Your HVAC system is truly the unsung hero in your home. It delivers the comfort you and your family need especially during the extreme weather conditions. Despite this, few of us give our HVAC units a second thought until something goes out of place.

It is very important to regularly schedule your HVAC system for maintenance and tune-ups. This is crucial as it lengthens the life of your system and delays costly replacements. HVAC maintenance is not just a financial matter, but also a health and safety concern.

Postponing or Detecting Imminent Failure

Regular maintenance is recommended because it uncovers minor issues which have the potential of developing into major ones. Most total unit failures are usually caused by ignored or undetected issues earlier in the life of the system. Before you find yourself in the sweltering heat or freezing cold without relief, ensure you have your system checked.

Resale Value

When prospective real estate buyers come to inspect your home, one of the things they look at is the quality and functionality of your HVAC system. If your system is neglected, they don’t even think twice because no one wants to shoulder the burden of doing an HVAC replacement when all they want is a new home to settle in.

Energy Efficiency

If you are keen enough to follow through the numbers, you may notice your energy bill either going up or down. Compared to the household average, homes that have neglected HVAC systems tend to have higher energy bills. To be sure that you are not burning more fuel than is necessary, you should have your units inspected and maintained.

The Role of Smart Systems in HVAC Maintenance

Intelligent HVAC equipment can make it easier for you to remember some to do items on your list. They can alert you when your air filters are clogged and in need of replacing. If someone tampers with your air intakes or registers, the smart solutions will notify you the earliest such tampering impacts on your air flow.

Imagine your HVAC sends a notification to your phone when a part of your system is about to fail and then proceeds to shut off the system to prevent additional damage. With such technology, a lot of our busy work is replaced and you don’t have to maintain a notebook showing the seasonal and annual maintenance schedules.

The advantage with smart technology is that it doesn’t require any babysitting. Instead of responding to emerging problems, this technology anticipates them. Therefore, having a smart HVAC system will ensure a good-conditioned climate at the place where you live, work, and play. This goes a long way in boosting your health and wellness.

The Environmental Protection Agency found that indoor air problems occupy the top 5 air quality issues faced by US households. Among these indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds, excessive moisture, pesticides, combustion products, and radon. All these pollutants affect human health and the dampness, stuffiness, and stale air that results from them makes the entire house uncomfortable.

Control measures target both particles and gases which include smoke particles, pollen, and dust. The following are some of the pollutants and how to deal with them.

Excess Moisture

This is one of the most common, but least recognized indoor pollutants. It not only affects human health but also the integrity of the building you occupy. Among the problems brought about by excessive moisture include warm moist air encountering a cooler surface such as a window or mirror. The excess moisture condenses on the surface resulting in droplets which create an environment for mildew, mold, and dust mites.

Excessive moisture also causes high indoor humidity which facilitates off-gassing of toxins in cleaning products and furniture. This can be unhealthy and toxic.

Radon

This radioactive gas is generated from the soil and enters the house from the ground. In the United States, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. To control radon, you can use a simple fan that is connected to a PVC pipe system which reduces pressure coming from soil gas. In turn, these vents the radon-rich air into the atmosphere and away from your house. This system literally pulls air from under the foundation slab and exhausts it to the atmosphere at the roof level.

Volatile Organic Compounds

This includes a wide range of evaporated substances which are usually emitted by building materials, gasoline, furnishings, pesticides, or even cooking processes. A large number of volatile organic compounds are not harmful as such, but some such as formaldehyde may threaten your health.

Combustion Products

Gas-fired appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, and dryers produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxides. If there is no proper ventilation for the system, the air around the unit may cause backdrafting thereby sacking in combustion pollutants into the house. Of the combustion products, carbon monoxide is the most dangerous because it is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas that is difficult to detect without a specialized detection system. The solution to minimizing the effects of combustion products is to ensure that systems are properly ventilated.

The final indoor pollutant is tobacco smoke. The effects of this are well documented and the consequences easily spill over to non-smokers. Having an indoor air quality assessment can help you document the existing pollutants and find ways of how to deal with them.

Most homeowners are not sure how often they should clean their AC coils. Coil cleaning is a crucial exercise in the maintenance of your air conditioning unit. This is because dirty and dusty coils greatly lower the efficiency of your system resulting in skyrocketing electricity bills. You should clean your coils as often as possible and always ensure that they are cleaned by HVAC professionals at least once every six months.

Cleaning your air conditioner coils will not only enable your unit to run more efficiently but also you will enjoy better indoor air quality. Additionally, when your system is running efficiently, you will have fewer repairs.

DIY Cleaning Process

Before cleaning the coils, you should always turn off the power to the system. The first step involves applying the cleaner to the coils. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then use a garden hose to completely wash it off. You should also wash the inside part of your coil box. After cleaning, wipe out the water and leave it to dry completely before placing it back. Though it is a simple process, it will go a long way in boosting the overall efficiency of your AC unit.

The best thing with hiring NATE-certified professionals to do your coil cleaning is they have the expertise and modern equipment to thoroughly clean each and every part of your coils. There are areas you can’t reach when you use do-it-yourself techniques, but the professionals will do a comprehensive job.

Dirty AC coils are one of the main reasons why most air conditioning systems fail. Make it a habit to contact professional HVAC technicians occasionally to check and clean your coils to ensure that they are in perfect working condition.

Why Should You Clean Your AC Coils?

Reduce Costly Repairs

Coil cleaning keeps your AC system running in perfect condition and this greatly reduces costly repairs and replacement on your unit.

Lower Energy Bills

Dirty coils affect air flow and this means that your AC unit has to work extra hard to cool your home to the desired temperature. This leads to huge energy consumption which pushes your bills high. However, clean coils enable your AC to operate efficiently thus lowering energy bills.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Keeping your AC coils clean reduces microbes and other airborne contaminants in your indoor environment. This boosts the quality of your indoor air and significantly lowers any incidence of asthma, allergies and respiratory illnesses that could have been caused by microbes in your indoor space.

In conclusion, a professional coil cleaning exercise can save you costly repairs and unplanned replacements in addition to saving you on energy bills.

Geothermal energy is simply the best source of energy because it is clean and renewable. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems are the most money saving, energy savings, and eco-friendliest machines in the market. Despite the high initial cost, installing a geothermal heat pump in your home will pay big times in the long run. Below are the top reasons why geothermal heating is a worthwhile investment.

High Efficiency

According to market statistics, the most efficient gas furnace has a 94% efficiency rating. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps have a 400% efficiency rating. This means you save a significant amount of money on monthly bills.

Clean and Safe

There is no combustion when running a geothermal heat pump hence no chance of emission of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning poses a great danger to your family’s health. However, when using geothermal energy to heat your home, you will enjoy high indoor air quality without any risk attached to it.

Quiet Operations

Unlike the case for conventional heat pumps and air conditioning systems, a geothermal heat pump doesn’t have an outdoor unit. Geothermal systems are very quiet and smooth in their operations. You will thus enjoy the ambience and tranquillity of your home without any interruptions.

Environmentally Friendly

The U.S. Department of Energy and EPA have acknowledged that geothermal units are the most environmentally friendly means to cool and heat a home. Unlike other comfort systems like air conditioners, geothermal systems don’t emit carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide, and other greenhouse gases which pollute the environment.

In addition, geothermal systems utilize minimal electricity thus helping to reduce peak grid demand and also the need to have more electric generating plants.

Reliable Source of Energy

Compared to wind and solar energy, geothermal energy is more reliable. As a matter of fact, it’s an exceptional constant source of energy because it doesn’t depend on either sun or wind and is available all year round.

When it comes to sources of reliable and constant energy sources, geothermal heat pumps are second to none. This is so because it doesn’t rely on any external factor which fluctuates with weather and climatic conditions.

Additionally, a geothermal heat pump will serve you for decades. Unlike conventional furnaces which have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance, a geothermal heat pump has a warranty of 50 years. Because of the long lifespan of geothermal systems, you will continue enjoying its benefits long after the investment has paid off. It’s definitely worth every dollar you put in it!

The period starting from June 1 to November 30 is one which is characterized by Atlantic hurricanes. Summer storms can be destructive to your home especially on your HVAC unit. It is therefore logical that you do all it takes to protect your system from weather blows throughout this season.

Storms are not just carriers of wind and rain, but can also cause massive power outages that leave you without the much-needed comfort of your AC appliances.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner

There are several steps you can take before, during, and even after the storm to minimize potential damages to your AC. When power comes back on, AC units well-protected get up and run faster.

Pre-cool Your Home

If you have the slightest hint on the possibility of power going out during a stormy day, be sure to cool your home in advance. This may seem simple, but it is one of the best ways to stay comfortable until power is restored back on.

Ensure your thermostat is set at a much cooler level than usual and close your curtains to keep the cold air inside.

Turn Off the Power Supply to Your AC

Electrical surges caused by lightning strikes during stormy weather can easily damage your AC unit. Chances are also high that debris could get stuck in the outdoor unit and cause a burnout of your motor. The best way to play it safe is by shutting off the power.

Experts recommend that your power shut off should be from both your thermostat and circuit breaker.

Cover the Outdoor AC Unit

If you are expecting a hurricane together with strong winds, this is a necessary step to take. After turning off your AC, cover it with plywood or tarp. This will protect your AC from flying debris. High winds have been known to cause damage including knocking down branches and trees which can destroy your unit if they land on it.

As soon as it is safe to do so, uncover your unit. Keeping your unit covered for a long time can cause moisture to be trapped leading to mildew and mold.

Secure the Unit

If your AC is elevated on a second story, ensure you keep it secure with hurricane straps. When strong wind gusts come your way, the straps will hold your unit in place. If the area you live in is prone to flooding, get an HVAC professional to elevate the unit so as to protect it.

Inspect the Unit for Damage before Turning it On

Before you switch on the AC power, it is important you inspect it for any instances of storm damage. Flying debris or flooding can damage your unit and this makes turning it on dangerous as it could worsen the problem.

Storm winds can cause disconnections within the AC unit which may occasion toxic refrigerant leaks. If you have any problems or need repairs, get in touch with your local HVAC professional.

Insulation is a very critical factor in enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. The cost of heating, ventilation, and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy expense incurred by households. By insulating, the energy efficiency of heating and cooling units is enhanced substantially. The insulating material chosen determines the economic impact to be realized on the heating costs.

To fully understand how insulation improves heating and cooling in buildings, it is important to review the dynamics of heat loses in households with respect to building materials and the outside air temperatures.

In order to calculate the heating requirement for a building, you should first estimate and derive the heat loss from the building as a function of the total heat loss of transmission through the walls, roof, windows , doors, floors as well as ventilation and air infiltration. Experience and research show that the heat loss through walls, roof, windows, and doors has the largest impact.

The Heating Degree Day (HDD)

In building heat loss, the difference between the outside and inside temperatures plays a critical role. The first step is to understand the details of the weather data with reference to heating and cooling requirements. Heating degree day (HDD) is a measure of the total energy required to heat a building. It is derived from the difference between the ideal indoor temperature and the daily outside temperature observed. In order to derive this metric, you need to bring in other factors such as windows, insulation and solar heat gain.

Importance of Insulation

Insulation is very important in both residential and commercial buildings. This is because it saves money on energy bills, reduces energy use and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. For a long time now, insulation has been used to reduce the reliance on heating and cooling systems. All this helps to improve the comfort of your home.

Types of Insulation

There are two main types of insulation that you can use for your home; bulk insulation and reflective insulation.

Bulk insulation acts as a barrier to the flow of heat between the indoors and the outdoors of your home. During summer, bulk insulation keeps heat out of your home while in winter; the insulation keeps heat in your home. This type of insulation is made from materials such as glass wool, natural wool, polyester or recycled paper.

Reflective insulation, on the other hand, is used in summer to deflect radiant heat and keep your home cool. It is made up of a shiny aluminum foil that is laminated onto plastic or paper. This type of insulation is mostly found in hot and sunny climates.

It is common to find insulation products that combine both reflective and bulk insulation.

Insulating Materials

Insulating materials are often supplied in two measures; the C-value and the R-value. The R-value of an insulating material refers to its measure of resistance to heat flow. The C-value, on the other hand, measures the ability of the insulating material to transfer heat per unit time. It is also specified as the rate of energy loss through a piece of material.

The US Department of Energy has a revised recommendation of the R-value based on different climatic zones. There is an online heating calculator that helps clients to understand the energy impact associated with certain R-value insulation materials.

The type of insulation to install will depend on the climate and whether you want to keep heat in or out of your home. The design of your home and the material it is made of are also factors to consider when installing insulation.

In most institutional and commercial facilities, HVAC systems are arguably the largest energy consumers. As such, engineering and maintenance managers looking to reduce energy usage, target these systems in their facilities. The best strategy to optimize energy efficiency is to target the 4 largest HVAC energy consumers: chillers, boilers, motors, and building automation system.

Chillers

In the hierarchy of energy consuming HVAC units, chillers are the largest users. This means even minor improvements in operating efficiency can give you huge savings. The biggest problem with chillers in energy consumption is oversizing. Chillers are designed to carry the largest cooling load throughout the year, but the reality is the load occurs only for a few hours.

For the rest of the time, these units operate at reduced loads. Maintenance engineers run the chillers at peak efficiency only when operating at full load or near full load. Reduction of the chiller load, therefore, reduces even its operating efficiency.

The best way out is to stage the chiller so that as the load increases, more chillers kick on. However, this is possible with facilities that have many central chillers. The other option is to use a variable frequency drive installed on the motor of the chiller. This device reduces the operating speed to match the cooling load requirements. Maintenance is also recommended.

Boilers

Boilers are on record as being the biggest consumers of combustible fuels. Lots of energy channeled to boilers ends up being wasted due to improperly adjusted controls.

Boilers require a proper mixture of fuel and air to achieve complete combustion. When the air is too much, the boilers operating efficiency drops. On the other hand, too little air results into incomplete combustion that generate soot and clogs the boiler’s heat transfer surfaces.

The solution to minimizing energy is to adjust the boiler combustion controls to limit the amount of excess air coming into the boiler. Automated blowdown controls can also enhance the efficiency of the boiler by getting rid of the accumulated deposits. Adjusting the blowdown rate can help you maintain the boiler at peak efficiency.

Motors

Having many motors operating in your HVAC system can cost you a lot in energy expenditure. Some motors may be mismatched between the load the motor is driving and its rated horsepower. This mismatch results in your motors working extra hard and consuming lots of energy in the process.

Facility managers should conduct a survey to identify the sizing of the various motors in their HVAC system based on the application. The focus needs to be on the motor’s rated efficiency, the load being driven, and the motor horsepower. Motors that have exceeded their operating life expectancies or are oversized should be replaced.

Building Automation System

These are the controls or central nervous system of your HVAC assembly. The systems identify locations within the facility where energy is used and when the usage occurs. Through this system, the people tasked with maintenance and monitoring can get the tools they need to minimize energy usage without interfering with efficiency and comfort.

HVAC systems must be properly matched to the building operations with constant reviews necessary so as to adjust the building automation system to match facility changes.

All HVAC systems including the top of range require regular servicing and maintenance. This is because of the constantly running parts and failing systems as part of its lifespan progression. The cost of the repairs can be overwhelming and it is for this reason that you must observe some practices that can lower these costs. Typically, HVAC systems are heavily strained as you shift from AC to furnace operations. It doesn’t matter if the AC worked well during summer, its efficiency could be much lower hence higher energy bills, system failures, and lower than expected performance.

With the following DIY maintenance steps, you can keep your system running at its best while at the same time lowering your repair costs.

Regularly Clean the Heat Pump or Condenser

An outdoor heat pump or AC can get really dirty. If this happens, your system will have to work extra hard just to create the degree of cooling or heating sufficient for your home. Cleaner condensers and heat pumps tend to be more effective and less likely to fail during operation. Be watchful for debris that accumulates at the top as well as the sides of your outdoor AC unit. Also check for pollen, leaves, or twigs around the clearance of the system.

Inspect the Filter

There is no meaningful discussion around the efficiency of a HVAC system that can happen without mentioning the cleanliness and functionality of the filter. In fact, a majority of the repair exercises on HVAC systems are usually occasioned by dirty air filters. The easiest way to maintain your HVAC system is to have its filter changed or cleaned regularly. This will increase the efficiency of your system and use much less energy. The filter should be inspected at least once per three months.

Get a Tune Up

Simply defined, a tune up is an onsite visit by a qualified technician who will proceed and check your system to confirm it is performing optimally. In most tune up scenarios, the technician will come with a checklist for a multipoint inspection including:

• Checking of refrigerant levels
• Coil cleaning
• Filer inspection and changing
• Inspection of the heat exchanger for leaks
• Checking of the fan system for correct operation
• Cleaning of drain lines

The tune up can be a one-off exercise or part of regular maintenance.

Thermostat Control

The use of thermostat especially the programmable one has been rated as one of the easiest way to save on heating and cooling bills. When you realize that your house is forever cold irrespective of how high the temperature is, chances are your thermostat is faulty. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the settings based on when you need the most heat. Check the settings of your thermostat to ensure they match your specific needs. If not adjust them.

Once again, schedule regular maintenance as this is one of the surest way to get your system operating at peak efficiency.

Established companies such as Trane, Goodman, Samsung, Lennox, Mitsubishi, LG, Carrier, and many others have been at the forefront in coming up with innovative comfort solutions. These companies go beyond the duty of regulating temperature within your home to improve the efficiency of the entire household.

Mini-split systems are awesome solutions especially for homes that have no ductwork, outbuildings or additions where installing or extending ductwork is not ideal. Also, mini-splits are crucial in spaces such as sunrooms, attics, and garages that are directly connected to unconditioned spaces and where ductwork if installed would be exposed to harsher temperatures.

Lots of homeowners are taking advantage of mini-splits and contractors are installing them in their thousands in neighborhoods. If you have ever thought about installing Mitsubishi Electric systems, read below for more information on how appropriate they may be for your heating and cooling needs.

Why Choose Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric ductless systems are some of the highest quality HVAC solutions according to contractors globally.  It is an American brand that many homeowners have grown to know and love mainly because it’s been around for quite awhile and continues innovating to date.

Much like modern day ductless manufacturers, Mitsubishi has a wide range of solutions integrated with remote monitoring and control which gives users flexibility in operation.

One of the greatest breakthroughs in Mitsubishi technology is the use of the i-see sensor which basically scans the whole of your house for cold and hot spots. Once it detects them, it automatically adjusts the temperature to clear them thus giving you a comfortable indoor environment.

As a general advantage of ductless mini-splits, they can operate using a single condensing unit to offer heating and cooling support to multiple rooms.

How Ductless Systems Work and Their Benefits

At their very basic architecture, ductless heating and cooling systems are two-way, reversible heat pumps that take in heat energy from one location and move it to another. They accomplish this by compressing and expanding the refrigerant.

The outdoor unit links with the indoor unit through a bundle of cables, one of them being the refrigerant line. The outdoor unit is carefully located outside your home on a ground level surface. The other component of the system is the indoor unit which is carefully mounted inside the home on a centrally located wall.

With just a single ductless system, you can heat and cool your home. with Mitsubishi remote control functionality, you can adjust the system’s setting for maximum comfort, efficiency, and control.

Outstanding Mitsubishi technologies you are likely to benefit from by investing in their ductless systems include:

• i-see Sensor
• H2i (hyper heat) – This is useful in giving you energy efficient heating in extreme cold climate conditions
• Zone Control – This is selective cooling and heating of spaces
• Quiet operation
• Air filtration
• Inverter-driven compressor – This maximizes energy savings by utilizing only the required energy to cool or heat your spaces.

Mitsubishi ductless systems are available in M-Series cooling systems, M-Series heat pumps, and MXZ multi-zone systems.

While many homeowners complain that their energy expenditure is growing by day, few of them take time to monitor their energy usage. This is because most of them don’t have the technical knowhow and don’t want to involve HVAC professionals for fear of incurring expenses. On the contrary, energy monitoring can save you lots of money in energy expenditure and help reduce your carbon footprint. There are just a few steps you can take to start monitoring your home energy in a bid to making it more energy efficient. One of the recommended ways is through energy monitors.

What Energy Monitors Do

If you want to monitor your home energy usage on a daily basis, installing energy monitors can help you practically bring down your energy cost. As you take steps to reduce energy usage in your home, these monitors through their digital displays will show you the decreases in energy expenditure.

For instance, if you use drapes or blinds on your windows during summer, you can block the sun from your home thus making your indoor cooler. This reduces the energy your AC needs to cool your home.

Knowing how to adjust your thermostat when you are in or out of your home can also be a plus to energy expenditure.

Get a Home Audit

If you want to check on your energy usage, a home energy audit can give you exceptional insights. Most home energy audit service providers have the necessary equipment and qualified staffs who will help you search and identify anything within your house that undermines energy efficiency. They use their checklist to inspect anything from draft areas to your appliances.

At the end of the audit process, these professionals will give you the results of your audit complete with recommendations on how you can cut down on energy usage in your home. implementing the recommendations put across by the professionals will enable you save on energy bills while still enjoying the comfort of your home.

Home Improvement Options

Based on the results of the audit, you may want to consider some home improvements in a bid to make your house energy efficient. For instance, you may replace insulation in some rooms or purchase new energy efficient appliances to cut down on energy consumption. The best way is to have a session with a reputable HVAC contractor who will show you the critical areas you need to review and implement first so as to magnify the impact of your home improvement options.

Energy efficient homes are the desire of every homeowner and through energy monitoring mechanisms, you can be able to isolate and arrest sources of wasteful energy. Take the necessary steps this year and improve the efficiency of your home!