Efficiency Standards For HVAC Equipment: Are They Going Up Soon?

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The national energy strategy is a hot topic of conversation these days, and home HVAC occupies a reasonable spot in the limelight. Half of the energy used by residential buildings goes to heating and cooling; therefore, the Department of Energy pays careful attention to heating, ventilation and air conditioning efficiency standards. Unfortunately, raising the standards is not as simple as it sounds.

Back in 2011, the DOE made the decision to improve the HVAC efficiency standards by May 2013. The new standards would have raised the current minimum AFUE standard of 78 to 90% efficiency. AFUE means annual fuel utilization efficiency. An AFUE rating of 78 means that the unit wastes 22% of the fuel it uses while a unit with AFUE rating of 90 wastes only 10% of the fuel it uses.

Before the effective date of implementation, various stakeholders challenged the rule, stating that the new efficiency standards for boilers and furnaces would be too costly for many homeowners. Replacing a standard furnace with a condensing furnace with a rating of 90 AFUE is not as straightforward as switching out the dishwasher or refrigerator. A high–efficiency condensing furnace requires a different venting system, which could force the homeowner to abandon or reconstruct the existing venting system to accommodate the new furnace.

Due to a court order, the Department of Energy had to postpone the implementation of the new HVAC efficiency standards, and it could take years until a new ruling goes into effect. As it stands, there have been very few changes to the heating and cooling efficiency requirements since 1992, which is when the Department of Energy set the minimum AFUE rating at 78. In 2007, the Department of Energy proposed raising the minimum AFUE to 80; however, this proposal had little meaning since nearly all modern furnaces already meet that standard.

From the perspective of an energy conservationist, the delay in the implementation of the proposed efficiency standards is regrettable, since keeping the standards low is causing more pollution and waste. On the other hand, one can always make an individual decision to invest in high–efficiency HVAC systems to enjoy greater comfort, energy savings, and lower carbon footprint.

Homeowners should call their local HVAC contractors for questions about HVAC efficiency standards and services.

Ensure That You Have Adequate Protection From Power Surges

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Even though a power surge is a very serious threat, most of us don’t spend much time protecting our homes from them. A home breaker box has a surge protective device installed in it. If you rely solely upon this device, you may find out the hard way that your Home Power Surge Protection is not adequate enough to protect your utilities from power surges.

Though there is no way to fully guarantee that your home appliances are completely safe, there are a couple of things you can do to better Protect Your Home Utilities. To protect your home from a power surge you should understand what causes a power surge to begin with. Most surges are caused from storms, accidents involving electric poles and lines, as well as when an electrician is working on power lines.

Power surges come in two categories, an external surge and an internal surge. One type of internal power surge that many of us are unaware of is a surge that tends to target expensive HVAC appliances. This internal surge does not immediately damage your air conditioner; it does it over a period of time.

When an a/c unit cycles on it has to pull a lot of power to turn on, and it causes a large current to course through electrodes to push the power back into the electrical lines. Over time the electrodes inside an air conditioner can become worn out because of the strong electric currents that are pushed out when the unit cycles off.

Other appliances can also be damaged when a strong or sudden electrical current is directed into them from a power surge. There is no true way to know when a surge will occur. This means that your best defense is to implement additional surge protection equipment into your homes electrical system.

To do this you can install surge protection electrical outlets and use power strips. A power surge can be a costly mishap, but you can better protect your home by using surge protection devices. Another way you can protect valuable HVAC appliances is to schedule a power surge inspection along with regular HVAC Maintenance.

Get Energy Saving Tips From The Certified Pros

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When researching tips to save energy this summer many homeowners are exposed to word terms they may not understand. One such term is found on the websites of HVAC companies, and that term is NATE certified. What does NATE certified mean? NATE is a nonprofit group that offers HVAC technicians an opportunity to prove their capabilities.

The way NATE does this by offering tests that cover every topic an HVAC technician needs to know. By obtaining NATE certification, technicians can increase their wages and employment opportunities. The NATE organization represents the entire heating and cooling industry as a whole.

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence, and this organization represents companies and technicians that offer excellence in every sale, installation, and repair of HVAC equipment. After obtaining a high score on NATE tests, technicians can proudly boast that they have extensive knowledge in specific areas of the heating and cooling industry. Having this extensive knowledge enables HVAC employees to help homeowners learn how to conserve energy and save money on summer cooling bills.

Sharing tips such as changing a/c filters every few months, turning up thermostat temperatures and relying more on fans to stay cool, keeping blinds and heat blocking curtain panels shut, as well as installing programmable thermostats, has helped millions of home and business owners save money on annual energy bills. Teaching clients that keeping windows and doors sealed tightly, planting shade trees near windows and exterior HVAC equipment, and installing white shades or blinds to reflect heat, are other tips that that can save money.

NATE certified technicians can also help clients save money by teaching them about the benefits of residential zoning and by sharing the latest developments in energy efficient equipment with clients. Teaching clients about the importance of knowing what is nate certification, and why it is important to only hire certified technicians is another helpful tip. To learn more about saving energy this summer and make certain your air conditioner is performing at peak level, contact a local NATE certified HVAC company today. After all, it’s always best to trust a company that has already won over NATE, the HVAC industry’s harshest critic.

Tips For Creating A Summer Energy Savings Plan To Implement In Your Home

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When summer temperatures climb higher we tend to want to set our air conditioner temperatures lower so we will stay cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, if we do that our utility bills rise with our energy consumption. There are very effective ways to use your air conditioning system to stay cool while being fiscally and environmentally responsible as well. Now is the time to learn about all the many tips and ideas that are available to help homeowners build a successful and manageable Summer Energy Savings Plan that works for their particular home and lifestyle.

For homeowners with a house whose appliances and HVAC system are approaching replacement age, there are tips for saving energy that will not cost anything but can save some money on power bills. If replacement of any appliance is possible, though, it is important to remember to look for the ENERGY STAR® tag, label or license on new appliances. These units have an energy efficiency far superior to other appliances. Simple ways to conserve energy include only running the dishwasher, dryer and washing machine with full loads; washing clothes in cold water; line drying clothes instead; running the dishwasher’s wash cycle but turning it off before the dry cycle and letting the dishes air dry; and keeping the oven door closed when cooking so a great deal of the accumulated heat does not get wasted.

Simple household changes can make a big difference. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Open all the interior doors so air flow is not inhibited but at the same time close air vents in rooms you do not use. Keep the return air vent unblocked. Use ceiling fans when it is not hot enough for your A/C unit. One the hottest days, use the fans with your A/C to supplement it. Keep blinds and drapes closed on windows that allow direct sunlight inside. Keep doors and windows closed when air conditioning is running.

Older homes can benefit from some newer accessories. Install low-flow aerating shower heads and faucets. Insulate the water pipes coming from your water heater. Add additional R-30 rated insulation in your attic. Repair leaky faucets, because one drip per second adds up to around 2,300 gallons each year. Install a programmable thermostat on your HVAC system. Replace the five light fixtures you turn on the most with new ENERGY STAR® fixtures. Hook all electronics (television, computers, stereo) to power strips and turn power strips off when the electronics are not in use.

Implementing these changes will bring great benefits in lower utility bills and reduced energy consumption. Another tremendous way to save money is to learn all the ways installing a new and energy efficient HVAC system will promote HVAC Energy Savings Home Energy Savings this summer.

Spring Time Air Conditioning Maintenance

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There are few incidents that are more frustrating than having a home’s central air conditioning system stop running on a hot, humid August day. What makes the situation even more frustrating is that it can be avoided by having the system checked every spring.

There are several causes for poor or no cooling from a central air conditioner. One of the first places to check is the filter. A clogged filter will reduce air flow and make the unit work harder. Filters should bee replaced every 30 days.

The unit’s thermostat is sometimes the culprit. A dirty thermostat will not properly sense temperature changes. Checking thermostat should involve a carefully cleaning. The thermostat should then be set to around 85 degrees for 30 minutes and then reset to around 60 degrees. This action resets the system. Another way to reset the unit is to turn the circuit breaker off and back on (//show.com).

A common problem in older central air conditioners is low Freon. As a rule, Freon coolant should last for the life of the unit (//show.com). However, the Freon may be leaking or the coil may be malfunctioning. In that case, the central air conditioner needs charged. Cleaning the outside unit should include gently removing dirt from the fins and straightening the fins with a “fin comb.” Any repairs beyond cleaning the exterior of the outside unit and inspecting the insulation on the lines running into the house should be done by a qualified central air conditioning maintenance professional. It is especially important to have the Freon charged by a professional.

The best insurance against central air conditioner breakdowns during the summer is to have a complete inspection of the system performed at least every spring (www.home.howstuffworks.com). The work should be done by a trained and certified air conditioning professional and should include:

Complete cleaning of the exterior and interior of the unit(s)
Lubrication of all moving parts.
Inspection and adjustment of the thermostat.
Checking freon to ensure the proper amount and adding coolant if needed.
Inspection of coolant lines and replacement of worn insulation where required.
Check to ensure that the unit is level.
Replacing air filter(s).

Many air conditioning service firms have programs set up for customers that schedule servicing air conditioning systems in the spring and heating systems in the fall for a fee that can be paid when the service is performed or by the month. These programs often include discounts for parts and/or repairs.

There are other steps that homeowners can take to prolong the life of central air conditioning systems. As noted, changing the air filters every month is a simple and effective must do task that improves the efficiency of the unit. Another way to preserve the outside part of a central air conditioner is to purchase a protective cover to fit over the unit during the winter.

By taking early season steps to service the central air conditioner, the unit will provide plenty of cool air during the hot summer months. It also means that homeowners can rest easy knowing that the system will continue to quietly hum on efficiently through September without any unexpected surprises.

Ways In Which Excess Dust And Dirt Affects Your AC System

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Everybody enjoys spending time in a favorable environment that does not pose any hazards or discomfort. To achieve this, people go far to make the environment more favorable and habitable, notwithstanding the brunt of its extremities. The home and office are the major two typical areas that most people operate in. As such, the environment around these areas is highly regarded and in most cases, air conditioning systems are installed to keep the rooms fresh and lively.

AC systems play a very significant role in any home or office. However, regular air conditioning maintenance is necessary for the appliances to remain in good working order. If left to run without any care or inspection, the AC system is likely to malfunction mostly as a result of clogged air filters, dirty coils, among other abnormalities. These come as a result of AC getting clogged with dust and dirt. To avoid this, one needs to understand the areas that require regular or scheduled inspection and maintenance for a more focused approach. 

Dust and dirt in the environment is a major aspect in air conditioning since it gets to the AC systems naturally. If this dust and dirt is allowed to accumulate to higher levels, it will lead to clogging of the air filter. A clogged air filter is one of the major causes of air conditioning system repairs. Such unnecessary repairs can be eliminated by practicing proper care and maintenance for the equipment. 

Air filters are fitted to the AC system to keep away big particles of dirt or dust as well as insects and other light matter suspended in the air from entering the AC system through suction. A clogged air filter will prevent the flow of air through the air conditioner leading to less efficiency in air circulation. This could also lead to more frequent repairs, which can be minimized by changing the air filters regularly. 

Too much dust on your AC system is also harmful to the motor of your AC system. When dust accumulates on the fan motors, it may cause faults in the electrical cables, cause bearings to seize, or lead to motor problems. Apart from this, buildup of dust on the appliance can lead to inefficiency due to dust-coated coils. AC systems cool air by passing it through a set of cold coils, which in turn cool the air being sucked. Dirty coils will therefore create a barrier between the coil surface and the air, implying that some energy that could have been used otherwise is being lost. To control this, the best thing to do is to contract a specialist who can be regularly inspecting the AC system and changing the air filters regularly.

Air Conditioning Repair: Hire the Right Technician

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If your heating or cooling system is not working properly, you would need to hire air conditioning repair technicians to provide solutions at the earliest. It is best to refrain from attempting to fix the unit on your own. This may prove to be very costly. The technicians have an in-depth knowledge about the functioning of the unit and have extensive experience of handling such issues. It is therefore the best to leave the job to well trained professionals who are sure to do a good job.

Do not take the process of hiring the right air conditioning contractor lightly. Your AC unit is extremely important to keep the environment in your home or office cool and pleasant. It is imperative that any issue with the same be sorted out right away with the right solution.

When you discuss your issue with an air conditioning replacement and repair company, make sure to interview them well and ask the right questions. It is important that you ask them about their history, certifications, licenses, insurance information and service description. These are the basic questions that you should ask in order to know whether you would be dealing with a legitimate company or not.

Ensure that they are insured and licensed in your area so that you are not liable in case something goes wrong. Make sure to also enquire about their product guarantee, service guarantee and maintenance costs. You can also ask them to provide references, which you can check in order to verify the quality of their service.

While looking for a reliable contractor, it helps to do your homework. A trusted repair company can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. It is important to find someone who would do the job well. Most companies have their profiles online. The ratings and reviews that they have received is a good indication of their service quality. Depending on this, you can decide which company to hire.

A good company offers a range of AC repair services round the clock. While hiring, make sure to pick someone who offers 24 X 7 services. It is also necessary to consider the cost of AC repair service. Take care to select a company that has competitive pricing.

 

3 Common Causes of AC System Refrigerant Leaks

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Having an air conditioner that leaks will not just run your energy bills up, but will also increase the chances of getting a large repair bill later on. The air conditioning system that is low on Freon will click on and run more and for longer time periods. So, what is causing your AC refrigerant leaks? Below we will explore 3 causes.

Wear and Tear 

Wear and tear of your AC unit can be a source of leaks. There are rubber seals on the service valve around the valve stems which can wear out and leak over time. The system outside can rust and cause the assembly joints to rust. During the first year, these types of leaks do not show and typically show up later on. In some cases, these leaks are fairly simple to fix and require only a professional to come and put in a new part. Other more serious cases need more major repairs done to remove rusted parts.

Pin Hole Leak 

Another type of leak is known as a pin hole leak which is caused by “Formic”, naturally forming acid that will eat your copper tubing away. Leaks like this tend not to show up until later on down the road. When they do show up, they will be joined by other leaks in different areas of the components and copper tubes of the system which results in a highly expensive replacement or repair. Formaldehyde forms Formic acid which forms on the coils and is common in various different products for home building. When it does build up on the tubes, it can develop Formic acid and creates pin-hole leaks in the copper tubes. This is why manufacturers are switching to all aluminum for their replacement coils since they are not prone to corrosion.

Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde can turn into Formic acid in the home on the AC coil. It is very mild, however, over a 5 year period; it will create pin holes in the copper tubes. This is known as Formicary corrosion, and is why many contractors use R-22 by the skid instead. If you know about indoor air quality, you will understand that one particular pollutant in the home today is formaldehyde. Most if not all homes have some amount of formaldehyde in the indoor air, which will result in Formicary corrosion and cause Freon leaks. 

If you notice a refrigerant leak, it is important to get it fixed immediately. This type of leak can be hazardous to the environment and to you. State law states that all HVAC companies are required to fix refrigerant leaks. Some of these refrigerants are global warming and ozone agonists. The efficiency of your AC system can be harmed with a low charge. This will result in the AC compressors running above their suggested range which can result in eventually having to replace your system. Freon is also known as compressor lubrication in some cases, which results in the compressor seizing up if it does not have enough. Therefore, detecting and fixing AC air leaks is important for you, your AC system and the environment.

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here.

3 Common Reasons An AC System Breaks Down

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When it comes to your AC system it can be quite scary when it has a problem. Sometimes it picks the worst time, like the middle of a hot summer day, to go out. You might find that it is an easy fix and other times it is not as easy. Those times you may need a technician. There are some common reasons as to why your AC may break down or not run properly. Take a look at these three options and find out why your AC may be down.

Needs Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is critically important for your AC system. Taking care of your AC unit should be like you take care of your car. This maintenance and preventative care can keep your AC unit running smoothly. If it has been a while since it has had an inspection or cleaning, this could be your problem. Many people do not even think of cleaning or inspecting their unit until something is wrong. By taking the time to do preventative maintenance you can avoid these costly repairs that come along.

Filters Are Clogged

Unfortunately this is a common problem for AC units. Fortunately, it is an easy fix. Filters in your return can become clogged or blocked from debris in the home. You can end up with extremely dirty filters and if you do not change them out or clean them, they cause problems. This is a simple fix. You need to change out your filter every month. They also make filters that can be washed and reused. Be sure you know which one you have as they cannot all be washed out and still work. Make yourself a reminder to change or clean out your filter each month. This not only helps your AC run smoother but helps you breathe cleaner air.

Freezing Up

You may notice ice on the outside unit and this can cause damage to your unit. If you notice it freezing up you should immediately turn off the unit and let it defrost. You may have a blocked line or coolant leak somewhere in the system. By defrosting it you can try to find the problem and reduce the risk of permanent damage taking place. You may need to call in a technician for this situation. It all depends on how much experience you have with AC systems.

Three common reasons your AC system goes down are maintenance issues, filters and freezing up on the outside units. Some of these are easy to fix and others may require outside help. Be sure to keep an eye on your unit and if you notice any issues give your technician a call. They can help you to take care of the problem and find out a quick and simple solution. Always have preventative maintenance run on your AC system every year to prevent major issues. You can avoid costly repairs by spending a little each year to have this critical step done. 

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here.

5 Factors to Look for in a New Home Cooling System

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When you and your serviceman decide it is time to start looking for a new home cooling system, you have more options than ever before. You do not need to go with the same type of system you have always had, you can upgrade to something more modern, efficient and green.

Size of Unit    

The first thing you need to figure out is how much of a unit you need to have your home at a comfortable temperature year round. You need something that has enough power to work on the whole house but do not want something that is rated for a much larger home. A large unit will keep your home at the right temperature but will use more energy and cost you more in utility bills.

Ductless System

Something else you may want to consider is a ductless system. This allows you to create separate climate zones in the house. If you like to keep the upstairs cooler for sleeping but there is a game room that needs to be a bit warmer, having a ductless system will allow this. You will save money by only using the units in the rooms it is needed and by not losing air through the ducts. It has been proven that up to 30 percent of your warmed or cooled air is lost through gaps and cracks in the ducts.

Brand

When you are buying a system, different brands will be offering different incentives. If you find a unit that will work in your house find out if there is a special going on for that brand. If not, you may want to look at a brand that is offering a special to see if you can save money and still get a system that will work right.

Installation

Be sure to find out if the quoted price includes installation or if that will be an additional fee. If you are buying the system from an HVAC company the price will almost always include installation. When buying from a department store you will probably have to add in the cost of having the unit installed. You may find it is cheaper to hire an HVAC technician on your own to have the system put in.

Warranty

Every new unit will come with some type of warranty. It is important to read it and see what is and what is not covered. Make sure you are comparing like warranties when considering which system to buy. Another thing you should consider is buying the extended warranty that is offered by the selling company.

When buying a new system, it is always best if you can make the purchase during the time of year when you will not be needing to have the house heated or cooled. This will keep your home comfortable and at the same time give you more time to find the best deal and have it installed. An added bonus is that you will not be paying high utility bills at the time so will not feel too much stress financially.

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here