Heating and Air conditioning tips that will save you a ton of money

More info @http://www.nicorgasrebates.com/res-customer/res-cust-rebate-information

Residential rebates are available to Nicor Gas customers for purchases made and installed between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011 for high efficiency products such as furnaces,. boilers etc..

 How often should I change my furnace filter?

Answer : If you use a 1″ disposable filter you should check it once a month and change as needed. A 1″ pleated filter picks up more dirt and should be checked monthly and replaced about every 3 months. A high efficient pleated filter that is 4″ to 7″ thick can be replaced yearly. If you run your fan constantly as with a variable furnace you may have to change filters twice as often as mentioned because of increased total daily air flow. Don’t forget air conditioning season – it’s the same filter to be checked!

           I have a humidifier pad. How do I keep it clean?

Answer: You can clean your humidifier pad by soaking it in a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. [Alternate answer] It may be acceptable to use the vinegar soak on old rotating sponge type humidifiers; however, it would not be recommended on the newer evaporative panel humidifiers. The newer evaporative panel humidifiers have a chemical coating on the panel material which helps disperse the water evenly over the panel. The chemical coating should not be removed. The water panel in the newer humidifiers should be replaced once a year or more often in special cases.

 

 What are my guidelines for setting a thermostat while on vacation?

 

Answer: When you go on vacation be careful not to set the home thermostat at too low of a setting. The heat exchanger of your furnace can be irreparably damaged if the temperature of the air coming into the furnace is too low. Typically furnace manufacturer’s recommend a minimum return air temperature between 55 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Check with your particular manufacturer to determine how low you can set your thermostat.

 

 What is SEER and how should I use that information to select an air conditioner?

 

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER): For residential homes, some countries set minimum requirements for energy efficiency. In the United States, the efficiency of air conditioners is often (but not always) rated by the SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient is the air conditioner. The SEER rating is the BTU of cooling output during its normal annual usage divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours (W·h) during the same period.

 

Today, it is rare to see systems rated below SEER 9 in the United States, since older units are being replaced with higher efficiency units. The United States now requires that residential systems manufactured in 2006 have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (although window-box systems are exempt from this law, so their SEER is still around 10). Substantial energy savings can be obtained from more efficient systems. For example by upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 13, the power consumption is reduced by 30% (equal to 1 - 9/13). It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to $US 300 per year (depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity). In many cases, the lifetime energy savings are likely to surpass the higher initial cost of a high-efficiency unit.

 

 How can I get my second floor cooler in the summer?

 

: Install an attic vent fan (not to be confused with a whole house fan) this will automatically run in hot weather and cool down the attic. The cooler attic will help keep the second floor cooler or turn on the furnace blower for constant circulation at the thermostat ( fan on). When the first floor is cool and the a/c shuts off and the blower in the furnace will continue to send air upstairs. This will balance out the temperature from first to second floor.

 

NOTE from Barry A.Sherer, CGA, Owner of Sherer Heating And Air Conditioning, LTD, www.shererheatingandair.com:

 

“Having been an HVAC contractor since the mid seventies, I too, have many stories, some of which can save lives. I am now a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR certified “Shell Specialist” and have learned to look at the home and how it functions as a whole.

I have installed several attic ventilation fans but one summer day I received a call from one of my long time customers with a problem with their carbon monoxide detector going off. Now, I thought these people were nuts for calling me in the middle of the summer because their first finger was pointing at the furnace I just put in earlier in the spring.

To make a long story short and not go into all the CO checks I put that basement in, I found that on hot summers days when the attic got hot and the vent fan came on, it ran for hours at a time with no rest. Because the A/C was on, all the doors and windows were naturally closed. This fan, running at 1,100 cfm was actually putting the attic in a negative pressure when it ran. The problem was that there was not enough soffit ventilation to make up this negative air pressure.

After it ran long enough the fan started to pull air from other places, which happened to be from the basement which was connected to the attic by way of the gaps around the chimney, the plumbing pipes and the holes around all the numerous wire penetrations into the attic. This fan actually pulled the hole house into a negative pressure and the easiest route for the air to be made up was to back-draft the water heater. This was one case where the homeowner may have saved his own life by not only buying the carbon monoxide detector, but by also calling the professioal to find out how to solve the problem. 

 

Since I have become an ENERGY STAR contractor, I have had the priveledge to be the contractor to have the “attic fans” be included in the worst case senario checks when the home inspections are performed.”

For qualified improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500).

* Furnace to qualify 95% AFUE
* Boiler to qualify 90% AFUE
* A/C to qualify 15 SEER + 12.5 EER
* H/P same as A/C plus HSPF 9
* Water Heater energy factor .8 (tankless)

* The new tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009, and expire on December 31, 2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two year term, not $1500 each year.

* Per-Appliance Caps Removed - Homeowners may use the entire $1,500 tax credit limit on a single qualifying improvement. The previous per-appliance caps that limited the homeowner to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

* Lifetime Limit Removed - Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for the full $1,500 limit.

* Expanded Geothermal Tax Credits - Homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed costs in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. The $2,000 tax credit limit has been removed. The geothermal tax credit has a longer term, from January 1, 2009 and expires December 31, 2016.

* Consumers should be aware that the $1,500 limit applies to many types of energy efficient home improvements, including windows and doors, roofing shingles, and insulation. You can use the $1500 on just HVAC improvements or on a combination of above home improvements.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the new Tax Credits:

Can a homeowner claim $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in 2009 and again for improvements made in 2010?
No. Taxpayers may only be eligible for a total of $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in the combined two year period of 2009 and 2010.

Can a homeowner use the entire $1500 limit as a credit toward the installation of one appliance?
Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1500 in tax credits for installing a single appliance, such as a qualified furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or hot water heater.

What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1500?
The homeowner can “bank” the the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements. Any single installation that costs more than $5000 will instantly reach the $1500 limit.

Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?
The tax credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

How will a taxpayer claim the credit and receive their money?
In the past, the IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695, Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Taxpayers are not required to file anything more than the form, but are instructed to keep records of their installation.

What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
As a tax credit applies against the taxpayers’ liability. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income and possibly moving the taxpayer to a lower tax bracket. Tax credits have a greater benefit to a taxpayer.
With a tax credit, if the taxpayer owes $2000, in taxes, their liability is reduced to $500. If they owe nothing, they can expect a $1500 refund.

What if the homeowners already claimed $500 in tax credits in 2006 or 2007?
The “lifetime caps” that used to be in place have been removed. Any previous claims do not count against the current $1500 tax credit limit.

Can a homeowner claim the credit for improvements to a second home?
No. The tax credit is only available for improvement to the taxpayer’s primary residence.

Can a small business that operates out of a townhouse and installs residential equipment in a commercial setting claim the credit?
No. The tax credit may only be claimed by taxpayers on their personal income taxes for improvements to their primary residence.

What other types of energy efficiency improvements qualify for the tax credits?
Homeowners may be able to qualify for the tax credits if they make qualified improvements to: windows and doors including skylights, storm windows and storm doors; roofing including metal and asphalt roofs; and insulation. All of these improvements qualify, but homeowner may only claim $1500 in total for any improvements.

Will every homeowner definitely qualify for the tax credit?
No. Each taxpayer’s situation is different. Please consult with a tax professional if you have questions regarding your tax situation in regards to these new credits.

A myth many people believe is that they can close off some of their supply registers and save money. This may be true if you only close off less than ten percent. The system installed in your home is designed for a certain amount of airflow. If this airflow is restricted in any way it causes the system to function improperly and could cause system failure. This myth most likely goes back to the early days when people would close off most of their large home in the winter to save on coal and wood usage. Today’s modern systems are designed specifically for a certain amount of airflow and if you restrict that airflow, whether it be by a dirty air conditioner filter or closing off supply vents, problems will occur. Open those supply vents, closing too many off is the same as a dirty or restricted filter.

From HVAC-TALK.COM:

“I know you’re all dying to know how things are going with my Amana furnace . So….

Last Thursday I was offered a replacement American Standard Freedom 80 2 stage installed for $800 (don’t forget that this is on top of the full price I already paid for the Amana installed (somewhere between $2500 and $3000 cdn) ). Although I felt this was still an unfair amount of money for me to put out in this situation I agreed so I could finally be rid of the Amana and move on from this ugly scene.

The American Standard got put in this morning and the Amana was taken away.

OH MY GOD WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

I don’t cringe any more every time the furnace fires up. In fact I didn’t even notice when the furnace fired at all this evening.

When I was in the basement suite talking with my wife and aunt about 12ft away from the utilities closet they commented that this furnace is so much better. I asked ‘Is it on right now???’. They said ‘yes it is’. I had to run to the utility closet to confirm it was on. The sound of our conversation was able to mask the sound of the furnace. Imagine that.

Before I could tell from the floor above whenever the furnace was firing. In the mornings from my bed two floors up I could hear the Amana unit going…this floor is an addition to the original house and has no registers to carry any sound.

So I leave you all now in peace.

Cheers.

George.”

read whole story @

http://www.hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=152741

I have put together a Mobile Showroom Trailer( new page dedicated to trailer is under construction)  Inside this 25′ trailer we have 4 furnaces, 4 different types of air filtration system, 2 air conditioners, several thermostats, humidifiers, evaporator coils, .. etc. You are no longer limited to basing such a large decision from just brochures. Since most of the equipment is powered up and working (including duct work) you can touch, feel, hear and see the equipment!!

We will bring this trailer to any estimate, no charge.  If you`d like us to bring it to your work or office we can do that too.. (room permitting)

We will show and explain the differences in efficiency, two stage, single stage, variable speed furnaces, AccuClean air filters, media air filters, humidifiers, T-stats, 15 SEER/13SEER Air conditioning, and cased and uncased coils..

Ask for the ROLLING SHOWROOM TRAILER with your next estimate appointment.

Here are some preliminary pictures:

Furnace Filter Categories

There are different definition, categories, and ratings for HVAC filtering media. AccuMax Inc. will do its best to take the confusion out of this and help you better understand these different categories and ratings so you may choose for yourself. First of all, HVAC furnace filters are rated by a MERV value. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a method developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) to test the effectiveness of HVAC air filters. The higher MERV number the higher the effectiveness of the HVAC furnace filters to block certain particles and compounds. There are three distinct categories for HVAC air filters. These are:

• Mechanical Air Filters - This is your typical off-the-shelf throw-away HVAC filter. This filter collects particles in its filtering medium. After it collects so many particles you simply remove it, throw it away, and replace it with another. Note that some mechanical filter media’s are washable. HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air filters) are also in this category. There are three sub-categories for mechanical air filters. These are:

1. A1 and A2 - these are the standard 1 inch thick filters. These are typically rated MERV 1 to MERV 4.
2. B filter media’s are 2 to 4 inches thick. These filters typically range from MERV 1 to MERV 12.
3. C filter media’s represent the HEPA filters. MERV ratings for these filters exceed MERV 13 and are the most expensive.

• Electronic Air Cleaners - The electronic air cleaner does not qualify for a MERV rating because its efficiency can change depending on how clean it is. It is important that electronic air cleaners are cleaned on a biannual basis (more frequently in dusty environments) for best performance. Additionally, these work best when used in conjunction with a mechanical filtering media.
• Gas Phase Absorption - uses carbon to absorb odors and gases from the air stream. This media is not very effective at removing particulates and is used in mainly laboratory and industrial settings.

It is important to understand that the better the mechanical filter is at filtering the air the faster it will load up (or become clogged with particles). This can affect the performance of your equipment and the frequency of filter changes. Unless your dwelling is particle and dust-free do not believe that the filter will last for three months despite the air conditioner filter manufacturers claims. Additionally it is imperative that the filter has the proper fit with no air leaks around the frame which holds the filter.

Now that you understand HVAC air filters, how they work to eliminate particles from the air, and the different types and ratings for HVAC filters, you need to take action to set up a planned filter changing routine. It is recommended that HVAC air filters at least be checked every 30 days for excessive load up of particles. If the filter is excessively loaded on a thirty day check then you need to narrow the time 3 weeks or relax that schedule if they are not loaded up. Some modern digital thermostats come with a air filter reminder feature that will flash based on number of days or runtime of the fan. These thermostats help you remember to change or check your HVAC air filter on regular intervals.

In closing, remember that HVAC air filters are very necessary not only to keep particles out of the air inside the dwelling but also to protect the equipment. If you don’t have a filter in the system somewhere or there is a filter that is excessively clogged the HVAC equipment will fail and you will lose your HVAC comfort system until corrective action is taken. Set an air filter schedule and stick to it so that you keep your air clean and the equipment protected.

Over the weekend I was reading the local Naperville paper and noticed one of our competitors` large ad.

Among other things the ad stated ‘Buy an A/C receive a FREE furnace, no payments till late 2009 and free airline tickets to destinations like Maui’ So let me get this straight; pay for an air conditioner get FREE tickets to Hawaii, and a FREE furnace and don`t have to pay for it till next year!! Considering the average cost of an A/C install is $1500 I was ready to call!! lol This is the same company that advertises FREE SERVICE CALL (see article below) and a while back they were giving away a FREE hot water heater with a furnace install. I thought to myself WOW, does anyone really believe such advertising?!? Everyone should know there`s no free lunch by now, right!? If it sounds to good to be true it probably is.

Well, let me explain how this works as I heard it from customers. The catch is this: Sure you get a FREE water heater, all you, as the customer, has to pay for is the installation labor. On that water heater the labor was $800! Not much of a deal considering AccuMax Inc. installs a quality RHEEM self-cleaning 40 gal water for $750!

This company also advertises furnaces installed for $1495. Of course this statement is followed by an asterick and see store for details. I`m pretty sure the devils in the details. That`s why their Better Business Bureau report has 36 complaints in the last 36 months and Accumax Inc has none. We have a link to our report on our home page at www.accumaxinc.com.

So to compete AccuMax is announcing the FREE furnace, A/C, water heater deal.. all you have to do is pay for install labor he he

Daniel Baloun

Accumax Inc.

No large misleading ads that add to overhead costs, just honest, reliable, service with great prices.

Besides their “we`ll replace it for free” warranties (see article below) Dealers will sometimes also include a ‘Free 10 years parts and labor warranty’ with a new equipment. This warranty is never “Free”. Let me explain how some dealers abuse these warranties.

First of all, majority of warranties like this tie you to one dealer, if you want to change dealers the manufacturer must be notified in writing and a new dealer must be chosen. If you`re not happy with the company or the service personnel… you may be stuck.

Secondly, in order to keep the warranty effective you MUST have the equipment serviced twice a year weather it needs it or not(spring for a/c and Fall for heating) Most companies charge $79 for this service adding close to another $1600 to the back end. We`ve run into many customers who are forced to have this service done or the warranties will be void.

Lastly, manufacturers charge for extended warranties, they are never FREE, they are however added to the final price of an estimate so one way or another you will be paying for that warranty.

I`m not saying servicing HVAC equipment is never a bad idea, however some furnace models with sealed combustion chambers certainly do not require it annually.

We at Accumax Inc believe a customer should have a choice on how and when to spend their money. Since we are confident in the high quality and workmanship of our installations we extend the factory 5 year parts warranty to include labor also. That is standard. Our 10 year warranties have no strings are attached and are priced separately.

Daniel Baloun

AccuMax Inc.