Home Dehumidification Systems

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Dehumidifiers
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Humidity, which is water vapor found in the air, can be damaging to the occupants of the home, as well as the home itself, if found in excessive amounts.  High humidity levels promote the growth of certain types of mold, as well as dust mites, both of which are allergens that impact indoor air quality.  Often homeowners living in homes with high humidity levels suffer from respiratory issues including rhinitis and asthma.  The home itself can be damaged by rot, as well as pests, which are attracted by the moisture.  Relief from high humidity levels is available with the installation of a whole house dehumidification system, which is easily added onto an existing HVAC by a licensed HVAC contractor. 

The first step in determining if a whole house dehumidification system is necessary is to have a professional HVAC company perform an inspection.  During the inspection, the technician will use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the home.  In addition, they will be looking for other signs of excessive humidity including wet stains on the walls and ceilings, musty smells, condensation on windows and mold growth in areas such as the bathrooms.  In addition, they will discuss any breathing issues that the homeowner may be experiencing. 

In the event that excessive humidity is found, the technician will recommend the installation of a whole house dehumidification system, which will remove the humidity from the air inside of the home.  The dehumidification system is easily and cost effectively retrofitted to the existing HVAC system and will provide constant dehumidification, which will improve the indoor air quality of the home.  Speak with a qualified HVAC contractor and determine if a whole house dehumidification system is the right choice for your home!

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Heat Pumps

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Heat pumps are a very popular HVAC system in use throughout the United States due to their effectiveness in heating and cooling, as well as their being very cost effective to operate.  In general, heat pumps work by transferring heat from the air or the ground to create either heating or cooling for the home, depending upon if the mode that the system is operating in.  The reason for their efficiency is that they are not burning any fuel create heat, but  use just enough energy to facilitate the transfer of the heat found in the air or ground.  Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homes found in a warm to hot climates. 

There are a two type of heat pump systems, which are defined by the means which backup heat is provided.  The first is a dual-fuel system, which utilizes a gas furnace as a backup, while the second is a traditional heat pump that utilizes electric heat as a backup.  In a dual-fuel system, when temperatures fall below freezing the gas furnace kicks in, but at times when the temperature is above freezing the heat pump is providing the heating.   In a traditional heat pump, when temperatures fall below freezing the electric heater kicks in, but at times when the temperature is above freezing the heat pump is providing the heating.  Many qualified HVAC contractors are going to recommend the dual-fuel heat pump, because they are by far the most efficient when temperatures fall below freezing. 

A qualified and licensed HVAC contractor will be able to provide their professional opinion as to the suitability of a heat pump based HVAC system for your home and if it is the right choice to meet your family’s needs.

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Regular Gas Furnace Inspections

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Furnaces
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Gas furnaces are an excellent means to heat any home, because it cost effective.  In addition, homeowners like because it feels warm to their skin due to the temperature that the air comes out of the vents.  In general, a gas furnace takes cold air and cleans it via an air cleaner and then warms it up with a gas burner utilizing a steel heat exchanger.  The warm air is then distributed throughout the home via metal ductwork.  Although the operation of a gas furnace is a relatively simple process, it is critical that gas furnaces be regularly serviced and inspected for problems by a licensed and qualified HVAC contractor.  

One of the things that the service technician will be looking for during their inspection is proper ventilation of the furnace, as well as any holes in the heat exchanger, both of which will allow carbon monoxide to escape into the home.  Carbon monoxide gas, which is clear and odorless, is a created as a result of the heating process and is responsible for hundreds of deaths every year.  In the event that an issue is found, the technician will take steps to correct the problem with the ventilation system, as well as the heat exchanger.  It is also recommended that homeowners install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home to warn of the presence of the gas. 

Regular inspections of gas furnaces are recommended to not only extend the life of the furnace, but also to identify the presence of life threatening carbon monoxide leaks.  An inspection, which is economical and quickly performed, should be scheduled with a qualified and licensed HVAC contractor before the beginning of each heating season.  Carbon monoxide is not to be taken lightly!

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HVAC System Efficiency Analysis

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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In today’s economical environment, every homeowner is looking for ways to reduce the costs associated with owning their home.  While certain expenses, such as the mortgage payments and taxes, are fixed and cannot be reduced, other things such as utility expenses can possibly be reduced, if all of the mechanical systems within a home are working properly and efficiently.  Inefficient HVAC systems can be causing a homeowner to overspend a significant amount of money each month on electricity and natural gas.  The cost can be very significant when you look at the total cost over 5 or 10 years.  One way to determine if the HVAC system is causing a homeowner to throw money away on utility bills is to have a professional HVAC contractor perform an HVAC system efficiency analysis. 

As part of this analysis the HVAC contractor will perform a detailed analysis of the cost of ownership and the operating costs.  During the site visit, the HVAC contractor will perform a detailed equipment inventory, while performing an energy consumption analysis.  In addition, the contractor will identify potential safety issues, such as carbon dioxide leaks and in many cases be in a position to proceed with the necessary repairs immediately.  The goal of the analysis is to identify possible improvements to the HVAC system that will reduce monthly utility bills through increased efficiency, while maximizing comfort! 

An HVAC system efficiency analysis is very economical to perform and can be easily scheduled with a professional HVAC contractor with a dedicated service department.  Protect your investment, as well as your hard earned money and schedule an inspection as soon as possible and take the first step towards lower utility bills!

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Mini Split Ductless Systems

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Central Air Conditioning
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Older homes, built more than 75 years ago, are a very popular option for homeowners looking for a great value combining price, house size and lot size.  Often these homes are in need of modernization to the mechanical systems, in order to incorporate the modern day comforts that homeowners demand.  One such comfort is air conditioning!  

In general these older homes will have a heating system based upon a boiler with radiators in each room, but they were built before air conditioning was used widespread.  Due to limitations in the house layout, ceiling heights and the structure, it is in many cases not feasible to incorporate a modern forced air heating and air conditioning system utilizing ductwork.  In the past, air conditioning in these types of homes was provided by a series of window mounted air conditioning units.  Today, homeowners have the option of utilizing a ductless mini-split air conditioning system, which can be easily and economically installed by a qualified HVAC contractor. 

Basically these systems incorporate an outdoor compressor and a small indoor air handler unit.  The indoor air handler is typically wall, ceiling or floor mounted, while the compressor unit is either placed on the ground or wall mounted.  The system can be zoned, utilizing multiple air handlers and thermostats operating off of a single compressor.  The manufacturers of these systems, which are very popular in Asia on new construction, include both LG and Mitsubishi.  In addition to being economical, these systems are easily installed by a qualified HVAC contractor and often only require a single 3” hole in the exterior wall of the home.  Speak with your HVAC contractor today and see if a mini split ductless system is a good choice for your home.

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