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Author: Brody Pennell

Reasons To Replace Your Attic Insulation

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Home Improvement, Indoor Air Quality.

The importance of proper home insulation should not be underestimated. If old or worn out insulation is not replaced it could lead to several problems within the home. Insulation used in the past is not as high quality as the ones used in these days, so insulation in older homes need to be checked regularly. If it is not looked into periodically, you could end up with a home that feels like a meat locker in winter and a sauna in summer. You could also end up with a huge electricity bill that you did not bargain for. This also affects your energy savings. So to be save rather than sorry, check your insulation all the time to make sure that it is running efficiently.

When you check your insulation, there are a few things you should look out for. You should check and compare room temperatures. If one room feels warm and another cold, then you definitely have inconsistent temperatures and this means that your insulation needs to be repaired or replaced, altogether. You should be extra careful when dealing with an older house as the insulation that was initially installed was not as high quality as the ones that we have these days. One sure way of knowing whether your insulation is too old to remain in the home is by putting on a pair of gloves and feeling the attic insulation. If it crumbles, then its definitely old and needs to go. If you notice more pests in the home than usual, you should check the insulation in the attic and the basement and this is usually where they like to hide. Pests enjoy a cozy surrounding and this is why they tend to get comfy in your home insulation. If they are detected, you must remove you insulation and have it replaced.

There are many DIY materials and tools that you can use to get your home insulation back into shape, however, there are things than only professionals know and understand. If you want to avoid the effort and time spent replacing your insulation, hire a reputable and experienced contractor who will get the job done right, the first time around. Follow us or more interesting info on how to save money on your insulation.

What Is IAQ (Indoor Air Quality

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the purity levels of air in enclosed buildings. The composition of indoor air can mean the difference between good and bad health, as well as the comfort, of a building’s inhabitants. High IAQ should be devoid of pollutants such as microbial organisms, manmade or naturally-occurring gases, combustion products, and dust. A report by the EPA indicated that most American homes had poor IAQ that led to breathing complications and lung cancer among other health complications.

Components that compromise high/ pure IAQ

Particles and microbial organisms

Dust, pollen, mite, viruses, mold, fungi and mildew constitute particles and organisms that can saturate the air. The presence of these particles and organisms in the air not only make breathing difficult but may also cause respiratory and other illnesses to people and animal who breathe this air. Long term exposure to these pollutants can cause long term illnesses and death.

Naturally-occurring materials

Natural air, comprising oxygen and a small percentage of carbon dioxide and other gases, can be highly polluted by the presence of other naturally-occurring or synthetic gases. Radon is one of the most harmful (to humans and animals) naturally-occurring gases on earth, and it can seep into buildings through floor or wall cracks. A high concentration of this gas, over 4pci/L, is regarded as highly toxic and a primary cause of lung cancer.

Synthetic materials and combustion products

Other major IAQ pollutants include asbestos, combustion products, and Refrigerant/ formaldehyde. Combustion products comprise emissions from burning fuels, the most harmful ones being carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke. Smoke contains numerous toxic gases, including CO, and can cause humans and animals a myriad of heath complications. If and when breathed, smoke irritates the respiratory system and causes headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness, and even death. Formaldehyde and asbestos are just as harmful to humans and animals. Asbestos are emitted from numerous construction material whereas formaldehyde is found in bonding and adhesive agents.

IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) refers to the quality of enclosed air. Primary IAQ pollutants include formaldehyde, particles, combustion products, and microbial organisms. Whereas some of these pollutants are easy to detect (through the five senses) and eliminate, other pollutants can only be detected and removed by special equipment and products. Building owners and inhabitants are advised to ventilate their buildings adequately, as well as install equipment and products that can detect and get rid of these pollutants. Follow us for more articles that guarantee your HVAC systems run efficiently.

The Basics About Legionnaires’ Disease And HVAC Systems

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Home Comfort, Indoor Air Quality.

Any person who is tasked with the responsibility of taking care of HVAC systems should know about Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for causing Legionnaires’ Disease. The recent outbreak of the disease has revealed just how little people know about the disease despite the fact that it was discovered decades ago.

The History of Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by L. pneumophila bacterium: the same type of microorganism that causes a milder form of Pontiac fever. The disease is a variation of pneumonia, so the symptoms are almost the same. The most common symptoms include; high fever, chills, coughing and aches among others. The first cases of the disease can be traced as far back as the 1960s. However, the disease and bacterium causing it were only named in 1976. This is after 221 participants of the American Legion Convention contracted the disease in Philadelphia. At the time, the origin and pathology of the disease were a mystery. Out of the 221 attendees who contracted the illness, 34 ended up dying, something that created national panic. This panic was partly fueled by government response to the outbreak, which is somewhat similar to the recent government warnings that there’s a possibility of a major outbreak.

What Causes an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease?

L. pneumophila thrives in freestanding warm water, or warm stagnant water. This makes cooling towers in large HVAC systems the best habitat for the microorganism. It is spread to humans through inhalation of moist air that’s contaminated. This means that a large number of people who use a building with a contaminated HVAC system can quickly contract Legionnaires’ Disease. In fact, the 1976 outbreak at the American Legion Conference in Philly was blamed on the hotel’s poorly-maintained HVAC system.

Treatment

While Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable, three out of every ten people who contract the disease die from it. According to the CDC, nearly 18,000 cases of the disease are reported every year. The key to dealing with the problem lies in regular servicing of HVAC systems according to industry best practices. Follow us for more articles that your HVAC systems running comfortable and efficiently.

What It Means To Be A Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Home Comfort.

Carrier Corporation, through its factory-authorized dealers, offers 100 percent satisfaction guarantee in matters concerning heating, ventilation and air condition. The designation – Carrier factory authorized dealer – is only awarded to contractors and dealers who have met rigorous national standards and performed according to Carrier’s policy. Very few companies have this designation, which speaks to the high standards and requirements that must be met to qualify.

What to Expect from an Authorized Dealer

When you hire a factory authorized dealer, you can expect to get an extended warranty on products and services, professionally delivered expertise, award-winning customer service, liability coverage and sound business practices. Factory authorized dealers excel in everything they do, so you can expect the best air conditioning repair and heat pump installation services among other things.

Common Characteristics of Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers

When you hire a factory-authorized dealer, you can count on them to get the job done the best way possible. This is because of their:

  • Efficiency: To get this prestigious designation, dealers must demonstrate their ability to understand and match customer needs with the right HVAC solutions. They are also trained on the key features of different types of Carrier products. Before they can be certified, dealers must also satisfy instructors that they are able to use this knowledge effectively to deliver reliable results in a timely manner and exceed customer expectations.
  • Expertise: Technical staff working for these dealers normally undergo rigorous training. Since new products are always developed by Carrier, new technologies invented and HVAC laws amended, ongoing training is normally offered to update technicians. Therefore, consumers can expect them to get the job done properly the first time.
  • Professionalism: This is a key requirement for all factory-authorized dealers. Carrier requires every dealer to honor warranty obligations, have a valid liability cover and appropriate licenses.

In addition to having this prestigious designation, factory-authorized dealers are also certified by the EPA to handle refrigerants. Many of these firms offer service agreements and maintenance contracts to make life easier for consumers. Follow us for more articles that your HVAC systems running comfortable and efficiently.

Can I Add Air Conditioning If I Have A Boiler?

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

So many people get confused whether to have both an AC and a boiler in the same home or office. Given that they both have different functions, it means they will consume power differently, and because of this, people worry about utility bills. But adding air conditioning to a boiler isn’t a bad idea if you understand the secret to doing it.

Three Ways to Fix Boilers and ACs Together

There are actually three available options on how you can install an AC and a boiler in the same house. One is through an AC system with a mini-split set up; this means the condenser will be on the outside while the cooler is on the inside. This is an affordable option plus you don’t have to worry about ductwork.

The second option is through an Attic AC system which uses ductwork. The ducts will transport the cold air generated in the attic to the rooms you want to cool. This kind of system is also able to heat an entire room if required. This way you get both hot and cold air in one unit instead of investing in two separate units.

On the other hand, you may feel that the ductwork is too much and want something smaller and manageable; hence the high velocity attic air system. Instead of ducts, it uses round tubes which are smaller and easier to work with. They are more efficient in transporting cool air to any room and operate in silence; thus no noise to worry about. Compared to the duct AC systems, the round-tubing attic AC systems look more appealing in construction. Though you will spend a little more to have the unit installed, you get more efficiency in the long run, which translates to saving on utility bills.

So it is possible to have the AC and boiler in one house without either compromising the function of the other. You only need to install them far from each other and ensure they don’t share any components like ductwork. Follow our blog today for more tips on how to use the AC-Boiler set up and still save on energy and monthly bills.

Should I Be Concerned About Carbon Monoxide In My Home?

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

You may not know it, but in the United States alone more than 20,000 people are accidentally poisoned by carbon monoxide every year and about 500 of these people die. When our homes are filled with this odorless, tasteless gas, we are not safe from Carbon Monoxide Dangers because it goes undetected unless carbon monoxide detectors are installed at specific intervals.

JAMA recently published a study that shows drywall is no match for carbon monoxide. The gas goes right through walls and ceilings to reach everyone in the home. Although 25 states require homes to have carbon monoxide alarms installed, 10 of these exempt residences with no indoor source for producing carbon monoxide. Some toxicologists worry that this may result in a false sense of security and cause even more deaths from accidental exposure.

Suppose you live in an apartment and one of your neighbors decides to use his charcoal grill inside his unit. The carbon monoxide produced will not only affect the neighbor, but once it is inside it can go anywhere in the building. That leaves everyone at risk for Carbon Monoxide Dangers. Unless you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, you and your family might get sick or even die.

To demonstrate the problem, let’s take a look at what happened to Mecklenburg County North Carolina in 2002. North Carolina had an ordinance requiring carbon monoxide detectors only in homes with carbon monoxide producing appliances. All-electric homes were exempt if they had detached garages. However, when an ice storm hit that year most power in the area was cut off and some residents turned to their own devices to heat their homes and cook. Without the right detectors installed, generators placed incorrectly, inappropriate cooking and heating equipment caused 96.2 of all the carbon monoxide poisoning that took place during that time.

It didn’t take long for the Mecklenburg County officials to change things and the following year all homes were required to install battery backed-up carbon monoxide alarms.

For more information about Carbon Monoxide Dangers and other matters relating to the home, follow us and read more great articles about heating, air conditioning and home needs.

Do I Need Maintenance For My Heating And Cooling System

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, HVAC Maintenance.

Part of owning an HVAC unit is performing regular maintenance. If you don’t have your HVAC unit regularly maintained, you can’t count on it to work. Below are just a few of the reasons why HVAC maintenance is so important.

Energy Efficiency

Your heating and cooling bill makes up the bulk of your home energy usage. If your HVAC unit isn’t in top condition, it is going to cause your energy bills to go up. In fact, some studies have shown that proper HVAC maintenance can drop your energy bills by as much as thirty-five percent!

Enjoying Your Home

If you have your HVAC system working, it’s because you want a little bit of comfort in a hot or cold environment. If you turn the machine on, you should expect it to work correctly every time. If you don’t have HVAC maintenance performed regularly, you can’t depend on the unit to work.

Extending Equipment Life

You wouldn’t skip the regular maintenance on your car, and you shouldn’t skip it for your HVAC unit. Over time, wear and tear will impact even the best system. Maintenance will help your HVAC unit to last longer and function better.

Saving Money

Yes, having maintenance performed can actually save you money. Your machine is made up of many moving parts, and failure in one can cause damage to others. If you can catch small problems before they become larger, you can save yourself both time and money. The best way to make sure that your HVAC system will not experience catastrophic – and expensive – failure is to have it checked out before problems ever occur.

Safety

You aren’t just looking out for the health of your HVAC unit when you have maintenance performed. Your HVAC system can become dangerous when not properly maintained. From loose electrical connections to carbon monoxide build-up, it’s best to look at the major problems that can occur before someone in your home gets hurt.

Most manufacturers will tell you that regular maintenance is the best way to keep your system functioning well and to keep everyone in your home safe. If you keep to a realistic maintenance cycle, you can prevent many major repairs and enjoy your HVAC unit for years to come. For more on HVAC maintenance and other articles on heating, air conditioning and home needs, make sure to follow us.

How Important Is It To Get The Right Size Of Heating And Cooling Equipment?

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating.

If you’re in the market for a new central heating and air conditioning system to help reduce energy costs, you need to understand how important it is to properly size your system. Correct HVAC sizing will improve indoor comfort and reduce costs and usage in addition to maintenance.

Because older homes were not constructed with the same air tightness as they are today, it was common to install HVAC equipment with capacity of two to four times beyond what was necessary. Yet even older houses are more air tight as homeowners have added energy-efficient windows, weather-stripping and insulation to their homes. Improvements like these help reduce heat loss in winter while and minimized heat gain in the summer.

Thus, the most common mistake today is buying a system that is too big. HVAC equipment that is too large creates large, uncomfortable temperature swings. Air conditioners don’t run long enough and cannot dehumidify the air, raising the potential for unhealthy mold growth. An oversized HVAC system will also short cycle, or start and stop frequently, resulting in more wear and tear of the equipment, leading to premature failure.

Don’t purchase HVAC equipment simply on the label that lists the BTUs of the unit, or based on a “rule of thumb” used by an HVAC contractor. These are both incorrect ways to select HVAC units. The proper way to perform HVAC sizing is through Manual J and Manual D load calculations developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Manual J calculations look at factors such as the climate where your home is located, size, shape and orientation, number of windows and their location, number of occupants, types of home appliances and much more. Manual D calculations determine the number of ducts used in an installation.

Your home’s load, or heating and cooling requirements, are affected by all of the above factors. Make sure your contractor also assess you building’s air leakage rate and inspects seals, joints and insulation on your duct system.

When buying a new system, make sure you receive a written calculation on the sizing of the system and a contract that lists the main points of installation that includes Manual J and Manual D results, along with a written warranty detailing equipment and workmanship.

Surge Protectors And HVAC: What You Need To Know

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Home Comfort.

Any device that uses a computer circuit board is vulnerable to a power surge. This includes telephones, TV sets, personal computers and even your home’s HVAC system. A power surge can occur due to a lightning strike or a malfunction in the main power grid. A large power surge can cause irreparable damage to these items and any other electronic components in your home. Installing HVAC surge protectors is an affordable and effective way to protect all your electronic devices, including your heating and cooling equipment.

There was a time when heating and cooling systems were largely mechanical with only a few electronic components. Advancements in HVAC technology changed all that with highly efficient systems run by purpose built computers.

A power surge can cause a little damage or a lot of damage and there is no way of predicting the outcome when one affects your home’s electrical system. Even a small power surge can damage a HVAC unit’s components requiring the attention of a trained HVAC technician to make repairs. A large surge can cause the unit to fail completely and in some cases, purchasing a replacement is the only option.

Even if your heating and cooling system seems to be in proper working condition following a power surge, it is possible that some components have hidden damage. This will interfere with the system’s performance and may eventually cause premature failure and the need for replacement.

There is nothing you, or anybody else, can do to prevent a power surge from hitting your home’s electrical system at any time. What you can do is install surge protectors to prevent that excess power from ruining the electronic devices in your home, including your HVAC system. Consumers can purchase individual surge protectors for each electrical outlet serving an electronic device and a whole-home surge protector for the main breaker box to prevent a surge from affecting any items running off the main power line.

Adding surge protection to your home is an easy and affordable way to eliminate damage caused by an unexpected power fluctuation.

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What Is A Smart Thermostat, Anyway?

Written by Brody Pennell on . Posted in Energy Efficiency, Thermostat.

If your goal is to reduce your energy costs by being kinder to the earth, then you might want to consider having a smart thermostat installed. Smart thermostats are wireless digital thermostats that enable you to better control the temperature throughout your home (or business) while using less energy than traditional thermostats.

How do smart thermostats work?

Smart thermostats work by measuring the temperature in each room and resetting itself accordingly. For instance, if you spend a majority of your time in the living room of your home and 6 other rooms are unoccupied for a majority of the day, then the thermostat will adjust itself so energy isn’t wasted heating and cooling rooms that aren’t in use.

How can a smart thermostat benefit me?

There are many ways that a smart thermostat can benefit you. One way is that such a technologically-advanced thermostat will use less energy but provide the same comfort. You will more or less have complete control over your energy bills, which will be based on the average temperature that you prefer for each room in your home. Another way that a smart thermostat can benefit you is that the thermostat has the ability to “learn.” In other words, the smart thermostat will adjust itself according to the settings that you normally use.

In addition, a smart thermostat can control up to 8 separate rooms of your home, customizing the temperature for each area. This will provide you with consistent and optimal cooling and heating, which will ensure your overall comfort levels. Since the thermostat can be controlled via the internet, you can control the temperature in your home even when you’re not home. This can prevent you from wasting energy when it is not needed, and you will definitely see the difference in your energy bills.

Obviously smart thermostats can improve your life in a number of ways. Not only can they help you to drastically reduce your heating and cooling costs, but they can also make controlling the temperature in your home a lot more convenient. Follow us for more great articles on heating, air conditioning and home needs.