I know we are just getting into August, but before you know it we will be watching football and cooking chili. While I am sure your air conditioner has been getting a healthy workout recently, you don’t want to forget about your heating system.
As you may or may not know, the part of your heating and air conditioning system that blows all of the cold air in the summer is the same unit that makes and distributes the warm air in the colder months. Technically, it is called a furnace, although most people know it as the heater.
When thinking about your furnace, there are a couple of things everyone should know and keep in mind. First, for many of you, this is where you filters are located. If you do not have your system professionally maintained, which I strongly recommend, you should change the filters in your system. This helps keep the equipment clean and the air inside your home healthy. Secondly, you need to inspect the chambers where the flames blow. You are looking for signs of rust. Rust can be a good indicator that you have other problems, which could include potential Carbon Monoxide poisoning. If you see rust, please have a professional take a look at your equipment. Also, you should inspect the blades of the fan inside your unit. These blades should be free of dust and debris. Dust buildup over time decreases the performance of your system and reduces your comfort level. Finally, you should inspect your flue pipe, especially if you have recently had your roof replaced. Your flue pipe is the metal pipe that exhausts the unused heat from your system. If it is not completely and correctly connected, it can put your family at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
If you choose to do these inspections yourself, and you see anything that doesn’t look right, please contact a professional. Your life, and the lives of your family, is too important to leave things to chance. I would hate to read or hear about your family in the news.
Again, I strongly advise everyone to get on an annual maintenance program with a reputable heating and air conditioning company. And of course, I would prefer you do this with Air Assurance, not only because I work there, but because I truly believe they are the most professional company in the area.
As always, if you have any questions, or would like additional information, please feel free to contact me. I would be glad to help in any way I can.
Have a GREAT one!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Air Conditioning on a HOT Day...
Okay, so it has been a month since my last post. Well, given the temperatures we have been enduring, you are just going to have to cut me some slack. I have been running around all over the Tulsa area trying to help people survive this crazy heat.
In this post I hope to help some of you understand why you may have had trouble keeping your home as comfortable as you would like during these extreme temperatures.
Okay, some of you may have older air conditioning systems that need to be replaced, and I would be glad to help you with that. However, others of you may simply be dealing with the fact that the outdoor temperatures have been higher than what your system was designed to handle. Let me see if I can explain what I mean.
As I have discussed in previous posts, the size of your heating and air conditioning system should have been determined by a heating and cooling load calculation, especially if your system is original to the house. Well, the design temperatures used in your heating and cooling load calculation may be what is causing your system to "underperform" on VERY hot days.
You see, when a load calculation is being prepared for a home in the Tulsa area the system is most commonly designed to be able to provide an inside air temperature between 73 degrees and 75 degrees when it is 98 degrees outside. So, assuming this is how your system was designed, it would not be out of the ordinary for you to experience a small amount of "thermostat creep" as the outdoor temperature rises above 98 degrees.
So why don't we design the system to be able to provide 73 degrees to 75 degrees inside with outside temperatures of 105 degrees?
The simple answer is because that would cause the system to be oversized for your home. In this area we normally only have about 6 to 7 days each year that are over 100 degrees. If your cooling system was designed for temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, it would "short cycle" during the majority of the time when the outside temperatures are below 100 degrees.
What does it mean to "short cycle"?
When a system is said to "short cycle" we are referring to the system running less than 15 minutes before turning off. As with most mechanical items, frequently starting and stopping the cooling system reduces its lifespan significantly. It also does not allow the system to properly dehumidify your home. This leads to the air temperature being cold, while the humidity level is high. The dangerous effect of cold temperatures with high humidity is MOLD GROWTH, and I don't think anyone wants the fuzzy stuff growing in your home.
So, the next time the temperatures rise above 100 degrees don't be worried if your inside temperature starts to rise slightly...unless you have been having trouble with the system before the outdoor temperature inched above 100 degrees.
Again, I strongly recommend having your system professionally maintained, and this will assure that your system is capable of performing at its maximum potential. However, if you are certain your system is operating properly before the temperatures climb into the 100s, don't be overly concerned if it gets a little warmer in your home than you normally keep it.
If you have any questions, or would like to have someone check your system out, I would love to help you. Or, if you know/think your system has given all it has to give, I would be glad to discuss all of your choices for replacing it with a higher efficient system. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call, and we can find a time to get together.
Thanks!
In this post I hope to help some of you understand why you may have had trouble keeping your home as comfortable as you would like during these extreme temperatures.
Okay, some of you may have older air conditioning systems that need to be replaced, and I would be glad to help you with that. However, others of you may simply be dealing with the fact that the outdoor temperatures have been higher than what your system was designed to handle. Let me see if I can explain what I mean.
As I have discussed in previous posts, the size of your heating and air conditioning system should have been determined by a heating and cooling load calculation, especially if your system is original to the house. Well, the design temperatures used in your heating and cooling load calculation may be what is causing your system to "underperform" on VERY hot days.
You see, when a load calculation is being prepared for a home in the Tulsa area the system is most commonly designed to be able to provide an inside air temperature between 73 degrees and 75 degrees when it is 98 degrees outside. So, assuming this is how your system was designed, it would not be out of the ordinary for you to experience a small amount of "thermostat creep" as the outdoor temperature rises above 98 degrees.
So why don't we design the system to be able to provide 73 degrees to 75 degrees inside with outside temperatures of 105 degrees?
The simple answer is because that would cause the system to be oversized for your home. In this area we normally only have about 6 to 7 days each year that are over 100 degrees. If your cooling system was designed for temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, it would "short cycle" during the majority of the time when the outside temperatures are below 100 degrees.
What does it mean to "short cycle"?
When a system is said to "short cycle" we are referring to the system running less than 15 minutes before turning off. As with most mechanical items, frequently starting and stopping the cooling system reduces its lifespan significantly. It also does not allow the system to properly dehumidify your home. This leads to the air temperature being cold, while the humidity level is high. The dangerous effect of cold temperatures with high humidity is MOLD GROWTH, and I don't think anyone wants the fuzzy stuff growing in your home.
So, the next time the temperatures rise above 100 degrees don't be worried if your inside temperature starts to rise slightly...unless you have been having trouble with the system before the outdoor temperature inched above 100 degrees.
Again, I strongly recommend having your system professionally maintained, and this will assure that your system is capable of performing at its maximum potential. However, if you are certain your system is operating properly before the temperatures climb into the 100s, don't be overly concerned if it gets a little warmer in your home than you normally keep it.
If you have any questions, or would like to have someone check your system out, I would love to help you. Or, if you know/think your system has given all it has to give, I would be glad to discuss all of your choices for replacing it with a higher efficient system. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call, and we can find a time to get together.
Thanks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Don't Wait To Have Your A/C Checked!
Okay, in case you haven’t noticed IT IS HOT!!! The first heat spell of the year is the reminder to many people to have their air conditioner checked for the year. Well, I have a couple pieces of advice to offer on this subject.
The first and most important piece of advice I can give is to suggest you participate in an annual maintenance program with your heating and air conditioning company. If you don’t currently have a company you regularly work with, I would strongly recommend enrolling in Air Assurance’s Extended Service Protection (ESP) Program.
These type of programs typically include a visit in the Spring to get things ready for the Summer and another visit in the Fall to get things ready for Winter. As a participant in Air Assurance’s ESP Program, you will not have to remember to call and schedule your Spring or Fall visit. We call you and remind you that it is time for your next visit. We understand this is an investment, and we want to make sure you get what you pay for.
Since it is Summer, I will discuss what ESP customers receive as part of their Spring visit. One of our highly trained Service Technicians will perform a complete and thorough inspection of your entire heating and cooling system. They will check the operation of your Air Conditioner, as well as its Freon charge. They also diligently clean the outdoor unit to wash away any dirt that may have accumulated since its last cleaning. They inspect the furnace to make sure nothing was damaged during the heating season, and they can change your system’s filters, if you would like.
By keeping your equipment clean you assure that you are able to receive the maximum possible system efficiency. Research has shown that it is possible to save more in energy than the annual investment in the ESP program by keeping the system clean and well maintained. You also can avoid possibly expensive repairs.
The second piece of advice I can give is about scheduling a standard Service Call. If you are not on a program like Air Assurance’s ESP Program, and you just want to have someone come out and clean and check your system, please understand that you will more than likely not be able to schedule the Service Call for the same day you call. Depending on the day, you could have to wait as 4 or 5 days to get someone to your house. There are a couple of factors that contribute to this delay.
First, many companies, such as Air Assurance, give priority of service to their customers on annual maintenance programs. This means that if they call in, they will receive priority over you, just because they are on the annual program. Second, when the temperatures rise the number of systems that fail dramatically increases, and this causes a backlog in scheduling.
So, if you want to help your system maintain its efficiency and potentially avoid costly repairs, I would strongly encourage you to participate in an annual maintenance program like Air Assurance’s Extended Service Protection Program. However, if you don’t wish to participate in such a program, but just want to have someone check your system, please be patient and understand that we will get to you as soon as we possibly can.
At the same time, I would like to thank all of the Service and Installation Technicians at Air Assurance. During this time of the year conditions are difficult and the days are long, but these guys continue to perform extremely professionally. Thanks!
Stay Cool!!!
The first and most important piece of advice I can give is to suggest you participate in an annual maintenance program with your heating and air conditioning company. If you don’t currently have a company you regularly work with, I would strongly recommend enrolling in Air Assurance’s Extended Service Protection (ESP) Program.
These type of programs typically include a visit in the Spring to get things ready for the Summer and another visit in the Fall to get things ready for Winter. As a participant in Air Assurance’s ESP Program, you will not have to remember to call and schedule your Spring or Fall visit. We call you and remind you that it is time for your next visit. We understand this is an investment, and we want to make sure you get what you pay for.
Since it is Summer, I will discuss what ESP customers receive as part of their Spring visit. One of our highly trained Service Technicians will perform a complete and thorough inspection of your entire heating and cooling system. They will check the operation of your Air Conditioner, as well as its Freon charge. They also diligently clean the outdoor unit to wash away any dirt that may have accumulated since its last cleaning. They inspect the furnace to make sure nothing was damaged during the heating season, and they can change your system’s filters, if you would like.
By keeping your equipment clean you assure that you are able to receive the maximum possible system efficiency. Research has shown that it is possible to save more in energy than the annual investment in the ESP program by keeping the system clean and well maintained. You also can avoid possibly expensive repairs.
The second piece of advice I can give is about scheduling a standard Service Call. If you are not on a program like Air Assurance’s ESP Program, and you just want to have someone come out and clean and check your system, please understand that you will more than likely not be able to schedule the Service Call for the same day you call. Depending on the day, you could have to wait as 4 or 5 days to get someone to your house. There are a couple of factors that contribute to this delay.
First, many companies, such as Air Assurance, give priority of service to their customers on annual maintenance programs. This means that if they call in, they will receive priority over you, just because they are on the annual program. Second, when the temperatures rise the number of systems that fail dramatically increases, and this causes a backlog in scheduling.
So, if you want to help your system maintain its efficiency and potentially avoid costly repairs, I would strongly encourage you to participate in an annual maintenance program like Air Assurance’s Extended Service Protection Program. However, if you don’t wish to participate in such a program, but just want to have someone check your system, please be patient and understand that we will get to you as soon as we possibly can.
At the same time, I would like to thank all of the Service and Installation Technicians at Air Assurance. During this time of the year conditions are difficult and the days are long, but these guys continue to perform extremely professionally. Thanks!
Stay Cool!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Reducing Heat Gain In Your Home
When it comes to keeping your home cool, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the overall comfort you can achieve. Obviously, your air conditioning system plays a major role in keeping you COOL! However, there are other things you can do that will help. In this post I will try to share a few of the methods I believe work, as well as tell you if I feel they are something you can do yourself, or if you are better off leaving it to the professionals.
Attic Ventilation - If you have owned a home for any amount of time, you are aware of how warm it can get in your attic during the summer. Some of that is unavoidable, but a large portion of the heat is present because it doesn’t have any other place to go. Attic ventilation allows the expanded warm air to escape your attic, instead of finding its way into your home.
There are a number of types of attic ventilation, and there are a couple of important things to keep in mind as you plan on which strategy is best for you. The first thing you need to understand is that even if you add a lot of ventilation openings in your roof, air is dumb and does not know it is supposed to go where you want it to go. One of the most important parts to a correct attic ventilation system is proper venting in the soffets of your house. Soffet vents are louvered openings in the overhangs around your home. This is what establishes the airflow pattern that pushes the warm air out of your attic. When it comes to the size and number of soffet vents, there is no such thing as too much. Obviously you don’t want to completely remove the underside covering on your overhangs, but you do want to install a significant number of soffet vents to allow for maximum air circulation.
Once you have gotten the soffet vents installed, it is time to choose the exit attic ventilation.
There are a number of choices here, but I am really only a fan of two. The two types of ventilation I feel are most effective are ridge vents and passive vents. A ridge vent is a continuous vent that runs along the ridge of your roof. It allows air to leave your attic at its highest point. This is the most effective form of attic ventilation. Close behind is the passive vents. Passive vents are simply openings in your roof that have a protective covering over them to block water and debris. There are powered versions of these vents, but research shows that these vents can be damaging to the indoor air quality of the home because of the large amount of air they pull from the attic. Powered vents are strong enough they can actually pull air from inside the home.
So, I recommend having either a ridge vent or passive attic vents installed to facilitate proper attic ventilation. This is also a job I would recommend leaving to the pros.
Attic Insulation - This is another of those things that everyone knows they need, and most people know they don’t have enough of. The proper amount of attic insulation will dramatically reduce the heat gain on your home, thus requiring your air conditioning system to work less and save you money.
The best type of attic insulation is the kind that is blown into the attic. I say this for several reasons. First, blown in insulation does not leave voids, like what can happen when you lay batts of insulation in your attic. These voids become “hot spots” that decrease the effectiveness of the insulation. You also get a better quality product with blown in insulation.
This is certainly a job that can be done by a homeowner, but again, I recommend leaving this to the professionals. This way you don’t have to worry about damaging your home and cleaning up the installation equipment. Plus, it is about the same price to let a professional handle the job.
Radiant Barrier - This is something most people have never heard of, but it is rapidly gaining in popularity. Recent research indicates that the majority of heat gained in the attic is a direct result of UV radiation. UV radiation passes directly through your roof and warms any surface it comes in contact with. Radiant barriers are designed to repel UV radiation.
There are several types of UV barrier. One type resembles a large sheet of aluminum foil. Another looks like shiny bubble wrap. Still another is part of roof decking material and is installed under new shingles. There is also a paint-based barrier that can be sprayed on the back side of the roof decking. My favorite product is the version that resembles a large sheet of aluminum foil. I like this product for several reasons. It has been proven to be the most effective at repelling UV radiation. It is relatively inexpensive. It is fairly easy to install. And it is essentially maintenance free.
If you think your home could benefit from a radiant barrier, and you are thinking about installing the foil sheets, I would say this is definitely something you could do yourself. I would just suggest starting early in the day to avoid being in the attic during the heat of the day.
There are a number of other products I could discuss, but in the interest of time and space, I will cut it off here for today.
If you have any questions about anything I have discussed, or you are interested in tackling one of these projects, I would be glad to help in anyway I can. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
Thanks! And STAY COOL!!!
Attic Ventilation - If you have owned a home for any amount of time, you are aware of how warm it can get in your attic during the summer. Some of that is unavoidable, but a large portion of the heat is present because it doesn’t have any other place to go. Attic ventilation allows the expanded warm air to escape your attic, instead of finding its way into your home.
There are a number of types of attic ventilation, and there are a couple of important things to keep in mind as you plan on which strategy is best for you. The first thing you need to understand is that even if you add a lot of ventilation openings in your roof, air is dumb and does not know it is supposed to go where you want it to go. One of the most important parts to a correct attic ventilation system is proper venting in the soffets of your house. Soffet vents are louvered openings in the overhangs around your home. This is what establishes the airflow pattern that pushes the warm air out of your attic. When it comes to the size and number of soffet vents, there is no such thing as too much. Obviously you don’t want to completely remove the underside covering on your overhangs, but you do want to install a significant number of soffet vents to allow for maximum air circulation.
Once you have gotten the soffet vents installed, it is time to choose the exit attic ventilation.
There are a number of choices here, but I am really only a fan of two. The two types of ventilation I feel are most effective are ridge vents and passive vents. A ridge vent is a continuous vent that runs along the ridge of your roof. It allows air to leave your attic at its highest point. This is the most effective form of attic ventilation. Close behind is the passive vents. Passive vents are simply openings in your roof that have a protective covering over them to block water and debris. There are powered versions of these vents, but research shows that these vents can be damaging to the indoor air quality of the home because of the large amount of air they pull from the attic. Powered vents are strong enough they can actually pull air from inside the home.
So, I recommend having either a ridge vent or passive attic vents installed to facilitate proper attic ventilation. This is also a job I would recommend leaving to the pros.
Attic Insulation - This is another of those things that everyone knows they need, and most people know they don’t have enough of. The proper amount of attic insulation will dramatically reduce the heat gain on your home, thus requiring your air conditioning system to work less and save you money.
The best type of attic insulation is the kind that is blown into the attic. I say this for several reasons. First, blown in insulation does not leave voids, like what can happen when you lay batts of insulation in your attic. These voids become “hot spots” that decrease the effectiveness of the insulation. You also get a better quality product with blown in insulation.
This is certainly a job that can be done by a homeowner, but again, I recommend leaving this to the professionals. This way you don’t have to worry about damaging your home and cleaning up the installation equipment. Plus, it is about the same price to let a professional handle the job.
Radiant Barrier - This is something most people have never heard of, but it is rapidly gaining in popularity. Recent research indicates that the majority of heat gained in the attic is a direct result of UV radiation. UV radiation passes directly through your roof and warms any surface it comes in contact with. Radiant barriers are designed to repel UV radiation.
There are several types of UV barrier. One type resembles a large sheet of aluminum foil. Another looks like shiny bubble wrap. Still another is part of roof decking material and is installed under new shingles. There is also a paint-based barrier that can be sprayed on the back side of the roof decking. My favorite product is the version that resembles a large sheet of aluminum foil. I like this product for several reasons. It has been proven to be the most effective at repelling UV radiation. It is relatively inexpensive. It is fairly easy to install. And it is essentially maintenance free.
If you think your home could benefit from a radiant barrier, and you are thinking about installing the foil sheets, I would say this is definitely something you could do yourself. I would just suggest starting early in the day to avoid being in the attic during the heat of the day.
There are a number of other products I could discuss, but in the interest of time and space, I will cut it off here for today.
If you have any questions about anything I have discussed, or you are interested in tackling one of these projects, I would be glad to help in anyway I can. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
Thanks! And STAY COOL!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saving Money with a Programmable Thermostat
For years we have been told that we can considerably reduce our heating and cooling bills by using a programmable thermostat. However, what we haven’t been told is how to use this tool to save the money they advertise.
Too many times I talk with people who use a programmable thermostat, but they aren’t saving any money. In fact, I have spoken to people who actually saw their bills rise after installing this “money-saving” device.
So, how do you use a programmable thermostat properly???
The correct way to use a programmable thermostat is to have different temperatures inside your home based on when you are home and when you are away, but that is only part of the answer. The part you have not been told is that you shouldn’t vary the temperature in your home by more than 4 degrees when you are away. Any more than 4 degrees of temperature difference causes your heating or air conditioning system to work extra hard to overcome the temperature difference.
Many times I find homeowners who have 8, or even 10 degree differences in their programs. These same people are the ones that report increased utility costs after installing the “money-saving” thermostat.
Another potential result of dramatic temperature differences in thermostat programs is early failure of heating or air conditioning equipment. When you force your system to recover from large temperature differences, it has to work at its maximum capacity. This puts extra stress on all of the parts of the system, and any weak parts will fail earlier because of this higher demand.
So, if you want to realize the full benefits of a programmable thermostat, here are words to live by:
- set programs to change temperatures to “higher” levels when you are away
- do not exceed 4 degrees of difference when setting your “higher” levels
- allow the thermostat to work, don’t constantly override it
If you have any questions about programmable thermostats, or if you would like some help deciding if one is right for you, please shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. I am happy to help.
Have Fun!
Too many times I talk with people who use a programmable thermostat, but they aren’t saving any money. In fact, I have spoken to people who actually saw their bills rise after installing this “money-saving” device.
So, how do you use a programmable thermostat properly???
The correct way to use a programmable thermostat is to have different temperatures inside your home based on when you are home and when you are away, but that is only part of the answer. The part you have not been told is that you shouldn’t vary the temperature in your home by more than 4 degrees when you are away. Any more than 4 degrees of temperature difference causes your heating or air conditioning system to work extra hard to overcome the temperature difference.
Many times I find homeowners who have 8, or even 10 degree differences in their programs. These same people are the ones that report increased utility costs after installing the “money-saving” thermostat.
Another potential result of dramatic temperature differences in thermostat programs is early failure of heating or air conditioning equipment. When you force your system to recover from large temperature differences, it has to work at its maximum capacity. This puts extra stress on all of the parts of the system, and any weak parts will fail earlier because of this higher demand.
So, if you want to realize the full benefits of a programmable thermostat, here are words to live by:
- set programs to change temperatures to “higher” levels when you are away
- do not exceed 4 degrees of difference when setting your “higher” levels
- allow the thermostat to work, don’t constantly override it
If you have any questions about programmable thermostats, or if you would like some help deciding if one is right for you, please shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. I am happy to help.
Have Fun!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Things are HEATING up! COOL DOWN!!!
In case you haven't looked at a calendar, or the weather forecast, SUMMER is fast approaching. For me this has to be my favorite part of the year, even though it means spending time in 140+ degree attics.
In this post I want to pass along a few tidbits of wisdom...or at least what I consider to be wisdom.
If you have been considering replacing your Air Conditioning system DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! I say this for several reasons. The biggest reason is that you don't need to pay the electric company any more of your money that necessary, and a new, higher efficiency Air Conditioning system can help. Another reason is that the longer you wait to take action the longer it will take to have the system installed. It isn't unusual for companies to be two, or more, weeks behind on installs when it gets really hot. Finally, you don't want to run the risk of your current system failing before you can schedule to have it replaced. This might lead to you paying for expensive repairs, just to maintain cooling until your new system can be installed.
Another piece of advice is to check/change your air filters. Your Air Conditioning system works longer and harder during the summer months than during any other time of the year. As a result, the air filters will have more air pass through them. You want the air your family breaths to be the cleanest possible, so check/change your filters. If you aren't happy with the level of filtration at your house, let me know. I have a number of ways to make your house healthier.
You also need to have your Air Conditioner serviced, preferrably by a trained professional. A professional will be able to confirm that your system has the correct Freon charge and is operating correctly. They should also clean the coils of your Air Conditioner. If you don't have a professional service your system, you should at least take the time to rinse out the outdoor coils. This is best done by rinsing them from the inside out. You only need to use a gentle stream of water and wash from the top down. Make sure not to damage any of the coils. Damaged coils cause a loss of efficiency.
Okay, in the interest of time I will stop here. If you have any questions, or would like to take a look at some of your Air Conditioning or Filtration options, please drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
HAVE FUN!!
In this post I want to pass along a few tidbits of wisdom...or at least what I consider to be wisdom.
If you have been considering replacing your Air Conditioning system DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! I say this for several reasons. The biggest reason is that you don't need to pay the electric company any more of your money that necessary, and a new, higher efficiency Air Conditioning system can help. Another reason is that the longer you wait to take action the longer it will take to have the system installed. It isn't unusual for companies to be two, or more, weeks behind on installs when it gets really hot. Finally, you don't want to run the risk of your current system failing before you can schedule to have it replaced. This might lead to you paying for expensive repairs, just to maintain cooling until your new system can be installed.
Another piece of advice is to check/change your air filters. Your Air Conditioning system works longer and harder during the summer months than during any other time of the year. As a result, the air filters will have more air pass through them. You want the air your family breaths to be the cleanest possible, so check/change your filters. If you aren't happy with the level of filtration at your house, let me know. I have a number of ways to make your house healthier.
You also need to have your Air Conditioner serviced, preferrably by a trained professional. A professional will be able to confirm that your system has the correct Freon charge and is operating correctly. They should also clean the coils of your Air Conditioner. If you don't have a professional service your system, you should at least take the time to rinse out the outdoor coils. This is best done by rinsing them from the inside out. You only need to use a gentle stream of water and wash from the top down. Make sure not to damage any of the coils. Damaged coils cause a loss of efficiency.
Okay, in the interest of time I will stop here. If you have any questions, or would like to take a look at some of your Air Conditioning or Filtration options, please drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
HAVE FUN!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Got ESP???
What does ESP have to do with home comfort? More than you realize, unless you already have it. At Air Assurance ESP is the abbreviation we use for our Extended Service Protection plan - also known as an annual maintenance program. Investing in an ESP is one of the best things you can do for your family and your heating and air conditioning system.
All manufacturers of heating and air conditioning equipment recommend twice-a-year maintenance for your equipment. In fact, many manufacturers are now requiring this type of regular maintenance as a part of their warranty program. This means that if you cannot prove your system has been properly maintained, your unit's warranty may not be valid.
Even more important than assuring the validity of your warranty, proper, professional maintenance will help maintain system performance and ensure the safety of your family. By having one of our professionals fully evaluate and maintain your equipment twice per year you can be assured you are receiving the maximum available efficiency. Our Technicians will also be able to identify potentially dangerous issues before they harm your family.
There are many benefits you receive by investing in an ESP. Some of the most popular and important include:
Priority Service - you are top priority 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
No Overtime Charges - you pay no overtime charges for after-hours service
15% Discount - you receive a 15% discount on all service parts and labor
Written Service Records - you have a written record of all service performed
Security - your system(s) receive two complete inspections per year
Convenient Reminders - we remind you when it is time for your next check-up
Many Additional Benefits
Because we are so passionate about the need for everyone to participate in our ESP program, and because we understand the importance of making wise financial decisions, especially in today's economy, we are offering a limited-time opportunity for you to enjoy the benefits of this program for only $99. Click here to view and print the coupon.
If you are interested in signing up, or if you have additional questions, please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I would love to help you take advantage of it.
Thanks!
Even more important than assuring the validity of your warranty, proper, professional maintenance will help maintain system performance and ensure the safety of your family. By having one of our professionals fully evaluate and maintain your equipment twice per year you can be assured you are receiving the maximum available efficiency. Our Technicians will also be able to identify potentially dangerous issues before they harm your family.
There are many benefits you receive by investing in an ESP. Some of the most popular and important include:
Priority Service - you are top priority 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
No Overtime Charges - you pay no overtime charges for after-hours service
15% Discount - you receive a 15% discount on all service parts and labor
Written Service Records - you have a written record of all service performed
Security - your system(s) receive two complete inspections per year
Convenient Reminders - we remind you when it is time for your next check-up
Many Additional Benefits
Because we are so passionate about the need for everyone to participate in our ESP program, and because we understand the importance of making wise financial decisions, especially in today's economy, we are offering a limited-time opportunity for you to enjoy the benefits of this program for only $99. Click here to view and print the coupon.
If you are interested in signing up, or if you have additional questions, please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I would love to help you take advantage of it.
Thanks!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
It's Been A While...
I know it has been a while since my last update, and for that I must apologize. I know this isn't any kind of excuse, but please understand this is the begining of the busiest time of the year for my industry. As my father has said for years, "People can always put on more clothes, but they can only take off so many." Once it starts to get hot people get busy doing something about their heating and air conditioning systems, and it is starting to get hot.
As I start to plan for the summer, and what and how I am going to keep updating this blog, I am trying to be as strategic as possible. To that end, if you have something you would like to see addressed, please share it with me. I want to make sure I am meeting the needs of my readers with relevant and useful information.
As you are thinking about potential topics, please don't think I am only interested in discussing topics related to heating and cooling systems. As the title of this blog indicates, I am very interested in all things related to "Total Home Comfort".
Thank you very much for taking time to visit my little corner of cyberspace, and I look forward to all of your suggestions!
As I start to plan for the summer, and what and how I am going to keep updating this blog, I am trying to be as strategic as possible. To that end, if you have something you would like to see addressed, please share it with me. I want to make sure I am meeting the needs of my readers with relevant and useful information.
As you are thinking about potential topics, please don't think I am only interested in discussing topics related to heating and cooling systems. As the title of this blog indicates, I am very interested in all things related to "Total Home Comfort".
Thank you very much for taking time to visit my little corner of cyberspace, and I look forward to all of your suggestions!
Heating and Cooling Load Calculations
If you aren’t familiar with the HVAC industry, this topic probably makes no sense to you. Well, I hope that by then end of this post you will understand what a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation is and why it is important.
In its most simple terms a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation is a process of determining how much heat a home gains in the summer and loses in the winter. This information is then used to correctly size the heating and air conditioning equipment for the home. Unfortunately, this type of calculation is like a foreign language to many in the HVAC industry.
One of the most common questions in our industry is “When do you need to do a Load Calculation?” And depending on who you ask, the answer will range from “every time” to “only if the customer asks”. Since I like to take a logical approach to things, I will answer the question this way, “It depends on the situation and what you will be doing.” So, what does that mean?
In theory you would do a complete Heating and Cooling Load Calculation for every job, but that just isn’t practical. It isn’t practical for several reasons. The customer may not have the time available. You may only be replacing one part of an existing system that has performed to the customer’s satisfaction until it broke. You may be replacing a complete system, and the previous system met the customer’s needs without problems.
Okay, so when is it imperative that you do a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? Well, there are a number of such situations. If the customer is requesting to increase the size of the equipment. If the customer is installing a geothermal system. If the customer has complained of problems maintaining desired temperatures and the current system appears to be sized correctly. If the customer has made significant modifications to their home to improve its energy efficiency – such as insulated windows or extra insulation.
Why is it important to do a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? The most important reason is to assure that the new system will meet the heating and cooling needs of the home. At the same time, a system that is too large will not run long enough to provide proper filtration, humidity control and air movement for even temperatures. It also costs money to install new equipment, and customers should only be asked to invest in a system large enough to meet their needs, but not too large – thus spending extra money to purchase larger equipment.
So, what is involved in a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? To conduct a proper Load Calculation the entire floorplan of the home must be mapped and measured. This provides the exact amount of square footage to be heated and cooled. Additionally, all of the windows and doors must be measured, and their type of construction must be noted. The type and amount of wall and roof insulation is recorded, as well as the thickness of the outside walls and the exterior construction materials. Roofing materials and attic ventilation is also noted. Flooring and foundation type also plays a role in the calculation. The direction the home faces and a number of other factors are also recorded.
All of this information is then used to recreate the home, usually in a software program, where the actual Heating and Cooling Load Calculation is performed. Once all of the information has been entered, the exact heating and cooling needs of the home are available. This information is used to determine the proper equipment size for the home. This information can also be used to provide estimated annually utility costs for heating and cooling.
With all of this said, I think you can see why so many people in the HVAC industry don’t, or won’t, take the time to perform a Load Calculation. At the same time, you can also see why some people just don’t have the time. The good news is that an experienced professional can obtain all of the necessary information fairly quickly, and they can return at another convenient time to present the results, if a Load Calculation is needed.
I hope I haven’t confused you, too much with this information. If you have any additional questions, I would be glad to help. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
THANKS!
In its most simple terms a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation is a process of determining how much heat a home gains in the summer and loses in the winter. This information is then used to correctly size the heating and air conditioning equipment for the home. Unfortunately, this type of calculation is like a foreign language to many in the HVAC industry.
One of the most common questions in our industry is “When do you need to do a Load Calculation?” And depending on who you ask, the answer will range from “every time” to “only if the customer asks”. Since I like to take a logical approach to things, I will answer the question this way, “It depends on the situation and what you will be doing.” So, what does that mean?
In theory you would do a complete Heating and Cooling Load Calculation for every job, but that just isn’t practical. It isn’t practical for several reasons. The customer may not have the time available. You may only be replacing one part of an existing system that has performed to the customer’s satisfaction until it broke. You may be replacing a complete system, and the previous system met the customer’s needs without problems.
Okay, so when is it imperative that you do a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? Well, there are a number of such situations. If the customer is requesting to increase the size of the equipment. If the customer is installing a geothermal system. If the customer has complained of problems maintaining desired temperatures and the current system appears to be sized correctly. If the customer has made significant modifications to their home to improve its energy efficiency – such as insulated windows or extra insulation.
Why is it important to do a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? The most important reason is to assure that the new system will meet the heating and cooling needs of the home. At the same time, a system that is too large will not run long enough to provide proper filtration, humidity control and air movement for even temperatures. It also costs money to install new equipment, and customers should only be asked to invest in a system large enough to meet their needs, but not too large – thus spending extra money to purchase larger equipment.
So, what is involved in a Heating and Cooling Load Calculation? To conduct a proper Load Calculation the entire floorplan of the home must be mapped and measured. This provides the exact amount of square footage to be heated and cooled. Additionally, all of the windows and doors must be measured, and their type of construction must be noted. The type and amount of wall and roof insulation is recorded, as well as the thickness of the outside walls and the exterior construction materials. Roofing materials and attic ventilation is also noted. Flooring and foundation type also plays a role in the calculation. The direction the home faces and a number of other factors are also recorded.
All of this information is then used to recreate the home, usually in a software program, where the actual Heating and Cooling Load Calculation is performed. Once all of the information has been entered, the exact heating and cooling needs of the home are available. This information is used to determine the proper equipment size for the home. This information can also be used to provide estimated annually utility costs for heating and cooling.
With all of this said, I think you can see why so many people in the HVAC industry don’t, or won’t, take the time to perform a Load Calculation. At the same time, you can also see why some people just don’t have the time. The good news is that an experienced professional can obtain all of the necessary information fairly quickly, and they can return at another convenient time to present the results, if a Load Calculation is needed.
I hope I haven’t confused you, too much with this information. If you have any additional questions, I would be glad to help. Just drop me an e-mail, or give me a call.
THANKS!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Assurance that gives you Comfort!
Nearly everyday I am reminded how fortunate I am to work with such an AMAZING company! From the jobs I get to see our guys complete to the wonderful customers I am lucky enough to meet with, I just can't believe my good fortune.I know I have said this before, but our guys are truly craftsmen. I am working on a series of "before" and "after" photos to show the amazing level of workmanship our guys provide. In the meantime let me encourage you to visit the Air Assurance website and read some of the customer testimonials. You can get there by clicking here.
I also want to thank the many customers I have spoken with recently for all of your kind words. It means so much to me to hear your praise and appreciation for what we have done. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful customers. I am equally blessed to have such skilled craftsmen working with me to make such dramatic changes in the lives of my customers.
THANKS!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Whole Home Filtration
Did you know research has shown that the air in most homes is significantly dirtier than the outdoor air? Did you also know that respiratory-related illnesses are one of the leading causes of absence from work and school? Did you know the only true way to improve the quality of the air in your home is to "clean" it as it circulates through your heating and air conditioning system?
For the past few years indoor air quality has been a passion of mine, and I am very proud to have the opportunity to help people improve the quality of air in their homes, and thus improve their quality of life.
You may think this is a strange "passion" for someone to have. Well, let me briefly tell you what got me started down this road.
Just before my oldest daughter turned one year old we almost lost her to an unidentified respiratory illness. This illness caused her windpipe to nearly swell closed. With a significant amount of effort she was able to inhale air, but her windpipe was so constricted that she could not exhale the "bad" air out of her lungs. This caused her to nearly suffocate and die.
We spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, with five of those days being in the Intensive Care Unit. Some of the time was spent in a "mist tent", which is essentially a hospital bed with a big plactic bag over it and a humidifier blowing moisture inside. The other time was spent in ICU with my daughter in a medically-induced coma and on a breathing machine while being fed through a tube. (Try getting that image out of your head!)
All we were told about the cause was that she must have picked up some kind of bug. No test was ever able to isolate the exact cause.
After my daughter, and my family, recovered from this scare, I began to explore indoor air quality and ways to improve it inside the home. When I joined Air Assurance I was given the opportunity to continue my study and help others improve their indoor air quality.
At Air Assurance we offer a full range of indoor air quality solutions. We also offer indoor air quality monitoring. Some of the products we offer include the Lennox Healthy Climate Media Air Cleaners, the Lennox PureAir filtration system, up to the Lennox HEPA by-pass filtration system.
If anyone in your home suffers from any type of allergies and/or asthma, I would strongly recommend the Lennox PureAir. I have this system installed at my home, and I can't say enough about what it will do for your home. This system incorporates three separate types of filtration in one unit, all while producing no Ozone - a known lung irritant. The Lennox PureAir utilizes the highest-efficiency media air filter available to capture the airborne particles, UV lights to kill viruses and bacteria, and an odor catalyst to neutralize odors produced in your home.
What does all of this mean to you?
Well, from personal experience I can tell you that you will notice a significant reduction in the amount of dust in your home. You will be able to dust your furniture and not have to turn around a repeat this process a couple of days later. You will also notice the absence of odors in your home. I have another daughter who is in diapers, and I don't have the diaper smell that often accompanies this time in a child's life. I also have two dogs who spend a significant amount of time inside, yet you don't smell "dog" when you walk in the door. By far, the best experience I can report is the improved health of the members of my family. I can't think of a single time my oldest daughter has been sick since we installed the Lennox PureAir. My youngest daughter has only had one minor cold that I can remember, and my wife has been sick once, but that could have come from her work - she interacts with the public all-day, everyday.
Like I said before, I can't say enough about what this system will do for your home, and more importantly, the people in your home. If you would like to learn how your family can start experiencing these fantastic results, I would love to talk with you. Please give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail, and we can find a time to get together.
Thanks! And stay HEALTHY!
You may think this is a strange "passion" for someone to have. Well, let me briefly tell you what got me started down this road.
Just before my oldest daughter turned one year old we almost lost her to an unidentified respiratory illness. This illness caused her windpipe to nearly swell closed. With a significant amount of effort she was able to inhale air, but her windpipe was so constricted that she could not exhale the "bad" air out of her lungs. This caused her to nearly suffocate and die.
We spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, with five of those days being in the Intensive Care Unit. Some of the time was spent in a "mist tent", which is essentially a hospital bed with a big plactic bag over it and a humidifier blowing moisture inside. The other time was spent in ICU with my daughter in a medically-induced coma and on a breathing machine while being fed through a tube. (Try getting that image out of your head!)All we were told about the cause was that she must have picked up some kind of bug. No test was ever able to isolate the exact cause.
After my daughter, and my family, recovered from this scare, I began to explore indoor air quality and ways to improve it inside the home. When I joined Air Assurance I was given the opportunity to continue my study and help others improve their indoor air quality.
At Air Assurance we offer a full range of indoor air quality solutions. We also offer indoor air quality monitoring. Some of the products we offer include the Lennox Healthy Climate Media Air Cleaners, the Lennox PureAir filtration system, up to the Lennox HEPA by-pass filtration system.
If anyone in your home suffers from any type of allergies and/or asthma, I would strongly recommend the Lennox PureAir. I have this system installed at my home, and I can't say enough about what it will do for your home. This system incorporates three separate types of filtration in one unit, all while producing no Ozone - a known lung irritant. The Lennox PureAir utilizes the highest-efficiency media air filter available to capture the airborne particles, UV lights to kill viruses and bacteria, and an odor catalyst to neutralize odors produced in your home.
What does all of this mean to you?
Well, from personal experience I can tell you that you will notice a significant reduction in the amount of dust in your home. You will be able to dust your furniture and not have to turn around a repeat this process a couple of days later. You will also notice the absence of odors in your home. I have another daughter who is in diapers, and I don't have the diaper smell that often accompanies this time in a child's life. I also have two dogs who spend a significant amount of time inside, yet you don't smell "dog" when you walk in the door. By far, the best experience I can report is the improved health of the members of my family. I can't think of a single time my oldest daughter has been sick since we installed the Lennox PureAir. My youngest daughter has only had one minor cold that I can remember, and my wife has been sick once, but that could have come from her work - she interacts with the public all-day, everyday.
Like I said before, I can't say enough about what this system will do for your home, and more importantly, the people in your home. If you would like to learn how your family can start experiencing these fantastic results, I would love to talk with you. Please give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail, and we can find a time to get together.
Thanks! And stay HEALTHY!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Don't wait for it to BREAK!
I completely understand that we are in very uncertain financial times. I also understand the importance of making the absolute best use of every dollar we have. That philosophy is the inspiration for this post.
Would you prefer to make a buying decision when you have time to consider your options and make sure you are making the best possible decision, or when you are under significant pressure and stress? I think the answer is obvious! However, everyday I meet with people who are being forced to deal with the pressure and stress.
If any part of your current heating and air conditioning system is more than 15 years old, you would be wise to consider replacing it. While your system might continue to run a little while longer, it also might fail at anytime, and you will be forced to make a rushed decision. I suggest you will make a much better decision if you are able to review and consider your options without the stress of having to make an immediate decision.
At the same time, if your current equipment is more than 15 years old, you should be able to dramatically reduce your energy costs, while increasing your comfort level. That sounds like a Win-Win to me. Additionally, there are Rebates and Tax Credits available that can dramatically reduce the level of investment needed to begin enjoying these benefits immediately. I have a number of customers who have saved 30%, or more on their new systems and reduced their energy costs by as much as 50%. That sure sounds like a great use of their financial resources.
If you would like to see what options might be available and how much you can save on your energy bills, I would love to speak with you. Shoot me and e-mail, or give me a call, and we can find a time to get together.
Don't wait for it to BREAK!
Thanks!
Would you prefer to make a buying decision when you have time to consider your options and make sure you are making the best possible decision, or when you are under significant pressure and stress? I think the answer is obvious! However, everyday I meet with people who are being forced to deal with the pressure and stress.
If any part of your current heating and air conditioning system is more than 15 years old, you would be wise to consider replacing it. While your system might continue to run a little while longer, it also might fail at anytime, and you will be forced to make a rushed decision. I suggest you will make a much better decision if you are able to review and consider your options without the stress of having to make an immediate decision.
At the same time, if your current equipment is more than 15 years old, you should be able to dramatically reduce your energy costs, while increasing your comfort level. That sounds like a Win-Win to me. Additionally, there are Rebates and Tax Credits available that can dramatically reduce the level of investment needed to begin enjoying these benefits immediately. I have a number of customers who have saved 30%, or more on their new systems and reduced their energy costs by as much as 50%. That sure sounds like a great use of their financial resources.
If you would like to see what options might be available and how much you can save on your energy bills, I would love to speak with you. Shoot me and e-mail, or give me a call, and we can find a time to get together.
Don't wait for it to BREAK!
Thanks!
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