Here are 6 of the 10 energy saving tips as mentioned by James Bickers, an independent writer for the Courier-Journal. While the Mr. Bickers mentions cleaning the coils on the back of the refrigerator, he fails to mention the coils inside the air ducts.
As stated on the Duct-911.com website; "Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment. (energystar.gov)". Also, CleanMyFurnace.com, a Minnesota air duct cleaning company quotes the EPA saying; "A build up of .042 (1/20) inches of dirt on the heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in efficiency of 21%".
At any rate, this article offers a few good pointers which homeowners can use to save money on their electric bill and we applaud him for it. Below are 6 of the 10 energy saving tips mentioned in the article:
2. Install a programmable thermostat. Abby Buford of Lowe's said a properly used and installed ENERGY STAR-compliant thermostat saves a homeowner up to $100 a year.
3. Raise the temperature. Got your new thermostat installed? It's time to use it. Even on the hottest days, try increasing the temperature by a degree or two, gradually acclimating yourself to the change. Consumer Reports estimates that for every degree you raise your cooling system, you'll cut about 3 percent off your energy bill. And learn about the programmable functions too -- have it automatically adjust upward by a few degrees overnights and when the house is empty.
5. Use your ceiling fans. While you're inching that thermostat up, use the noble ceiling fan to stay cool. They're very energy-efficient: David Schiff, book editor for Consumer Reports, said the average fan uses about as much electricity as a 100-watt bulb -- and it can take some of the load off the air conditioner. "You can use it for pennies a day, and you can probably nudge the AC up by about four degrees," he said.
6. Use a clothesline. Yes, a clothesline. Sure, some of your neighbors might look at you askance; the progressive ones will admire you. Electric dryers use a whopping amount of energy, and their work can just as easily be accomplished by Mother Nature on a sunny day. Plus, your clothes will last longer. "The stuff that's in your lint trap is really just your clothes falling apart," said Schiff.
7. Clean your refrigerator coils. Take off the grill at the bottom of your fridge. Chances are, you'll see some serious dust build-up on the coils behind. This area should be cleaned at least once a year, using a special tapered brush available at any hardware store. The result is a fridge whose motor won't have to run as often.
10. Keep your air conditioner clean and exposed. The A/C unit has to do something with the heat it draws out of your environment -- and while it's tempting to landscape around the big unit in your backyard, doing so will make it work harder to release that heat. Keep the area around the unit clean and open, with at least 2 feet of empty space all around.
If you would like to read this article in full Click Here
Air Duct Cleaning - $99 or $189 - Complete!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Installing an A/C System Everyone is Cool With Takes a Pro
It Takes a Pro to Put In an AC System Everyone's Cool With
By Tim Carter
Saturday July 21, 2007
WashingtonPost.com
Q: DEAR TIM: The air conditioning in my home has never seemed to work well.
My recent promotion and transfer has me moving to home that is in the early stages of construction. What can I do to ensure that the new home has a central air-conditioning system that keeps all rooms comfortable no matter the outdoor temperature? Is it possible to have all rooms nearly the same temperature? My existing home's second floor feels like an oven.-- Julie
A: DEAR JULIE: I can think of many reasons why the central air conditioning in your existing home does not cool properly. Some of the problems might have been corrected with a simple service call from an expert at air-conditioning troubleshooting. It's also possible that you have had serious air-conditioning-system design flaws that would have cost thousands of dollars to correct.
The central air-conditioning system, plus the heating system, is one of the most important parts of a home, after a sound roof and indoor plumbing. The systems create an artificial climate.
It is realistic to expect this climate to be the same in each room. In my home, each room, no matter the outdoor temperature or time of day (this is very important), can be within one or two degrees of any other room. That keeps my family and me comfortable.
It is unrealistic to expect your home to be a certain temperature no matter what the outdoor temperature is. In other words, if the outdoor temperature is 115 degrees, I would not expect you to be able to cool your home to 72 degrees without considerable discomfort on days when the temperature is, say, 85.
Central air-conditioning systems are designed to operate in a given range of temperatures. For example, the range in your part of the country may be 20 degrees. This means there is only a 20-degree difference between the outdoor temperature and the lowest temperature the system can maintain indoors. It is possible to create a wider temperature spread, but oversizing an air-conditioning system can result in short-cycling when the air conditioner has little work to do.
If an oversize air-conditioning system short-cycles, or has to drop the temperature only a few degrees, it does not run long enough to remove humidity from the air. When this happens, the temperature inside the home gets to the desired level, but you feel cold and clammy. Properly designed central air-conditioning systems run for 10 or 15 minutes at a time, which allows them to extract humidity as the air flows across the cooling coils in the air handler.
The key to getting a central air-conditioning system to work properly is to have a professional size the equipment and install a duct system that delivers the right quantity of air to each room of the house. Each room must also have a return-air duct that vacuums hot air from the ceiling and returns it to the central system to be cooled once more.
A professional air-conditioning technician can analyze your new-home plans with computer software to determine the heat gain and loss for each room. This same exercise can be done on existing homes. With this data, the technician can ensure that the proper size equipment is bought and that the ductwork is sized correctly.
Tim Carter can be contacted via his Web site, http://www.askthebuilder.com/printer_Submit_Question.shtml
By Tim Carter
Saturday July 21, 2007
WashingtonPost.com
Q: DEAR TIM: The air conditioning in my home has never seemed to work well.
My recent promotion and transfer has me moving to home that is in the early stages of construction. What can I do to ensure that the new home has a central air-conditioning system that keeps all rooms comfortable no matter the outdoor temperature? Is it possible to have all rooms nearly the same temperature? My existing home's second floor feels like an oven.-- Julie
A: DEAR JULIE: I can think of many reasons why the central air conditioning in your existing home does not cool properly. Some of the problems might have been corrected with a simple service call from an expert at air-conditioning troubleshooting. It's also possible that you have had serious air-conditioning-system design flaws that would have cost thousands of dollars to correct.
The central air-conditioning system, plus the heating system, is one of the most important parts of a home, after a sound roof and indoor plumbing. The systems create an artificial climate.
It is realistic to expect this climate to be the same in each room. In my home, each room, no matter the outdoor temperature or time of day (this is very important), can be within one or two degrees of any other room. That keeps my family and me comfortable.
It is unrealistic to expect your home to be a certain temperature no matter what the outdoor temperature is. In other words, if the outdoor temperature is 115 degrees, I would not expect you to be able to cool your home to 72 degrees without considerable discomfort on days when the temperature is, say, 85.
Central air-conditioning systems are designed to operate in a given range of temperatures. For example, the range in your part of the country may be 20 degrees. This means there is only a 20-degree difference between the outdoor temperature and the lowest temperature the system can maintain indoors. It is possible to create a wider temperature spread, but oversizing an air-conditioning system can result in short-cycling when the air conditioner has little work to do.
If an oversize air-conditioning system short-cycles, or has to drop the temperature only a few degrees, it does not run long enough to remove humidity from the air. When this happens, the temperature inside the home gets to the desired level, but you feel cold and clammy. Properly designed central air-conditioning systems run for 10 or 15 minutes at a time, which allows them to extract humidity as the air flows across the cooling coils in the air handler.
The key to getting a central air-conditioning system to work properly is to have a professional size the equipment and install a duct system that delivers the right quantity of air to each room of the house. Each room must also have a return-air duct that vacuums hot air from the ceiling and returns it to the central system to be cooled once more.
A professional air-conditioning technician can analyze your new-home plans with computer software to determine the heat gain and loss for each room. This same exercise can be done on existing homes. With this data, the technician can ensure that the proper size equipment is bought and that the ductwork is sized correctly.
Tim Carter can be contacted via his Web site, http://www.askthebuilder.com/printer_Submit_Question.shtml
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Eco-Friendly Blog Offers Some Great Energy Saving Tips
For some very helpful, money saving, energy conscious tips you might want to visit the
eco-friendly blog called Keetsa! They recommend doing things like; changing furnace filters, installing programmable thermostats, closing the drapes during the day while you are away and much more.
In addition to eco-friendly/energy saving tips, they also have information ranging from solar power to "green" transportation. Even though they didn't specifically mention air duct cleaning, I am sure they soon will post a blog about air duct cleaning. After all, dirty air ducts reduce air flow and make your furnace work that much harder.
eco-friendly blog called Keetsa! They recommend doing things like; changing furnace filters, installing programmable thermostats, closing the drapes during the day while you are away and much more.
In addition to eco-friendly/energy saving tips, they also have information ranging from solar power to "green" transportation. Even though they didn't specifically mention air duct cleaning, I am sure they soon will post a blog about air duct cleaning. After all, dirty air ducts reduce air flow and make your furnace work that much harder.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Indoor Air Pollution - EPA Calls it an Urgent Environmental Problem
Poor indoor air quality could affect your respiratory health
Published - July, 12, 2007
Kate S. Peabody
kpeabody@pnj.com
Kate S. Peabody
kpeabody@pnj.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Portable Air Conditioners - Cheap and no Installation!
A portable air conditioner might be the way to go if you have a hot spot in your home and have a means to run an air duct outside. This article explains how they can be a great alternative for businesses that have a room or area that is always hot, perhaps due to computers and other office machines.
Summer makes it hot outside, but data centers tend to be too hot inside every day of the year. Ever thought about installing an air conditioner in the bottom of your server rack?
While speaking at the ITEC conferences this month, I noticed every show has at least one exhibitor showing off portable air conditioners. In Detroit, I stopped and talked to the folks at Spot Coolers about their products. You can see my interview on video here.
The smallest unit fits inside a standard 19-inch cabinet. Obviously you have to run a duct for the exhaust, because the Laws of Thermodynamics and modern manufacturing dictate more hot air gets created than cold air (about 20 percent more). But each cooler includes a standard size air duct for the exhaust to be routed out of the room or into the ceiling.
Why roll in a cooler? People do it for many reasons, including emergencies when their main systems fail or they want to cover new hardware editions while expanding the house system. Small installations sometimes go for the portable coolers while waiting for the "real" air handling system to be installed, or while waiting to move to a new location.
Greg Lawhorn from Spot Coolers (meet him in the video) said they can deliver units quickly and they start working immediately. Imagine getting your building's HVAC group to add a few tons of cooling in one day. The smallest unit is about one ton of cooling and they go up from there. Prices start at under $3,000 for the small one and go up, but not way way up for the amount of cooling provided. Have a data center in a truck? They're all the rage in the news, if not reality. Lucky for you, Spot Coolers has an air conditioner on a trailer. Those bring 25 tons of cooling to a building or your data center on wheels.
No matter what you spend on a portable unit, it will be cheaper than an installed system, if not neater and more convenient. But for offices that move now and then, it's easy to roll out your portable air handler and maintain your cooling investment. Try taking the building system you upgraded with you, and transporting that in a standard pickup truck.
James E. Gaskin writes books (16 so far), articles and jokes about technology and real life from his home office in the Dallas area. Gaskin has been helping small and medium sized businesses use technology intelligently since 1986. Write him at james.gaskin@itworld .com.
Cool Down
ITworld.com 6/22/2007Summer makes it hot outside, but data centers tend to be too hot inside every day of the year. Ever thought about installing an air conditioner in the bottom of your server rack?
While speaking at the ITEC conferences this month, I noticed every show has at least one exhibitor showing off portable air conditioners. In Detroit, I stopped and talked to the folks at Spot Coolers about their products. You can see my interview on video here.
The smallest unit fits inside a standard 19-inch cabinet. Obviously you have to run a duct for the exhaust, because the Laws of Thermodynamics and modern manufacturing dictate more hot air gets created than cold air (about 20 percent more). But each cooler includes a standard size air duct for the exhaust to be routed out of the room or into the ceiling.
Why roll in a cooler? People do it for many reasons, including emergencies when their main systems fail or they want to cover new hardware editions while expanding the house system. Small installations sometimes go for the portable coolers while waiting for the "real" air handling system to be installed, or while waiting to move to a new location.
Greg Lawhorn from Spot Coolers (meet him in the video) said they can deliver units quickly and they start working immediately. Imagine getting your building's HVAC group to add a few tons of cooling in one day. The smallest unit is about one ton of cooling and they go up from there. Prices start at under $3,000 for the small one and go up, but not way way up for the amount of cooling provided. Have a data center in a truck? They're all the rage in the news, if not reality. Lucky for you, Spot Coolers has an air conditioner on a trailer. Those bring 25 tons of cooling to a building or your data center on wheels.
No matter what you spend on a portable unit, it will be cheaper than an installed system, if not neater and more convenient. But for offices that move now and then, it's easy to roll out your portable air handler and maintain your cooling investment. Try taking the building system you upgraded with you, and transporting that in a standard pickup truck.
James E. Gaskin writes books (16 so far), articles and jokes about technology and real life from his home office in the Dallas area. Gaskin has been helping small and medium sized businesses use technology intelligently since 1986. Write him at james.gaskin@itworld .com.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Need a Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne Air Conditioner Installed?
Whether you are looking for a new central A/C installation or air duct cleaning, these are the people to contact:
Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704
We have great deals on Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne air conditioning systems. If you are looking for central air installation this summer, we are the company to call. 651-653-4704 or check us out on the web for a Heating and Cooling Installation "INTERNET-ONLY" deal on Central Air Installation
Certified, Licensed, Bonded and Insured
Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704
Services Offered by our Certified HVAC Installers:New Furnace Iinstall New A/C Installation (central air conditioning) Preventative Maintenance Program Troubleshooting A/C Recharge Air Ductwork Installation
Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:
Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Comfort Maker, Day & Night, Fedders, Fredrich, GMC, General Electric, Heil, Janitrol, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Rheem, Rudd, Sears, Singer, Toshiba, Trane, Whirlpool, York, and many more!
Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems:Split Systems Forced Air Furnaces Central Air Units Ductless Systems A C Evaporators A/C Compressors and Condensors Refrigeration Units Electronic Air Filtration Units Air Handlers and Air Exchangers Heat Pumps We are a certified HVAC Contractor and are fully LICENSED, BONDED and INSURED. We would be honored to be your A/C Contractor
Air Duct Cleaning Services Offered:
Air-Sweep Cleaning of all Duct Work
Rotobrush(Roto-Brush) Duct Clean Method
A/C & Heating System Clean and Check
Air Vent Cleaning
Mold and Mildew Inspection (ductwork)
Allergen Removal
Mold Remediation
Our Air Duct Cleaners Also Provide the Following Services...
Chimney Cleaning (chimney sweep) Chimney Safety Inspection (inspect damper, cracked flu liner) Remove Creosote (from flue liner) Fireplace Cleaning (inspect and clean fire place) Wood Stove (clean out ash pit) Dryer Vent Cleaning (Clothes Dryer Fires) Clean Water Heaters (water heater clean also includes vent inspection) Install Air Filters A-Coil Clean (free a/c coil inspection) Services Offered by our Certified HVAC Installers:New Furnace Iinstall New A/C Installation (central air conditioning) Preventative Maintenance Program Troubleshooting A/C Recharge Air Ductwork Installation
Brands We Install:
Carrier Lennox Goodman Payne LG
Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Comfort Maker, Day & Night, Fedders, Fredrich, GMC, General Electric, Heil, Janitrol, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Rheem, Rudd, Sears, Singer, Toshiba, Trane, Whirlpool, York, and many more!
Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems: Split Systems Forced Air Furnaces Central Air Units Ductless Systems A C Evaporators A/C Compressors and Condensors Refrigeration Units Electronic Air Filtration Units Air Handlers and Air Exchangers Heat Pumps Air Duct Cleaning $109.95
Furnace or A/C
A/C and Furnace Installs
HVAC Install Specials
Duct Cleaning MN
Chicago Duct Cleaning
Facts About Air Duct Cleaning
Duct Cleaning A/C
Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704
We have great deals on Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne air conditioning systems. If you are looking for central air installation this summer, we are the company to call. 651-653-4704 or check us out on the web for a Heating and Cooling Installation "INTERNET-ONLY" deal on Central Air Installation
Certified, Licensed, Bonded and Insured
Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704
Services Offered by our Certified HVAC Installers:
Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:
Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Comfort Maker, Day & Night, Fedders, Fredrich, GMC, General Electric, Heil, Janitrol, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Rheem, Rudd, Sears, Singer, Toshiba, Trane, Whirlpool, York, and many more!
Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems:
Air Duct Cleaning Services Offered:
Our Air Duct Cleaners Also Provide the Following Services...
Brands We Install:
Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:
Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems:
Furnace or A/C
A/C and Furnace Installs
HVAC Install Specials
Duct Cleaning MN
Chicago Duct Cleaning
Facts About Air Duct Cleaning
Duct Cleaning A/C
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