Regular Heating and AC Maintenance Advantage #2

If you catch problems early you will end up spending much less on repairs or part replacements. When one of your part isn't functioning properly the rest of your machine may continue to work, but the parts will have to work harder to compensate which leads to extra wear and tear and reduced system performance.

Regular Heating and AC Maintenance Advantage #1

A technician not only checks to make sure all the parts of your heating or air conditioning system are working, but also for any potentially problematic wear and tear. They will replace any part that needs it, and repair any salvageable malfunctioning parts to ensure that there is no unexpected breakdown in the months between checkups.

Furnace Sounds to Look Out For

Sometimes you don't need a technician or to even look at your furnace to know there's something wrong. Sounds can be a pretty good indicator that something is going on under the hood, so here are some of the most common sounds and their respective possible problems:

Squealing
If your furnace squeals when it starts up, you should probably call for a service technician. It's not a major issue, but it's annoying and means that the blower belt or bearings have been worn out; which is a relatively quick fix.

Rattling
If you hear a rattling sound when your furnace is going it can be a very serious problem. It may just be a loose screw on a cover, but it can also indicate a problem with the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that goes into your home and to exhaust the harmful combustion fumes, such as carbon monoxide, out of your home. You can imagine why having carbon monoxide in your home is a bad thing. So if you hear your furnace rattling don't hesitate to call right away, even if it could just be a loose screw; better safe than sorry.

Rumbling
If you have a fuel oil furnace and you hear or feel a rumbling when you start it up it could be a critical problem. The cause of this is unburned oil in the combustion chamber continuing to burn after the unit is off. This may also result in carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

Roaring
If your furnace erupts with a loud roaring sound it's a very bad sign. It means that there could be an uneven mixture of fuel and air.

If your experiencing any of these sounds or have any other concerns or questions about your furnace: don't panic! Furnaces should be serviced once a year at least, so call us today.

Common Problems Your Boiler Can Encounter.

Even if your boiler is running just fine now it can't hurt to know what can go wrong. Here are 3 of the most common problems Boilers will run into:

No Power
If the boiler has seemingly shut down at random, check the emergency fuel switch. This can get turned off accidentally, or perhaps someone goofed and forgot to turn it back on after maintenance.  Then check the controls and pressure gauge for their correct settings, check the owner's manual if you have to. Finally, check the fuse box for a blown fuse if you still don't have power. If none of these steps worked it may be time to call a technician.

Faulty Thermostat
If your boiler doesn't seem to be heating up adequately, and it has power, make sure it has the right settings first, and then check to see if it just needs to be turned up a few degrees. If not, you may have a bad thermostat, or something worse! Best just to call a technician and get it taken care of.

Clogged Pipes
Boilers have a series a pipes that run from the boiler unit to the hydronic radiant system. When there's a clog your boiler may stop heating adequately, sometimes stopping entirely. This can be a symptom of a sediment that hasn't been flushed or something else, either way you'll want to get a hold of a technician for diagnosis and repair.

If you encounter any of these problems, or have any other Boiler or HVAC related needs or questions, give us a call today!

A Humidifier Can Help You Get the Best Indoor Air Quality This Winter

Are you suffering from dry skin, sinus problems or other respiratory problems? Then the air in your home may be dried out from your heater keeping you warm. Aside from it's effect on you, air that is too dry can also damage wood floor and furnishings.

But not to worry, a whole-home humidifier can fix that right up! A whole-home humidifier can be installed with your existing heating system. They are more efficient than room humidifiers because you gain access to full moisture control throughout your whole home rather than a couple areas with room humidifiers. Not only that, but room humidifiers are a hassle to maintain and can add excessive moisture to the air, running the risk of mold.

Additionally you'll be less likely to turn up the thermostat since humid air feels warmer than dry air. Efficiency!

So what are you waiting for? Call us today with any questions regarding whole-home humidifiers and installation requests!

Some Winter Weatherization Tips by Preservation Magazine

Check out this short video brought to you by Preservation Magazine; Quick and easy money saving tips!

What to Consider Before Scheduling a Heater Installation

Say you saw our last post and decided it was time to upgrade your old heating system, but you don’t know how to look for a system that’s right for you and your home. There are definitely a lof of things to consider, so here are a couple of the most important things to look out for when you’re upgrading your heating system.

System Size

Find out what size unit is best suited for your home’s needs; anything more or less could compromise the success of your system. Here are some common problems that can result from your system being the wrong size for your home.

• Short Cycling - This is when your heating system turns on, quickly heats up your home, then shuts off. When your home cools down again, your system will flick back on for a short time to get your home heated up again, then turns back off in no time. The short on-off cycle greatly reduces your systems efficiency and causes unnecessarily high amounts of wear.
• Uneven Heating - If your heating system is the wrong size your home may be overly heated in some places, and too cold in others.
• Reduced Efficiency - In addition to short cycling reducing your systems efficiency, the size of your ductwork will play a role in your energy efficiency as well. If you home's ducts are too big or too small for your system, then the heater will have to work harder to circulate the air through them.

Efficiency Rating

This can be confusing for homeowners. There are a lot of different efficiency ratings and it can be difficult to work through all the jargon and figure out what it all means. Here are a couple of the more common ones to get you started:

• Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) - The AFUE rating measures how efficient the system turns fuel into usable heat. Some older furnaces have AFUE ratings of 60% which means that approximately 40% of the fuel used is wasted. Modern furnaces have AFUE ratings upward of 95%!
• Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) - Typically HSPF ratings are used to measure the efficiency of heat pumps. It's measured by taking the total heat output over a heating season divided by how much energy it used.

If you need help figuring out what size system is best for you, advice about energy efficiency, a system installation, or any other HVAC questions, give us a call today!

Is it time to replace that old heating system?

Think back to last winter and how your system handled the cold. Was it all fine and well, or did your system struggle to keep you warm and comfortable? If the latter, it’s likely you’re in for the same sort of performance this year and it may be time to replace your heating system.

If your system is over 15 years old then you should definitely consider upgrading; not only will your current furnace not keep you as warm as modern ones, it is also far less energy efficient and will end up costing your more in the long run! We offer ENERGY STAR^® furnaces with over 95 percent energy efficiency!

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recommends replacing the following heater models:

• Old coal burners that have been converted to oil or gas.
• Old gas heaters without electronic ignition. If your heating system has a pilot light, it was likely installed prior to 1992, before the new energy efficiency standards came out. Heaters this old typically have efficiency levels of about 65 percent, while the least efficient systems today are 80 percent.
• Old gas heaters without vent dampers or induced draft fans. Draft fans, which limit the flow of heated air up the chimney when the heating system is off, allow you to retain more heat within your home.

If you have had a new system installed recently and it’s not working as expected or making strange noises, have it inspected and repaired. But if you system is old, 15 or more years old especially, you’re better off having it replaced with a new high-efficiency heating system.

Pro-Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills This Winter

You can never be too prepared when it comes to winter and its effect on your wallet. When the temperature goes down your energy bill shoots up to keep you warm and comfortable. Here are some pro-tips to maximize your energy efficiency this winter and save you some money:

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat.We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: get a Programmable Thermostat if you don’t have one already. It is the easiest and most efficient way to lower your energy bills all year around. Program it to automatically turn off when everyone’s at work, and have it get the temperature ready before people get home. Turn the system off for vacations; if you buy a Smart Programmable Thermostat and you forgot to turn off the system before you left you can even connect and turn it off remotely.
   
2. Turn Down the Thermostat.Once you’ve got your Programmable Thermostat this is the next step! You can save up to 4% for every degree you lower on your thermostat in the winter. That’s easy money!
   
3. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater.Your Water Heater typically accounts for a quarter of your entire energy bill each month, 25% is nothing to scoff at! Turning the temperature down on your water heater by just 10 degrees will save you a significant amount of money without hindering your ability to heat your water.
   
4. Keep the Cold Air Out.Your paying to keep your house warm in the winter, don’t make it any harder for your system to keep up. Take the time to seal up the small gaps around your windows and doors, or hire a contractor to do it for you. Windows account for 20% of all heat loss in your home, so make sure they’re all sealed up (and closed) this winter!
   
5. Turn on Your Ceiling Fans.Heat rises, so set up your ceiling fans to spin clockwise so it forces the hot air back down into your room. That warm breeze in your home will help to counteract the slight temperature decrease from step 2, and then some!

So what are you waiting for? Start saving on your energy bills this winter now. If you have questions about installing programmable thermostats, a full winter system tune-up, or any other money saving tips, contact us today!

Have you had your Winter System Tune-up yet?

No?

What if the Snowpocalypse hits on December 21st and your system is ill prepared? ‘What if’ indeed…

This could be your kitchen if your system fails (or you leave the window open) this winter, so fix your problems before you have them!

How would you cook? Where would you eat? And what about the dishes?!

You better call today and schedule a Winter Tune-up… before it’s too late.

Trust

We are a dealer you can count on:

Choosing the right dealer for your home’s heating, cooling and air quality needs is every bit as important as choosing the right brand. The dedication to quality shows in our knowledge, training and expertise in designing the right system for your home, installing it properly and keeping it running perfectly for many years to come.

Winter is getting ever so close...

Why should you keep your home’s air clean?

Poor air quality can lead to poor health.
Pollutants in your home’s air can cause dizziness, headaches, nasal congestion and fatigue, and they can aggravate allergies and asthma.

Plus, it can affect how you feel.
Humidity inside your home has the same impact on your comfort as humidity outside. Too much moisture can make you feel sluggish, weak and even sick. Too little can leave you feeling cold and achy.
The flow of air is also a factor. If it isn’t moving freely from room to room, your home can feel stuffy or stale. This also causes unpleasant odors to linger.


HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF UNCOMFORTABLE AIR

THE PROBLEM	WHY IT’S A PROBLEM	THE SOLUTION
High Humidity (Relative humidity levels above 50%*)	High levels of humidity can make your home feel warmer than the actual temperature and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria.	Dehumidification – Dehumidifier systems remove moisture from sticky indoor air, making you feel more comfortable— without having to turn down your air conditioner thermostat and over-cool your home.
Low Humidity (Relative humidity levels below 35%*)	Dry air can cause skin irritation and respiratory** problems, not to mention annoying static shocks.	Humidification – Humidifiers add moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe—in every room of your home.
Stale or Stagnant Air	Poor ventilation can make rooms feel stuffy. This is a common problem in newer homes, which are tightly sealed to conserve energy. This also means contaminants have no way to escape.	Ventilation – Ventilation systems replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside.

*National studies indicate that, for optimal comfort and health, your home’s relative humidity levels should range between 35 and 50 percent.
**Exposure to excessively dry air (relative humidity of less than 20%) can cause respiratory irritation. Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

Solutions...

Solution: Two-stage cooling
Two-stage cooling means the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household cooling demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures. Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. As an added benefit, many two-stage compressors use the new R410A refrigerant, which meets U.S. government standards for environmental safety.

Solution: Variable speed heating
Variable speed operation minimizes up-and-down temperature changes. A greater degree of precision means you stay perfectly warm, even on the coldest winter days. Compared to conventional furnaces with single-speed motors, variable speed systems use about two-thirds less energy. They’re also more effective at drawing moisture from the air for improved indoor air quality and comfort.

Solution: Comfort control
An essential part of your home comfort system is control, and this can take shape in one or two ways. Programmable thermostats allow you to fine-tune comfort settings based on your schedule, and zoning systems let you customize comfort according to the different ways you use your home. 

Lennox winter tips

Good list we wanted to share:

- Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.

- Keep blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to enter and heat the home.

- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day, automatically keeping the temperature lower when you’re away or sleeping at night.

- Clean or replace the natural gas furnace filter every three months to ensure the furnace is running at full efficiency, and check to make sure the home’s heating vents are openand not blocked by furniture or curtains.

- Consider replacing an older furnace with a newer, more efficient model.

- Insulate the water heater with a water heater jacket that can be purchased at most hardware stores, and lower the temperature setting on the water heater to save energy.

- Add extra insulation to the attic.

- Make sure roof shingles are intact and flashings around chimneys, skylights, antennas and vents are sealed.

“Things to Consider” Checklist

You may want to consider making a change if: 

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder. 

Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust.Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help. 

Your cooling system is noisy.Your duct system could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment. 

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient. 

Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 12 years old.Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And, remember, high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR. 

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.Consider replacing it with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both types of heating systems. 

You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.

Two is better than one... Right?

One stage...

Two stage...

Lets have a conversation about heat pumps shall we?  Winter is just about upon us and waiting until things fail is never a good idea.  Now is the time to invest in your home comfort and we are available right now to answer any questions.

Start with the video... and then call us.  We are eager to earn your business.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6URIYtahXzg&feature=share&list=UL6URIYtahXzg

Quick... before winter gets here!

Top 10 Home Spa Vacation Ideas

10. Start with a clean, comfortable home to allow you to rest and relax. Change the sheets, pull out fresh towels and set the thermostat between 72-79 degrees. Studies show that 72 degrees is considered most comfortable for sedentary people.

9. Eliminate any stickiness in the air. Remove excess moisture by maintaining indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. 

8. Clear the clutter. Move excess “stuff” into a drawer and set out fresh flowers and a carafe of water with slices of citrus or cucumber.

7. Speaking of avoiding clutter, set aside some quiet time. You don't have to meditate, but just sitting quietly for a few minutes helps you relax and think more clearly. 

6. Clear the air. Instead of using chemical-laden air fresheners to eliminate odors, set out a box of baking soda or soak a cotton ball in vanilla. 

5. Give yourself a spa treatment. Use natural ingredients like avocado or honey to reduceharmful chemicals. 

4. Plan healthy “spa” meals. Try an egg-white omelet with vegetables for breakfast, or a salad and bowl of lentil soup for lunch. 

3. Let the sunshine in! Open up curtains but close windows to keep allergens at bay. 

2. Get some gentle exercise. Ride your bike around the neighborhood, take a walk or pop in a yoga DVD. 

1. Take a nap! You deserve it. 

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter # 3

Things you can do to improve air quality and reduce potential health risks: 

• When adjusting clocks, change batteries in smoke alarms, as well as radon and carbon monoxide detectors. 

• Consider a ventilation system to increase air circulation inside and add a healthy dose of fresh air.

• Clean water-damaged carpets and materials, or consider replacement.

• Reduce the potential for buildup of allergy-causing pollutants by keeping your house clean 

• Take special precaution when operating fuel-burning appliances to avoid leakage. Store and dispose of household chemicals in a safe manner. 

 

Thanks to Lennox for the checklist! 

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter # 2

Extra steps you can take to save energy: 

• Install a programmable thermostat, so you can preset temperatures for different times of the day. 

• Insulate the water tank and first six feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit.

• Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120°F (a 10-degree decrease can approach 5% savings). 

• Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and use switch plates on exterior walls. Install low-flow shower heads. 

 Thanks to Lennox for the checklist! 

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

General guidelines for keeping your home warm and efficient:

• Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your home’s ducts and cooling equipment.

• Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and as low as 60°F when you’re asleep or awake.

• Clean or replace furnace filters every month.

• Clean chimney and check to see if your fireplace is working properly.

• Seal air leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace, and also around windows and doors.

• Insulate inside of windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets.

• Check your attic for proper insulation. (The U.S. Department of Energy suggests a value between R-22 and R-49.)

• Close curtains or shades at night and keep them open during the day

• Clean windows on the south side of your house to maximize sunlight exposure. Weather-strip doors that lead to cold or outside areas.

• Wrap and insulate waterlines to prevent them from freezing.

• Repair leaky faucets.

 Thanks to Lennox for the checklist!

Chilly days are heading this way!

It is going to get cold around these parts.  We know it... you know it.

Preventative maintenance is going to keep that heat flowing in the home.

Of course, there are other ways to heat the home...

Home Tech... It just keeps getting better!

Welcome to Twenty-First Century HVAC Tech.  The NEST programable thermostat is something to behold.  We are big fans of tech and when it comes to making our homes more comfortable and energy efficient at the same time... well, we are all for it.

Take a gander at this...  http://www.nest.com/

Prety cool, huh?

Techies love indoor air quality!

There truly is an app for that... yes even indoor air quality.  Besides being an industry leader in all things HVAC, they have a unique presence in cyberspace as well.

http://www.lennox.com/resources/mobile-center/

Look out...

Remember these days...

Not that long ago, were they?  Winter is just around the corner and now would be a very wise time to schedule that HVAC and heating maintenance checkup.  A little preventative maintenance now can prevent a whole lotta' trouble later.

Why should you keep your home’s air clean?

Poor air quality can lead to poor health. 

Pollutants in your home’s air can cause dizziness, headaches, nasal congestion and fatigue, plus they can aggravate allergies and asthma. 

CAUSES OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS
Pollutants can come from many different sources inside and outside the home. For instance, furnishings, such as upholstery may release chemicals into the air. These pollutants circulate through ductwork, entering every room and living space. And if ventilation is inadequate, the pollutants multiply. High temperature and humidity also increase concentrations of some pollutants. 

HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF UNHEALTHY AIR

Odors/Chemical Vapors (Perfumes, cleaning supplies, solvents, pet odors, cooking fumes) Airborne chemicals can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, rashes, dizziness and, in some cases, severe illness.

Purification – To combat toxins like chemicals, you have to destroy them. The PureAirTM air purification system safely and effectively removes and destroys chemical vapors and odors.
Ventilation – These systems replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside, which helps dilute the power of toxic chemicals  commonly found in household furnishings.

Particles (Pollen, dust mites, dirt, pet dander) Small, respirable particles can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.

Filtration – High-efficiency filtration products are designed to capture small particles and keep them from recirculating back into your home’s air. This also helps maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Humidity Control – Products like the Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification system help prevent moisture buildup, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew.

Bioaerosols (Bacteria, viruses, mold spores, fungi)

© Lennox Industries Inc. 2008
Visit us at www.lennox.com
23W33 IAQ 1/08 PC52573

Dirty filters = Dirty air

Last week we touched on air filters just a bit and now we found a couple of examples on dirty filters.  Have a look at why you need to change these periodically.

Great filters!

We touched on the 3M filters on our Facebook post today but fund more info on the website for 3M.  Give us a call and lets talk about getting you on a maintenance plan using these fantastic filters.

http://tinyurl.com/74jvpte

 3M's best performing Filtrete filters help attract and capture allergens from the air passing through the filter including mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust, smoke, smog particles and particles that carry bacteria and viruses.

Carries a 1900 Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)

Attracts and captures 93% of large particles like mold spores and, dust and pollen from the air passing through the filter

Attracts and captures microscopic allergens like pet dander, smoke and household dust and microscopic particles that can carry bacteria, viruses and odors

Almost twice the small particle filtration than our 1000 performance level filter

Lasts up to 3 months

Meets the indoor air quality guidelines of the American Lung Associationof the Upper Midwest Health HouseProgram

For residential use only

Manufactured by 3M

Credits? Rebates?

Don't miss an opportunity to keep more of your money... Check on energy and utility rebates that may be available to you.

Here is where you need to start looking:  http://tinyurl.com/8smses5

Check it out...

We did some looking around and found these gloves:  http://goo.gl/R0EG1

Anything that helps keep our technicians and installers a little safer... We are going to appreciate.  These are awesome!  Nice work DuPont/Ansell!

Seven Things to Look for in a Home Comfort System

1. Reliability
Chances are, your heating and cooling system is the most expensive equipment you will purchase for your home. That’s why it’s important to choose proven products from a reputable manufacturer. 

2. Efficiency 
A new ENERGY STAR®-labeled system, when properly sized and installed, can save you up to 20% on your annual heating and cooling costs.* Plus, it may qualify you for utility rebates** and tax credits.*** 

3. Quiet operation
The sound of a standard furnace can be as loud as 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a kitchen garbage disposal! Air conditioners can produce sounds as high as 80 decibels. Look for technologies and features that help keep operating sound at a comfortable level. 

4. Consistent temperatures
With a typical furnace or single-speed air conditioner, indoor temperature can vary as much as seven degrees from the thermostat setting. Variable speed and/or two-stage systems give you the assurance of precise temperature control. 

5. Balanced humidity
To maintain proper moisture levels in your home, choose a thermostat that controls both temperature and humidity. You might also consider a variable speed and/or two-stage comfort system and dehumidifier. 

6. Proper Airflow
A typical furnace motor runs at one speed and circulates a constant volume of air, so it responds to changing comfort demands by repeatedly cycling on and off. This frequent cycling increases air stratification and stagnation. For optimal air circulation, choose a variable speed model. 

7. Healthy air
One of the best ways to combat indoor pollution is to attach an air cleaner to your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.

*Source: www.energystar.gov
**Check with your local utility about rebates in your area.
***Tax credits are available for certain high-efficiency cooling and heating equipment under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. For details, go to www.irs.gov. 

 

Good 'ole days... PART II

We found this early HVAC image out in cyber space and thought we should share.

  1899 - This is a down drought system from long ago.  Simply amazing how far we have come!

Good 'ole days...

Way back when...

In 1758, Benjamin Franklin with the help of a chemistry professor at Cambridge University, conducted an experiment to explore the principle of evaporation as a means to rapidly cool an object. Franklin and Hadley confirmed that evaporation of highly volatile liquids such as alcohol and ether could be used to drive down the temperature of an object past the freezing point of water.  Franklin concluded, "From this experiment one may see the possibility of freezing a man to death on a warm summer's day"

Pleasant thought... but the beginings of Air Conditioning wereunder way.

Thought we might share a little A/C history for ya!

My oh my...

We should talk...

 

We need to talk...

 Call us immediately!

Great products create good companies

We read a pretty good snip-it about the state of the union for Lennox Intl.  Thought our investor friends out there might want a good tip...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48804495/ns/business-motley_fool/#.UD1NuGjyYl8

House Reimagined

Lennox icomfort

You know by now that we are big fans of the Lennox icomfort.  Well we love to have backup.  Here is a great write up from The Clay Times-Journal.  Including this fantastic point:

Heating and cooling a home accounts for 50 percent or more of a home's energy bill, so it's important to incorporate the latest technology to make it as easy as possible to be as efficient as possible.

Here is the full article.  We couldn't agree more.

http://tinyurl.com/cc68u6v

Seven Things to Look for in a Home Comfort System

1. Reliability
Chances are, your heating and cooling system is the most expensive equipment you will purchase for your home. That’s why it’s important to choose proven products from a reputable manufacturer.
2. Efficiency
A new ENERGY STAR®-labeled system, when properly sized and installed, can save you up to 20% on your annual heating and cooling costs.* Plus, it may qualify you for utility rebates** and tax credits.***
3. Quiet operation
The sound of a standard furnace can be as loud as 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a kitchen garbage disposal! Air conditioners can produce sounds as high as 80 decibels. Look for technologies and features that help keep operating sound at a comfortable level.
4. Consistent temperatures
With a typical furnace or single-speed air conditioner, indoor temperature can vary as much as seven degrees from the thermostat setting. Variable speed and/or two-stage systems give you the assurance of precise temperature control.
5. Balanced humidity
To maintain proper moisture levels in your home, choose a thermostat that controls both temperature and humidity. You might also consider a variable speed and/or two-stage comfort system and dehumidifier.
6. Proper Airflow
A typical furnace motor runs at one speed and circulates a constant volume of air, so it responds to changing comfort demands by repeatedly cycling on and off. This frequent cycling increases air stratification and stagnation. For optimal air circulation, choose a variable speed model.
7. Healthy air
One of the best ways to combat indoor pollution is to attach an air cleaner to your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.
*Source: www.energystar.gov
**Check with your local utility about rebates in your area.
***Tax credits are available for certain high-efficiency cooling and heating equipment under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. For details, go to www.irs.gov.

Saved money... Now what?

Many of you have chosen to go with the CFL (Compact Fluorescent) bulbs for the energy efficiency savings.  The day will arise that these bulbs burn out.  Don't just toss them.  The mercury levels in these bulbs is high enough to warrant proper disposal.The Herald out of Everett Washington had a nice right up we thought of sharing with you: http://tinyurl.com/8mf24z4

Short answer is that Home Depot provides the recycling service... But the article may be on worth reading.

icomfort... NOW OFFERING SKINS!!!

Take a look at the new digs from GELASKINS over at https://www.myicomfort.com/  They are now offering skins for your Wi-Fi enabled icomfort thermostat.

The possibilities are just too much fun.

Go take a peek!
 

Crank that A/C!

Let the good times air conditioning roll...

We found a fun and informative article over at Slate.com that we wanted to share with you.  Take down the brrr-geoisie and get comfy.  Daniel Engber lays out a great case for Air Conditioned Comfort.

Great air conditioning read: http://tinyurl.com/9gc3txc

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Thanks to Lennox for the great checklist!

OUTSIDE

• Wash your home’s exterior with your garden hose’s ordinary pressure and a mild detergent. Pressure waters are powerful enough to force water under siding, where it can mildew and rot.
• Inspect and repair or repaint patio and deck furniture.
• Prune shrubs and trees so branches don’t contact exterior siding.
• Trim plants to clear a radius at least two feet away from the outdoor air-conditioning unit.
• Inspect your roof for any cracks and loose shingles. Replace any missing shingles.
• Make sure automatic light timers and motion-detector systems are working properly before you go on vacation.
• Check exterior walls for cracked paint. If you want to repair paint, you may consider painting just one or two walls per year. Paint on the south and west walls deteriorates faster than paint on north or east walls.
• Inspect foundation walls for tunnels or dirt bridges that are signs of termites. Contact a professional exterminator if necessary.
• Clean driveways and repair any cracks. Use epoxy patching on concrete drives, and asphalt patching on asphalt driveways, which should be sealed every other year. 
   

 INSIDE

• Change your air conditioner’s filter at least once this summer to reduce allergens and save energy.
• Check the operation of attic fans. While the weather’s nice, caulk exterior joints around windows and doors.
• Clear lint from your clothes dryer’s vent system, from the dryer itself to the exterior vent cap.
• Make sure curtains and furniture aren’t blocking air- conditioning vents.
• Contact your local utility company and look online for rebates and tax credits that will allow you to upgrade home appliances to more energy-efficient models that will lower your energy bills and/or taxes.

Good article...

Over at Market Watch we got to reading a pretty good article about hiring the right contractor.  Thought we would share some of their wisdom with you.

"One way today's homeowners can help protect against such exploitation is to hire a contractor who employs technicians that have been certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Technician certification is not mandatory in the HVAC/R industry, however, numerous contractors require their technicians to acquire and maintain NATE certification to ensure their proficiency in the technical aspects of HVAC/R service and installation. In addition, countless individual technicians undergo stringent certification testing to be able to proudly exhibit their individual competency. NATE is the nation's largest HVAC/R industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization existing solely to advance the expertise of the industry."

Read more over at:  http://tinyurl.com/d54e445

Thanks to Lennox for some more great tips!!

Unnatural Disasters

Oh, the humanity: Like a big-budget bad movie, many home disasters aren't tragic but simply unnecessary and a waste of money. From flames to flooding to creeping mold on your walls, here are some tips on avoiding some common failures, both the small and the blockbuster kind.

• Mold – Heavy rainstorms and warm and humid summer weather can cause mold and mildew to build up, as can moisture from building materials used in new homes. The immediate result is you'll feel sticky and uncomfortable. Next, musty odors build up, allergens spread and eventually you could end up with discolored walls and damaged furniture!Reducing moisture that mold spores need to grow reduces the problem. Cool air holds less moisture than warm air, so running your air conditioner can help reduce unwanted moisture. Installing a system designed to control moisture – like the Humiditrol® dehumidification system – removes excess humidity without overcooling your home. Also, if your home has a crawl space, spread moisture-barrier material over the ground. Concrete and absorbent brick can be waterproofed by applying a sealant.

• Fire – Summer is an excellent time to check your fire extinguisher, test the batteries in your smoke alarm and, if you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning before the heating season. Chimneys and wood stoves should be inspected and cleaned annually to eliminate creosote buildup. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and use only seasoned hardwood, as soft, moist wood can accelerate creosote.

• Flooding – Inspect your home's gutters three to four times a year, and remove any branches or dead leaves to keep unwanted rainwater from backing up into your home. Check your roof to determine if shingles or flashing need to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to check your attic for any sign of leaks.

• Heat wave – When summer heats up, your home's A/C needs a little TLC. Check your air conditioner's filter once a month, and replace as needed (at least once every three months), because dirty filters make the equipment work harder. Clear leaves, dirt and wayward plants from your outdoor unit's top grill and allow at least two feet of clearance each way.If you're considering a new air conditioner, choose an ENERGY STAR® qualified model to reduce cooling costs dramatically.

• Power outages – Summer storms or overloaded power grids can cause long-term outages that leave you in the dark, let food spoil, cause your air conditioner to go out and keep your sump pump from working.

Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand with plenty of bottled water, a battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries. Teach your family members how to shut off your home's water, gas and electricity in case of serious damage.

Installing a home generator – not a portable generator, which can be dangerous and difficult to operate – eliminates problems from power outages. These generators run on liquid propane or natural gas. When power is interrupted, the generator immediately detects the problem and automatically restores power in as little as 10 seconds, no extension cords needed.

Download a summer home maintenance checklist to help you keep your cool this summer and in the months ahead.