry about changing your furnace filter in the summer? Because, most of today’s HVAC systems consist of ducting through which your furnace’s forced-heated air flows and your central air conditioning flows, in addition to an air exchange system that literally exchanges (in/out) the air of your home. Most of us just naturally tend to be fairly cognizant of changing that filter in the winter, but think of it less often, if at all, during the summer months.

Since all of the air that you breathe in your home flows through the furnace filter, it is extremely important that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. The same HVAC system that moves air throughout your home during the winter, will be moving the  air throughout your home in the summer. Your air filter has an affect on the quality of  your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. Your filter can become clogged as it collects dust, pet dander, pollen, etc., making it more difficult for air to get through. It can cause the fans to work harder, thereby increasing your energy bill.  Frequent filter changes will help to increase the lifespan of your entire HVAC system.

So, yes, your furnace filter needs to be changed even in the summer. Don’t let dirty filters hinder the work of your HVAC system or harm your indoor air quality, regardless of the season. Anytime you need maintenance or repairs, make sure to call your local HVAC professional who can ensure the proper functioning of your ventilating system all year long.

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Why Schedule Your Air Conditioning Checkup in the Spring?

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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To give your HVAC contractor a break? No! Seriously, many have made the mistake of waiting until the scorching heat of summer to make that call to schedule a checkup of the AC, only to find that the waiting list is long. Furthermore, too often, a spring checkup is entirely overlooked until the AC system fails to cool or some other problem becomes apparent (again, it’s usually on the first very hot day of summer).

Oh, how much better is it to be proactive, prepared for the eventual onslaught of heat and humidity, knowing you can relax in the comfort and security of your tuned up AC. There are many things that can need repair or replacement, rendering your air conditioning less efficient. A significant percentage of your cooling efficiency can result from small seemingly insignificant wear and tear, such as worn fan belts or damaged insulation. A simple blocked filter can place extra strain on your motor. Keeping your air conditioning system running at peak performance will extend its life, save on utility bills and prevent potential future problems.

Your local professional HVAC contractor will check that your air conditioning unit is fully functional and ready to operate at peak efficiency when the heat of summer arrives. They will ensure that your entire coolant line is properly insulated, straighten all coil fins that may be bent, to allow proper air distribution and that make sure that nothing is obstructing air flow. To lower your energy bill and make your home a cool oasis from the summer sun, call  your local heating and air conditioning contractor and arrange for your HVAC system service in the spring!

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Advantages of Central Air Conditioning Over Room Units

April 10th, 2013 Posted in Central Air Conditioning
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A room air conditioner, which most commonly fits into a window, is called a “room” unit because it really isn’t capable of cooling much more than that. It typically plugs into a standard electrical outlet and doesn’t require special wiring or professional services. A room air conditioner cools hot air pulled in from the outside and blows it into the room with a fan. If you purchase a unit that is too small for the room you want to cool, it will run continuously while increasing your utility bill without making you feel much cooler. However, if the space is too small for the size of the room air conditioning unit, it will cool but inefficiently, with a build-up of humidity. As you can see, getting the right size of unit for your room is critical to your comfort and cost.

Conversely, a central air conditioner actually cools the air outside, bringing it into each room of your house at once, through a ductwork system that returns the air for cooling again. This usually works with a forced-air furnace and its related ducting. Central air units are practically maintenance-free once they are installed. They are quiet, effective and energy efficient, so, ultimately, they can save you money. Programmable thermostats can also help to save costs on utility cooling bills. 

A few hundred dollars will get you a room air conditioner but installing a central air system will cost you thousands. Of course, the type of air conditioning you should choose would depend on your individual situation. If you already own your own home with an existing forced-air furnace and ductwork, now may just be the best time for you to call your local HVAC professional to have a new central air unit installed.

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Tips for Keeping Summer Cooling Costs Down

April 10th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Yes, summer is on its way! With continually rising energy costs, here are some easy ways to keep those cooling costs down, without giving up the air conditioning on those hot evenings.

Plug up any holes. On those warm summer days, you don’t want to cool the neighborhood with your air conditioner. Foam and caulking can help seal problem areas, as well as extra insulation.  Lighten the load of your air conditioning unit by shutting the doors and vents of unused rooms in your home. Also, it will be easier for your air conditioner to maintain a cooler temperature in your home if you keep the shades and curtains on your windows closed to prevent the sun from shining in. This is especially important for those windows on the west side of your house, which would receive the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Keeping the filters clean on your air conditioning units will help them to work more efficiently.  Consider programming your thermostat to allow the temperature in your home to rise during the day if no one is home. Unplug all electronics that are not being used or use a Smart Strip that cuts power when it’s not needed. Electronics, turned off but plugged in, can still draw power from the outlets. Consider other means of cooking instead of turning on your oven, which heats up the rest of your house and overworks your air conditioner.  Taking cooler showers in the summertime will also save on costs over time.

Finally, bring in an air conditioning professional to service your HVAC system once a year and have them check for potential problems that could hinder efficiency (like mold or rusting). Your home may also benefit from an overall check by a professional energy auditor. 

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What Does HVAC Stand For and How Are They Related?

April 10th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Replacement
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Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is a system design of technology based on the mechanical engineering discipline and principles far beyond the understanding of us typical homeowner consumers. So let’s skip the technical mumbo-jumbo; this is not an engineering or physics classroom.

What is important to know is that it is all about developing an adequate system for your particular space (home, office, car) that will provide the most effective indoor environmental comfort. A product of the industrial revolution, HVAC systems are continuously reviewed and reworked, ever striving for greater effectiveness and energy efficiency.

The design of the HVAC system is critical because building conditions are regulated to provide us with fresh outdoor air that is safe and healthy. Simply put, it is a means of providing and removing air delivery from enclosed spaces.

While the terms “heating” and “air conditioning” appear to be self-explanatory in their definitions, primary health concerns can result from their operation without the coexistence of proper ventilation. It is easy to see that these three functions are interrelated. Ventilation is the process of circulating air within a building and exchanging it with outside air. An acceptable HVAC system should be designed to “maintain” indoor air quality, control temperature and humidity, and limit exposure to the health threats of airborne bacteria or carbon dioxide, while oxygen is replenished. Furthermore, potential air contaminants (such as smoke or dust) should be removed.

With continuous changes in technology, energy efficiency and government regulation, it is always best to contact your local HVAC expert when contemplating changing, replacing or installing a new heating and air conditioning system; your health and comfort may depend on them.

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Why It’s Important for Your HVAC Contractor to Carry Proper Insurance

April 10th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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It should go without saying that any contractor who performs services of any kind on your property must carry the proper business insurance. As a hired professional under written or spoken contract to provide a service, a contractor must provide insurance for their employees and business, in the event of accident or other unanticipated act, including possibly negligence. Any reputable company should be able and willing to provide you with proof of  their insurance.  Furthermore, although some smaller companies may try to avoid the additional expense, carrying business insurance is a legal requirement of doing business. 

Your residential HVAC contractor is responsible to keep your home or business free of water, gas and other dangers that pose a potential liability exposure. Additionally, given the risk of emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and other combustion byproducts resulting from insufficient or inadequate installation of HVAC system components, it is imperative that your HVAC contractor carry proper commercial property and liability coverage for property damage or bodily injury caused by its employees, products or services.

Not only are you, the property owner, potentially liable should accident or injury occur on your property if the business owner is uninsured, but you also want to protect yourself in the event that the contracted work is performed below acceptable industry standards. It is your responsibility, as property owner, to ensure that you are protected by their insurance coverage.  So, when you choose your local HVAC contractor to design and install your new system, do yourself a favor and make certain that they carry the necessary insurance. You will rest easier, just knowing that you are well protected.

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Top Qualities You Should Expect from a Commercial HVAC Service

April 10th, 2013 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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The principles of building environment design are generally established by the International Organization for Standardization. According to ISO, a reputable HVAC service should maintain design industry standards in air quality control, for safety and comfort, throughout all phases of the system design process.

Typically, HVAC engineers are members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and EPA Universal CFC certified.  Alternatively, engineers can be state certified. Most HVAC organizations participate in ASHRAE because it is a global society that aims to benefit from the shared cooperative bank of knowledge and technical expertise of its HVAC members. The most acceptable and recognized standards are based on ASHRAE data. Additionally, HVAC contractors are members of NADCA, whose mission focuses primarily on developing quality companies, who perform a high quality of customer service.  Learning that your potential HVAC contractor is a member of these organizations should bode well in assuring you of their reputable service. 

Granted, all the technical jargon, titles, certifications and licensing requirements become cumbersome and, perhaps, overwhelming. So, begin your quest for a local commercial HVAC service by asking for several customer recommendations from your potential contractor. Can the company show proof of organizational memberships and certifications?  Do that maintain Worker’s Compensation and General Liability business insurance coverage? How does the company rate in compliance with OSHA standards and are safety requirements implemented? It is always a good idea to check with your city and state official to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to do the work they are planning to perform. Asking these questions will help in your selection of a top commercial HVAC contractor to handle your commercial HVAC system maintence, service and repair, retrofit or new installation project.

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