Showing posts with label HVAC equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HVAC equipment. Show all posts
Monday, November 29, 2010
How Products Earn Energy Star Ratings
The Energy Star Label Takes The Guesswork Out of Shopping for Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling Equipment!With so much emphasis on improving energy-efficiency, minimizing utility bills and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, the Energy Star seal has come to the forefront of the environmentally (and fiscally) responsible homeownership movement. But what exactly is the Energy Star program and how does a product receive the Energy Star endorsement?
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a program sponsored by the federal government that tests, reviews, and certifies major home appliances, equipment and entertainment devices for energy efficiency -- including HVAC equipment such as furnaces and air conditioners. The main goals of the Energy Star program are to help consumers save money on utility costs and to reduce our impact on the environment.
The Energy Star program was established to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants released when fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. The Energy Star program is also aimed to make it easier for consumers to shop for and purchase products that are better for the environment without sacrificing quality, performance, and state-of-the-art features.
How Does the EPA Determine a Product’s Energy Star Eligibility?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets forth Energy Star efficiency standards and grants the label to products that meet these requirements. The EPA has developed the Energy Star specifications based on a set of key principles:
- Product categories must contribute substantial energy savings in most areas of the country.
- Products must deliver both features and performance customers want, as well as demonstrated energy efficiency.
- If the product is more expensive than comparable, less efficient models, buyers must be able to recoup the initial investment in energy efficiency through savings on utility bills in a reasonable length of time.
- Energy efficiency is achieved through readily available, non-proprietary technology offered by an array of manufacturers.
- The energy consumption and performance of the product must be able to be measured and confirmed with testing.
- Affixing the Energy Star label would effectively set products apart and make them more visible to consumers.
Does the EPA Ever Revise Energy Star Requirements?
Usually, when the market share of Energy Star rated products in a particular category -- such as refrigerators, televisions, or dishwashers -- reaches 50 percent or more, the EPA will consider revising standards in that category. Such market saturation indicates that manufacturers are easily able to comply with Energy Star specifications and that perhaps the requirements are not as stringent as they could be. This will usually prompt the EPA to take a closer look at categorical qualifications and make changes if necessary.
Some other factors that may impact a decision to revisit Energy Star specifications include:
- Adjustments in the federal government’s minimum standards for energy efficiency
- Technological advances in energy efficiency that would result in even greater energy savings if Energy Star ratings were changed
- Availability of products
- Substantial problems with consumers’ expected energy savings or inconsistencies with promised savings
- Quality or performance issues
- Problems with research or testing procedures
How Reliable are Energy Star Ratings?
Because the EPA reviews Energy Star specifications frequently, you can trust that purchasing an Energy Star rated appliance or other device ensures that you’re getting an efficient, money-saving product. The next time you’re in the market for an electronic device, shop the Energy Star label and you may be pleasantly surprised by your next utility bill.
This is especially true with HVAC (Heating, Ventiliating and Cooling) equipment. Today's heating and air conditioning systems are much, much more energy efficient than those made just 10 years ago. When you purchase and install heating and air conditioning equipment that carry the Energy Star seal, you can be confident that they not only meet but exceed the government's requirements and recommendations for energy efficiency ratings.
Horizon Services is proud to sell and install only Energy Star rated heating and cooling equipment furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. Contact Horizon Services today to discuss Energy Star rated equipment from many of the industry's most trusted HVAC manufacturers including: Lennox, Trane, Rheem, York, Comfortmaker, Janitrol, American Standard, Carrier and Bryant.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ten Safety Tips for Your Electric Furnace
Keep Warm, Keep Safe, Keep Zap-Free!For some homeowners, an electric furnace is a practical, affordable home heating solution. But electric furnaces do pose a number of safety hazards, including the risk of electrocution and fire. If you are thinking of installing an electric furnace this winter or already have an electric furnace in your home, please be sure to keep these important tips in mind for optimal performance and safety:
Purchase a Certified, Name Brand Electric Furnace.
An electric furnace is a significant investment and will be essential in keeping your home warm and comfortable during cold weather. Never buy a furnace from a company you’re not familiar with; look for name brand units with a trusted reputation. Ask your friends and neighbors for references, and compare companies that have been in business for several years. Only buy a furnace that has been thoroughly tested and certified by an independent, recognized professional.
Make Sure Your Electric Furnace is Installed Correctly.
Proper installation is crucial to the efficient, safe operation of your electric furnace. Short circuits or loose connections can cause dangerous power surges or electrical fires. To ensure your electric furnace installation is conducted properly, hire only a licensed professional contractor or electrician with a solid reputation.
Clean and Change the Furnace Filter Often.
The filter keeps dirt and airborne pollutants out of your home. An electric furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced every three to four months. This will maintain good air quality inside your home, will keep your electric furnace operating efficiently, and will prevent overheating.
Schedule Yearly Professional Maintenance.
Even an electric furnace that’s running well should be checked by a professional at least once a year. Regular maintenance and tune-ups will keep your electric furnace in top condition, alert you to any potential problems, and address minor issues before they turn into major damage. Make sure the technician you hire is qualified.
Keep Your Electric Furnace Clean.
The area around your electric furnace should be clean and free of clutter. If possible, leave about a five foot clearance around your electric furnace on all sides.
Keep Combustible Materials Away from Your Electric Furnace.
Storing flammable materials like paper or volatile chemicals near your electric furnace is extremely dangerous. Having these items near your furnace dramatically increases the chance of fire or explosion. To prevent accidents, store things like paint, newspaper, wood, gasoline, chemical cleaners, and cloth as far from your electric furnace as possible.
Leave Electric Furnace Repairs to The Professionals.
Electric furnaces are complex devices. If your electric furnace seems to be malfunctioning or is not working properly, never attempt repairs or parts replacement on your own. Contact a certified professional to avoid the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Wear Proper Safety Gear.
When you clean your filter or electric furnace, always wear protective gear like safety goggles and thick gloves. This will protect your eyes and skin from sparks, heat, debris, and other potentially harmful materials.
Disconnect the Power Supply.
Before you go near your electric furnace for any reason, always be sure to disconnect the unit’s power supply. This will prevent the risk of electric shock, which can be extremely painful and potentially deadly.
Use Caution When Installing Other Whole-Home Systems.
Central air conditioners, home humidifiers, and air purification systems can all be connected to most electric furnaces. Still, these additional units should always be installed by a professional, who will ensure that the devices are compatible and safe to operate together.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Baseboard Heaters Provide Cheap, Efficient Warmth
A Heating Alternative You May Want to ConsiderFor some homeowners, electric baseboard heaters are the perfect solution to high utility costs and inefficient home heating. Like radiators, baseboard heaters warm surrounding air my emitting heat, but they can be controlled by a thermostat like central air and heating systems. Baseboard heaters sit along the bottom of a wall, using convection to take in cold air by the floor, heat it with electricity, then release the warmed air into the room. This cycle continues until the air along the floor is the same temperature as the rest of the room. The heater then shuts off until it’s needed again.
Many homeowners shy away from baseboard heaters because they’re just not that attractive. They are clearly visible along walls and can’t be hidden behind decorative grates or coverings. However, baseboard heaters are protected by a closed metal casing, which means they can be painted virtually any color imaginable with specially formulated metal and heat-safe paint. You can easily camouflage a baseboard heater so it blends in with the room’s décor. Plus, these units sit just a few inches off the ground and out from the wall, so they actually save more space than a portable heater and don’t require as much room as a traditional furnace.
Although baseboard heaters often take longer than other methods to reach the thermostat’s pre-set temperature, once a room is warmed it stays heated consistently. This makes baseboard heating very cost-effective, much more so than natural gas or other kinds of heating units.
There are many other benefits to baseboard heating over other home heating methods:
- A baseboard heater simply mounts along the bottom of any wall. There’s no ductwork, insulation, or maintenance required.
- Baseboard units are low-cost and don’t need seasonal repairs. They can be installed quickly and affordably in any room you want, eliminating the expense of whole-house installation.
- While furnaces are designed to heat an entire home -- even rooms that don’t get used every day -- baseboard heaters provide heat only where you want it, conserving energy and saving you money on utility bills.
- Baseboard heaters are safer than space heaters. They are covered with a protective metal guard that keeps the heating core mechanism out of sight and out of reach. Children, pets, dirt, dust, and debris can’t get at the dangerous heating unit.
- Baseboard heaters are a breeze to maintain. Aside from setting your desired thermostat temperature, the only maintenance they require is an occasional cleaning with a vacuum or dry mop and regular dusting of the metal guard.
- Baseboard heaters eliminate drafts. Because these systems don’t rely on vents or ducts to deliver heat, there’s less chance of heat loss from the source to your room.
- Baseboard heaters make your home more comfortable. They aren’t as noisy as a furnace and don’t dry out the air. You won’t have to worry about dry skin, chapped lips, and dried out sinuses.
Horizon Services Can Answer Your Baseboard Heating Questions
Horizon's heating technicians are available 24/7 in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland to service and repair your baseboard heater. And our experienced Comfort Consultants can perform a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis to help you decide whether baseboard heating or some other heating system is best for your heating needs.
More Heating Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Make Sure You Have Proper Air Circulation Throughout Your Home
Going in Circles is Great for Heating & Cooling Comfort and Energy Efficiency!Uneven air circulation and distribution of both heated and cooled air is a common problem in many households. Industry experts say that improper air flow can actually reduce the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning equipment by as much as 60%! They also say that improper air flow is one of the most common causes of heating and air conditioning system breakdowns. That's because when air is not flowing smoothly through your home, it puts extra demand on your heating and cooling equipment to force warm or cool air throughout the home.
Proper air circulation is extremely important if you want to get the most out of your heating and air conditioning system. Think of each room in your home as a section of a wheel. When you don’t get air good circulation in one room, it’s like having a flat spot on a wheel; the wheel is not going to roll smoothly. With central air conditioning and heating, one room with bad circulation can keep air from circulating smoothly throughout the rest of your house.
If your heating and air conditioning system lacks even air circulation between rooms and floors of the home, temperature and humidity can differ greatly from room to room. If one or more parts of your home are too warm or too cool, the overall comfort level of your home will feel out of balance. It may also force you to run your heater or air conditioner more in certain rooms; this can put unnecessary demand on your heating and air conditioning system, which can lead to premature breakdowns and higher energy bills.
The key to consistent year-round comfort is consistent air circulation. So how do you get proper air circulation throughout your home? It starts with installing a heating and air conditioning system that designed for your home's heating and air conditioning requirements. Is your heating and air conditioning equipment sized properly so that it doesn't produce too much or too little heated or cooled air? Does it have the proper efficiency rating? A system analysis of your home including a load calculation (a mathematical estimate of the amount of air that needs to be generated to efficiently heat and cool each room) can provide great insight as to whether your system is putting out too much or too little air.
Good ductwork design is another key component to getting good air circulation and consistent heating and cooling comfort. Because the ducts in your home carry the air to each rooms, it is important that they are the correct size and length to deliver the proper amount of heating and cooling. It's also important where in your home they are located and whether or not they have any leaks or damage.
If you're thinking of installing a new heating and air conditioning system, make sure your HVAC contractor not only explains how your equipment is sized and that it is of the right efficiency for your home, but that he submits and reviews with you a copy of the ductwork design. This will help assure you that you’ll be getting the proper air circulation and won't be disappointed with the way your new heating and air conditioning system performs.
At Horizon Services, our comfort consultants and HVAC technicians are always happy to discuss with you how to get the right air circulation and most consistent heating and cooling throughout your home. Give us a call!
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Step Up to Whole House Performance
Whole House Home Performance is gaining popularity in the home improvement industry, as more and more homeowners search for ways to upgrade their home's’s energy efficiency. It is a systematic approach to home improvement in which a certified professional uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and testing to identify the cause of some of the most common household problems that impact energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort. Following these recommendations can make your home healthier and more comfortable, as well as significantly reduce your monthly utility bills and even increase your home's value.
The following are some of the most frequently identified areas where Whole House Home Performance improvements can make a difference.
Sealing Leaks and Ductwork:
Repairing leaky ducts and sealing drafts can reduce your heating and cooling expense by 30 percent or more. If ducts, windows, and doorways are not sealed properly, all the energy used to heat or cool the air inside your home is wasted.
Sealing ducts with mastic, durable duct tape, or an aerosol sealant, insulating duct work in attics and crawl spaces, and weather-stripping windows and doors will help improve air flow throughout your house.
Adding Insulation:
Inadequate insulation in ceilings, basements, attics, and exterior walls can allow warm air to escape your home in winter and cold air to escape in summer. This forces your home’s heating and cooling systems to work harder than they have to, which increases energy usage and utility costs. In cold regions, insufficient insulation can also lead to ice dams, which clog gutters and cause roof leaks and pipe bursts.
Improving the level of insulation in these areas ensures that both warm and cool temperatures are stabilized throughout your house, making for a more comfortable dwelling that’s more affordable to heat and cool.
Upgrading HVAC Equipment:
Older air conditioners can use 30 to 50 percent more energy than newer models. Replacing an old device with a new machine that has a high energy-efficiency rating can cut your summer cooling costs in half. The same can be said of heating systems.
Before you decide to replace your central air or heat system, be sure to have a professional check the ductwork. If ducts are in disrepair, buying a new system won’t help you save any money; all that energy-efficiency will simply leak out through the cracks and tears.
As well, regular service and annual furnace tune-ups and air conditioning tune-ups are a great way to guarantee that your heating and cooling system stays in fine working order, lasts a long time and continues to perform at peak efficiency levels.
Upgrading Lighting and Appliances:
Lighting and appliances account for about half of the average home’s total energy costs. Perhaps the simplest change you can make is to replace the bulbs in your home with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting and to swap older appliances for Energy Star rated models. Dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and other major appliances that are more than 10 years old are significantly less efficient than newer models. Furthermore, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents can drastically reduce your monthly utility bill. And you’ll save even more money because compact fluorescents last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs—you won’t have to change a light bulb for four or five years.
Related Information...
- Home Performance with Energy Star
- USGBC Expert Advocates Whole-House Approach to Home Performance Audits
- The Maryland Home Performance Program
- Pennsylvania's Special Financing Program for Energy Efficiency Home Improvements
- Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in Pennsylvania
- Delmarva Power Offers Customers New Home Energy Savings Program Options
- Horizon Services System Analysis
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