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.

The benefit of discounts on repairs is obvious.  Guaranteed priority service means that in a situation where your system goes down we typically get to your home that day and we will definitely have a comfort consultant at your home within 24 hours.  During the intense heat of summer when your air conditioner fails and most service companies have a two week waiting list, the benefit of priority service is obvious as well.

The most important part of the Maintenace Agreement is the regular maintenance to your heating and cooling system.  Regular maintenance serves several purposes, the first being to maintain peak efficiency of your system.  If your system is new, you want it to continue to perform exactly how the manufacturer intended.  It was designed and installed to condition your home’s air comfortably while minimizing energy consumption.  As the years go by, your system will become less efficient if not maintained properly and you may notice some discomfort.  This may be evident in higher utility bills, short run cycles, increase in noise levels during operation, poor airflow, etc.  These can be avoided by properly maintaining your comfort system.

Regular maintenance will also help to avert possible equipment failure.  Certain inefficiencies may result in excessive wear on parts of your system leading to premature failure.  With regular maintenance, your system is kept in peak operating condition to reduce the chance of an in season breakdown and avoid such unnecessary, costly repairs thus extend its life over that of a neglected system.

Regular maintenance allows you to take a proactive approach, rather than reactive.  How many utility bills would be paid before you notice a gradual increase caused by an inefficient comfort system?  Poorly maintained systems tend to fail during times of maximum usage such as the “dog days of summer” or sub-freezing temperatures.  With regular inspections, you will always be aware of the condition of your system and any repairs/replacements can be performed when it is convenient for you.

New heating and cooling systems are defenately an investment.  If you just purchased a new system, it only makes sense to properly maintain it and if you have an old system and would like to get more life and comfort out of the system, a maintenace agreement may be just what you need.

Whether you choose an annual maintenance program or have your comfort system checked periodically, regular maintenance has proven beneficial.  There are many factors that determine the frequency with which you should have preventive maintenance performed such as system age, system design, filter quality, heating/cooling load, etc.  Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think about their comfort system until something goes wrong.  We suggest that you be proactive – Keep your system running efficiently and correct the potential problems before they become major headaches.

If you have more questions about our maintenance agreement you can visit our website at gaithersburgair.com or call us at 301-926-3253.

The Hybrid Heat System combines the strengths of both gas and electric heat sources to provide the most energy-efficient method of heating your home comfortably.  This system allows you more control over your energy consumption (energy bills) by determining which energy source is used under which conditions.  These parameters may be changed as utility costs change to allow you flexibility in maximizing your system’s efficiency.

The Hybrid Heat System is a combination of both a gas furnace and heat pump.  Because a heat pump also provides cooling just like an air conditioner, the Hybrid Heat System is also your total comfort solution year-round.  During the heating season, a balance point is determined based on gas/electricity rates and our climate.  This balance point will determine which energy source is more efficient based on outdoor conditions.  Your system control (thermostat) will constantly monitor the changing conditions and automatically select the heat pump or furnace when there is a need to heat your home.

Once the system control is programmed, your system will operate in the most efficient manner automatically.  There is nothing you have to do differently – Simply set your desired temperature and begin saving on your energy bills!  And when utility costs change, the balance point can be adjusted to ensure that your system is operating at optimal efficiency.

The Hybrid Heat System is designed to provide homeowners options when it comes to choosing energy consumption.  This system does not necessarily make sense for every home.  It obviously requires gas as a fuel source which would be a substantial investment if gas is not already available in your home.  It may not make sense to scrap your existing system and replace it with the Hybrid Heat system today.  However, this system is an excellent option for homeowners concerned with fuel consumption and thinking of replacing their existing comfort system.

If you’d like more information on the Hybrid Heat System, please call Gaithersburg Air Conditioning and heating at 301-926-3253 or visit us on the web at www.Gaithersburgair.com

Many of you may be thinking, “That’s nothing compared to my bills!” Let me explain.  I do little more than sleep and shower at my home, usually getting home just about my bedtime only to leave again by 5:30am the next morning.  Other than my heat pump system, water heater and alarm clock, there are no other appliances in my house that are actually used on a daily basis.  My point – there are no real energy hogs that would inflate my electrical usage.

My heat pump is controlled by a programmable thermostat which I haven’t changed the settings on in more than 10 years.  I keep the set point at 64 degrees during the day and raise the temp to 67 overnight.  I replaced my water heater 2 years ago so it’s definitely more efficient than the old one.  Excluding a condemned home, you can’t get much more “energy conscious” than my house.

So why the drastic change in my electric bills?  My first call was to PEPCO only to hear that they were getting flooded with the same type of calls, but no real explanation.  My next step was to go on their website where I located their residential rate schedule.  Here is where I noticed that there have been three rate increases since last winter – October 2007, June 2008 and November 2008. (And the largest increase is due to take effect June 1, 2009) On top of that, last winter was mild in comparison to the temperatures we’ve seen this year.  October and January were well below last year’s average temperatures and so were November and December – just not as extreme.

Depending on the type system you have in your home, 40% or more of your electrical usage can be attributed to heating and cooling your home.  So making certain that the system is operating at maximum efficiency is definitely a good idea.  All those things we do during the maintenance inspections are meant to get the most out of your system and minimize the operating costs.

And if you haven’t already, now is a good time to take the steps to minimize the air infiltration that we’ve discussed in past issues.  Every home “breathes” meaning the conditioned air in your home is being replaced with outside air several times each day.  Your home is constantly losing conditioned air through the top floor and pulling outside air into your home on the lower levels.

The idea is to minimize the air loss and reduce the cost of trying to heat or cool that outside air.  Seal exterior penetrations such as where piping, wiring, drains, etc. enter/exit the home.  Ensure your home is properly insulated.  Make sure unconditioned areas like the attic, crawl spaces and the garage are properly isolated from the conditioned areas.  Any ductwork in the unconditioned spaces needs to be sealed and insulated.  Seal the penetrations in the ceilings and walls, especially those going to the attic. Remember, the heat in your home will rise and find its way through loose fixtures like the attic hatch, recessed lights, ceiling fans, etc.  Those chases that run from the basement to the attic are the equivalent of leaving a window open.  Weather-strip the exterior doors and windows.  With the increased utility costs, every step taken to maximize efficiency will help to negate the additional energy costs during both heating and cooling season.

This copper tubing runs throughout both indoor and outdoor coils.  The refrigerant within the tubing absorbs the heat from your home’s air at the indoor coil resulting in the cool air you feel when the system is running.  The furnace or air handler contains a blower which pulls air through the return ducts, across your air filter, through the evaporator coil (where it is cooled) and distributes it throughout your home via the supply ducts.

You may have never thought about it, but you can use trees and shrubs to improve the efficiency of your comfort system.   How can you do this?  Maximize the warming effects of the sun in winter, maximize your use of shade in the summer and deflect winter winds away from your home.

Solar heat is absorbed through your home’s windows and roof.  Shading your home with trees from summer sun can reduce air temperatures as much as 9 degrees helping to reduce your cooling costs.  Shrubs and groundcover plants reduce heat radiation from the ground cooling the air before it reaches the walls and windows of your home.  Vines are also a good source of shade on walls.

Providing shade for your air conditioner/heat pump can actually increase your system’s efficiency by as much as 10%!  That is money in your pocket when the summer electrical rates take effect during the cooling season.  Be careful not to plant bushes and shrubs so close to the unit that airflow is restricted – Leave a buffer of about one foot of clearance around the unit to allow for proper airflow.  Remember, that is one foot of clearance as the plant continues to grow so plan ahead and leave enough space for the plant’s growth.

Proper landscaping can provide excellent wind protection as well which helps to reduce your heating costs in the winter.  Winds can drastically lower the outdoor temperature forcing your heating system to work longer and harder.  Shrubs, bushes and vines create a dead air space that actually insulates your home during both summer and winter protecting your home from the more extreme elements.

The types and location of trees, shrubs and bushes will all depend on your home’s structure and surroundings.  Generally, north- and south-facing windows will provide good sunlight during the winter allowing for solar heating with minimal heat gain during the summer.  East- and west-facing windows should be shaded to minimize the heat gain from the summer sun.  A reputable landscaper like Goshen Enterprises can help you determine how exactly you should landscape around your home.  You can contact them at 301-869-8544 or go to their web site at www.goshenenterprises.com.  You can also visit  http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer and click on YOUR HOME then LANSCAPING for more information.

A basic comfort system will overcompensate for temperature variances in your home by pushing conditioned air throughout your entire home, even those areas that don’t need it.  The result – uneven temperatures and increased energy bills. That’s where the zoning system comes in.

A zoning system consists of a control, automatic motorized dampers and temperature sensors working in conjunction with your comfort system.  The dampers are placed inside the supply ducts to control the airflow to specific areas of your home.  The temperature sensors are located in the separate zones of your home.  It’s similar to having a separate thermostat in each area communicating with your comfort system allowing each zone to be heated and cooled independently.

When any of the zones are calling for heat/cooling (based on your desired set point at your thermostat), the thermostat brings on your comfort system.  The zone control determines which zones are in need of conditioning based on the temperature sensors in each zone.  The dampers are automatically closed in the supply lines to those zones which do not need conditioning and opened in those that do need heating/cooling.

The zoning system allows for you to only heat/cool those areas which need it! This allows you to enjoy more comfortable, even temperatures throughout your home.  Because your system is only delivering conditioned air to the necessary areas, energy consumption is decreased.  Your system operates much more efficiently saving you money on your energy bills.

Unfortunately, zoning systems can’t be installed in every home.  The duct design in your home must be fabricated in a manner which allows for the appropriate zones.  The supply lines must be accessible in order to install the zone dampers, as well. A Comfort Consultant can easily inspect your system to determine whether the zoning system would be right for your home.

Your heating system will actually add to these problems because the process of heating the air removes moisture. A whole house humidifier can be installed on your heating system to add moisture to the conditioned air and deliver it through the duct system to your entire home helping to resolve these issues. A home with a higher level of humidity will actually feel warmer allowing you to be more comfortable at lower temperatures. I’m sure you’re familiar with this concept from the weather we experience in Maryland in the summer – It always feels much hotter than it actually is when humidity levels are higher.

Over the years, we have been to many homes in Rockville, Germantown, Gaithersburg and other Montgomery County cities where our customers have humidifiers but they feel as though their home’s air is still too dry. We have found that there are two major opponents diminishing the effectiveness of humidifiers – The first being your own heating system. In order to increase the comfort level in your home, we need to increase the percentage of moisture in the air. However, humidifiers only work when your heating system is actually running so you’re only adding moisture to your home’s air when the furnace or heat pump is on. Most systems only run a fraction of the time and even less if they’re oversized – which many older units are.

The other obstacle is air infiltration. Your home needs to exchange fresh, outside air constantly to be healthy. However, we have found that most homes allow far too much air into the home. An average healthy home would require about 5-7 complete air exchanges each day. We have measured homes with more than twice that amount! This means that the air inside your home is being humidified (not to mention conditioned) and then escaping to the outside. The humidity that you have added is being lost to the outside and you’re humidifier is unable to keep up with the drier outside air that is replacing the air being lost to the outside.

The result: The air in your home struggles to reach the comfortable target humidity levels that you want.

Solutions: We now require an infiltrometer test be performed on any home before installing a humidifier. This allows us to determine the home’s infiltration rate and the amount of moisture needed to reach comfortable humidity levels. With this information, we can determine whether the humidifier will perform as it should. We can also point out areas where simple improvements can be made to decrease the amount of infiltration to the home.

We have also found that certain equipment can help to improve a humidifier’s performance such as variable speed furnaces/heat pumps. These units operate on lower settings the majority of the time resulting in longer run cycles. This allows more time for your system to add humidity to the conditioned air. These systems also allow you to run the fan on lower speeds. The lower speed would allow you to run your fan continuously with the humidifier – providing additional humidification without requiring the system to operate in heating mode.