There are two separate areas of concern when it comes to airflow – the configuration of your system and the actual operation.  In the recent past, many contractors looked at the equipment as a box – you pull out the old box and install the new one.  In the recent past, there has been so much research aimed at improving efficiencies which has put us light years ahead of where the industry was even just 10 years ago.

In configuring a system, understanding the effects of sizing, location of supplies, air leakage and resistance in transitions is integral.  You should have exactly the same amount of air being pushed through the supply side as you have on the return side.  In many homes, we find this isn’t the case and, more often than not, there are significant variances in the airflow.  When the duct system is accessible, we can modify the ducts.  When its not accessible, we must make alterations to the system, and sometimes the equipment, to compensate for the differences.  Recognizing the inadequacies in the duct system can mean the difference in spending thousands on a new system that results in higher energy costs and makes your home more uncomfortable – not at all the idea of a smart purchase.

The duct modifications are only the first part.  Once the new system is installed, you must ensure that it is actually operating appropriately in each application.  Every ‘box’ isn’t the same and won’t perform the same in every home.  Only after it’s installed and operating can you determine what further adjustments are necessary to maximize your energy efficiency and comfort.

The newer systems provide a thermostat which allows us to change operational settings based on several factors that are constantly monitored by the system.  Dehumidification in the summer, humidification in the winter, even temperatures throughout the home and improved energy efficiency can only be reached if the system is adjusted based on how the new equipment operates with the existing duct system in your home.  Fan speeds in each mode can be set differently dependent on the temperature, humidity level and cycles to improve the efficiency and the system’s ability to accommodate your preferences

Heating and cooling your home properly is definitely not rocket science, but it is a science.  When you upgrade your comfort system, you should see improvements in energy efficiency and comfort.   To do so, you have to be able to recognize the challenges in the existing system and understand the necessary adjustments to allow the new system to compensate for those.  The good news is that many of the comfort problems in your home can be addressed now.

Even with an existing system, there are things you can do to ensure the best possible performance from your system.  I can’t stress the importance of good, clean air filters.  They should be changed regularly and they should be good quality filters.  Not only do air filters clean the air in your home, but they protect the system components.  If dust and debris reaches the equipment, it is building up on the blower and the evaporator coil.  This restricts airflow, increases energy costs and will ultimately decrease the life of your system.

Make sure the supply and return registers aren’t blocked.  There should be several inches of clearance if you have furniture in front of wall registers and keep any floor registers clear as well.  The resistance will affect the entire system and compromise the delivery of air to the entire home.  Visually inspect any duct work that is accessible.  You wouldn’t believe how many instances we find where connections have simply come apart, especially in attic and crawl spaces.

Variable speed motors allow the system to adjust the cooling/heating delivered to your home based on demand conditions providing more comfortable temperatures and substantially more efficient operation.  The motor ramps up or down to deliver only what your home needs instead of always operating at the same maximum speed regardless of whether it is 60 degrees outside or 6 degrees outside.

The Extreme Heat Pump incorporates this same feature in their compressor.  This allows the outdoor unit to operate between 40% – 100% capacity to precisely match the demand needs of your home.  It’s similar to the using a dimmer switch for your HVAC system.  In our area, this provides significant energy savings because our homes only require the maximum capacity 20% of the year.   The other 80% of the year, the system is operating at a reduced level and using only the energy necessary to maintain a comfortable home.

In addition, this heat pump maintains its effectiveness at much lower outdoor temperatures than standard units are capable of; the Extreme can deliver twice the capacity in freezing temperatures.  This adds to the energy savings because the auxiliary (electric) heat doesn’t operate nearly as much.  This exclusive technology equates to as much as 69% higher efficiency than standard heat pumps.

The result – higher efficiency, a much more comfortable home with better humidity control.  This heat pump combined with the variable speed air handler inside offers the most comfort control and efficiency in the market.

Before you panic, most systems should not need additional refrigerant – new or old.  The refrigerant system is a closed loop and should not lose refrigerant under normal operating conditions.  If your system is in good condition and has been maintained, additional refrigerant is usually not necessary.

However, systems do sometimes develop a leak.  A system losing refrigerant is unable to maintain comfort levels and uses more energy during operation.  Years ago, many in the industry would add Freon to units with leaks each season to try to get through the cooling season.  The EPA stepped in and has now made it mandatory that the leak be repaired or equipment replaced if a system is leaking refrigerant to prevent the harmful release of these gases into the atmosphere.

The good news is that those of you with newer systems using Puron refrigerant won’t be impacted at all.  Those with Freon systems that are in good working condition without refrigerant leaks should not have to worry either.   If your Freon system should develop a refrigerant leak, it should be addressed immediately since the refrigerant that must be replaced will be very expensive.  If you notice a problem such as excessive run time or an inability to cool your home, have your system inspected right away.

• Keep your blinds/curtains closed during the day on windows that get direct sunlight.
• Set your thermostat to run your fan continuously.  This helps to even out temperatures variances.
• Make sure your outdoor unit can “breathe.”  Clear leaves, bushes, etc. from around the unit.
• If you have a programmable thermostat, allow the temperature to rise a few degrees when no one is home during the day.
• Replace/clean your air filters regularly.  Dirty filters wreak havoc on your system.

As you would expect, Maryland home builders are making more of an effort to improve the energy efficiency of new homes. This effort includes reducing the air leakage from homes and has resulted in a lack of fresh air circulation into the home and a build-up of stale, polluted air trapped inside the home. Besides the impact on the air quality in the home, this can affect your comfort system (aka your heating and air conditioning system) as well.

Years ago, the EPA’s Office of Research and Development found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 10 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Studies indicated that products containing organic chemicals contributed to very high pollutant levels in the home and elevated concentrations remained in the air long after the products were used.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOC’s are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

These VOC’s have become a bigger problem over the years in the heating and air conditioning industry. One of the worst examples was from drywall that was imported from China that contained such high levels of VOC’s the indoor coils were corroding to the point of failure within a year in some cases. This problem was so widespread that manufacturers have been forced to alter the composition of their equipment in order to better withstand the effects of VOC’s.

Don’t panic, this isn’t common to every home or always as severe as this example. However, the impact of VOC’s has recently become more understood in terms of your air quality and even the performance of your comfort system. During your spring cleaning, it may be time to find a place outside your home to store those old paint cans, lacquers and pesticides instead of in the corner of the basement. If you think that your home may need more fresh air, there are solutions to manage the introduction of outside air into your home efficiently. For more information on indoor air quality, give us a call.

]]> http://www.gaithersburgair.com/2011/01/indoor-air-quality/feed/ 0 http://www.gaithersburgair.com/2011/01/be-prepared-for-this-winter/ http://www.gaithersburgair.com/2011/01/be-prepared-for-this-winter/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:38:59 +0000 RBiava http://www.gaithersburgair.com/?p=1599 Now that the air conditioners off and the heat is switched on. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re ready for heating season.  First, let’s be sure to test your heating system before you actually need it.

There’s no reason to wait to the last minute to find out your heat isn’t coming on – Switch your thermostat over to heat and let it run for a few minutes.  Stand next to your indoor heating system and listen to it start up and make sure there aren’t any strange noises.

If you have manual dampers to redirect airflow based on the season, now would be a good time to adjust those.  Remember – we want to send more of the heated air to the bottom floors of your home during the winter and restrict the airflow to the top floors.  This way the downstairs will be comfortable and the heat will naturally rise to the upstairs.  If the damper settings aren’t already labeled, label the winter and summer settings with a marker so you know where to set them next season.

As the colder weather arrives, don’t over adjust your thermostat.  Many people set the temperature too low during the day when no one is at home thinking they are saving energy.  When they return home in the evening, the system must run much longer to reach the desired temperature and much of the energy savings are lost…not to mention being uncomfortable for several hours.  A few degrees variance will do the trick.  And let’s clear up a common misconception while we’re on the topic:  Moving the set temperature on the thermostat way high (or low) does not result in more heat (or cooling).  The system will only run longer and over-shoot the desired temperature.

In the winter, open the shades and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to help heat your home.  Regularly change or clean your air filters.  Dirty filters reduce airflow causing the system to work harder and use more energy.  If you’re one that forgets to pick up replacement filters or need an odd size, let us know.  We provide replacement air filters by the case so you always have a replacement available and can provide custom sizes.

Seal up those leaky doors, windows and exterior penetrations – All those places where cold, outside air can be drawn into your home.  Warm air naturally rises and that air must be replaced – known as The Stack Effect.   Reduce the amount of air infiltration into your home and you’ll be more comfortable and save on energy usage this winter.

And those of you that have humidifiers, service the humidifier at the beginning of the heating season.  Replace the water panel and open any dampers on the bypass lines.  Usually the humidifier needs a good cleaning every season.  Check to see that the water supply is on and verify that there are no leaks.  Be sure to check the drain, too.  Pour water down the drain and make sure that it isn’t clogged.

For those of you that are members of our Peak Performance Maintenance Program, we will take care of all of the maintenance issues for you.  But it’s still a good idea to test the system before you actually need it.

We had our first blast of truly cold air this week where the temperatures in Montgomery County dropped into the 20’s.  This was a clear sign that winter is on the way and heat is once again in demand.  My guess is you were one of the many running to the thermostat to turn on the heat or maybe even cranking the temperature setting up to get comfortable.

Its common to have to adjust the temperature setting on the thermostat frequently when you have a basic non-programmable thermostat.  As the temperatures rise and fall and cold outside air infiltrates your home, you definitely feel the difference.  The dry winter air feels much colder than air with a higher humidity content.  As a result, 70 degree air that is extremely dry will feel cooler than if your home had proper humidity levels at 70 degrees.  The cold, dry air that leaks into your home during the winter will have you constantly adjusting your temperature setting.

Programmable thermostats like the Bryant Evolution Control® actually monitor the outdoor temperature and humidity levels to ensure the most comfortable conditions in your home.  In conjunction with a whole-house humidifier, the Bryant Evolution Control will add humidity to the air in your home as needed to maintain the proper humidity levels in addition to the proper temperature settings.

The Bryant Evolution® Control also allows you the benefit of programming your temperature settings to your individual preferences.  The programmable thermostat can be programmed to four separate time periods each day and provides the option to set every day of the week differently.  This allows you the opportunity to let the home cool down a few degrees when no one is home saving you on unnecessary operating costs.  There’s no need to maintain the same temperature setting all day while you’re at work so why not reduce your energy costs when your home is empty.  And the Evolution Control will bring the temperature in your home back to your preferred set temperature before you arrive back home.

The combination of this “smart” control, humidification and ability to program your settings will maximize your comfort and actually allow you to save in operating costs.  Programmable thermostats are a win-win situation.  If you have questions about the Bryant Evolution® Control, programmable thermostats or humidifiers, contact us and we’ll have a Comfort Consultant answer all of your questions.

• Lower your Air conditioning cost by… keeping  your blinds/curtains closed during the day on windows that get direct sunlight.
• Lower your Air conditioning cost by… making sure your outdoor unit can “breathe.”  Rinse the coil lightly with a hose if it is dirty and trim any shrubs around the unit that may impede airflow.
• Lower your Air conditioning cost by… setting your programmable thermostat a few degrees higher when no one is home during the day.
• Lower your Air conditioning cost by… Replacing/cleaning your air filter regularly. We offer an Air Filter Replacement program that delivers air filters right to your home.

If you have any other questions about how you can lower your air conditioning cost and stay comfortable this summer just give us a call at 301-926-3253.  Or sign-up for our e-letter to receive regular energy tips like this and other discount offers.

Dirty filters, on the other hand, restrict airflow resulting in increased static pressure (this is the air pressure inside your duct system).  High static pressure will actually decrease the amount of conditioned air delivered to the rooms throughout your home.  This impacts both performance and comfort.  The system must run longer and harder to satisfy the desired temperature setting at your thermostat.

In addition to the comfort issues you’ll notice, lack of airflow can result in other problems.  During the heating season, your furnace may overheat damaging the heat exchanger. During the cooling season, your coil may freeze into a block of ice.  This can lead to complete motor failure or compressor damage, not to mention water damage once the ice on the coil begins to melt.  All of these issues may result in expensive repairs, decreased system lifespan and total equipment replacement.

Not only will dirty filters cause these problems, but we have found that some of the lower quality filters restrict airflow – even when they are clean!  Filters are designed to capture airborne contaminants, but must not excessively block air from passing through.  If you are using a low quality filter which impedes airflow, your system will struggle to deliver the designed amount of conditioned air to the rooms in your home.  Besides being uncomfortable, you’re losing efficiency and paying more to operate your comfort system than you should.

There are many different types of filters available.  The right filter for your home should be based on your particular concerns such as respiratory ailments, allergies, dust problems, etc. that members of your family may experience.  Options include standard one inch disposable or permanent filters, media air cleaners and electronic air cleaners.  Within each type of filter, there are options in terms of the level of filtration.  The amount and size of the particles a filter can capture is designated with a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Report Value).  The higher the rating, the more contaminants that are removed from the air.  Each filter is designed to last for different periods of time – from a month to a year.

When it comes to air filters, the most important thing to remember is to replace or clean them regularly.  Notice how long your filter is supposed to last and be sure to check it within that timeframe.  If members of your family have respiratory problems or allergies, choose a filter designed to remove the necessary pollutants.  If you’d like to know more about your options with regards to air filters, please visit our website at Gaithersburgair.com or call us at 301-926-3253.

We have come across a solution – the Flood Guard Water Detection Alarm.   The Flood Guard is simply placed on the floor of an area with the potential for water leaks.  The slightest accumulation of water (1/32 of an inch) will set off an alarm that can be heard throughout your home.  The alarm alerts you at the onset of a leak allowing you to remedy the situation prior to costly damage occurring.

The Flood Guard allows you to minimize the risks associated with major appliances using water supplies.  It can be used for indoor evaporator coils (with air conditioners/heat pumps), humidifiers, dehumidifiers, water heaters, washers, sinks, sump pumps, etc. located throughout your home.  Anywhere a potential leak could result in major damage if it were undetected.

If you are interested in more information on the Flood Guard Water Detection Alarm, just give us a call at 301-926-3253.