Become one of the millions of people who are taking part in the ENERGY STAR pledge.  They are pledging to reduce the amount of energy that they use both at work and home.  Whether its your lightbulbs or your heating system, take a look at the ENERGY STAR Pledge website for more information about how you can save energy too.

Did you know that you can get a $250 Puget Sound Energy rebate and up to a $1500 Federal Tax Credit just for putting in a new ENERGY STAR Heating or Cooling system?  You can read more about it here on our website:  Tax Credits for HVAC Equipment

Next week in our series on ENERGY STAR:  Take The ENERGY STAR Pledge

Source: www.energystar.gov

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new energy-efficient equipment is guaranteed to save you money on your utility bills.  However, you need to make sure that the company that is installing your new equipment is doing it properly.  Improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%!  Make sure you ask the following questions before committing to a company:

• How did you size the equipment for my home?  If the system is too big or too small, it will work harder than it should and shorten the length of its life.  You want to make sure that a heat loss calculation has been performed on the house by your contractor to determine exactly what the right size of equipment is for you.
• Do I have any leaks in the duct system?  The contractor should evaluate the duct system to identify leaks and then seal them.
• How do you ensure a proper refrigerant charge?  If your cooling system has an improper refrigerant charge, it can cause failure of components, which results in costly repairs.
• Do you have a Quality Installation Checklist?  A contractor that has a checklist to ensure that the installers are doing the install correctly is definitely a company you should look for.

Next week in our series on ENERGY STAR:  Rebates and Tax Credits

Source: www.energystar.gov

If you are looking to replace or install new ENERGY STAR high-efficiency heating or cooling equipment, you need to find a good company to work with.  Reputable companies will:

• Perform an on-site inspection of the work you want completed and provide a detailed proposal in a timely manner
• Demonstrate to you that the company is licensed and insured to repair and install heating and cooling equipment
• Have many years of experience as a business in your community
• Provide examples of quality installation of energy-efficient heating and/or cooling equipment work, with names of customers you can contact
• Complete and submit warranty information on your behalf
• Leave all equipment manuals and provide documentation of installation procedures, such as an AHRI certificate
• Clearly explain the benefits of regular maintenance and help you set up a schedule to keep your system operating at its best

Next week in our series on ENERGY STAR: Energy Star Quality Installations

Source: www.energystar.gov

If you have tried all of the other steps shown in our previous posts and you still continue to experience problems, or if your heating or cooling system is over 10 years old or not working, you might want to consider replacing your equipment with a high-efficiency unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR.  Here are some facts to help you in your decision making.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the most commonly used heating system in the United States.  Those that have earned the ENERGY STAR have a higher AFUE rating, which is the measure of the efficiency.  Most furnaces that can qualify for the ENERGY STAR will be the condensing furnaces where the transfer of heat is so thorough that water or condensate is a byproduct of combustion.  Systems that are over 90% efficient have earned this distinction.

Central Air Conditioners

Most residential central air conditioners are called split-systems because they have an outdoor component and an indoor component.  It’s very important to replace both of these units at the same time to maximize efficiency and prevent premature failure of the system.  ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have a higher SEER rating, which is the measurement of efficiency.

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps provide both heating and cooling in one integrated system.  They use the difference between the oudoor and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat.  ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps have higher SEER ratings than conventional models.  They also have a higher Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which measures the heating efficiency of the heat pump.

Next week in our series on ENERGY STAR: Working With A Heating & Cooling Contractor

Source: www.energystar.gov

Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week.  Through proper use, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.  The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you do the following to get the greatest benefit from your thermostat:

• Install the thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, lighting, doorways, fireplaces, skylights and windows, and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts.  Interior walls are best.
• Keep the thermostat set at energy saving temperatures for long periods of time, such as when no one is home and at bedtime.
• Resist the urge to override the preprogrammed settings.  Every time you do, you use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.  The exception to this would be if you were to go on vacation and put the system on “hold” at a lower temperature.
• Change your batteries each year if your thermostat runs on batteries.

You can always call us at AAA Heating & Air Conditioning to install a programmable thermostat for you.  The most popular kind we sell is the programmable touchscreen thermostat, and many of our customers who have made the switch tell us they are extremely happy with how easy it is to use and how it has made their lives easier and more comfortable.  You can reach us at 253-630-9224.

Next time in our series on ENERGY STAR: Choosing the Right Equipment

Source: www.energystar.gov

Ductwork is what distributes the heated or cooled air from your furnace throughout the rest of the house. In a typical house, 20% of that air is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Inefficient heating or cooling systems, high utility bills, and difficulty keeping the house comfortable are the result.

If you feel comfortable enough, you can seal leaks by yourself with a mastic sealant or a foil tape. You will also want to ensure that the connections at the vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling.
However, many homeowners choose to hire a professional Heating and Cooling Contractor to perform an inspection on the duct work and to make any repairs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends looking for a contractor who will:

• Inspect the whole duct system, including the attic, basement, and crawlspace
• Evaluate the system’s supply and return air balance. Many systems have air return ducts that are too small
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or undersized ducts and straighten out flexible ducts that are tangled or crushed
• Seal leaks and connections
• Seal gaps behind registers and grills where the duct meets the floor, wall, or ceiling
• Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas
• Use diagnostic tools to evaluate air flow after repairs are completed

AAA Heating & Air Conditioning has trained specialists who can perform these checks and repairs for you. Give us a call at 253-630-9224 to schedule an appointment.

Next time in our series on ENERGY STAR: Using Programmable Thermostats

Source: www.energystar.gov

Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system inefficiencies and failures, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Performing routine maintenance is key to ensuring that your heating or cooling system runs efficiently at a lower cost to you, as well as extending the life of the unit.

We agree with the EPA and strongly recommend changing your filter on a regular basis, approximately every 2 months.  We also agree that having a trained technician perform maintenance on your heating system once a year and cooling system once a year is also crucial to the health and efficiency of your units.

The EPA recommends the following checklist for the overall system maintenance.  At AAA Heating & Air Conditioning, we do all of this and more:

• Check thermostat settings
• Tighten all electrical connectiosn and measure voltage and current on motors
• Lubricate moving parts
• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioniner, furnace, and/or heat pump
• Check system controls to ensure proper and safe operation
• Inspect, clean, or change the air filter
• Inspect the flue piping
• Check all gas connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger
• Clean indoor and outdoor coils
• Check refrigerant charges and adjust as necessary
• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow

Give us a call at 253-630-9224 if you want more information on the importance of maintaining your system or to schedule an appointment with one of our specially trained technicians.

Next week in our series on ENERGY STAR: Sealing Duct Work

Source: www.energystar.gov

Did you know that the average household spends more than $2200 a year on energy bills?  And almost half of that is going towards your heating and cooling costs!  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created the ENERGY STAR program to help consumers make smart decisions about their heating and air conditioning systems that will help save energy costs, improve overall comfort at home, and help fight global warming.

Here’s another shocking fact for you:  The energy used in the average house is responsible for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as the average car.

You CAN make an impact to bring down the amount of greenhouse gas emissions your household creates.  You might consider making a change if any of the following statements apply to you:

• Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.
• Your home has humidity problems, excessive dust, or rooms that never seem to get comfortable.
• Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
• Your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old.
• You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.

Stay tuned for upcoming articles about changes you can make to save your family money, increase your comfort, and do your part to help the environment.

Next week in our ENERGY STAR series: Maintaining Your Equipment

Source: www.energystar.gov