Posts Tagged ‘air conditioning’
May 13, 2013
You should get your furnace and AC serviced annually to make sure they’re operating safely and efficiently. And we find it’s best to do that with a regular service agreement. Hopefully this will prevent problems before they happen. Some things a technician will check as we go into the cooling season are:
Evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer,
Refrigerant level: Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
Blower components should be cleaned and adjusted to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.
These fixes are part a good service visit, but is it’s a good idea to inspect and change air filters on a monthly basis and that is something you can do.
Most of our locations offer our service agreement customers a discount on both service and replacement since we can schedule them before the busy season. An ounce of prevention can help your system run better and help you stay cool.
Thanks,
Jason
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Tags:air conditioning, comfort, service agreement, spring, spring cleaning, tune-up
Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating & Cooling Tips, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
November 26, 2012
Maybe you have a great HVAC company that services your equipment. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, and kudos if you’ve found a good one. With a good provider I like service agreements because you know your equipment is taken care of and in a cost effective way. But a good HVAC contractor should consider the whole house when thinking of heating and cooling systems not just the box in the basement or the attic.
From the Building Performance Institute
As we go into fall and colder weather, it’s time for tune ups, and service calls, but what about the rest of your home as well. Who is paying attention to that? A heart works well when we take care of the rest of our body. We eat well, exercise and get good sleep, but also protect ourselves from the cold. Put on a cap, coat and boots before going outside or you’ll get sick right?
Is your HVAC company’s solution to comfort a bigger “heart”, more ducts, more baseboard, more cooling, or does it consider a better house so that heart “fits” well and works as it should? Keep in mind that the heart is a very important part, but it is part of the whole. Taking care of the whole house can really make a difference, as they say, “Home is where the Heart is!”
Thanks,
Jason
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Tags:air conditioner, air conditioning, boiler, BPI, comfort, energy-efficiency, furnace, have a heart, home improvement, service agreement
Posted in Air Conditioning, Air-Sealing, Boilers, Heating & Cooling Tips | Leave a Comment »
November 16, 2012
In New England it is easy to see the seasons change. It’s a time of harvest and preparation for our comfort through the coldest part of the year. There’s plenty to do outside the home never mind on the inside.
For one thing it is time to tune up the furnace or boiler before the heating season begins. Preventative maintenance is a good thing and worth the minor expense to ward of a major one in the middle of the heating season. With a contractor you trust, that clean and tune may be part of a service agreement and can save you even more.
Your heating system is not the only thing that should get a tune up though. For many of us, it’s the home too! Even with the cleanest running furnace or boiler in your home, it is important to consider how well the building is insulated, resists air leakage, deals with moisture and provides indoor air quality.
Since heating systems and buildings interact with each other, it’s a great idea to consider treating them together. Seek out certified and experienced heating and cooling technicians, and the same for your home. Consider a BPI accredited contractor that will look at your home as a system and help you prepare for the coming season making it healthier, safer and more energy efficient.
Thanks,
Jason
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Tags:air conditioning, boiler, clean and tune, comfort, energy-efficiency, fall, furnace, home energy, oil prices, tune-up
Posted in Air Conditioning, Boilers, Efficiency, Electricity Use, Energy / Efficiency / Renewables, Furnaces, Health / Safety / Indoor Air, Oil / Coal / Natural Gas | Leave a Comment »
October 1, 2012
Young’s Air Conditioning of Los Banos, California came on board before the start of the New Year. Young’s is a family business with strong roots in Los Banos and a reputation as the area’s leading provider of energy efficient heating and cooling services.
In the early part of the winter, we added three locations with Carolina Green Energy Systems. CGES is one of South Carolina’s oldest and largest comprehensive Home Performance Contractors, and we are proud to include them in the GreenHomes Network.
Also new in town is Air Rescue Air Conditioning of Tampa, Florida. This is our first partner from the Sunshine state. Air Rescue started in 1965, and is one of the oldest and largest residential HVAC contractors in the Tampa Bay Metro area. Air Rescue will service customers in over seven counties.
This is only the beginning as GreenHomes grows to better serve you nationally! Stay tuned for more!
Thanks,
Jason.
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Tags:air conditioning, California, contractors, cooling, family, Florida, green homes, GreenHomes America, heating, national, new year, South Carolina
Posted in Air Conditioning, Air-Sealing, Efficiency, Energy / Efficiency / Renewables, Energy Audits, GreenHomes America, Health / Safety / Indoor Air, Home, Homeowners, Insulation, Lighting and Appliances, News, Rebates and Incentives, Utility Bills | 1 Comment »
September 12, 2011
The massive power outages last week provide us with a good example of the importance of being prepared. Living in the Northeast it is always in the back of my mind to be ready for a storm as winter sets in (all to soon), I didn’t really think about the opposite corner of our nation in the same way until now.
A place like San Diego doesn’t need to be concerned with two feet of snow, but they can lose power and during the hottest parts of the year keeping cool can be an issue. Losing power anywhere can be a problem. The summertime can be troublesome especially for those who are more susceptible to health problems. It really brings home how much we rely on being able to cool our homes not only for comfort but also for our health.
The latest power outage affected 6 million people on both side of the U.S. Mexican border. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it did cause some to rethink their plans or lack of them. This wasn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened.
The country’s largest blackout of August 22, 2003, affected some 50 million people in Canada, and the U.S. New York City Comptroller William Thompson estimated the economic impact of the blackout at $800 million to $1 billion in the city.
Some things worth keeping on hand no matter what time of year or where you are:
The American Red Cross recommends putting together a disaster preparedness kit some of it is below:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
- Food—nonperishable, easy to prepare items (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7day supply) and medical items
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
There is more to this that can be added depending on where you live. Even with all the great technology we have, now and then it fails us. Having your home it in tip top shape can help with more than just comfort. When it is properly air sealed and insulated it stays warm or cool, depending on the season, on its own for longer when the power fails. Be prepared with a kit, and with your home.
FEMA image from Wikimedia commons
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Tags:air conditioning, air-sealing, American Red Cross, disaster preparedness, energy-efficiency, insulation, power outage
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July 25, 2011
With the monster heat wave we’ve been having, a question that has come up several times this week—how can I add central air if I have a hot water heating system (and thus don’t have ducts to move the air)?
Minisplit air-conditioning is recognizable by it's slimmer--and quieter--outdoor condensing unit.
The good news is that there is a great answer—ductless minisplits. And mini-splits have some big advantages going for them.
- Mini-splits are some of the most efficient systems available, and you know we’re a fan of efficiency.
- Mini-splits come in smaller sizes, better matching cooling “loads” in the house. And as you’ve heard me say, when it comes to A/C, bigger is NOT better.
- Not only do they come in smaller sized, but they can also modulate the amount of heating or cooling by varying the refrigerant flow to dial is the amount of cooler you need now, not just what you need on the worst day (see bigger is not better, above).
- With no ducts, there is no duct leakage.
- They are really quiet!
The indoor units, while different than a simple grill, can usually be unobtrusively tucked away, like in this hallway, for instance.
Mini-split systems have a different design aesthetic, and some people don’t look the way the look. However, it’s often possible to tuck them in an unobtrusive location where they’re barely noticed. And there are options like a “ceiling cassette” with is mounted above the ceiling with just a grill visible. Ducted mini-splits are another option. The allow you to hide the unit, in a soffit for example, and use short ducts for the return and supply air. With the ducted systems, you can allow feed multiple rooms from a hallway, for example.
A mini-split system is often more expensive than bolting on A/C to an existing warm air furnace and duct system. But it is usually less expensive than adding A/C and ductwork if you have a hot water system already. And because of the smaller sizes available, mini-splits are often a better choice for a more efficient home—one where we’ve air-sealed, insulated, swapped out lighting and appliances for more efficient models, and upgraded windows.
So, if you’ve got hot water heating, whether it’s baseboard, radiators, and in-floor radiant, don’t sweat it. Ask us if a mini-split might be a great cooling solution for you.
Cheers,
Mike
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Tags:A/C, air conditioning, boiler, central air, cooling, ductless, ducts, energy-efficiency, hot water heating, mini-split, right-sizing, SEER
Posted in Air Conditioning | Leave a Comment »
July 21, 2011
The incredible heat wave continues across the Midwest and the East Coast. To temperatures pushing—or passing—100 degrees, add stifling humidity the bump the heat index over 120 in some places. In this case, it’s the heat AND the humidity.
While our friends down in Houston are used to this, and they’ve got the air-conditioning to deal with it. This is beyond what many people and homes and buildings in the East and Midwest are prepared for. And the heat can be deadly. So it’s worth taking a few minutes to talk about what you can do.
We often providing cooling tips, and they’re worth revisiting. But let’s hit a couple of important reminders for you and your home to help get through this.
Keeping your person cool
- Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic, and without caffeine), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you get thirsty to drink. Warning: if your doctor has you limiting fluids or reducing water, check in with her to find your specific recommendation. Remember, if you’re sweating a lot, you need to replace electrolytes, too. I like a diluted sports drink (otherwise they can be too sweet).
- If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned space. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–or the time-honored tradition of going to a movie theater. Might be a good reason to go so Harry Potter again! Some locals might have heat-relief shelters. Check with your local health department.
- Go swimming in a cool pool. Take a cold shower or a cold bath. (Not a hot shower or hot bath!) Cooler water can be an excellent way to cool down your body temperature.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- If you’re going to be outside, try to do it early in the day or late in the evening when it’s generally cooler. Try to avoid heavy exercise in the heat.
The Centers for Disease Control has a helpful Extreme Heat guide the offers additional details and advice.
Keeping your home cool
- According to CDC, air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Room air-conditioners can help. And installing a central AC unit is usually done in a day.
- Keep the heat out! During the day, if it’s cooler inside than outside, keep windows shut. And keep window shades down to block out direct sunlight. Open the windows at night if it’s cooler outside than in.
- Fans to the outside—blowing in either direction—can help if it is cooler outside than inside. But they’re counterproductive if it’s hotter outside. Ceiling fans (and other fans) help you stay comfortable—but only while you’re in the room. The fan motors actually generate heat, so turn them off when you’re not there.
Finally, children, the elderly, and the sick, are especially susceptible to heat. Keep a close eye on them.
Of course, contact us if you’d like more permanent, energy-efficient solutions. But in the meantime, be safe, and stay cool.
Mike
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Tags:A/C, air conditioner, air conditioning, cool, cooling, cooling tips, East Coast, Extreme Heat, fans, heat wave, Midwest, tips
Posted in Air Conditioning, Consumer Protection, Heating & Cooling Tips | Leave a Comment »
June 14, 2011
A recent study from the Institute of Medicine identifies how climate change affects the environment in our homes which has an impact on our nation’s health. It is Ironic that when the weather gets worse, we seek shelter indoors from extremes outside and in doing so still potentially put our health at risk. It is also reassuring that as a Home Performance contractor our work on homes is just what the “doctor ordered”. Most of the issues raised in the report are exactly the things we keep an eye out for with health and safety in mind. Every job we do starts and finishes with testing to ensure your home is a safe haven.
The report identifies 5 major issues:
Indoor Air quality: People don’t think all the cleaning chemicals under the sink amount to much but they can. We tend to leave all sorts of chemicals in our homes, leave connections to garages full of thing we shouldn’t breathe. We also have combustion appliances in our home which left un-checked can cause issues with CO. Our advisors keep an eye out for these conditions, it’s an integral part or health and safety for us.
Dampness and Moisture: Extreme weather conditions outside lead to more frequent issues in our homes as water gets in where it shouldn’t. Cooling systems can contribute to moisture issue if not handled properly and certainly basements and crawlspaces do too. There are fixes for spaces with moisture issues that we sometimes ignore until it’s too late.
Bugs and Bugs: weather and climate change can influence infectious diseases and pests and expanding the area where they flourish. A new “bug in town” will lead to new exposure for some of us and possibly an increase in pesticides previously not used before. Moisture in our home can lead to issues with mold and other pests. A home should be a healthy haven not a petri dish.
Thermal Stress: High heat especially for those not prepared or more susceptible such as the elderly, will experience thermal stress almost exclusively inside. With temperature extremes come power outages compromising our ability to run cooling systems. Treating our buildings by insulating against the heat helps buffer your home.
Building Ventilation, Weatherization and Energy use: As we experience climate change and weather extremes it gives us good reason to weatherize but it must be handled with expertise and always with a mind towards health and safety. No longer can we tighten up a home or insulate it without thinking about the whole house. GreenHomes America makes sure that every home is left a healthier home at job’s end.
“Fixing” old buildings with new methods can create new problems if not done properly. Being a BPI accredited company means we are committed to quality and accountability. A comprehensive Home Assessment with solutions provided to you from our team of experts will offer the safest answers to the ever changing environment inside.
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Tags:air conditioning, carbon monoxide, climate change, energy-efficiency, health and safety, home energy audit, home performance, IAQ, indoor environment, Institute of Medicine
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June 8, 2011
There’s been a Heat wave across parts of the country, wild fires blazing and the season has just begun! So I thought it would be good to build on the tips Mike mentioned last week. Here are a few things you can look at to keep your cool as we head into summer:
- Keep the heat out! During the day, if it’s cooler inside than outside, keep windows shut. And keep window shades down to block out direct sunlight. Open the windows at night if it’s cooler outside than in. Solar shades can help.
- Ceiling fans (and other fans) help you stay comfortable—but only while you’re in the room. The fan motors actually generate heat, so turn them off when you’re not there.
- Use a bath fan vented to the outside to remove the heat and moisture created by showering. If you don’t have a bath fan, have one installed its useful for many reasons.
- Mike recently talked about keeping cool in the kitchen; use an exhaust fan to remove heat and moisture created by cooking. This has the added benefit of removing pollutants, especially if you cook with gas.
- Use efficient lighting and appliances. Incandescent and halogen lights actually use most of their energy creating heat instead of light. Not only does this means you’re overpaying for lighting, but in the summer you’re creating a lot of unwanted heat in the rooms you’re trying to keep cool. Compact florescent light bulbs are good LED’s are even better.
- Do you have a forced air heating or cooling system? If so, make sure to seal and insulate the ductwork in attics and crawl spaces. As much as 30% of the air you cool can escape outside through leaky ducts.
- Insulate and air-seal your attic. In the summer, temperatures in the attic often climb to more than 140o. Proper insulation can keep this heat from conducting down into your home, but first… Remember that your insulation only works if air isn’t moving through it. Seal around chimneys, flues, plumbing penetrations, and recessed lighting, for example. See our earlier post Insulate to Stay Cool .
- As we mentioned recently with a central air-conditioner it’s important to keep it tuned up—EPA and DOE recommending maintenance every year. If it’s more than 10 years old, consider replacing with a high-efficiency unit, one that at least qualifies for ENERGY STAR. If you buying a window air-conditioner or dehumidifier, look for the ENERGY STAR, too.
- Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a house can help keep your home cool in the summer. In many parts of the country, maples, oaks, and birches are good trees to consider. Because they drop their leaves in the fall, they let sunlight through to help warm your house in the winter. Landscaping is about more than looks!
- New low-e windows with a low “solar heat gain coefficient” (SHGC) can block the heat from the sun but may be a costly measure if that’s the only reason you’re replacing them.
To really find the trouble spots in your home, and to be sure that they’re addressed properly, get a comprehensive home assessment. GreenHomes America can provide this, and GreenHomes trained and certified crews can even install your improvements.
And remember that after a home is tightened up, combustion equipment like furnaces and water heaters should be tested to make sure they’re running safely and efficiently. GreenHomes does this testing on every project it completes.
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Tags:air conditioning, air-sealing, energy-efficiency, heat wave, home energy audit, insulation, LED lighting, windows
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May 20, 2011
It took me a while to understand that a refrigerator, dehumidifier and air conditioner were actually all pretty much the same thing. I remember trying to stay out of the kitchen in the summer time because it was so hot even when we weren’t cooking. I figured it was just the motor doing something.
Indeed it was. That something was driving a compressor and when you compress the gas stored in the coil in a refrigerator or any of these appliances, cool stuff happens literally.
The controlled compressing and expansion of gasses help keep our food cold, cool our rooms with air conditioners and dehumidify them too. Because there are always two sides to a coin the heat released by the condenser can be used to your advantage.
A ductless or mini split system can change directions in the cooling process and provide heat. There’s no ductwork as the name suggests, and the split has to do with the two components that work together: an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler.
These units can be a good option if you need a bit of both cooling and heating in a space. Depending on the climate you live in they may be all that you need to address cooling and heating needs. Certainly it is a wonderful option on the shoulder seasons where you may just need to take a bit of the chill out of the air in a particular room. And if you have hot water (or steam) heating—radiators, baseboard, or radiant—ductless mini splits provide a great, efficient, retrofit for air-conditioning.
Remember, as with all heating and cooling systems, this is only part of the whole picture. If you are uncomfortable in your home it may be time to look at how it is working or not working. Assessing common household problems especially insulation, air sealing as well as the HVAC systems are important and that is best done with a certified energy advisor.
image from www.mitsubishicomfort.com
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Tags:air conditioning, comfort, ductless mini-split, energy savings, energy-efficiency, heat pump
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You should get your furnace and AC serviced annually to make sure they’re operating safely and efficiently. And we find it’s best to do that with a regular service agreement. Hopefully this will prevent problems before they happen. Some things a technician will check as we go into the cooling season are:
