If you are building a new home, you have the opportunity to make sure that the duct system will deliver “top-notch” comfort and efficiency by specifying to the builder that you want a leak-free, insulated duct system. Even better, discuss with your builder the option of locating the ducts within the conditioned space and hiding [...]
Since you now know that size affects your air conditioning system, it’s time to understand how to determine the right size equipment for your home. To do that your builder and HVAC contractor will need to use what’s called a “Manual J” calculation..
The “Manual J” calculation is vital for your builder and HVAC contractor to [...]
Cellulose insulation is made from paper products, primarily recycled newsprint. The paper is shredded and milled to produce a fluffy low-density material. Large amounts of chemicals, primarily boric acid, are added to provide flame resistance.
The great advantages of cellulose are its relative low cost, ease of installation and high R per inch, roughly [...]
Before purchasing surge protectors, you should conduct an inventory of your sensitive equipment. This inventory is simply a walk through your home to determine where and what type of sensitive equipment you have.
Go room by room listing each piece of electrical equipment. Note whether or not the device is connected to the outside world [...]
Did you know that the average family spends close to $1300 a year on their home’s utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. By using a few inexpensive energy efficient measures, you can reduce your energy bills by 10% to 50% and, at the same time, help reduce [...]
Studies show that ductwork leaks can waste between 20% and 40% of the home’s heating and cooling dollars. Considering many residents spend between $1,000 and $2,000 per year in energy costs, Duct leakage could be wasting $200 to $800 each year! Homes with ducts located in a protected area like a basement may lose somewhat [...]
Heat Distribution systems are categorized according the medium used to transport heat. The two most common types are:
1. Forced Air systems that use ducts and registers to distribute heated or cooled air, and
2.Hot Water and Steam systems that use pipes and radiators to distribute heat.
Some systems need no distribution. These include space heaters, room [...]
Most ducts are fairly delicate and easily damaged. Duct systems should be inspected for visible holes and feel for air leakage while it is operating. Some duct sections that are supposed to be joined together may have pulled away from each other, leaving gaps through which large quantities of air can leak.
Flexible duct sections may [...]
Instantaneous water heaters, sometimes referred to as “demand†or “point-of-use†water heaters, produce hot water only when it is needed. Their big advantage is that there are no stand-by losses because there is no storage tank. Since stand-by losses can be as much as 15 percent of the total cost of water heater operation, demand [...]
The dehumidification process removes excess moisture from the air when the relative humidity is high. Reducing humidity levels is sometimes necessary for health reasons, but it also helps prevent rot, mold, and mildew on interior room surfaces. Air-conditioning systems can accomplish this function as they cool. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air, because as [...]
NEW YORK: In the office of the future, desk jockeys who cannot live without cell phones, BlackBerrys and iPods will be able to charge up such devices just by putting them on their desks.
One office furniture maker Herman Miller Inc has a license from Fulton Innovation for eCoupled, a system that eliminates the need for [...]
Closed-loop, ground-coupled systems use a vertical or horizontal heat exchanger buried below the frost line to collect or reject heat. This heat exchanger circulates water in a closed loop to reject or collect heat from the ground, lake, or pond. The water is treated to prevent freezing and to reduce corrosion and scaling. Horizontal heat [...]
On what heating and cooling products would you find the EnerGuide Rating?
The EnerGuide Rating label on heating and cooling products can be found at the back of product brochures for gas and propane furnaces, residential air conditioning systems and air-to-air heat pumps.
What is the difference between the EnerGuide label found on major household appliances [...]
Crawl space vents keep moisture from building up under homes and damaging building materials. Don’t be tempted to seal them to save energy. Sealing them could cause costly moisture damage.
Foundation vents for the crawl space should be located on every wall, close enough together that there is at least one square foot of free [...]
There is no one temperature and humidity condition at which everyone is comfortable. People are comfortable at a range of temperatures and humidities. Research conducted over many years on large numbers of people by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers concluded there is a range of combined temperatures and humidities that [...]
The next time you pay your utility bill, try one simple calculation. Divide the total amount by seven. The result is the amount you spend to heat your water. (If you receive separate utility bills for gas and electricity, use the gas bill for this calculation if you have a gas water heater; use the [...]
Don’t let your water heater get the best of you
Water Heater Leaking From The Bottom?
Before turning off water to water heater try to locate the source of the leak(it may not be the water heater leaking).
To attempt to locate the source of the leak first check the top of the water heater. If the [...]
Modern condensing furnaces - the true champs of efficiency.
A new “hybrid” variable speed furnace and air conditioning system can use about 68% of its capacity to keep you comfortable - maybe 80% of the time.
The variable speed system is the best you can invest in.
When heating or cooling demand changes the variable speed [...]
Air infiltrates through every nook and cranny.
About one third of this air infiltrates through the openings in your ceilings, walls and floors. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 10 percent or more on your energy bills just by plugging air leaks in these places in your home.
1. [...]
Forced air systems, using either furnaces or heat pumps, circulate the heated air, picking up a great deal of the dust and other contaminants in the home. Air filters minimize the accumulation of dust on the indoor coil and fan because dust accumulation can reduce system efficiency. They also improve the air quality in the [...]
Ceiling fans are generally more expensive than portable fans; but like portables, they produce a cooling effect by moving air across the surface of the skin; and thereby making people feel cooler. While operating, losses from the motor actually heat the space in which they operate, therefore, they should only run when someone is there [...]
The purpose of caulking is to reduce the infiltration of air, dirt, noise, moisture, and insects into the home. Caulk is any pliable material that can be used to fill cracks and stop leaks. It is designed for areas where parts do not have to move relative to one another. Weather-stripping, on the other hand, [...]
More than three-fifths of the households in the U.S. heat or cool their homes with ducted forced air systems, so chances are good that air ducts are lurking within your walls, floors, or ceilings. These air ducts move conditioned air to warm and cool your family. They can be a great source of comfort…but more [...]
Why you should drain your water heater.
As water is heated, minerals are released from the (hard) water and left behind in the tank resulting in poor efficiency and shorter water heater life.
Use extreme caution when draining hot water heaters—the water might scald you. To further conserve energy, flush the hot water heater after bathing, washing [...]
Before doing anything, check for the odor of gas. If you smell gas call your gas supplier immediately and have them check for leaks. If possible turn off the gas supply and get out of the building.
Do not attempt to repair your water heater unless you are qualified. Call a licensed plumber for repairs. We [...]
Furnace cycles too often
The problem is likely to be with the thermostat. Your unit could be overheating because of a clogged air filter or blower that is malfunctioning.
Not enough heat
Usually a clogged air filter or a blower that has dirt built up on its blades can cause poor air flow. Another cause can be dirty [...]
Insulation Basics :-
Insulation is any material that restricts heat flow. It comes in a wide variety of materials, including mineral, organic, fibrous, and reflective, and in many forms, such as batts, blankets, loose fill, rigid and foam. Insulation is installed in homes to reduce heat flow through the home’s envelope, keeping heat in during winter [...]
No Heat
Before calling for help make sure of the following:
1.Thermostat is set on Heat and turned on. Next if electronic, are batteries charged? Is there a display showing? Set temperature three degrees or higher than current room setting.
2. Power supply. Your furnace should have an Emergency Power Off Switch. Make sure it’s [...]