Furnace Rebates: How & Why

Furnace rebates can be claimed by anyone who upgrades their equipment to meet the standards which are set by the internationally accredited Energy Star system, and who does so in the right way. The need to save energy, and the significant developments in technology have meant that there is a need to offer incentives to people who are considering an equipment upgrade, but who are not quite sure how they will be affected financially. The rebates can tip the balance in favor of making the change, and this will reduce the amount of energy which is consumed.

At first sight, it may seem odd that any commercial organization would offer incentives to consumers who will be buying less of their product, so it is necessary to understand the background to the situation. Although energy companies make their money by selling electricity and are happy to do so, they do not have an infinite supply which they can sell. To sell more, the infrastructure needs to be developed to cope with the increasing load. This takes money, and in any case energy suppliers are always under constant pressure from environmentalists to do something about the consequences of energy consumption upon the environment.

Furnaces used in Virginia Beach domestic properties can use a lot of power, depending on how often they are used and for how long. If you use your furnace a lot, there will be more of a case for upgrading it immediately to one which will use less power. There is inevitably a considerable cash outlay in replacing any major piece of equipment, and this is always the major deterrent to buying anything new. Even if the existing equipment is malfunctioning and definitely needs replacing, the temptation is to buy used equipment to save capital outlay. This is no use to the fuel supplier or the government, as the used equipment is likely to use the same amount of power as the equipment which was replaced.

Virginia Beach commercial premises that make use of furnaces can obviously save even more money as they will have far greater use. Whereas a typical residential Virginia Beach furnace may be switched on when the family needs it, a commercial furnace will usually be constantly in use during the hours of operation. The energy used per day will therefore be far greater, and there will be more obvious immediate incentive to change to an energy efficient model. Commercial furnaces can be bought with loans which can be paid back with the money saved, and the rebate will lessen the initial capital outlay.

The furnace rebates are typically applied once the new product has been bought and installed, so that the supplier can verify that the appliance meets the Energy Star standards. This means that you will need to have the full retail price of the product before you can buy it and claim the rebate. It is always better to save for this rather than borrow money, as the interest on borrowings is severe. Although you will need to use energy at the old rate until you can buy the new furnace, it will still be the cheaper option. You will then be debt free when you claim your furnace rebates.

Furnace rebates are very easy to find if you know where to look. Furnace rebates are excellent to have as companies provide customers with money back for purchasing their product. State governments may also provide furnace rebates for individuals who purchase high efficiency furnaces. So keep reading on how to find your furnace rebates.

• Check with the company or manufacturer to see if they provide furnace rebates to customers. This is the most basic step because many large companies such as the Home Depot and Lowe’s will include information on the furnace as to whether or not a furnace rebate is included.  Your Virginia Beach HVAC specialist will also be able to inform you of any available rebates.

• Do a general search online if you have already purchased a furnace and are still wondering whether or not you can get a furnace rebate. You can do this by looking on the manufacturer or the company’s website where you bought the furnace.
• Search individual websites, or blogs to find out whether or not you qualify for furnace rebates. If you are looking for government funded energy rebates on high efficiency furnaces, check with your state or local Virginia Beach government website. Be sure to have your furnace rebates signed and mailed in before their expiration period, otherwise you will not be eligible.

Article Source:  http://www.mailinrebates.org/furnace-rebates

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach heating contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

Furnaces 101: Pilot Lights

Furnaces 101: Pilot Lights

You’ll want to have these tools on hand to check the pilot light:

• Matches
• Fine wire

The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. To relight the pilot, follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly; they are usually fastened to the furnace. If instructions for relighting the pilot are not provided, follow this general procedure:

Step 1: Find pilot light assembly. It typically has a gas valve with on, off, and pilot settings.

Step 2: Turn valve to off and wait three minutes.

Step 3: Switch valve to pilot setting. Hold lighted match to pilot opening while you push reset button on pilot control panel. Keep this button depressed until pilot flame burns brightly, then set valve to on position.

Step 4: If pilot flame won’t stay lit, opening may be clogged. Turn gas valve off, and clean opening with piece of fine wire. If it won’t stay lit after several attempts, you may have faulty thermocouple. If pilot flame still won’t stay lit, call your Virginia Beach heating and cooling specialist.

Some furnaces have an electrical system to ignite the gas; in these systems there is no pilot light. Instead, an electric element heats up and ignites the burners. If this electric ignition system malfunctions, call a professional Virginia Beach heating and cooling specialist.

If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple — a safety device — might be malfunctioning. This is, once again, a situation where you may need to call your Virginia Beach heating contractor.

Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-gas-furnaces2.htm

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach heating contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

Dirty Ducts

You should consider having the air ducts in your Virginia Beach home cleaned if:

• There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in Virginia Beach heating and cooling systems:
  • Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask your Virginia Beach HVAC specialist to show you any mold they say exists.
  • You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
  • If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
  • If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.
• Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or
  
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

If any of the conditions identified above exists, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected or else the problem will likely recur.

Some research suggests that cleaning heating and cooling system components (e.g., cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers) may improve the efficiency of your Virginia Beach system, resulting in a longer operating life, as well as some energy and maintenance cost savings. However, little evidence exists that cleaning only the ducts will improve the efficiency of the system.

You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned. Provided that the cleaning is done properly, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental. EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you do decide to have your air ducts cleaned, take the same consumer precautions you normally would in assessing the service provider’s competence and reliability.

Article Source:  http://epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html#how_to_prevent

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach heating contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

SEER Made Clear

The U.S. Department of Energy claims that the energy we use in an average Virginia Beach home is responsible for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as an average car. This is due to the fact that much of the energy we use in our buildings comes from fossil fuels. Therefore, any conservation action plan we implement should consider the building’s cooling system as a major part of the efficiency solution. So how do we go about comparing these air conditioning units from an efficiency and cost-to-operate perspective?

The standard measurement of energy efficiency for an air conditioner is SEER. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is an average of the cooling efficiency. In simple terms the higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. For those of you gifted with an understanding of mathematics, here is the formula:

SEER = [Total Cooling Output Over the Cooling Season] / [Total Electrical Energy Input Over the Cooling Season]

If you find yourself wondering what’s the SEER rating of my Virginia Beach home or office AC, an easy way to determine what you have is to consider the approximate age of your air conditioning unit. If it is 10-15 years old it most likely has a SEER rating of about 6. That’s because that was the highest rating available back then. If it’s more than 15 years old, then consider yourself lucky that it’s still running. The average lifespan of an AC is 15 years. You may want to consider investing the cost of servicing older units into having a new more efficient air conditioning unit installed .  In fact, as of January 23, 2006 the U.S. Department of Energy mandated a bare minimum SEER of 13. There is much more energy savings to be had with more efficient models. Today high efficiency units can reach a SEER rating of 27. To put this into perspective, if you replace a 13 SEER with a 27 SEER unit, you could save approximately 50% in energy use.  Talk to your Virginia Beach heating and cooling specialist about the various options available and the SEER of each.

The SEER rating system was created to help you compare the operating costs of two or more units, giving you a better picture of your return on investment (ROI). So let’s look at an actual example in dollars and cents. We’ll use an average 3 ton or 36,000 btu unit that’s commonly found in Virginia Beach homes and estimate it will run an average of 8 hours a day. We’ll run the numbers for 4 months at an average rate of $0.10 per kilowatt hour.

6 SEER (10-15 year old model)

36,000 BTU/hr x 976 hours / 6.0 SEER = 5,856,000 watts / 1,000 (to convert to KW) = 5,856 KW x $0.10 = $585.60 per year

13 SEER (Energy Efficient model)

36,000 BTU/hr x 976 hours / 13.0 SEER = 2,702,769 watts / 1,000 (to convert to KW) = 2,703 KW x $0.10 = $270.30 per year

In this case, replacing a 6 SEER with the minimum 13 SEER unit will save $315.30 per year. And switching to a high efficiency 27 SEER unit would save an additional $140.20 per year. Keep in mind, this example does not account for the greater savings of those in a “peak demand” pricing structure, which is commonly found throughout the southwest. In many cases, a new unit can reduce the peak load enough to get people out of the higher priced tiers. This example also shows only your savings at current utility rates. It doesn’t reflect the additional savings with expected increases in energy costs over the next 15 years. Remember, a lower priced, less efficient model may offer a lower upfront cost, but you will pay much more for it over the course of its lifetime.

If you are considering replacing your unit, you may want to check with your Virginia Beach power company. Most of them offer ratepayer funded rebates to encourage the purchase of high SEER products that replace an existing lower SEER unit. Once the new system is installed, look to save even more energy and money by having your ducts tested. Typical houses lose about 20 percent of the air conditioned air in the duct system due to leaks, holes and poor connections. It would be a real shame to waste any of that wonderfully efficient cold air.

Article Source: http://www.ecoevaluator.com/building/energy-efficiency/seer-explained.html

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach ac repair contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

The Results Are In: Top 4 CO Detectors

A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is the kind of thing you want to know works.  This is one indoor air quality issue that cannot go unchecked. You can find detectors that need to be hardwired into your Virginia Beach electrical system as well as simpler plug-in and battery operated models. To sort out which detectors are the most reliable we consulted professional reviews; user reviews shone light on the models that are durable and easy-to-install.  Your Virginia Beach HVAC specialist will be able to help you with any installation questions you may have.

First Alert CO615 – best reviewed

Plug-in carbon monoxide detector

Pros

• Can plug into any outlet
• Display shows both current and peak CO levels
• Includes battery backup
• Cord allows for flexible placement

Cons

• Battery door hard to close
• Button required for display

Kidde KN-COPP-B

Battery-operated carbon monoxide detector

Pros

• Battery powered
• Placement flexibility
• Constant digital readout
• Seven-year sensor lifespan

Cons

• Requires battery replacement
• Slower response time than some models
• Some functioning issues

First Alert Onelink SCO501CN

Interconnecting CO detector/smoke detector

Pros

• Interconnects wirelessly
• Easy to install
• Photoelectric smoke sensor
• Voice warning
• Six-year replacement alert

Cons

• Expensive
• No digital display
• Doesn’t detect flaming fires

Kidde KN-COSM-B

Budget combination alarm

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Combination smoke and CO detector
• Voice warning
• Seven-year sensor lifespan

Cons

• No display
• Doesn’t detect smoky fires

Article Source:  http://www.consumersearch.com/carbon-monoxide-detectors

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach ac repair contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

All CO Detectors Are Not Created Equal

If your Virginia Beach home uses natural gas, or if you have a wood or gas fireplace, you need a carbon monoxide detector. In fact, even if you have an all-electric home, you might consider getting a detector if you use a backup general or other carbon-fueled heat/power source. Inhaling too much carbon monoxide (CO) gas can lead to poisoning and possibly death, so there’s pretty good reason to spend $35 on a carbon monoxide detector. In many municipalities, they are required in rental units and/or in newly constructed homes. Your Virginia Beach HVAC specialist will also be able to shed some light on the need for CO detectors and which might best suit your needs.

Three are three main types of CO detectors: plug-in models plug directly into an existing outlet with battery backup; you can also find models that only use battery power. Lastly, you might see hardwired detectors in newly constructed Virginia Beach homes. Most owners of existing homes will opt for plug-in or battery units that are easier to install.

If you have a large home, you might consider interconnecting CO detectors. Most hardwired systems are interconnecting; when one alarm picks up dangerous levels of CO, all the alarms sound. We did find one model, the First Alert Onelink, that’s battery powered but that can also connect to other models to perform this function. That’s a benefit in big Virginia Beach homes or homes with several floors, where you might not hear an alarm sounding in a distant part of the house.

Lastly, some models combine a carbon monoxide detector with a smoke alarm. While that’s one way to cut down on the number of sensor gadgets in your home, these models typically include just one of the two types of smoke-detector sensors (experts say your home needs both types for the best protection).

Consider these tips when shopping for a carbon monoxide detector:

• Look for the UL symbol on the packaging. UL-listed CO detectors meet product safety standards set by the Underwriters Laboratory, an independent product safety certification organization. These CO detectors sound an audible alarm for CO levels of 150 parts per million (ppm) that remain for at least 10 minutes or CO levels that remain at 70 ppm for one hour. All UL-listed carbon monoxide alarms must also have a manual silence button and sound another alarm within six minutes when elevated levels of CO are still present.

• Get a detector with a digital display. The display can alert occupants to rising CO levels even before they trigger the alarm. A CO concentration of only 30 ppm may harm heart patients, unborn babies and children, but most detectors don’t trigger an alarm until CO levels are 70 ppm or higher. A display indicating no CO is present is also useful for determining whether a triggered detector is merely malfunctioning.

• A strobe light warns the hearing impaired. Some detectors include a strobe light (or a strobe light can be bought separately and attached) so that someone who is hearing impaired knows an alarm has been triggered.

• Purchase at least one CO detector for each level of the home. Also install a CO detector in the basement if a furnace or other fuel-burning appliance is housed there.

• Ideal placement is about head-height on a wall. That’s because appliances that produce carbon monoxide usually also produce heat — so CO rises with hot air in a room. Place CO detectors at the recommended distance from steam sources (e.g., bathrooms and dishwashers), household chemicals and other factors that can trigger false alarms. Position CO detectors 20 feet from all fuel-burning appliances because they emit some CO when initially turned on. Installed CO detectors shouldn’t be near windows or ceiling fans, where ventilation might prevent them from sounding an alarm.

• Regularly check that the CO detector is working properly. If your detector is hardwired directly into your home’s electrical system, you should test the unit monthly. For battery-operated units, test the detector weekly and strive to replace its battery at least once a year. You should totally replace detectors every five years unless directed differently by the manufacturer.

• Consider a test kit. Detectors have a button that test alarms, but they can’t mimic CO to verify the sensors are working. Detectagas (*Est. $22) is an example of a kit that can be purchased to test these sensors. It comes with an aerosol can of CO and a plastic bag that seals around the detector and allows you to accurately test that the alarm sounds when a dangerous level of CO is present.

• Do not connect plug-in units to an electrical outlet that is controlled by a light switch. If the switch is turned off, the detector will begin draining the backup batteries. This leads to frustrating low-battery alerts and requires replacing batteries more frequently.

Article Source: http://www.consumersearch.com/carbon-monoxide-detectors/important-features

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach ac repair contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form

Memo: Don’t Forget to Conserve Energy & Save Money!

Heating and cooling your Virginia Beach home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of your Virginia Beach utility bill goes for heating and cooling. What’s more, heating and cooling systems in the United States together emit 150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, adding to global climate change. They also generate about 12% of the nation’s sulfur dioxide and 4% of the nitrogen oxides, the chief ingredients in acid rain.

No matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your Virginia Beach home, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. Contact your Virginia Beach HVAC specialist and have your system checked out and repaired accordingly each year.  But remember, an energy-efficient furnace alone will not have as great an impact on your Virginia Beach energy bills as using the whole-house approach. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling, and reduce environmental emissions from 20% to 50%.

Heating and Cooling Tips

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
• Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.
• Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
• Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
• During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
• During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.

Long-Term Savings Tips

• Select energy-efficient products when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. For furnaces, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The national minimum is 78% AFUE, but there are ENERGY STAR models on the market that exceed 90% AFUE.
• For air conditioners, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air conditioners. ENERGY STAR models are 14 SEER or more.

Article Source: http://www.energysavers.gov/tips/heating_cooling.cfm

If you are looking for a professional Virginia Beach duct cleaning contractor, then please call us today at 757-498-1323 or complete our online request form