electrical 11/16/22 – gtg

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The electrical service box is the first thing that is important in any electrical job. It might sound like it is a herculean task to install electrical service at your house, but it is a necessary evil, and nothing can go forward without it. If you need to install an electrical service at your house/dwelling, following these general instructions can help make things easier and make the process more pleasing for those looking to get the value for their dollar in electrical work. Generally, the electrical regulations (and they vary from state to state) allow for a service that is as big as you want but not as small. Generally, in this case, the bigger, the safer – if that can be attributed to electricity – in terms of passing inspection! There is always a definitive minimum, which is usually based on the area of your house above the ground.

In more detail, the service size usually requires 2 considerations:
1) The Load (Calculated) – This is the sum of all your potential loads after general demand factors are applied to the calculation. An average dwelling (about 1076 sq.ft.) has an electric stove and electric dyer, but for gas heating, the demand on the service is around 5000 watts, plus another 7000 watts for the stove (6000) and the dryer (1000). Again this is the load calculation, not the actual number of watts the appliance is rated on. For example, the dryer load is 1000 watts on the system if the dryer is a 4000-watt piece. This is referred to as the basic load of the system. Naturally, adding those watts up (5000+7000) is the 12000-watt load you need. Furthermore, we need to find amperes in our consideration. This is found by dividing the total amount of watts by the service voltage size. In physics, the formula is represented by a = w/v. Surprisingly, although we use 120 volts in the plugs in North America, the service voltage size coming to your panel is 2 wires by 120 each. Thus, the service voltage size total is 240v. Remember, Volts and Watts add up; amps do not! So our minimum amperage required would be 12,000 / 240 = 50 amps. Please remember that this is calculated amperage and not the minimum service size because there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE!
2) The Minimums Service Size – this is the number based on the floor area of your dwelling. Generally – 60 amp – for any dwelling which is LESS THAN 861 sq. ft. The area calculation also includes all the areas of all the floors except the basement / or underground section of the dwelling. The underground/basement area is ignored for the minimum amperes requirement. For any place which is MORE THAN or EQUAL to 861 sq. ft. – you generally need 100 amp service. As mentioned above, this includes all the floors except the basement/underground.

Considerations: Even if your total actual load is way below the service size based on your floor space – i.e., if your calculated load is 50 amps, and your floor space requires 100 amps – you need to install the service size based on your floor space, and not your calculated load amount. This is why you can have a serving size as large as you want but not as small as you’d like. The extra capacity (the difference between 50 and 100) is for future use. Even if you are never going to use it, you might one day sell the dwelling, or your kids will inherit the property, and they might want to do something with it; the extra service size has to be there to allow for this future need. In any case, most jurisdictions will not let you get away with using a service size that is too small for the area/space that you have in your house/dwelling.

60 Amp Service Size – (reminder: can only be used if total floor space is < 861 sq. ft.)- Service switch, fuse, or breaker rating – 60 amps- Hot Wire (Black) – x 2 #6 AWG 90 copper – (other colors can be red or blue)- Neutral (White) - x 1 #6 AWG 90 copper- Service Raceway – 1 inch. Or use #6 TECK Cable.- Meter Base Rating – 100 amps.- Service ground wire – #6 or larger – (this is a bare copper, twisted strand)- Service Panel Size – minimum 16 circuits. This panel can generally supply the usual plugs and central gas/oil heating. 100 Amp Service Size – (reminder: can be used for any property that is less than, equal, or more than 1076 sq.ft.)- Service switch, fuse, or breaker rating – 100 amps- Hot Wire (Black) – x 2 #3 AWG 90 copper – (other colors can be red or blue)- Neutral (White) - x 1 #2 AWG 90 copper- Service Raceway – 11/4 inch. Or use #3 TECK Cable.- Meter Base Rating – 100 amps.- Service ground wire – #6 or larger – (this is a bare copper, twisted strand) Service Panel Size – minimum 24 circuits. This panel can generally supply all the usual plugs, a central electric furnace, a boiler, and a baseboard heater.* Please remember that you need twice as much hot wire as the neutral wire. Considerations: At least 2 Spare Circuits are usually required to be left in the panel after you’ve connected all of your circuits. This is for future use. The Minimum Panel Size – is used only as a guideline for the minimum size as to your needs. A project/house/dwelling might require more circuits or a bigger panel amp rating. Always ensure you have the necessary amount of circuit space in your panel. Neutral AWG Size: – some jurisdictions require one to use the same neutral wire size as the hot (feed) wire. Check with your local authorities. Usually, it’s a good idea to use the same AWG for both the hot and neutral wires. Fused Switches: – are rarely used in residential settings, but if you plan to install a fused service switch, it must comply with your local authority regulations. Usually, the regulations require that the service conductor ampacity be equal to the calculated service load or around 80% of the switch rating, whichever is greater. For example, if your calculated service load is 120 amps, the service switch must be 200 amps. In this example, the minimum service conductor ampacity is 160 amps (80% of 200), not 120; the load conductors from the switch to the panel must also be the same 160 amps. Neutral – Can, at times, be bare; some jurisdictions will allow a Neutral wire in the service panel pipe to come from the service meter into the service panel. Something else to consider in regards to this is that using a bare wire saves you money and is easier to work with / form when pushing it through PVC piping with tight corners. On the other hand, the insulated wire can be greased easier. When a bare neutral wire is entered into the meter base, switch, or panel, it must be insulated to protect against contact with any live wires. Usually, this is not a problem as the live wires are separated widely enough for any contact with the neutral. Still, in cases where it isn’t, one must insulate the neutral wire (electrical tape) to the same thickness as the insulation of the hot wire. Also, you would insulate from the entrance until the connecting coupling (any exposed sections). ====================gtg ==================gtg ====================gtg ========================gtg A Typical Lightning and Earthing Issue The Problem I have an alternative power system at my house in an area susceptible to lightning. This consists of a wind generator, 4 solar panels, two inverters, various controllers, and a 1200 amp/hour battery set in a small "energy center". I have already been 'hit' by a remote strike which traveled up the phone cable around the walls of the building and took out my new sine wave inverter!! Although all items were earthed and bonded to a single point, it was insufficient. All items in the system are close together. The fall-back diesel generator is also inside the same building. I have read almost ALL the literature I can find on the Web on bonding/earthing systems and the effects of lightning. My biggest problem lies in that - with the equipment available to me - I cannot sink a 3/8" earthing rod very far into the ground around the house since it is on a solid rock mountainside. Therefore, I would be glad for your advice on various issues. Response First, you don't mention either the DC voltage or the duration of backup , or the power level. I have assumed 120Vdc, 1 hour (nominal) 100A inverters. What was the route from the phone line to an inverter? Can you demonstrate that this was the path by damage, or is this an assumption? Experience tells us it is much more likely a ground strike raising the earth potential of your system and thereby causing the damage. Telephone wires are thin and unlikely to carry seriously damaging currents. Specific Questions 1. Should I use earthing rods of larger diameter? A larger diameter will not help, as the surface area is critical. However, in the solid rock, it is unlikely 1.5 meters would be sufficient. The earth rod aims to achieve a low impedance to the earth of approximately 0.4 ohm. A test drilling and rod measurement would answer how deep you need to go, but this seems like a lot of hard work for little return. 2. Since I cannot drive them into the ground more than 1.5 meters should I use several 'grouped' together? Yes, this "Earth Net" or "Earth Farm" approach is advocated by several experts for overcoming high impediments to earth. 3. If so, how many should I use? This is almost impossible to answer, as there are so many variables. I'd suggest that you put in as many as it takes to get your target impedance value. 4. How should they be grouped? How far apart? How should they be joined? If you put them apart, there is a potential for current to flow between them, so whatever links them together must be low impedance. They should be grouped in a star configuration for small earth farms or a network configuration for larger ones. 5. How should I connect the various items of equipment? One expert report suggested copper "strapping" rather than heavy duty copper wire. To be honest, large-diameter copper wire can cause several problems when conducting high current impulse energy; stranded or braided "strapping" is better but more expensive. It is common practice to use large single strands in external rods/nets and braids where appropriate indoors. In addition, you have the "Aerial" effect where a large loop of copper can act like the loop aerial on a TV and pick up high frequency. 6. What size strapping or wire? Back to your target impedance, there is no point getting a 0.4ohm Earth and then connecting such thin copper to it that you reduce its effectiveness; on the other hand, the cost is the limiting factor upwards. 7. Where should the connections be? I'm aware that they should be to the earth point and any frame, but should they be anywhere else? I'd recommend that you avoid Loops and create Stars to your earth point. You need to make connections wherever energy can be created by fault or coupling effect. 8. Are the connection points themselves a particular problem? Do you have any suggestions? Again a low impedance connection is an aim, as two clean flat surfaces together are better than a clamp on a screw thread. In addition, each connection point should increase the gauge of the conductor so that the preferred path for energy is the desired direction. 9. Do I run a single cable from each item back to the rods, or can I run a "ring main" around them? I'd recommend that you avoid a loop and create a star instead. 10. What size cables/strapping would you recommend for each item? These should be the appropriate size for the likely "energy" associated with a fault and should increase in size towards your earth point. 11. A report that I read suggested that the NEGATIVE side of the battery set (2 parallel racks of 12 x 2v [600 amp/hour] cells) MUST also be connected to the common earth. Is this correct? This depends entirely on your inverter; if your inverter operates with one side of the battery earthed, it should already be connected, although this is down to how good your earth is. If your earth is bad, the connection allows energy into the inverter front end, which is typically susceptible to damage. Conversely, this is probably a good idea if your earth is good. 12. What is the additional effect of connecting the batteries into the earthing system using, for example, more or heavier rods? The only reason for increasing the earthing size by connecting batteries is if they are likely to induce an earth fault, which should not apply in your case. 13. Several suppliers have suggested I include several lightning/surge arrestors. Is this a good idea? This is a vast subject. In basic terms, "lightning" cannot be arrested - the best that anyone can hope to do is divert the energy where it will do the least harm. Electricity Substations do this by using large spark "arrestors" that disconnect explosively, dissipating energy. Large factories and new building installations tend to feature earthing, preventing energy from entering their wiring network by diverting it to earth rods. Typically, this is augmented by "surge suppressors," which can absorb some energy, and "surge diverters," which can divert the excess back into the earthing system. However, there is no point in diverting energy to earth if your earth is so poor, it will dissipate anywhere you have connected to the earth. Moreover, a surge suppressor is expensive and may be a one-shot device for serious amounts of energy. Having said that, a clearly defined approach, identifying good earthing, diversion, and suppression, is what most people look for in these circumstances. However, at least one of these three items will often have little effect. The customer frequently needs to contact an expert when one approach has failed. 14. If I use surge suppression, how many devices will I need? Where do I put them? How do I earth them? You need to adopt a zoned approach, with larger TVSS near incomers/outgoing supplies, large pieces of equipment, and smaller devices on smaller systems. Each unit comes with wiring instructions and recommendations , including the earth cable size. As before, the earth cable should run back to the star point. 15. How do I eliminate the effects of lightning through and around the walls of the building? You can't completely eradicate these effects. The best you can expect is to deal with the effect and limit the damage unless you wish to line your walls with steel and bury them deep in the ground! However diverter/suppressors fitted for transmitted energy will be just as effective for coupling energy. 16. Do you have any other suggestions that could help? Three additional suggestions might help: - a. Consider earthing alternatives. Our recent customer ran a bare cable into the sea because he was on solid rock. b. Consider inverter technologies that are less susceptible to damage. c. Identify the REAL cause of the damage and spend money to fix that problem. The biggest problem with earthing and transient suppression is spending money on the wrong solution. ==============gtg ================gtg =================gtg use in website We’ve been the local electricians for over 40 years. In that time, we’ve firmly established our reputation as honest and reliable electricians delivering the highest quality workmanship at affordable rates. We cater to all your electrical needs, whether residential or commercial. No matter the task, you’ll always find our electricians will arrive on time and complete the work to a level you’re satisfied with. Our first-class service is why we’re the electrician that residents have trusted for over three decades. Although our electrical work is always completed to the highest possible standards, our prices remain extremely affordable. We can keep prices down by remaining local and having our electricians service the area. In emergencies, we also provide a specialized 24/7 service. As the local full-service electrician, there’s no job too big or too small for our company. With over 35 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’re always receiving first-class workmanship. Please call us immediately for free advice on the best immediate action. Once your safety is assured, we can have an electrician arrive and provide a permanent fix. We understand that emergencies often occur after hours, so we provide a 24/7 emergency service. Because our electricians are based locally, we can arrive in a very prompt manner. Our Electrical Services We’ve been servicing residents for over 35 years, and in that time, we’ve built a reputation that’s second to none. Our service is based around arriving on time and providing friendly customer service in conjunction with our expert electrical services and affordable rates. Consistently operating this way has proven to be a winning formula with our clients. As full-service electricians, we can attend to any electrical issue you have around the home. Some common tasks we get called for include: Safety Switches (Install and test) Smoke Detectors (Install and test) Power Points Lighting (Install and maintain) LED Lights (Install and supply) Ceiling Fans Exhaust Fans Hot Water Repairs Switchboard Upgrades Phone Points Fault Finding Electrical Repairs and Maintenance All General Electrical Work Don’t hesitate to contact us for any residential electrical service not listed above. Electrical Certification for Property Investors Your local electrician from our company can provide the necessary electrical certification for your rental properties in a timely and affordable fashion. We’re also extremely proficient at completing all required electrical maintenance for rental properties. Commercial Electricians Our extensive experience makes us extremely adept at providing commercial and industrial electrical solutions. Our workmanship and professionalism are sure to complement any business. Common commercial solutions include, but aren’t limited to, the following: Switchboard Upgrades. Safety Switches Exit Lighting Shop Fit Outs Repairs and Installs Wiring and Rewiring Exit Lighting Maintenance Request a quote now. Because our electricians are local, we can always arrive promptly and provide you with the required electrical solution. We take our place as a local business very seriously, and every job we undertake is completed to a high standard that will further enhance our great reputation. Our great service is why we’re the electricians of choice. For great service at a fair price, contact us today. =============================gtg ==================gtg Local Electricians We have over 40 years of experience as electricians servicing this area. During this time, we've developed an outstanding reputation and have become the local electricians you can rely on. When dealing with our company, you can trust that your job is done by a licensed professional with years of experience. As such, the job will be done quickly and efficiently without ever compromising standards. All work performed by our company is fully insured, so you can always expect top-quality work that will last long after the friendly electrician has left. You can expect us to be friendly, punctual, and always professional. As one of the most trusted electricians in the area, we never compromise our commitment to outstanding service. We always aim to be the best in every aspect of our business. From professionalism to customer service, workmanship to clean-up, and expert advice to affordability, we always provide first-class service and free quotes for any work you need or want. Our company is the full-service electrician you can rely on to complete any work you require throughout the region. All work is fully insured, and free quotes are available for any job, big or small. We specialize in all general electrical work for residential, domestic, commercial, and industrial properties. Homes and Renovations An expert electrician will review your existing wiring so that you can know whether it’s safe and sound or requires work. We will happily check and rewire older dwellings or premises and create a wiring plan for any new residence or office that will meet your electrical needs for years. Telephone/Data Have a professional install all your telecommunications cabling to ensure that your home or workplace operates efficiently and meets all Safety Standards. Install CCTV Having all the appropriate industry licenses means we're more than qualified to deal with your security needs. Let us discuss your requirements and develop a plan for placing cameras in appropriate locations around your home or workplace to provide the best possible security. Full Electrical Services Efficiency upgrades Safety inspections Safety switches Surge protection Stoves and cooktops Hot water Ceiling fans Smoke alarms General light and power Emergency lighting and testing Phone and data cabling Automatic electric gates Security & CCTV Installation Construction Renovations Rewires and upgrades Mains connection UV damage repairs General and off-peak metering Temporary power supplies Switchboard upgrades Switchboard replacements Fault finding Programmed maintenance Plant maintenance Energy audits If you require any electrical work, contact us for a free quote. All work is completed by a qualified electrician and is fully insured. Request a free quote now. We can have a licensed electrician attend to any job. We commit to service and trust that any job we do for you will only enhance our reputation. Get the service you deserve from a qualified and fully insured electrician today. 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Even More AC Content 10/28/22 – gtg

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There are a few things you can check and correct yourself when your AC stops cooling that will save you a service call.

First, you need to determine a couple of things. One, is the air handler working? Can you feel air blowing out of the vents?

When I say air blowing, it does not matter if it is cool air or room temperature. If there is air moving, the air handler is working.

Now, one note about feeling air coming out of the vents. Sometimes the evaporator coil, which looks a lot like the radiator on your car and is located inside the air handling unit, will get a layer of ice on it, and air can no longer move across it so it may seem like the air handler is not on. The best way to verify if the unit is circulating air is to actually take a dollar bill and try to get it to stick to the return air grill. This is usually where you put your air filter.

If it sucks the dollar bill to the grill, then the air handler is running.

Next, you need to see if the outdoor unit is running. Check to see if the fan on top is spinning. If it is, look down near the bottom of the unit where the two copper lines come out of your house. One will be small and the other larger and usually covered in black insulation.

Look right where that larger line comes into the unit and see if there is ice on it. If there is, that means one of two things. Either you are low on freon or you are not getting enough air across the evap coil in the air handler. You need to check your air filter, and if it is really dirty this could be the problem.

If you have ice, you need to turn the system off immediately. Just go to the thermostat, put the heat cool switch in the off position, and then turn the fan to the on position. It is usually in the auto position during normal operation.

As the fan tries to pull air across the coil, the ice will start to melt. If your air handler is in the attic, this increased melt-off could overflow the drain pan if it is not draining properly, so you need to try and locate a 3/4 inch white PVC line that comes out somewhere near the base of your house and make sure water is draining out of it.

Once you start getting good water flow, give it a few hours to completely melt and if you had a dirty filter, go ahead and change it and start up the system again and see if it cools the house properly. Make sure you check every few hours for any ice build-up on the line outside. If you see any, shut the unit off and give us a call.

Now, if you check the line and there is no ice, reach down and grab it with your hand. if it is slightly cool to the touch, then you are probably low on freon. If this is the case, give us a call for sure, as I will save you an absolute fortune on a pound of freon!

If the line is not cool, the compressor may not be running, or you may be really low on freon. (yes, low freon can make the pipe freeze up or leave it at the same temperature as the outside air, pretty weird, huh?) Once again, if this is the case, time to give us a call.

Okay, if the inside unit is on, but the outside is not, go ahead and check the breaker for the outdoor unit. If it is off or tripped go ahead and reset it. If it trips again, then give us a call. If it starts up fine, then it may have tripped because the outdoor unit cycled on and off too quickly, like during a brief power outage or when one of the kiddos turns the thermostat up and down real fast because they thought it might be a fun thing to do!

If the breaker is not tripped, it is time to call us.

Next, if you did the airflow test and there is no air moving at all, and you pay a gas or oil bill each month, then you might want to look for a red emergency switch on the wall in the hall or out in the garage near the access door to the house. If you have a gas furnace acting as the air handler for the ac, then you will have one of these switches.

I get probably half a dozen of these calls each summer, especially when visitors in the home blindly reach out into a dark garage or hallway and hit a switch trying to turn the lights on. Of course, they often turn off the emergency switch by mistake and don’t think to turn it back on because it is still dark, and they cannot see that bright red cover! Believe me; this happens all the time. Many people have no idea that the gas emergency switch shuts down everything, including the AC.

Of course, check your thermostat and make sure it is set right. Many homes nowadays have programmable thermostats, and sometimes the program gets messed up if you just bought the house maybe the prior owner had it programmed to set back the cooling in the house while they were away at work. Just go to the thermostat and press the down arrows until the reading is below the room temperature and then press “hold.”

If the ac comes on and stays on until the house is nice and cool, the programs are probably the culprit. Go online, look up your thermostat model, print out the programming instructions, and set it as you desire.

That should give you a few things to look at before giving anyone a call.

We will be glad to help you if you are still having trouble. Just call us today!

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Warning: Most heating and air conditioning companies mark up their repair parts by 400% or more! If you want to know what those parts really cost them, please read.

This is not your typical website where you have to sift through a bunch of boring, irrelevant information on some company you have never heard of before to try and figure out if you want to give them a call to come to fix your AC.

I promise, no annoying logos of air conditioning equipment brands plastered all over the place that are only there because we have received a kickback to recommend them. Yes, it happens; it is called co-op.

No self-serving, silly pictures of the owners and employees… Okay, maybe a couple of silly pictures of the owner!

You’ll find none of the typical stuff you see on a million other air conditioning websites that do very little to help you choose a company you can trust and who will do the job right and at a price you can be comfortable with.

As I said, this is not a typical company site, but it will save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on heating and air-conditioning repairs or system replacements.

I’m not kidding when I say that, either. Unlike the other guys who may claim they have the lowest price in town, I’m prepared to prove it if you stick around for a while.

Before we get on with that, let me say that most folks know very little about their HVAC system, and air conditioning contractors will use that to their advantage. By the way, if you are wondering what HVAC stands for, it’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Actually, it’s not surprising that most homeowners know very little about how the air conditioning system keeps them comfortable. Why would you? I mean, it is not something we learn in school or deal with very often or even think about much unless it is not working.

You set your thermostat to come on when it gets too hot or too cold in the house, and it kind of just does its magic. Maybe you change the air filters once a month or once a year?

I’ve been in this line of work for quite a few years now, and I’d have to say that at least 80% of the people I visit do not know where their air handling unit is located… or that they even have an air handling unit! The air handler is an integral piece of the heating and cooling system and is usually pretty big, yet many people have never even seen it!

They know nothing about the evaporator coil, contactor, capacitor, condensate drains, and on and on. Trust me, it’s certainly understandable, and there is a reason I’m beating this dead horse.

Service technicians know that they can talk a bunch of air conditioning trade lingo, and you will have no idea if they are being straight with you.

This is a tough economy we are going thru, and there are tons of heating and cooling companies in the area that are all trying to compete for the same customer. When many companies get a customer on the hook, there is no telling when the phone will ring again, so they get everything they can out of them!

But don’t take my word for it that many companies push their service technicians right up to the line of what can be considered unethical to maximize profits. You don’t know me any better than any other guy out there… at least not yet, anyway.

Let me tell you this. I’m sure you probably have heard of freon or refrigerant and maybe have had to add some to your system in the past. If someone such as yourself is going to know something about an air conditioner, it usually has to do with freon, right?

So, we have some common ground we can work with here. All air conditioners need freon to work. It is never supposed to need replacing, and if you have to add any to get your unit cooling again, you most likely have a leak, or it was never charged right to begin with.

Now, over time it is possible to develop very tiny leaks in your system, and if you add a couple of pounds of freon at the beginning of the summer, you can oftentimes make it to the fall without adding more. This is pretty common, and it is also a heating and cooling company’s best friend!

With a quick service call and a few pounds of freon, you are in and out the door in just a few minutes, but they still charge you an arm and a leg for that freon. Just call around, and you will see that most are charging from $65 a pound up to $200 -$300. Many won’t even tell you they charge and say they need to get out to your house and do a proper diagnostic before they can tell you anything.

Fair enough, but what happens when they charge you $89 to come out and then tell you that you need 3 lbs of freon at $100 per pound?

Here is where I come in. I charge just $25 per pound: the same refrigerant and the same method of putting it in the system. I use superheat readings to charge the system properly; most guys just put their hands on the pipe until it gets cold, which is not good.

I also have low service charges, much lower than most other companies. Just $39 gets me to your door and a proper diagnosis of your air conditioner in writing.

I’m properly licensed and have a fully stocked service van, and use the same parts everyone else does. The only difference is I do not mark those parts up by 400% or more like most other contractors. I list what the part cost me and everyone else on my main website!

I describe the repair and how long it should take and give you a price on what the job should cost on my website!

Need a new fan condenser motor? Most will charge well over $300 for that job. Some go as high as $600 or $700. My price? Generally under $180!

Need a contractor or dual capacitor? No problem, just look them up on my site and see what the part costs and how long the job will take. Then tell that repairman who quoted 5 times as much to please go away.

I have a video on my main company website that explains it all. But you may be asking how I can keep my prices low, right?

Simple really. I have very low overhead and make most of my income in online sales, not by charging outrageous repair prices.

When I say low overhead, that does not mean I drive an old pickup truck and work off the kitchen table. No backwoods mechanic here. All of my vehicles are paid for, meaning you are not making the monthly payments!

I sure don’t mean to beat up on other companies, and I will never name names, but you have to be careful. I’ve been in this business long enough to know home some guys operate.

The fact that I put what I pay for my parts on my website ought to give you peace of mind, and I’d sure like to earn the rest!

You can check out my video and all the info and then give me a call if you feel comfortable doing so. At the very least, use that information as a negotiating tool if you call on someone else, okay?

Oh, this site is a place where I will be documenting a lot of the service calls I go on as well as explaining some of the more common problems you might experience as your air conditioning unit begins to get some age on it.

I might talk a little about organizations like ACCA and ASHRAE and what they do to regulate our industry. I will also voice my opinion of the Better Business Bureau and the State Contractor’s Board.

This site will be a platform where I can educate, inform and express my opinions about the heating and air conditioning industry. I will, of course, talk about the various heating and cooling equipment brands like Trane, Carrier, York, and Goodman, but I will tell you upfront they are all roughly the same. What matters is how they are installed and by whom.

So come back and visit often and if you need help, give me a call, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win your loyalty.

Thanks, and hope to see you soon!

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Air Conditioning

Are you considering adding additional attic insulation to your home? What better place is there to invest your money? Insulation is an investment that pays you back in many ways. Have you compared utility bills with your neighbors? How much can you save by adding insulation to your attic every month? That depends on how hot or cool you keep your house, but 20%, 30%, 40%, or more during peak months is not uncommon. Isn’t it time to quit letting your hard-earned money escape through your ceiling? Don’t forget; there are more benefits from adding attic insulation to your home than just saving money every month on your utility bills.

For one thing, your home is more comfortable. It’s much easier to keep your house at the temperature you desire if your home is properly insulated. And that fact leads to one of the most important benefits. Your air conditioning and heating equipment will not run constantly when it gets extremely hot or cold outside. Think about how much wear and tear your air conditioning system experiences throughout a torrid summer. Air conditioning and heating equipment are expensive, and so are repairs. When you insulate your home, you protect the equipment that keeps you comfortable. With so many benefits from adding insulation, why would you wait any longer? Are you putting off insulating your home because you think you might move away?

Wait no longer. Not only will you save money on your utility bills, but insulation is a selling feature. Will a potential buyer choose your home over a neighboring house with inadequate insulation levels? Of course, there is no reason to delay any longer. Call us for a free quote today. We can have you saving money in no time.

Schedule a Free Quote for Attic Insulation.

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Air Conditioning Products

Our company uses only the most trusted brands on the market. Our product list includes renowned brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu, LG, Sharp, Sanyo, and Hitachi.

Consulting an air conditioning expert before you buy will ensure that the products installed in your home or office are the latest technology and the most appropriate and economical on offer. A site assessment will also help uncover the most energy-efficient cooling and heating methods all year round.

Our company can also draw on a wealth of local knowledge when recommending your home. Our technicians are often familiar with the type of dwellings in your area, the age, materials, and condition. This allows them to make an informed decision when planning for your air conditioning system. Choosing the right Air Conditioning System for your home:

Below are a few examples of air conditioning systems on the market now. Call today for a free consultation with one of our AC experts to uncover the right solution for your needs and budget.
Split Systems

Split Air Conditioners are compact and are best for air conditioning in one room or area of a home. You can opt for only cooling or reverse cycle (heating and cooling) systems. Choose a system that regulates temperature, ventilation, and humidity levels for even more control.

Most often, split air conditioning systems are wall-mounted and come in various finishes so that it blends discretely with their surroundings.

Fujitsu Classic Wall-Mounted Unit

Samsung AR5000 “The Triangle”

Mitsubishi Electric Signature Series (Black) Multi Split Air Conditioning

Multi Split solutions are most suited to situations where there is a desire to heat or cool multiple rooms in houses with limited space or ducting. Wall-mounted units can be installed inside up to nine rooms while only requiring one outdoor unit.

As a bonus, the temperature can be controlled individually in each room. This not only maximizes comfort; it can also reduce running costs by only heating or cooling rooms as required.

Fujitsu Air Stage Multi System

Daikin Floor Standing Split System

Samsung Ceiling Cassette Ducted Air Conditioning

Ducted systems can be installed in a new home or tailored to suit an existing one and are designed for heating and cooling an entire house.

If your budget allows, a ducted solution is most desirable in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Ducted air conditioning can be quite flexible, allowing you to create ‘zones’ in your home and set different temperatures in these areas. The ability to switch off these zones also helps to keep running costs to a minimum.

Inverter-based systems can also be considered to obtain optimal conditions while at the same time running more efficiently. Inverter technology continuously adjusts the cooling and heating output by room temperature.

Central Gas Heating
Natural gas heating is a cost-effective alternative and kinder to the environment, producing fewer greenhouse emissions than other forms of heating.

Ducted Central Gas Heating can be installed with an easy set-and-forget system. Using a single control panel, you can program the system so that the heat comes on in the morning before the family gets up, switches off during the day, and comes on again before you return in the evening.

Our range of business solutions:

Any of the above heating and cooling solutions can be tailored to your place of business. The size of your office space or workshop, the number of people within, and other environmental conditions will determine the type of air conditioning system best suited for your workplace.

Ask about our recommendation for star-rated products. Air conditioning manufacturers have become very clever with environmentally conscious design, creating systems with reduced energy consumption, among many other economical features. This can include:
Infrared motion sensors automatically change the unit to energy-efficient operation if no activity is detected for some time.
Economy modes allow you to reduce the peak power consumption of your air conditioner.
Inverter technology adjusts the power used to suit the requirement of the room.
Standby Power functions reduce energy consumption when your air conditioner is not in use.

Business customers may also like to consider air conditioning and ventilation systems with air-purifying filters to trap microscopic particles, decompose odors and deactivate bacteria and viruses to help keep your workplace healthy and happy.

Explore our Services:

On-site consultation and assessment
No obligation quotes
Domestic/residential installation and maintenance
Commercial installations and servicing
Preventive maintenance programs and 24/7 emergency service
Fire Damper certifications
Service warranties

Call us to schedule an assessment of your needs.

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HVAC: For energy-efficient cooling and heating systems

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Reducing Air Contamination In Your Property Is Easy – Use More Effectual HVAC Filters
Ordinary North American folks spend around 90% of their time in the house. The infants and elderly might spend even extra time in the house. Inside air contamination can be 2-5 times more contaminated than outdoor air. This implies that people might be exposed to more airborne pollutants in their houses than outdoors during their day-to-day activities. Besides, EPA lists bad inside air quality as among the top 5 health dangers on the planet these days. Some prevalent conditions related to bad inside air quality include allergies, breathing problems, headaches, and asthma. Additionally, on a larger measure, we can involve educational facilities, offices, hospitals, daycares, manufacturing facilities, and many other inside surroundings where we live, work, or play is affected by bad indoor air value.

The HVAC tool is designed to maintain these areas at lavish temperatures and humidity. A large portion of this procedure is these filters that are fixed in these systems. Without effective HVAC filters, this tool will not operate as properly as it could if not. It is imperative to alternate filters at frequent intervals for them to perform at top levels at all periods. When the filters are uncared for, they start to decline in operation and even decrease equipment performance efficiency.

There are several different kinds of HVAC filters accessible to decide on. The usual HVAC filters for domestic use are pleated, electronic, electrostatic, fiberglass, and media air filters. The most usual HVAC filters for business-related use are bag filters, HEPA filters, rigid cell, automatic roll, and all the HVAC filters itemized above for domestic use.

When buying HVAC filters, most individuals confirm the filter’s efficiency rate to lead them in their purchasing decision. Filter efficacy is the filter’s capability to stop dust fragments and airborne pollutants from passing across. The greater the filter efficacy, the enhanced the filters will prevent dust. Moreover, medium efficacy filters are fit for most houses and businesses, but more effectual filters might be a better option for individuals who struggle with allergies. More effectual filters need more regular replacement or cleaning than the less effective sorts. Some of the best quality and more effective filters are made from moisture-resilient resources. This resilience to moisture aids in eradicating the formation of bacteria and the growth of molds on the filters.

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Residential HVAC – Some Money-Saving Self-Check Hints

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Some Money Saving Self Check Hints
The HVAC system in your house, known as residential HVAC, is not certainly maintenance-free and self-governing. But before you contact your serviceman, below are some hints that you can securely apply to maintain your system operating effortlessly and methods of remediation of various difficulties yourself.

Exterior unit unoccupied with debris- always keeps your exterior unit unoccupied with fencing, bushes, and everything else that might hinder proper airflow. While it is certain that these units do not compliment anybody’s landscaping, you are advised not to camouflage your structure with bushes seeded too near. However, letting 3 to 5 feet of allowance would permit sufficient area for convenience in airflow. Every so often, check your unit to ensure the space surrounding it remains clear and free.

Coils clean- at times, dusted coils in your exterior unit can result in heating and cooling to operate less effectively or sluggishly. Hose the unit lower to clean dust and other debris, such as small leaves and cottonwood. You can even purchase specific residential HVAC component cleansing spray at your regional home improvement shop that is particularly formulated for dusting such coils.

Residential HVAC provisions

When searching for residential HVAC contractors, many questions can arise. Getting the correct licensed professionals and experts can sometimes be rather a task. Some methods of knowing that when you employ a residential HVAC contractor to work on your property, they can not simply be entrusted with your property but can conclude the job efficiently and effectively.

One method of knowing that you are employing a licensed professional residential HVAC contractor is that they have developed a reputation for quality work and worth. Find out if the residential contractors of previous clients are both contented with the contractor’s job and contented with it. A previous client’s opinion can quickly reveal the contractor’s true quality.

A residential HVAC contractor can also give you various distinct services. As required, they can maintain, inspect, and repair your ductwork. Also, when they are required to be substituted, not just remove the defective ducts for you but position them appropriately. Ducts are not the only thing they can maintain for you. They can also tend to sprinkler systems and also gas and oil furnaces.

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Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

What Do HVAC Technicians Do?
Before even mulling over any HVAC training, you must familiarize yourself with the general responsibilities of an HVAC technician. HVAC technicians are the individuals behind the acts that offer the environmental comforts everybody loves in their properties, offices, specifically any inside structure. They have the training and knowledge to install and control heat and air conditioning ventilation systems that the majority of persons today usually take for granted. HVAC technicians might well opt for specializing in one of the sub-specialties of the work.

HVAC Technicians do routine care on heating systems throughout the summer. During this period, HVAC technicians also examine that the cooling structures are executing competently, fans are operating properly, refrigerants are not seeping from the system, and condensers and evaporators are operating efficiently. During the winter period, technicians identify cases with heating structures and do routine cleaning to avert obstructions.

Throughout winter, technicians identify issues with heating systems and carry out routine cleaning to avoid obstructions leading to dangerous carbon monoxide quantities. They also examine for destruction on thermocouples, regulate flame levels, confirm carbon monoxide quantities, examine for gas seepages, and verify that the warming system is performing at maximum efficiency. Additionally, each time there is a new structure construction, technicians employ heating and cooling structures, including ductwork and pipes. The configuration and positioning of the ductwork and pipes will be required to be enhanced for the ideal heating and cooling productivity. HVAC technicians are also accountable for checking the systems for vapor carbon monoxide production, refrigerant seepages, and gas seepages before the conclusion of the building.

Significance of HVAC training- HVAC technicians provision complex air conditioning and heating equipment, are open to intense cold and hot temperatures, and occasionally handle refrigerants. Technicians theoretically require working in elevated sites and limited workplaces when replying to a service contact. Technicians constantly are required to stay focused on the work at hand. HVAC training is important to avert injury from electric tools and dangerous substances. In addition, HVAC technicians go through hands-on and classroom training to prepare and service these systems and again reduce the risk related to the work.

Outlooks as HVAC skilled technicians- with the different responsibilities HVAC technicians can perform for many businesses. Most technicians are employed by private plumbing, air conditioning, and heating contractors. The rest technicians are hired by air conditioning and refrigeration services and repair stores, schools, and shops that ship air-conditioning and heating systems.

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Cooling and Heating Systems for home and office

Saving Money with Commercial HVAC Systems
Commercial HVAC systems can be costly to run throughout the year, but there are methods of cutting costs and making the majority out of your effort use. Even though upgrading to the latest commercial HVAC with further precise expertise and energy effectual parts is a good thought, additional methods of reducing energy invoices do not need any initial savings. Almost a quarter of the efforts used to operate a commercial HVAC can be held back simply by changing the technique you use the procedure. There are, luckily, many low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce energy utilization through commercial HVAC systems. One of the great methods of reducing energy use is to frequently inspect and uphold the commercial HVAC scheme to ensure all parts are operating correctly and as effectively as possible.

Another method of lowering energy utilization is to use the system in its most effective settings. Using exterior air to your advantage is the main method of cutting down the power commercial HVAC scheme need. An extremely wasteful routine that has to be averted at all costs is concurrently using heating and cooling at one time. And finally, using energy-efficient constitutions and upgrading to further efficient models is a good method of saving on power costs. Industrial air conditioning assistance specialists can examine your structure and aid you in understanding how to make the most of the energy effectiveness of your present HVAC system. Plans to save on energy utilization might differ from building to building, subject to the climate, type of commercial HVAC currently utilized, and task budget building style.

Cooling and conditioning outdoor air to bring interior can bring in a considerable sum of any cooling burden. Industrial air habituating service professionals can read flow volumes of fresh air and assist you in minimizing the sum of outdoor air brought inside to be cooled. In a structure where fresh air is required, avoiding reissuing of air can lead to higher power invoices throughout the year to heat, cool, and habit outside air before taking it indoors.

In these conditions, VAV control has to be used to decrease energy use. Using outside air can be a big saver on power costs if the air outdoors is a lavish temperature and not excessively humid. In excess conditioning, the air is a usual mistake, and most individuals do not realize any difference between arid air and reasonably dry air. A similar thought also employs humidification throughout the winter, which is rarely recognized. Cooling a structure during the night can take advantage of off-peak power rates and the cool outside air at this time.

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A Closer Look At The New UV Filter Technology In Modern AC Units – Contractor Service – Install – Maintenance – Get in touch!

For the last several years, the hot summers have meant one thing for millions of people – staying cool. In most cases, families were focused on finding a way to cool off their home, and other factors concerning their AC units beyond their ability to do so were secondary to all else. But today, there are other things to think about.

Air quality matters tremendously, and the level of air pollution in a home could seriously impact the health and well-being of those with allergies, asthma, and other breathing-related issues. Things like pet hair, dust, pollen, and more can all linger in the air and find their way into the lungs, and AC units often cycle them through the air at a steady pace. But today’s UV technology has been applied to consumer AC units, creating a much cleaner living space and providing unmatched air quality.

UV air filters are just what they sound like. Instead of the traditional air filters that use a fiber weave to block debris particles as they cycle through the system, UV air filters utilize ultraviolet lamps. These lamps are designed to kill organisms and enhance the capabilities of standard filter systems. It’s a two-stage process that provides much cleaner air.

Thanks to today’s insulation and energy-efficient homes, heating and cooling bills are lower than ever. But a side effect of these modern building methods is that air is trapped inside, which can let it build up dangerous levels of mold and bacteria. Traditional filters can reduce dust and pollen but have little effect on these contaminants. However, UV air purification systems actively kill them, and as a result, they’re an important addition to any home.

Best of all, these systems are quick for HVAC professionals to install and will pose no risks to your family or reduce the efficiency of your current AC unit in the least. They’re installed inside the HVAC system vents, which completely places them out of the way. Air is sucked into the vents and passes through the filters and UV light. As it does so, the air is cleaned thoroughly before it re-enters your home.

One of the biggest concerns that most people have is that these UV filter systems will increase their energy bill, essentially negating the energy-efficient steps they’ve already taken. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. The units require roughly the same amount of energy as a 40-watt light bulb, so their impact on your bill is minimal. And since they remove mold and other contaminants, they can increase the efficiency of your AC unit and may lower your bill in the long run.

Your family deserves to stay cool during the hot months, but they also deserve to breathe clean, fresh, safe air. With a quality AC unit featuring UV filter technology, they’ll get the best of both worlds and enjoy summer, no matter the outdoor temperatures.

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With our HVAC company, you get the best services at unbeatable prices. With several years of HVAC experience, it’s no wonder we have been rated number 1 by customers in the area. Our dedication and knowledge have helped us win customers over the years. However, customer service and experience are just one part of the equation.

Our HVAC company provides extensive services covering everything you need:
Heating System Installation
Heating System & Furnace Repair
Air Conditioning Installation
Air Conditioning Repair
AC Vent & Air Duct Cleaning
Heating System Installation

Are you looking for top-of-the-line heating performance and efficiency? Talk to our friendly staff, who will walk you through the models we carry. We start with a thorough home inspection to determine the right equipment for you. We’ll consider factors like the age of the home, number of windows, ceiling height, existing furnace, and insulation.

After, our certified team will recommend quality products while providing expert installation and follow-ups to ensure the heating system has been installed correctly.

Heating System & Furnace Repair
You often need a repair job, and who better to get the job done than our HVAC company? Your heating system is complex and should only be serviced by trained professionals. Our contractors have worked on heating systems for several years and have experience with different models. We’ll diagnose the problem and get your system running in no time.

Don’t get stuck for days without heat in the cold, so give us a call, and we’ll get someone over right away.

Air Conditioning Installation
We carry top-brand name air conditioning systems. We provide a complete installation package starting with in-house evaluation, quote, installation and follow-up. We go beyond just selling a unit, offering air condition repair packages at unbeatable prices.

Air Conditioning Repair
We are fully certified contractors to repair all types of air conditioning units. We service all brands and will get the job done to your complete satisfaction. Air conditioning is a complex system that can break down, so call us to get one of our team over immediately.

Please have your air condition make and model handy so that we can assess the problem as much as possible during the initial call.

AC Vent & Air Duct Cleaning
Do you need your AC vent & duct cleaning? We are here to help! We offer complete air duct cleaning packages, ensuring your home or office is cleaned thoroughly. It doesn’t matter if you have air ducts, dryer ducts, and ac vents; we can help. We start with an inspection which will allow us to assess the quality of your current airflow. This inspection will give us a better idea of what we need to do to get the job done right. With a certified team of experts and advanced equipment, you’ll leave a happy customer with better air quality.
Ready for our professional team to help you with your heating, furnace, or air conditioning needs?

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On-Site Variable Air Volume Controls Training

Isn’t it Time You Gave Your Building A Tune-up? On-Site VAV Controls Training
No matter how long you’ve been in the HVAC business, there is always more to learn. Just when you think you’re getting close, you run into something new you’ve never seen before. Control systems are the same way. They are enhanced, upgraded, and modified all the time. The shear quantity of different system configurations and the different types of controls that can be put on them often confuse. This ultimately leads to some system performance problems in many buildings today. Service mechanics and building operators find it tough to keep up with all the design concepts and changes.

A system that highlights this syndrome is Variable Air Volume (VAV). It enjoys the growing popularity of being one of the most energy-efficient systems, but at the same time, it takes the bad rap of being a poor operating system. Problems can result from many areas like design, balancing, controls, filters, operators, etc.

We specialize in training mechanics and technicians to troubleshoot and properly calibrate automatic temperature controls and set up the VAV terminal units. The quality of a system’s performance often depends on the knowledge level of the people who operate it. So, if the people servicing or operating a VAV system do not know the system or how the controls work, they crank on the controller knobs to correct problems. Often, they turn into adjustments that have nothing to do with the problem and destroy the efficiency of a perfectly calibrated system. Understanding the theory and the calibration of components is essential to a well-tuned system. We conduct on-site, hands-on training sessions to show “how to’s” of calibrating components in a VAV system to achieve peak
performance.

Many perceived control problems are mechanical problems. Problems might include a simple flex duct blown off a collar up to a clogged airflow sensor. But, because of a mechanic’s lack of training, they begin turning screws and pushing slides on controllers because the symptom is assumed to be a control problem (let’s say the zone is too hot). After someone fiddles with the controls, the zone could still
be too hot. Needless to say, in any VAV system, there are many knobs to twist. This attempt to get the zone temperature back in control could result in a building full of tweaked knobs! By cranking on these knobs, the controls go out of calibration, resulting in energy waste and a building out of control. Before tweaking any knobs, consider training your technicians in the proper troubleshooting of VAV systems.

Even with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) becoming popular, most older jobs still use pneumatic controls to operate the VAV boxes. Today, there are more than 200 different types of VAV boxes. Manufacturers like Metal Air, Temp Master, Titus, and Trane, to name a few. There are also many varieties. These boxes can be pressure-dependent or pressure independent, including auxiliary fans which are parallel or series flow fans. Boxes might have heating; if they do, it could be electricity, hot water, or even steam. The valves could be Normally Open or Normally closed; thermostats can be Direct Acting or Reverse Acting . . . well, you get the idea – a wide variety of configurations. This is one of the big contributors to the confusion in VAV systems, which is made clearer in training.

Proper calibration of controls can be the single most important item in reaching the most energy-efficient system possible. Simple thermostat calibration and volume reset control settings should be performed yearly for the first step in a productive preventative maintenance program. These and other simple, “real world” step-by-step calibration instructions and training are available through
our company’s HVAC services.

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Why Do my HVAC Systems Breakdown on the Hottest Sunday of the Year? | HVAC Service Call for immediate service

Why Do my HVAC Systems Breakdown on the hottest Sunday of the Year? Ever noticed that problems with the mechanical equipment in your building always seem to break down at the worst possible time from both a convenience and cost perspective? There is a reason for this phenomenon beyond the simple explanation of Murphy’s Law. HVAC systems are complicated machinery that includes pumps, compressors, electric motors, fans, heat exchangers, sophisticated electronic controls, and many esoteric refrigeration parts. Modern HVAC systems work well for many years when they are well maintained and sized correctly for their application. However, when HVAC systems are not maintained properly, they have to run harder than designed. For example, if the cooling coils that transfer heat from the inside of your building to the unit’s refrigerant are like your car’s radiator. They cannot transfer heat efficiently if they get covered in the dirt. Therefore, less heat is transferred, so the unit must run longer to give the same amount of cooling.

Similarly, if the coils that transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outside are dirty, less heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the outside, which means the refrigerant stays hotter. Hotter refrigerant cannot absorb as much heat from the inside of the building, so the system must work longer. Soon your equipment is working much harder and longer than it was designed to do. Now throw in a hot summer’s day, which your equipment was probably specified to barely be able to handle when running at peak efficiency, and the equipment breaks down. Murphy’s law is true that it happens on a Sunday when everyone’s at home, and an emergency repair call is billed at double time.

The key to reducing this kind of annoying calls is to have a proper Preventative Maintenance Program for your equipment. These programs will save you significant dollars not only on your repair budgets but by making your equipment last longer and your capital replacement budgets. What is Preventative Maintenance? Preventative Maintenance (PM) on HVAC and ventilation equipment usually falls into two categories, major and minor inspections. Basic programs consist of two major and two minor inspections, so equipment is serviced quarterly. Minor Inspections include simple mechanical tasks like changing air filters and fan belts, as well as visual and aural inspections of equipment for abnormal operation. Clues like noisy bearings and oil leaks can be followed up to find potential trouble spots. It is often tempting to use in-house staff to do minor inspections to save money. While in-house inspections can work well, building owners should be aware of two potential pitfalls. First, maintenance on equipment not in plain sight is an easy task to postpone, so key tasks like changing air filters are often not done according to the proper schedule. Second, while it is not hard to change air filters, it does take an educated person to do the visual and aural checks properly, so in-house staff must be trained on maintaining the equipment, or vital clues to problems will be missed, and small problems will turn into large ones. Major Inspections are more complex and should only be done by certified personnel.

Typical PM programs will include two Major inspections, a Heating Inspection in the fall and a Cooling Inspection in the Spring. Major inspections include checking heat exchangers, gas burners, cooling coils, compressors, and refrigerant pressures. More Comprehensive Preventative Maintenance programs include cleaning equipment that uses coils to transfer heat, either cooling or heating. The efficiency of any heat exchange requires that airflow over such coils and any type of dirt can seriously affect the operation of HVAC equipment, causing it to run inefficiently and run at higher rates and pressures, which will damage the equipment.

Why do Preventative Maintenance? The major reason to do Preventative Maintenance is that it will save money in the long run in several ways.

Equipment will run more efficiently.
• Equipment that runs efficiently uses less energy so that you will save money on both your gas and electricity bills
• Equipment that runs efficiently will put less strain on the mechanical components, so they will not break down as much and will last long repairs will be caught when they are small
• All mechanical equipment will eventually need repairs; regular PM will catch mechanical problems when before they become large Repairs will be caught when they can be dealt with in a cost-effective manner
• Repairs that are caught by your PM program can usually be fixed on the same visit or, at the very least, be scheduled for repair during normal working hours
• Equipment that fails often fails outside regular hours and usually when environmental conditions stress it. For example, cooling equipment invariably fails on the hottest day of the year. Although this phenomenon feels like Murphy’s law at work, it is because the equipment has to work its hardest under these conditions. As a result, your equipment will break down at the same time that similar equipment is breaking down all over the city. As a result, equipment breakdowns are often repaired on time as technicians struggle to keep up with demand, resulting in even higher repair costs.

Equipment will last longer.
• Our experience is that well-maintained equipment will last 5-10 years longer than poorly maintained equipment. Repairs will be done Faster due to Technician Familiarity
• Most Service companies try to keep the same technicians working on your building, so if you do need any repairs, the technician will know your equipment and its history and will be able to troubleshoot the problem much faster, saving time that would have been billed to you Non-monetary Benefits Environmental Benefits
• Properly maintained equipment will use much less energy and thus reduce the greenhouse gases indirectly generated by your building.

Better Service
• Service companies give priority, and usually discounted rates, to customers with PM contracts. If your equipment does fail on the hottest day of the year, you will get priority over other customers.

More Predictable Expenses
• Your budgeting will be much easier as the cost of the PM contract is known. Repairs will still be present, particularly with old equipment or neglected equipment, but it should be possible to do them systematically. No worries about having to dip into contingency funds or do special assessments.

Types of Preventative Maintenance Programs – There are several different types of Programs, but we can group them into three categories, Basic, Comprehensive and Full Maintenance.
* Basic Program Basic programs are the minimum that should be done on any equipment, typically consisting of regular filter changes and inspections and at least two Major inspections. Some companies include an annual belt change with their programs, and others inspect the belts and replace them, if necessary, at an extra charge. A good basic maintenance package will give you most of the benefits of a PM program at the lowest price. The extra features of a Comprehensive plan, such as cleaning, can always be added with an extra charge. * *
* Comprehensive Programs include everything in the basic plan, plus cleaning all the units.
* Full Maintenance Programs go beyond Preventative Maintenance to encompass not only all maintenance but also all repairs to the equipment. Essentially for a monthly fee, you are buying the piece of mind that your HVAC equipment will be operating. There are several advantages to a Full Maintenance Program, including the following:
• Cost certainty – you get no surprises on your annual HVAC costs, and any risk of major breakdowns is the service providers
• fewer breakdowns – it is in the service provider’s best interest to make sure there are no breakdowns.
* Full Maintenance Sites get excellent Preventative Maintenance and the best quality parts and quicker repairs – You do not need to authorize repairs so when a technician finds a problem during an inspection, it can be fixed immediately. Full Maintenance programs work best with newer equipment. If your equipment is old, the service provider will have to budget for several repairs to cover themselves; remember, the risk lies with the service provider in such a program. Usually, at the beginning of a Full Maintenance program, the service provider will schedule an initial detailed inspection of all your equipment and come up with a list of work that needs to be done to get the equipment in top working order. With new equipment, that list will be concise; with older equipment, particularly equipment that has not been maintained, it could be extensive. You will then have to decide whether to pay for the initial repairs or exclude the specified equipment from the agreement. Sometimes it is less expensive to exclude the equipment and only pay for repairs if it breaks. You should look for Full Maintenance programs that last longer than one year. If the service company has a long-term agreement, they will be more apt to spend money on upgrades and major repairs to your equipment because they will save money over the long term of the contract. Short contracts encourage the service provider to use cheaper “band-aid” solutions as they are not sure they will be able to renew the contract.

HVAC Preventative Maintenance Programs Save Both Aggravation and money now we can see how Preventative Maintenance programs save you and your customers both the aggravation of non-functional equipment and the genuine costs of operating and replacing HVAC equipment. Put together an effective program and have your Summer Sundays undisturbed. Our company has over 38 years of experience servicing HVAC Systems.

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Indoor Air Quality:
What’s All The Fuss?

In
a world where smog, haze and ozone alerts are as common as gridlock, it’s nice to know you
can always come inside to catch a breath of fresh air.
Or can you?
Did you know that most people spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and that 50% of
all illnesses are either caused by, or aggravated by poor indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Worse yet, studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have shown
that your exposure to air pollutants can be more than 100 times higher indoors than
outdoors.

Is that
serious? Actually, yes. Exposure to dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva, mold and the
like, cause about 200,000 emergency room visits a year for asthma patients. Even worse,
radon, a highly carcinogenic gas emitted from the soil, is the second leading cause of
lung cancer in the United States. In the workplace, poor air quality can cause headaches,
nausea, lethargy, increased absenteeism and serious illness. Factories, office buildings,
homes, restaurants, movie theatres…none are immune to indoor air pollution.

Feeling Out Of Sorts? It Could Be Something In The Air

Thankfully, however, there are
things you can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. If you’re experiencing
headaches, itchy eyes, a runny nose or a persistent cough, you might have a cold. Then
again, you could be suffering the effects of poor indoor air quality. Poor indoor air
quality can lead to significant health problems, so you might want to check with your
family physician.

Remember, indoor air pollution is nothing to sneeze at. Taking 20,000 breaths everyday,
we breathe in up to 200 million particles. Over 40 million people suffer from allergies
and asthma. The quality of your indoor air could be the reason you are not feeling well.

When It Comes To Clearing The
Air, Prevention Is The Best Medicine

It would be convenient to point at one single
culprit in the battle against indoor air quality, but it is not that simple. Truth is,
there are so many potential sources that it is impossible to devise a blanket solution.
Chemicals in carpets, household cleaners, furniture and building materials all contribute
to poor indoor air quality. Damp basements, and other areas where standing water is
prevalent, can also lead to potential indoor air quality concerns.

Ways
To Eliminate
The first step to
better indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating the sources of
indoor pollutants, to the extent feasible, is the most effective way to clean your air.

  • Do not allow smoking inside your home
  • If possible, keep pets outdoors
  • Immediately dry or replace damp carpet
  • Do not store household cleaners or other chemicals in occupied living spaces


Can’t Eliminate? Then Ventilate

Years ago, indoor air quality wasn’t much of
an issue. You could throw open the window of your office to bring in outdoor air. But, in
an effort to build tighter, more energy-efficient buildings, open windows all but
disappeared from the architectural scene. In recent years, offices and homes are being
built tighter, making ventilation and the concentration of pollutants inside a concern.

To achieve proper air circulation, open doors and windows, particularly when you are
using cleaning agents, and operate any exhaust fans your home may have. Another way to
increase ventilation and dilute pollutants is through the use of an outdoor air connection
or products such as heat recovery ventilators (HRV’s) and energy recovery ventilators
(ERV’s).


Cleaning Is Essential

Although ventilation helps to reduce indoor air pollutants, it is not a “cure
all”. To further reduce concentration levels, you should make a habit of cleaning
your living spaces frequently by washing your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F to
kill dust mites) and vacuuming and dusting to remove surface dust. Alas, while these
practices are effective, not all particles can be eliminated through these methods alone.
Some particles are so small, they may escape through the vacuum, or never land on a
surface.

Products such as electronic air cleaners (EACs) or high-efficiency air filters can aid
you in capturing these particles. The majority of these particles in the air are extremely
small and cannot be captured by (often referred to as “throwaway”) air filters.
These minute particles, if not trapped, can slip by your body’s defenses and get lodged in
your lungs.


The Role of Home Comfort In Improving Indoor Air Quality

Your heating,
ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is one of the best tools in providing good
indoor air quality. It can provide a major portion of the ventilation for your home. Signs
of poor ventilation include moisture condensation on windows or walls and smelly or stuffy
air. In other words, if on Thursday you can still smell the fish you cooked on Sunday, you
might have a ventilation problem. This is an important reason why you should have your
home comfort system inspected regularly by a qualified service technician. That way,
you’ll know your equipment is functioning properly. When you are working to improve indoor
air quality, it’s important to consult your HVAC dealer to make sure your home comfort
system is designed properly as a complete and compatible system. It’s not always as simple
as adding another component.


Products That Can Help You Breathe A Little Easier

We offer a wide variety of indoor air quality poducts designed to make your home more
comfortable. At a minimum, every home comfort system should provide humidity control,
high-efficiency air cleaning and a controlled source of outdoor air for ventilation.

If you are particularly sensitive to your indoor environment due to severe
asthma or allergies, you may want to upgrade your system for increased comfort levels and
even better IAQ. This can be done by adding components such as electronic air cleaners,
air purifiers, heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators.

DETECTION

Carbon monoxide detectors provide constant monitoring of your indoor air to detect
unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. In addition to having carbon monoxide detectors, it is
strongly recommended that you have fuel-burning appliances (such as gas clothes dryers and
furnaces) and venting systems maintained on a regular basis to eliminate potential carbon
monoxide-related dangers that they may pose. Choose a high quality detector for more
effective detection.

PURIFICATION

Air purifiers inhibit the growth of biological organisms that may be present in your
home. These include products such as ultraviolet lights and microbiocide treated air
filters. Odor removal can be accomplished through the use of charcoal activated air
filters.

VENTILATION

Heat recovery ventilators (HRV’s) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV’s) bring fresh
air into your house and exhaust stale air out. HRV’s conserve energy from indoor
conditioned air, and transfer it to the outdoor air as it’s brought in your home to
provide adequate ventilation. ERV’s provide the additional benefit of maintaining desired
humidity levels to help keep you comfortable.

FILTRATION

Electronic air cleaners (EAC’s) and high-efficiency air filters help clean
the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt and pollen. They are
designed to trap even microscopic particles, so cleaner air is circulated back into your
home.

HUMIDIFICATION

Humidifiers add moisture to every room in your home to soften harsh, dry
air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) recommends that the relative humidity in your home should be between 30-60 % to
minimize the growth of bacterial and biological organisms. Using a humidifier can help you
to maintain this standard, and help you stay comfortable at lower thermostat levels.

Humidity controls adjust the relative humidity inside your home without affecting room
temperature. Proper humidity levels will make your home feel more comfortable and can
provide better energy efficiency.

Causes Of Sick Building
Syndrome

Outdoor

  • Smog
  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Vehicle Fumes

Indoor

  • Dead Skin
  • Pets
  • Tobacco Smoke
  • Cosmetics
  • Garbage
  • Cooking
  • Dampness
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Hobby Supplies
  • Carpets
  • Vinyl Flooring
  • Paint
  • Solvents
  • Pressed Wood Products
  • Dirty Heating Ducts
  • Construction Materials
  • Poor Ventilation
  • Plugged Air Exchanger
  • Faulty Furnace
  • Dust Mites/Debris
  • Insulation
  • Perfumes
  • Fireplaces
Produce

  • Formaldehyde
  • Nitrogen Dioxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Sulfur Dioxide
  • Ammonia
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Benzine
  • Radon
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • Trichlorethylene
Cause

  • Headaches
  • Eye Irritation
  • Skin Irritation
  • Nose Bleed
  • Sinus Irritation
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Cancer
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Gynecological Problems
  • Dizziness
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia

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