Big Problem #1

The first major problem with flex duct is  air friction. Flex duct creates more air friction than any other type of duct work even if it is installed properly. Unfortunately, this problem only gets worse when it is installed improperly. Many contractors assume that, because flex duct work is so bendable, it is ok to bend it around tight corners.  Just because it is capable of doing something, it doesn’t mean that it should.  Bends and kinks in the duct work increases the air friction which decreases air flow into the various rooms of the house.

Big Problem #2

The second major issue in regards to flex duct is its ability to be compacted. When flex duct is manufactured, it is packaged in a very small container for easy shipping. The problem is, many contractors fail to stretch the flex duct out completely when installing it in a home. This usually leads to droops in the duct work. The trouble is increased air friction because more duct work is being used then actually needed. The installer should have stretched the duct work as tight as possible and then supported it with support straps.

Big Problem #3

The third key mistake is made when flex duct is ran through spaces that are smaller than its diameter. Once the inner core of the duct work is compacted, the air being transported from the furnace is being forced through a smaller space. This causes air friction and maybe even a restriction in the air flow in your home.

Big Problem #4

The final problem with a flex duct system is encountered when a contractor uses the flex duct to support other construction materials. Contractor will often run wires over flex duct and assume that it is strong enough to hold up something so light. But, they are very wrong. Over time, the inner core will become compressed under the weight of the wires. This usually will cut off all circulation through that section of duct work. If that specific run is headed to your bedroom, you will suddenly loose all heating and cooling to your room.

Take Action

The common theme with all of these issues is restriction of air flow. The more that air flow is restricted, the harder your HVAC systems will have to work in order to get your home to the temperature that you have set on the thermostat.  This drives up the cost of energy to heat or cool your home and decreases the life span of your HVAC systems.

If you think that your air flow problem may be caused by the flex duct work in your home, now is the time to do something about it. You must contact a trusted and certified HVAC company that has had experience with poorly install flex duct. It may be possible to make improvements in the existing system, or the duct system may need to be swapped out completely for a system made out of a more durable material. Either way, in the long run you will have saved money and your HVAC systems.

How Tank-less Units Solve the Problems with Old Hot Water Tanks

Traditional hot water heaters use a large tank to store the water they heat before sending it to the different parts of a home. Whether the unit is gas or electric, the water is warmed by heating elements and then held inside a tank until it is needed. The problems associated with this type of unit are:

• Heat loss
• Space consumption
• Time needed to refill and reheat

Heat loss occurs when the water is left standing in the tank for long periods of time. Hot water tanks are internally insulated, but depending on how much water is in use, your hot water tank could be wasting energy trying to keep the water in the tank at the set temperature.

Hot water tanks also take up a lot of space. If you live in a home with limited room, a 40 gallon hot water tank will occupy a good chunk of the little storage space that you may have.

The biggest problem that homeowners have with hot water tanks is the amount of time it takes for the unit to refill with hot water. If you have several people living in your home (or if you take really long showers), chances are you have had the unpleasant experience of running out of hot water. As cold water enters at the bottom of the tank to be heated, you remove the hot water from the top. Once the hot water is gone, a typical hot water tank can take about 45 minutes to refill with hot water!

Tank-less hot water heaters seem to provide a solution to each of these problems. This type of unit heats the water using either an electric element (electric powered) or a gas burner (gas powered). These heating devices are run at a much higher temperatures than those in a tank unit. This enables the unit to heat the water instantly, therefore eliminating the need for a tank. If we eliminate the tank, we eliminate heat loss, space consumption, and refill time. These units do not store the hot water, they are typically small enough to be mounted on a wall, and they do not have a tank to refill because the water is heated the moment it enters the home and sent directly through the pipes.

What to Expect From a Tank-less Unit

Consumers often make certain assumptions about this type of water heating method. Since it is often referred to as “on demand” or “instant” heat. Homeowners typically expect there to be hot water readily available the minute they turn on the faucet. This is not necessarily the case. With any plumbing system, there will always be water in the pipes. That water will become cold rather quickly and must be drained from the system before new hot water can flow. This causes what plumbers refer to as a “cold water sandwich” between the old and new hot water. This is often brief and should be the only time when you receive unwanted cold water with this type of system.

Yet, many people who have these units still complain about inconsistency in the water temperature. This should not be a problem if the unit is properly sized for the home. To prevent this type of problem, you need to make a few checks before purchasing a tank-less unit.

Gas or Electric?

First, you need to determine whether you require a gas powered unit or an electric unit. Electric units are good for heating only small areas of a home. Some people will put each appliance, like the shower, washing machine, kitchen sink, ect, on a separate unit. The benefit with this is that your home will heat water up to 50% more efficiently than if you had a hot water tank. But, the installation of several units is often too costly to make this option practical for many people.

However, if you are looking to heat the water for your entire home with only one unit, you are better off going with a gas powered system. Gas powered systems can typically produce higher flow rates of hot water than an electric system. This higher flow rate will allow you to run multiple appliances at once. For example, someone can take a shower while someone else is doing laundry without sacrificing hot water in either area.

In addition, climate has an effect of the efficiency of your tank-less hot water heater. This is because the water for your home comes from underground: The warmer the climate, the warmer the ground water. If the water coming into the home is warm, the water heater will use less energy to get it to the desired temperature. Therefore, if you live in a colder climate, like Chicago, you should probably invest in a gas powered unit to get enough hot water. But in warmer climates like Florida, a moderately sized home can probably run an electric unit without any problem.

Placement of Unit

The location of the tank-less unit is also something to consider. You will need to avoid long runs of piping between the unit and a faucet. The further away a water outlet is from the water source the longer it will take to get hot water to the outlet. It is important to note that this is something any hot water system has to deal with, but the difference is a tank-less system will never run out of hot water.

The system also has to be properly vented. A gas powered water heater must be vented directly to the outdoors, because it needs a good source of oxygen to create combustion. Also, tank-less systems create more combustion by-products because they run at higher temperatures. So, take into account the placement of other venting systems so that the dangerous combustion by-products, like carbon monoxide, are not pulled back into the home.

Benefits of Efficiency

Tank-less hot water heaters are more efficient than the traditional tank storage units. Depending on the amount of water you use, the efficiency may vary from home to home. If your home uses only about 40 gallons of water daily, your tank-less unit will be 24-34% more efficient than a hot water tank. If your home uses more water, 87-90 gallons a day, your unit will only be about 8-14% more efficient than a hot water tank. Either way, you will save money on your energy bills in the long run with the installation of a tank-less hot water heating system.

Finally if tank-less hot water heat sounds like something you want in your home, you need to make sure you hire a reliable and experience contractor. Many contractors will shy away from this type of unit because it is new to them. If you choose the wrong contractor, there is a good chance that you will have problems with your system. You need someone who can properly assess the hot water needs of your home, and install a tank-less system that is able to meet those needs. If successful, you will be able to enjoy the convenience of endless hot water in your home.

The Old Standard

Air conditioning units used to use a compound called CFC’s or chlorofluorocarbons. This is a combination of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine atoms that when put together create a compound that is a destroyer of the ozone.  These types of compounds have been banned by the EPA since 1996, and therefore have pretty much disappeared from the market.

The Present

In an effort to diminish the harmful effects that Freon was having on the environment, a hybrid version of CFC’s was created. These are known as HCFC’s or hydrochlorofluorocarbons. If your air conditioning system runs on R-22 Freon, then your unit runs on HCFC’s. The problem here was that though this replacement did have less of an impact, it still contained the harmful chlorine that was the main destroyer of the ozone layer in the original CFC’s. There is also a byproduct formed in the production of HCFC’s that contributes to global warming. Eventually, the EPA began to phase out HCFC’s (R-22) as well. This year plays a major role in the phase out program. As of 2010, manufacturers of air conditioning units and heat pumps are no longer allowed to produce units that run on R-22 refrigerant. So where does that leave you as the consumer?

The Future

R-410A is the future of refrigerant.  If you purchase a unit this year make sure that it is run on this type of Freon. As the phase out continues, R-22 is going to get harder and harder to find, and as a result will cost more and more to you as the consumer. Besides cost to your wallet, you will be increasing your carbon foot-print here on Earth. We all need to do our part to clean up the mess that we have made and prevent more of a mess from happening.

The best way to do this would be to replace a leaking air conditioner. Many people simply fill the unit up with the same old Freon year after year and let it slowly leak out. This is not only a waste of money but a severe disregard for the condition of our planet. The phase out of R-22 is going to happen whether you are ready for it or not. So, save the earth, save some money, and transition to R410A today!

What is Ozone?

Many of us have probably already heard about ozone. This is the gas that is commonly associated with our atmosphere. It is made up of 3 oxygen atoms. We normally breathe oxygen in its most stable form that consists of only 2 oxygen atoms. The third atom of oxygen that is present in ozone makes the molecule unstable. This instability is what allows that third oxygen atom to break off and combine with other organic molecules in the environment. The combination of the lone oxygen atom will alter the chemical make-up of the molecule it binds with.

What do Ozone Air Purifiers Claim They Do?

Ozone air purifiers are really just ozone generators that are sold as air purifiers. The manufacturers claim that when the ozone breaks down, the lone oxygen will combine with airborne contaminants and render them ineffective. This process is how ozone works. However, these types of air purifiers claim to be able to clean the air as well as remove odors from the home because of the reaction ozone has with airborne pollutants like mold, mildew, dust, and pollen.

The Problem

The problem is that the same way ozone binds with organic molecules outside the body; it can do the same reaction inside the body. Why is this so dangerous? Well, that lone oxygen molecule is considered to be a free radical. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that readily bind with almost anything they come in contact with. As free radicals bind to molecules they cause damage to its chemical composition, and when this occurs in the body, it can have drastic affects on our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ozone exposure, even at low levels, can cause or worsen:

• Respiratory distress
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Throat irritation
• Lung scaring or damage
• Asthma and other pre-existing respiratory diseases

Ever wonder why so many food companies are advertising for products that contain antioxidants lately? Antioxidants bind to the lone oxygen atoms in the body and render them ineffective at causing damage.  People should want to avoid this type of exposure at all costs. Though some of these symptoms may be temporary, with prolonged exposure many of these could become permanent health problems.

Why Would Anyone Use an Ozone Air Purifier?

With the information about these harmful side effects readily available, why would anyone purchase an ozone purifier? Well, it’s simple: good advertising! Many companies sell these products attached to the terms “pure ozone” or “good ozone.” What they are doing is basically misunderstanding the terms used to describe ozone that is found in the atmosphere. “Good ozone” is ozone that is found in the high levels of our atmosphere, or the stratosphere. This level of ozone protects us from the harmful UV rays of the sun. “Bad ozone,” is the ozone that is found in lower layers of the atmosphere. The lower layers consist of the air we breathe, and when ozone is found here, it is considered “bad” because of the harmful affect is has on humans.

Another tactic they use is the claim that these purifiers emit such low levels of ozone that it doesn’t do any damage. The EPA has proven this to be another falsehood. Many salesmen will sell a unit that is much too powerful for the space that you live in to increase the profit on their sale. You may even purchase one online that is built to purify a larger area then needed, because you are under the impression that more power equal cleaner air. More power really mean more ozone. However, even a properly sized unit can cause health problems because ozone is a dangerous gas.

The EPA also challenges the claim that these companies make about ozone’s ability to purify the air. After several tests of the effects of ozone on an indoor environment, they found that ozone is ineffective at removing indoor air pollutants at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards. This includes dust, pollen, mold, mildew and other allergens. They found that it can even create higher concentrations of other harmful molecules that would not have been present without the help of ozone.

What are Ozone Generators Good for?

Ozone generators have only proven useful in situations where humans and animals were not present, or as a water purification device. The effects of ozone in water are very different from its affect on the air. If you had a flooding in a basement, or a fire, ozone can be used in high concentrations to destroy the odors and biological pollutants like mold. The concentration needed to do so is much higher than the public health standard, so it is important that no one is present what the ozone treatment is being performed.  The EPA admits that they do not yet know all of the possible effects that ozone can have after a treatment like this, so it is important to take caution when planning an ozone treatment. Choose your contractor wisely, and make sure that it is someone who explains the risks upfront. If they do not do so, you cannot be sure that the job is being done in a proper and safe manner.

Overall, it is probably a good idea to steer clear of ozone creating products. There are several other products on the market that do not come with these types of problems, and they should be utilized first. Before you purchase any air purifying product, make sure you read the labels and are aware potential consequences of using an ozone air purifier.

The Pros and Cons of Furnace Ownership

Do you want to hear the good news first? Furnace units have gained so much popularity with homeowners and building contractors for two main reasons. First, forced air furnaces allow a room or home to heat quickly. Second, air conditioning units are easily hooked up into a forced air system, and this type of cooling system is the best way to cool home when compared to the other options out there: window or wall units, portable air conditioners, fans, etc…

Since a furnace uses hot air to warm the home, there are no pipes filled with water that may freeze like in a boiler system. Another benefit to owning a furnace is the level of efficiency. If you have a furnace that was made after 1992, it should be at least 80% AFUE. There are even some furnaces on the market today that are 95% efficient or more. This means that 95% of the gas used to run the unit is being used to heat the home. Furnaces can also have multiple stages. A two stage furnace with a variable speed blower is able to run at different intensities based on the weather outside. On milder days it will run on a lower setting, and on more extreme days it will run at a higher setting. This saves money while making sure that your home is properly warmed. It is this type of technology that helps homeowners save money on their energy bills.

What if your furnace was made before 1992? You should have your unit replaced. Furnace repairs on a unit this old may not last. These units had no efficiency requirements, and will cost a lot of money to run. They also damage the environment by adding carbon dioxide to the air.

Furnaces tend of have a problem with heat loss as well. They use fans and motors to circulate the hot air through the ductwork in the home. As the air circulates, the ducts are absorbing some of the heat. They may even be allowing air to escape before it reaches the vent in the target room that it is trying to heat. This is the main cause of uneven heating in the home. Some rooms may get too hot while others are left ice cold. In order to solve this problem, homeowners may have to equip their home with more than one furnace.

If your home has a boiler and you are considering a conversion to hot air heat, you need to know about the amount of duct work involved in the installation of a furnace. Duct work is large and needs to be concealed by walls, ceilings, and floors. Boiler conversion can become very costly because of this need for duct work. Another downside to duct work is that it collects dust from the home and re-circulates it into each room. Without proper cleaning, a person who has allergies can suffer from the effects of the dust that collects in the ducts.  If at this point a furnace doesn’t seem like the right unit for you, you may want to consider a boiler.

Pros and Cons of Boiler Installation

Boiler units use hot water or steam in order to heat the various parts of the home. The water is transported through pipes to radiators or baseboards and is then emitted into the room to provide heat. The circulating pump that moves the hot water through the home is more efficient than a furnace blower at transporting the same amount of heat. When it comes to efficiency, boilers nowadays have similar AFUE ratings as high efficiency furnace. If your unit is very old, it needs to be replaced because chances are it is only about 55-65% efficient. That means that around half of the gas you pay for to power the unit isn’t being used to heat the home.

Another plus to boiler ownership is the ability to create multiple heating zones in the home. Zone valves that are controlled by individual thermostats can create independent heating in various rooms. This will help meet everyone’s comfort needs.

Also, boiler systems do not take up a lot of space. Piping is smaller than duct work and more easily hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings. However, some homeowners do not like the way that baseboards or radiators look. People like this have another option though. It may be slightly more invasive, but radiant heat can be installed in floors. This eliminates the need for a visible radiator in the room. With a boiler, it is also possible to purchase a combination system that provides both heating for the home and hot water for shower and dishes. This is not possible with a furnace, and the hot water tank must be a separate unit all together.

Boiler units do have two main problems. The first is that they heat rather slowly. The water must first be heating and then transferred to the room where it will diffuse through the air. This does eventually heat the space, but since there is no driving force like there is for forced hot air, it does take a lot longer.

The second problem involves the pipes that transport the water to each room. These pipes are constantly filled with water that has the potential to freeze in extreme weather conditions. A frozen pipe can burst causing massive damage to your have and your heating system. It is important that if you choose to install a boiler that you are not leaving the unit off or at too low of a temperature to prevent pipe freezing.

I cannot tell you which unit is best for your home. However, you know what you and your family’s heating needs are. From this information, you should be able to choose between a furnace or boiler for your home.

However, there is still time to act and get your unit in shape. There are several checks that you should make as an educated homeowner to get your unit ready for the upcoming change.

Points to Check

Check the thermostat-

This is one of the easiest checks to make for your unit. All you have to do is change the batteries (if your thermostat runs on batteries), set the differential, and set a program for winter (if your thermostat is programmable). The differential controls how many degrees of difference there will be between the temperature you set and the actually temperature in the home. A program is a good energy and money saving tool because it controls when the unit will run and at what temperature depending on the time of day.

Change the air filter-

A dirty or clogged air filter can cause damage to your furnace by restricting air flow. Because of the restriction, the furnace will have to work harder and use more fuel then normal to get the home to the temperature set on the thermostat. Over time this will cost you more money in energy bills, and maybe even cause the unit to need replacement prematurely.

Check the CO detectors-

Whether you have a furnace or a boiler, both are a possible source of carbon monoxide. All it takes is a crack in the heat exchanger to leak CO into your breathing air. You must make sure that your detectors are working and replace batteries if they haven’t been replaced in a while. It’s a simple step that can save you and your family’s lives.

Test the Furnace-

• Make sure the switch on the furnace is in the “On” position
• Check fuses or breaker- replace of flip on if needed
• Turn the thermostat to “heat” and fan setting to “auto”
• Turn the temperature up a few degrees and allow the unit to run for a couple hours
• If there is a gas smell- call a HVAC company or the gas company as soon as possible
• If there is a burning smell, it is probably just the dust and debris in the furnace burning off

Get your yearly maintenance done- This process should be done by a certified HVAC technician. A tune-up will prevent unwanted repairs in the middle of the season, and it will get the unit running as efficiently as possible.

Some of the steps may include:

• Clean furnace or boiler
• Check chimney base
• Clean and check pilots
• Adjust pilot
• Check Thermocouple
• Clean burners
• Adjust burners
• Check fan belts
• Check amperage draw
• Check furnace filters
• Check safety devices
• Check heat anticipators
• Check thermostat contacts
• Check limit control
• Inspect combustion chamber
• Check blower wheel
• Check blower motor and lube
• Check furnace wiring
• Check for combustion air
• Check hot water tank
• Check gas valve operation
• Test for gas leaks
• Check humidifier
• Check electrical connections
• Inspect heat exchanger for leaks
• Check motors and oil if necessary
• Check any/all accessories
• Check and secure all panels
• Check thermostat and calibrate if necessary

When you have completed these steps, you are ready for Mother Nature to bring on the winter!

What Is MOLD and Where Does It Come From?

A mold is a microscopic fungus that lives and grows in nature. Its purpose in our environment is to break down dead organic matter. Most are characterized by their ability to create and release spores into the air or water. That is what allows them to spread easily and contaminate other surfaces. When the surfaces they contaminate is a part of your home, you need to be informed of the risks associated with their growth, and be prepared for a safe and thorough removal of the problem.

To better understand how to fix the problem, it is important that you learn a little about how molds grow. Molds need at least three things to survive.

• Water or a source of moisture
• Food: paper, wood, dirt, leaves, or other animal or plant matter
• Area to grow

There are thousands of molds in the world, but there are a few specific types that are most commonly known to grow in homes.

• Penicillium- a mold commonly found in leaves or decaying food, but also found in the dust inside your air conditioning system.
• Stachybotrys- commonly known as black mold and is found in walls or ceilings
• Cladosporium- a powdery dark greenish black colored mold found in dead plants, food , paint, and fiberglass duct work
• Memnoniella- a mold found on cotton, wood, and paper
• Alternaria- a mold found in soil and plants
• Mucor- a mold found in soil, animal feces, and household dust
• Poria- a mold that destroys wood

You may not be able to control the amount of space they have to grow or their source of food, but you can defiantly control their source of moisture. This could be anything from a leak in the plumbing, an improperly set humidifier, a leaky roof, or a flood in the basement or crawl space. The clean-up process may be long and in some cases costly, but if the problem is ignored, you are putting your home and your health in jeopardy.

How Can MOLD Affect Me?

There are two major concerns that you should have as a homeowner when it comes to the presence of mold. The first is your health and the second is the structural integrity of your home.

The biggest problem associated with mold growth in the home is the adverse affects that it can have upon the health of you and your family. Whether you touch it, inhale it, or consume it, the most common health concern is allergies. Molds can have similar allergic qualities when compared to other allergens like pollen and pet dander. They can cause itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. Black mold is even known to be a cause of cancer! The affects of mold can vary from person to person based on their sensitivity to the spores that molds create. Those who are especially vulnerable are:

• The elderly
• Infants and children
• People who already have respiratory problems

However, if the number of spores becomes great enough, anyone can become ill in the presence of mold.

Mold is also known to cause structural damage to your home. Just pause for a moment and think about how much wood there is in your home: walls, paneling, furniture, window frames. Add a little water to any wood surface and you have just created a buffet for mold to feast upon. Poria is a type of mold that has special abilities to destroy wood. It is able to spread beyond the wet or damp area into the dry areas until it has consumed the entire surface. Imagine what Poria could do to the walls in a flooded basement. Even if you only have a few feet of water, it is possible for this mold to overtake the entire wall and possibly even spread to other floors. Black mold is known to eat away at ceilings and the backsides of walls. Before you know it, your home will begin to crumble from the inside out. This is why it is important to prevent or stop growth before it becomes a serious problem.

How Do I Get Rid of MOLD?

When it comes to mold, moisture is critical to survival. If you remove the source of the moisture, you have taken the most important step in combating mold growth in your home. If you simply clean and disinfect the area, there is the potential for mold to continue to grow or at the very least reappear the next time there is water present. For a basement that floods, this could become a problem every time it rains. So, you must take every measure possible to repair, remove, and disinfect.

REPAIR

If your problem is a flooded basement, you have many options to eliminate this issue. You may want to install or repair your sump pump. The sump pump should be able to keep water away from the foundation of your home, which would prevent future floods. You should also seal any leaks caused by cracks in the foundation or cement around the home. If this is still a problem, you may consider hiring a contractor to waterproof the basement or crawl space.

If your problem is moist air, you need to adjust the humidity in your home. This may involve adjusting the settings on your humidifier to keep the humidity between 30% and 60%. If the humidity is still too high you may need a de-humidifier to get the problem under control. You may also want to consider installing exhaust fans in rooms that experience a lot of exposure to water, like the bathroom. The important thing is to increase ventilation to the outdoors in some way so that the water is not trapped inside the home.

If you have other sources of leaks in your home, those must also be repaired. An old roof may need to be replaced, or dripping pipes may need to be tightened or insulated to prevent water from getting onto surfaces that promote the growth of mold.

REMOVE

Once mold has begun to grow in an area, it needs to be removed as quickly as possible. If gotten to early, mold effected areas may be able to be cleaned. But, chances are many materials will have to be removed and replaced. Such as:

• Drop ceiling tiles
• drywall
• carpets
• furniture
• insulated ducts
• Any other porous surface that cant be disinfected

DISINFECT

The final step is to disinfect the area where the mold was present. This can be done in a number of ways. If you are doing this yourself, it is important to be careful and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself healthy. By cleaning up the mold on your own, you are exposing yourself to a high number of spores that can cause illness. You should wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye-wear as well as a HEPA mask to prevent inhalation of the spores. You should create a solution of water and bleach (1/2 cup bleach/ gallon of water). Use this to scrub down walls or floors that were exposed to water or mold. Allow the area to dry naturally but remember to keep it well ventilated. Turn off the HVAC systems because they can circulate the spores to other parts of the home. By placing a fan in a window or turning on an exhaust fan, you will be forcing the air in the affected area to the outdoors rather than into other rooms of your home.

Mold is very hard to clean up and is impossible to extinguish completely. Because of this, you may wish to consider hiring outside help. There are contractors who can test your home for the presence of mold and therefore be able to remove it more effectively. You should have your HVAC systems cleaned also. The furnace and air conditioner can become plugged with dust that contains molds like Penicillium. A certified HVAC technician must be the one to perform the cleaning in order to ensure that it is done properly. You may also want to consider having the air ducts and dryer vent cleaned. The air ducts are the means of transport for air throughout the home. If that air contains a mold like Cladosporium, there is the possibility that your ducts will become infected with mold, and they may even help the spores spread throughout the home. The dryer vent is always exposed to moist air from your wet clothes, and is a likely place for mold to grow also. A NADCA, National Air Duct Cleaners Association, certified crew should have the proper equipment to clean up any mold present in the duct work or dryer vent.

You need to be an educated homeowner! Be on the lookout for the signs of growth and take any measure possible to prevent growth of mold in the first place. People who have ignored this problem have lost their homes and even worse their health to this microscopic enemy: MOLD.

Testing the boiler

Clean out the boiler room-

No matter where your boiler is located in your home, the space should be kept impeccably clean. This room should not be used for storage unless it happens to be fairly large, and the boiler can have a good 4 feet of space between it and anything else. You should sweep out the area to keep any dust or debris away from the boiler fan or pilot light. Dust can clog up these parts and cause system failure. If the pilot is blocked you are risking a gas leak. Also by keeping the area clear, you will be able to see if there are any leaks in the tank while there is still time before a fire or explosion.

Bleed the radiators-

Over time, a boiler will have a buildup of air in the system. This is easily removed if you know how to bleed the radiators. You will need to locate the bleed valve and allow it to empty. Once water begins to come out instead of air, the radiator has been successfully bled. If you have never done this before, I recommend that you have a professional do it first and pay attention to the process so that you can repeat it as necessary throughout the season.

Check the air pressure-

Before winter hits and all through the season, you should periodically check the air pressures in the expansion tank. A healthy pressure should be anywhere between 12 and 15 pounds per square inch. If it is high you need to ease the pressure by turning the release valve. If high or low pressure problems continue, you should have a professional boiler technician look at the system.

Prevent pipe freezing-

When the temperature drops low enough outside, it is possible that your pipes will freeze. This is something that can destroy your heating system and cost hundreds in repair costs. So, it is important to protect your home. The first thing to do would be to insulate any pipes that carry water. In the case of a boiler that is a lot of the system. You can purchase pipe insulation at any hardware store, or you could use newspaper or plastic as a more economical option. Also, the big mistake that is often made is leaving the home for a long period of time with the boiler turned off. The last thing you want to do is come home after a vacation and have to deal with a radiator that has exploded due to a pipe freeze. To prevent this, simply leave the unit running but keep it at a lower temperature.

Test CO detectors-

Carbon monoxide is an odorless killer, and it can escape from your boiler without any forewarning, and it can seep into the air you breathe if there is a crack in the heat exchanger. There is usually a barrier between the household air and the CO filled air formed in the boiler. But, this barrier can become cracked or damaged if the unit is old or poorly cared for. To prevent the unthinkable from happening, it is imperative to you and your family’s safety to check the CO detectors prior to operating the boiler.

Check the Thermostat-

Based on the type of thermostat that you own, this step could vary from person to person. As a universal rule, if your thermostat runs on batteries, you should replace them. It is recommended that you change them at least once a year even if they still have power left in them. Programmable thermostats have the ability to adjust temperature based on the time of day. A well programmed thermostat can save you cash by running the unit less often. This is a good time to adjust the program to fit your winter calendar. For most people, this means a lot more time spent indoors when compared to the summer.

Get a Tune-up-

Since dirty is no friend to your boiler system, it is important that you have the unit checked and cleaned on a yearly basis. This will not only protect the unit from unwanted repairs but also help it to run as efficiently as possible. However, this is not something you should do on your own. You should hire a certified boiler technician to clean the unit. This way you can have the peace of mind that the job was done right. Many companies also offer a guarantee that the unit will run more efficiently and therefore save you money when compared to a system that hasn’t been cleaned. The steps may change from company to company, but these should be the main components of a certified boiler tune-up:

• Inspect flue and diverter
• Clean interior vestibule
• Clean pilot assembly
• Adjust pilot
• Check thermocouple
• Clean burners
• Adjust burners
• Check hot water tank
• Check gas valve operation
• Test for gas leaks
• Check thermostat contacts
• Check heat anticipator
• Check safety devices
• Oil circulating pump
• Check limit control
• Inspect heat exchanger for leaks
• Inspect combustion chamber
• Check aqua stat
• Check gauge or sight glass
• Check expansion tank
• Check and secure all panels
• Check low water cut off
• Check wiring
• Check noise and vibration levels
• Check for combustible materials around boiler
• Check for combustion air
• Make final operations test and advise improvements

Once this has been completed and your boiler is as healthy as it can be, you are ready for the winter to begin. It is the little things you do now that prevent the big things from happening later.

Why Replace The HVAC Systems?

Most homes house the HVAC equipment in the lower level or basement. Depending on the degree of flood damage, the repair or replacement of these products can be the most costly expense in the event of a flood. If your unit is flood damaged it is important that you allow a professional, certified HVAC technician to assess the safety and condition of the system. If the unit is given a clean bill of health, it is still important that it be thoroughly cleaned and air filters replaced to prevent mold or fungus growth. However, it is most likely that the unit will be deemed unfit for use. If this is the assessment then the unit or units must be replaced. This degree of damage can be caused by as much as a few feet or as little as a few inches of water. Many homeowners find it hard to believe that a few inches of water could cause so much damage. However, it is better to play it safe and replace than try and operate the unit. GAMA, the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, warns that the use of equipment with damaged gas or oil control devices can cause fire, flashbacks, or even explosions. In the case of electrical equipment, GAMA warns consumers of the possibility of severe electrical shock. Even if the unit works initially, it doesn’t mean that the unit is safe or that it will last. Water causes rapid deterioration of the internal components of these machines which can lead to system failure. That is why they are often condemned rather than repaired. In this case, the benefits of replacement definitely outweigh the potential costs to your family’s well-being and to your wallet.

Set Up a Defense

After the flood waters have receded, it is important to do all that you can to prevent the same level of damage from ever happening again. The best line of defense for a basement is the installation of a sump pump. A sump pump is a pump located in a basement or crawl space that removes water through a drainage system under the home. Its main goal is to remove as much water as possible from under the home and redirect it away from the foundation before it reaches the level of the basement floor causing a flood. This system should work automatically unless it encounters a problem. These problems can include pump failure, inability to remove water quickly enough, or a power outage. The first step would be to test your pump. This is done by removing the cover of sump tank and pouring water into the tank. If the system is working properly, a float, the component of the system that activates and deactivates the system, will rise to the top of the water. The water will then quickly drain from the tank and the float will then shut down the pump. If the sump pump appears to be working properly and you are still experiencing flooding, the sump pump should be checked by a professional. It is possible that your sump pump was not installed correctly, that the sump pump has failed, or that the sump pump is not properly sized for your home. Only a trained professional should install a sump pump system. If you try to do it yourself, you are putting your home and everything in it at risk in the event of a flood. In the event of a power outage, the sump pump may fail. In this case you may consider either purchasing a generator for the sump pump or a backup sump pump. No matter what steps you take, the sump pump is a crucial component the protection of your basement or crawl space.

What Else Can You Do?

Once the sump pump is in working order, there are a few other steps to take in order to prevent flooding in the future. In the event of a severe storm, it is important to keep as much water away from the foundation of your home as possible. You should check the rain gutters for leaves and any other debris that could prevent water from draining properly. Also, you may want to consider adding extensions to the downspouts that drain onto the ground. The extension will direct the water even further away from the home minimizing the chances for ground saturation near your foundation. Another check to make is of the window wells. If your existing wells do not drain well, it is important to install waterproof covers. Finally, you should patch up or caulk any cracks in the cement around your home. This may involve patching cracks in the driveway or caulking cracks in the walls of the basement. If cracks are a major issue in your home, you may want to consider bringing in a professional waterproofing company. These types of professionals may be able to repair cracks in the foundation that may be the real cause of your flooding problems. Finally, a dehumidifier will help keep the air in the basement dry. Wet or damp air in the basement provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungus. The dryer the air is the less chance there is of you having a mold problem.

If you were one of the unfortunate flood victims due to the latest extreme weather we have had, then you should be doing everything possible to prevent yourself from being a victim in the future. Whether it is replacing your units, repairing or installing a sump pump, or waterproofing your foundation, you have several options when it comes to ensuring the safety of your family and your home when unexpected weather hits.

Are you interested in getting your ducts cleaned and not sure where to go for a reputable company to perform the work.  Here are some questions to ask yourself before you get started.

• Where do you start?
• Why do companies seem to be all over the map on pricing?
• What will you get for the money you spent?

These are all valid questions and it’s understandable why consumers may have questions.The first piece of advice when looking for an duct cleaning company is to consider your choices. While you can find some really low prices you need to beware.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association is a group which maintains certain guidelines and standards.  Choosing a NADCA member is a great first step as it insures the company meets there minimum standards which should eliminate all the fly by nights.

Next check to see if these businesses are members of the Better Business Bureau. Look for customer testimonials or references of prior work.  Just because there are complaints or no complaints is not a sure way to check a company.  Some large reputable companies will have complaints no matter what, you just can please everyone.  Other tiny companies might not have anything, they are to new.  Instead, look first at how long they have been a member of the BBB as well as what their grade is.  These are much more helpful benchmarks for this site.

Next, make sure they quote the price of work before they begin.  If they start tacking on extra charges, beware!  This is a common tactic of scammers or unscrupulous companies.

As a general rule, you should change your filter every 3 months at a minimum.  If you have a lot of people living in your home or have pets and animals you should really consider changing it more frequently than that.

The impact of a dirty filter is that it will slow down air flow our of your Central heating and cooling system.  This will make your system work harder to keep you warm or cool which wasting energy.  Another consequence is that your blower is now working harder and for longer which decreases the longevity of these parts and leading to more frequent service calls.

A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system and avoid these issue.  Just a little time and a inexpensive filter can make a world of a difference.

Before reentering the flooded area, there are a few steps you must take to ensure your safety. You must first turn off the electricity and the gas. Then, enter the area wearing protective boots and gloves and begin removing any submerged appliances from the water to allow them to dry out. Any excess water can be removed using a wet/dry vacuum. However, once the water is gone you are not yet in the clear. The area that was exposed to the water needs to be dried and sanitized. You need to keep the area well ventilated and use a dehumidifier to keep the air as dry as possible. A dehumidifier can prevent the growth of mold and mildew by keeping the humidity below 50% in the home. You may also want to consider using an air purifier. An air purifier will destroy microorganisms, mold, spores, fungi, viruses, and much more. The use of fans and air dryers are useful for carpet and walls. The carpet may need a professional steam cleaning. If the flooring is wood, a slow drying technique should be used to prevent the wood from warping.

Now comes the hard part. Many of the major appliances that are touched by water can become severely damaged. In the case of refrigerators and dishwashers, it is often easier and less costly to replace the unit rather than repair it. If your home has insulated duct work that got wet, it must be replaced. There is no way to efficiently clean this type of duct work, and if left alone it can produce mold growth. The furnace, air conditioner, and hot water tank can be a bit more tricky. First and foremost, an inspection must be done by a licensed HVAC technician before any of the units are used. If neglected, a furnace or hot water tank that is severely water damaged my not light and simply leak gas into the home. Also, the water may have created cracks in the internal components of the unit that can lead to the release of carbon monoxide into the home. Depending on the degree of water exposure, the technician will suggest one of two things: repair or replacement. If at all possible, the units should be replaced. Even if problems are not apparent now, the unit is now more likely to rust out or have individual parts fail. Many companies may not even work on or warranty work done on damaged units because there is no guarantee that other parts won’t break in the near future. You could either continue throwing money away with useless repairs or just scrap the unit and start from scratch.

Once you have cleaned up after a flood chances are you never want to do it ever again. If you are willing to dedicate the funds to the effort, there are several options the proactive homeowner can do to prevent the same level of damage from ever happening again. If you are replacing the duct work because it was insulated, then you may want to consider a more modern style of duct work that doesn’t require insulation. If you are replacing the HVAC units because of a flood, it would be a good idea to take the opportunity to move them to a higher level of the home. It may require rewiring and plumbing work, but this is the best way to protect your investment from meeting the fate as the units before it. If this is not an option for you, another option would be to create a flood wall around the unit. They are usually built by a professional contractor and are made of cement. These are more difficult because if not designed properly the unit may become inaccessible by a service technician if a repair is needed in the future or not actually protect the units from future flood waters.

Flooding is an unfortunate part of being a homeowner. It can become costly to repair and replace all that was damaged by the flood, but its better to do it right the first time then to take a chance with your safety and your currency.

This article is not intended to scare you, just help you learn more so you can make sure your getting the most for your money!

3 Important Things to Look for with Your New Installation

Proper Sizing of Equipment

Installing the right size equipment for the home is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. Many homeowners believe that bigger the better when buying new heating and cooling equipment. In reality, a system that is too large will not keep your home comfortable.

With over sized system there is a tenancy to frequently turn on and then off.  This rapid cycling is also known as Short Cycling.  This rapid cycling of the system is from the machine over shooting the adjustments in temperature for your home which leads to decreases in efficiency of the system.

Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten the equipment’s life as they are exposed to more frequent rapid changes in temperature.

To ensure proper sizing your contractor should measure your house and perform a Load Calculation to determine the proper size. If the contractor does not measure your home and perform a load calculation, then I would not have this contractor install or service your heating and cooling equipment

Proper Refrigerant Charge

A properly charged system will operate more efficiently and help prolong the life of the heating and cooling system. To ensure the system has the correct amount of refrigerant a contractor must test and confirm that the system is properly charged. If the system is not properly charged the contractor should make the appropriate adjustment by adding or removing refrigerant.

Optimizing Air Flow

If air flow in your heating and cooling system is too high or too low, you may confront problems and higher utility bills very similar to the rapid cycling issue already discussed. A contractor should test air flow and make any needed adjustments for optimal performance.  This can be done by slowing down the blower itself, or by putting dampeners on vents through out your home.

MADMAX

ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioner systems have a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating (SEER) than standard models, which makes them about 14% more efficient than standard models.

Remember, saving energy prevents pollution as well as helps you save money. By choosing ENERGY STAR and taking steps to optimize the performance of your cooling equipment, you are helping to prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air while enhancing the comfort of your home and helping your family out with reduced utility bills in the long run.

You may also be interested to know:

Though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, there is always a point in which you will pay off the difference and start saving money from the lower on going energy bills.

When buying new equipment, it is important to get a quality installation. Make sure you get a contractor who can do the job right, but also take a good hard look at the quality of the equipment they are recommending.

Hope this Helps.

MADMAX

Well many HVAC companies like to bundle their equipment.  If your buying an air conditioning system, you might be in a great position to maximize the techs time on the site and get a furnace installed too.  Plus, a variable speed furnace helps your Central Air Conditioning system out as well.

The following is a list of benefits that really make the variable speed furnace the cheapest and most comfortable furnace to own:

1. Because the variable speed furnace blower motor is DC powered, it will save the average homeowner in excess of $250 per year in electricity.  That savings alone will pay for the difference in price between the variable sped furnace and any standard furnace on the market today in as little as 2-3 years.
2. Variable speed furnaces can reduce the temperature variances between rooms or whole areas in the home, especially homes that have a constant issue with second floors always being warmer in the summer months during A/C operation and colder in the winter months during the heating season.
3. Because the variable speed blower motor is constantly blending and exchanging air in every room the homeowner will experience much cleaner indoor air.  This feature coupled with a good filtration system can produce hospital quality air.
4. Lennox variable speed furnaces are The Quietest Furnaces in their class.  Most of the time you won’t even know the furnace is operating.

Ultimately, a variable speed furnace is a central component of your home HVAC system.  If you have an opportunity to upgrade, give it some added consideration.

What Is Duct Cleaning?

According to the EPA, duct cleaning is the cleaning of the HVAC system including, supply and return ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans, fan motor and housing, and the air handling unit housing. When having a company out to do this procedure, you must make sure that all of these components are being cleaned and not just the duct work alone. This is the only way to truly experience the full benefits of a duct cleaning. Each duct cleaning company may vary their procedures slightly, but there are a few things to look out for in order to ensure that you are having a proper job done. First of all, you must make sure the company is using the right equipment. Industrial vacuums are hooked up to the duct work to suck out any debris that is inside the vents. To loosen up the particles that are stuck to the inside of the vents, each company may vary slightly in their technique. In my research, I found that the main two methods are the Rotobrush and air sweep methods. The Rotobrush method involves a brush that spins counter clockwise inside the duct work. This scrubs every inch of the duct work, and ensures a thorough job. The air sweep method involves an air wand that pushes a concentrated stream of air throughout the system of ducts to kick up particles which are then sucked in by the vacuum. The air sweep method is most effective in homes that have their duct cleaned yearly because a smaller amount of particles will be present in the vents. Next, you must make sure the company you use is able to properly remove the debris in the ducts from the home. To do this, they need to create negative air pressure in the ducts by hooking up their vacuums to the supply and return ends of the duct work. This type of pressure prevents dirt and debris from escaping during the cleaning. It is important that the company has a good vacuum collection system. If they are not using a proper system, a duct cleaning could cause damage to your ducts or the other components of you HVAC system. Also, particles may escape and enter the air you and your family breathe. If the company wants to use a biocide spray on the ducts, you should first make sure that it is registered with the EPA, and it is also recommended that you not be present in the home when the spraying is done. These chemicals will kill off and prevent future growth, but they are dangerous if inhaled. The EPA suggests that they shouldn’t be used unless you have mold growth in the ducts. After this is complete, the technician should then clean the cold and hot air returns. The cold air return is the vent that sucks in cold air into the furnace, and the hot air returns are the vents that blow the warm air into the home. Once completed, the duct work has been cleaned successfully. However as I mentioned earlier, the system is not fully cleaned until the furnace and air conditioner have also been cleaned.

Am I being scammed?

Unfortunately, the duct cleaning business is one that is riddled with lies and half truths. There are many companies out there that will offer a “good deal.” In reality its a scam. For example, you flip through the newspaper and come across an add for a $99.00 duct cleaning. Seems like a good price right? Wrong! A price this low is the first sign that the company is no good. Once you have the company out, they will immediately start tagging items onto the cost. The next thing you know you are down a couple thousand dollars and have nothing more to show for it then a couple of dusted vents. A legitimate company should charge somewhere between $400.00 and $1,000.00 for a typical 2,000 sq ft home (NADCA). Before signing a contract, it is important to make sure that you actually need the cleaning done. An honest company will do a thorough inspection and provide evidence of the condition of the duct work. When the job is being performed, it should take at least two licensed technicians and about 8 to 15 hours to complete. Beware of companies that use sub-contractors because there is no guarantee you will get someone who is licensed. Also, if the job is done incorrectly, the company may abandon you and want you to try and track down the man who did the job. Chances are at this point he is long gone, and he took your money with him.

Why have my ducts cleaned?

The EPA suggests that a duct cleaning be performed if there is mold present, if vermin were once inside the duct work, and if the ducts are clogged with a significant amount of debris and dust that is being released into the indoor air. If mold is the problem it can be easily removed with a good duct cleaning. However if you have a home with insulated duct work that has mold because it got wet, your ducts need to be replaced and water exposure eliminated. Insulation material in duct work cannot be cleaned well enough to remove the mold. If your ducts are not insulated, a duct cleaning will be able to remove the mold. If the ducts have never been cleaned before chances are there are inches of dust and debris build up from the constant circulation of air the HVAC units cause when they are being used. The air filter on the furnace may be able to trap most of the particles but still some may escape and enter the air inside the home that you and your family breathe. This can create a hazardous situation if there is someone in the home with allergies or asthma. This is worsened if there is a mold growth in the ducts. If someone has one of these conditions it is important to give them the cleanest air possible to breath. A duct cleaning, coupled with other precautions, can significantly improve the air quality in your home.

Improving Air Quality

Having your ducts cleaned is just one step in the right direction when it comes to improving your overall air quality. There are several other steps that can be taken. First of all, it is important to lower the humidity in you home. Dust mites grow more easily in humid conditions. Next, you should have the drapery, furniture, carpet, and mattress cleaned. This should be done with the use of an ultra violet vacuum for the greatest results. This will kill the dust mites. For bedding, you can purchase mattress encasement or allergy bedding that keep dust mites out. You can also freeze your pillow and stuffed animals in order to kill off any dust mites that may be present. Finally, an air purifier can eliminate any other airborne allergens that may still be present in your home.

If all goes well and the job is done right, the indoor air quality of your home should be greatly improved. Hopefully this article cleared up any confusion on the subject of duct cleaning, and reassured you that this is a legitimate service that can provide many benefits for your home and your family.

Testing the A/C

When spring hits it is important to test the air conditioner to make sure that it is working. Many people wait to run the a/c until the first hot day of the summer and find themselves on a waiting list for a technician when the unit doesn’t work. However, there are a couple things to check before turning the unit on. First, make sure that the condenser outside is clear of any obstructions that may prevent airflow into the unit. If the unit has a cover for the cold seasons, it needs to be removed. Next, check the air filter in the furnace. If it is dirty or clogged it must be replaced before the unit is ran. Once these checks have been made switch the thermostat to cool and wait to see if the unit is working. Unfortunately, these steps are not enough to make sure that your air conditioner is running at its optimal efficiency.

Yearly Maintenance

To make sure your air conditioner is working the best that it can, you will need to have a yearly check done by a licensed technician. They are able to clean and check parts of the unit that are not easily accessible and make sure that it is running at its highest efficiency. The technician will also be able to identify any potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. These steps may include:

• Oil Motors
• Check fan belts
• Check fan blade
• Check freon level
• Check amperage draw
• Check temperature draw
• Check temperature drop
• Check electrical connections
• Inspect condensate drain system
• Check thermostat
• Calibrate thermostat
• Clean air conditioner
• Remove all debris from unit
• Inspect furnace filter
• Inspect furnace blower
• Oil blower if necessary

Once this check has been made and the unit given a clean bill of health, the air conditioner is ready for the summer season.

Refrigerant Leak?

Often times, a technician may find that the unit is low on refrigerant (freon). This means that there is a leak in the system. An air conditioner is a closed system that should be able to recycle freon year after year. If your unit is low it is important to have a leak check done. Without a proper leak check there is no way of telling the size or location of the leak. If the unit is not checked and only recharged, or refilled, you are putting the unit at risk. Over time, a unit that is consistently leaking freon can cause the compressor to overheat. Once the compressor is damaged, the unit basically needs to be replaced. Also, refrigerant, or freon, is a gas that is harmful to the environment, and the longer a person runs a leaking system the more damage they are doing to the Earth. A proper leak check and repair are all that is needed to prevent these problems. Any licensed HVAC technician will do one or more of the following tests in order to isolate the leak: a visual inspection, high viscosity liquid leak detector, an electronic detection equipment, an ultraviolet leak detection, or a nitrogen isolation test. If the unit is more then ten years old, it is often suggested that the unit be replaced. This is because if there is a leak in one spot now, chances are there will be another leak somewhere else in no time at all.

Money Saving Options

In our current economy everyone is looking for ways to save money. During the summer months it is easy to try and save a dollar or two by not using the air conditioner, but why suffer on sweltering 90 degree days? There are many options home owners still have to lower the costs of their cooling. Besides the yearly maintenance on the air conditioner, a change of the thermostat to a programmable thermostat can have many benefits. A programmable thermostat allows the owner to pick which times of the day the air would be running and at what temperature. That way energy wont be wasted during the hours that no one is present in the home. It is also important to set the thermostat at the highest temperature possible that still allows the owner to be comfortable. 76 to 78 degrees are good temperatures to conserve energy which therefore conserves money. Also, ceiling fans provide a good alternative to using the air conditioner. By installing a fan, the owner will be able to turn off the air conditioner on more moderate days. Another option would be to check the attic insulation and the duct work. If the attic or ductwork is not properly insulated, the cool air in the summer and the warm air in the winter is being lost. Finally, keeping blinds or drapes closed on hot days keeps excess heat created by the sun out of the home. All of these options will reduce the load on the air conditioner. This will not only increase the longevity of the unit, but it will also save money.

Summer time doesn’t have to be air conditioning hassle. If these precautions are taken any homeowner should be able to enjoy a cool, efficient, and economical summer.

For starters

What is a heat exchanger? In a furnace or boiler, gas is injected into the system where it travels to the burners to be ignited. The heat created by the ignition is transferred to the heat exchanger. A heat exchanger has two sides. For both a furnace and a boiler there is a fire side. This is the side directly in contact with the burners. Here, the heat exchanger is heated, and then it begins to distribute the heat to the other side. This side is in contact with the air, or water in the case of a boiler. The heated air, or water, is then sent throughout the home, while the toxic combustion products are safely directed outside the home.

The AFUE

The heat exchanger plays a big role in the efficiency of the unit. Every unit is required to meet a certain Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, AFUE, that is set by the government. This is a percentage rating based on the annual amount of heat created by the unit to warm your home compared to the annual amount of gas used by the unit. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the unit. The more efficient the unit the more money you could potentially save. The efficiency of the heat exchanger helps determine how much of the gas the unit is actually turning into heat for the home. If your heat exchanger is in poor condition, chances are your unit isn’t meeting its highest efficiency.
In order to ensure that the unit is running in optimal condition, it is important to have the unit cleaned and tuned up yearly. This will ensure that any potential issues are caught early on before they lead to devastating damage to the unit. Damage to a heat exchanger can include rust, corrosion, cracks, holes, clogs and leaks. These may sound like simple cosmetic issues, but in reality these can lead to some very serious consequences.

Problems?

A furnace that has been diagnosed with a bad heat exchanger will be shut down and deemed nonoperational by any licensed service tech. A heat exchanger with a hole or crack allows the unit to leak combustion gases into the air that is being heated. This air is then pumped throughout the home, which releases the gases into your air supply. The most toxic of these gases is CO or carbon monoxide. If carbon monoxide is allowed to build up in the home, it can potentially kill anyone who is breathing it in. However, consequences like this can be avoided.

What should you do?

Besides doing yearly maintenance, there are a couple other checks homeowners can make. To prevent clogging, the unit needs to be cleaned to prevent a soot buildup on the fire side of the heat exchanger. To prevent rust and corrosion, homeowners should make sure that the unit is housed in a dry environment. Damp or moist conditions can speed the rate of rust accumulation on the heat exchanger. For boiler systems specifically, homeowners should not drain the unit during the summer months or flush the system yearly. When the system is emptied, the heat exchanger, and the entire unit, is exposed to fresh oxygen which speeds the rate of rust development. Water should be left in the system year after year. When it comes to cracks and leaks, boilers can be checked by simply looking for any leaking water coming off the main unit. For furnaces things are not as easy. Most heat exchangers are hidden from view by the burners, and therefore are best examined by a trained professional. They may use mirrors to see in smaller places, or the burners may be removed in order to pull the heat exchanger out for a more thorough check. Unfortunately a damaged heat exchanger means that the unit is going to have to be replaced. There are some cases where it is possible to just replace the heat exchanger, but this is usually done when the defect in the heat exchanger is caused by a manufacturing flaw. Otherwise, this repair can often be as costly as a replacement unit.

The heat exchanger is of vital importance to the safety and efficiency of the unit. Regular checks and maintenance are crucial to keeping it in working order. If neglected, it may cost you more then just the cost of a new unit.

The new Health care reform will have a major impact to any small business or contractor, many of the items will give your employees some major benefit improvements with out hitting us which is great.  That aside I wanted to take a closer look at the items most likely to effect our bottom line as a small business.

Breaking this out by year and what will go into effect that year.

2010

• Small businesses with less than 25 employees and average wages of less than $50,000 will qualify for a tax credit of up to 35% of the cost of the health care premiums for workers
• Children up to the age of 26 can remain on their parents’ health plan unless they have options through their own employer
• Health plans will not be permitted to exclude children under the age of 19 due to pre-existing medical conditions
• A temporary re-insurance program will be created to help offset the costs of health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55 to 64.

2011

• Health plans in the individual and small group markets will be required to spend 80% of premium dollars on medical services.  Plans in the large group market will be required to spend 85%.
• Employers will be required to report the value of health benefits on employee W-2 forms

2013

• Contributions to health care flexible spending accounts will be limited to $2,500 per year.
• A new 3.8% tax will be imposed on investment income for individuals with AGI in excess of $200,000 and couples with AGI in excess of $250,000

2014

• Health plans will be prohibited from imposing annual limits on benefits
• Health plans will be prohibited from denying coverage to adults for preexisting medical conditions and the state high-risk pools will be phased out as it will no longer be needed
• Small businesses with less than 25 employees and average wages of less than $50,000 will be able to qualify for a tax credit of up to 50% of the cost of the health care premiums
• People earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level ($29,327 for a family of four) will qualify for Medicaid
• People earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level ($88,200 for a family of four) will qualify for subsidies on a sliding scale to purchase health insurance through the newly created insurance exchanges
• Most U.S. citizens will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty, there are some exceptions
• Employers with more than 50 employees that do not offer health coverage will be fined if even one one employee uses tax credits to purchase an individual plan

Year 2018

• A 40% excise tax will be imposed on health insurance plans costing more that $10,200 for an individual or $27,500 for a family, not including vision and dental plans. Higher thresholds will be available for some high risk industries.

For the small business it’s really how you want to look at it.  Yes we will have some extra costs, however for the first time we will be able to offer health plans like larger companies which might broaden the pool of folks interested in working for a smaller company.

In Illinois you can apply for the state rebate program.  This program has a pool of $12,379,000 to work with in rebates for any appliance meeting the minimum standards.

You must meet the following minimum efficiency requirements

• Air Source Heat Pumps: >=SEER 16
• Central Air Conditioners: >=SEER 16
• Clothes Washers: Energy Star
• Dishwashers: Energy Star
• Freezers: Energy Star
• Gas Boilers: AFUE >=90%
• Gas Furnaces: AFUE >=95%
• Propane Furnaces: AFUE >= 95%
• Refrigerators: Energy Star
• Room Air Conditioners: Energy Star

If you meet these minimums you have a shot at the following rebates

• Air Source Heat Pumps: $1,000
• Central Air Conditioners: $500
• Clothes Washers: 15% point-of-sale discount
• Dishwashers: 15% point-of-sale discount
• Freezers: 15% point-of-sale discount
• Gas Boilers: $1,200
• Gas Furnaces: $350
• Propane Furnaces: $350
• Refrigerators: 15% point-of-sale discount
• Room Air Conditioners: 15% point-of-sale discount

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