Winterize It!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by admin

Taking a few green, energy-saving steps in the colder months can lead to big savings all around.

Although we’ve been spared the monumental snowfalls of the previous couple of years so far, the 2011-12 winter in New Jersey is far from over. There is still plenty of time to perform these super easy green winterizing tips for your home.

The first thing I recommend is checking your house for drafts. Get down and check under doors especially. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of your energy use can be wasted as a result of drafts. You can purchase an inexpensive draft guard or under-door weather strip from many retail home improvement or hardware stores. Or you can make one yourself with some material and sand, rice, or even kitty litter for filling. You can also use a rolled up towel for free if you don’t mind the aesthetics. For windows you can purchase inexpensive draft kits or weather stripping.

Drafts coming in under your doors aren’t the only thing that can zap your energy and increase your bill. What’s coming through them can hurt too. Simply installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent by reducing air flow. The same can be said for storm windows. Purchasing energy efficient doors, windows and skylights may qualify for federal tax credits to offset the costs.

Keeping the cold air out is a great start, but controlling the environment inside your home can help, too. Be sure to replace or clean the filters frequently on your heater or furnace. Once a month is a good recommendation during heating season. You can also consider switching to a permanent filter, which not only adds up to less waste, but traps at least twice as much of many pollutants and debris. Electrostatic filters and HEPA filters are also typically better at controlling mold and bacteria.

The easiest way to control your energy put-out indoors? Turn down your heat when leaving your home. For every degree you lower your thermostat during heating season, you can save up to 3 percent of your heating bill. And who wants to pay for energy that no one is using? I always recommend a programmable thermostat, if you don’t already have one, as the easiest way to control home heating costs.

Don’t forget to make the most of the heat of the sun. Keep windows and blinds up and open during the day to warm your home naturally. Be sure to close them in the evening or in rooms that don’t get much sunlight to better insulate the room from cold air and drafts.

Did you know you can run ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) to produce a warming effect by sending warm air near the ceiling back down into the room?

And what about winterizing your vehicle? Be sure to check your air filter, tires, fluid levels, and windshield wipers throughout the cold weather season. Operating your car efficiently saves you money and, in many cases, reduces emissions.

When we finally do get that long-awaited snowstorm, be ready. Use a de-icer on your sidewalk or driveway made from magnesium chloride instead of sodium chloride or calcium chloride. It’s safer, does less damage to surfaces like concrete and melts ice at a lower temperature. If you can, use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products do consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. Or better yet, as I’ve said before, use a good old fashioned shovel—if you’re in physical condition for it or can utilize older children or neighbors for labor.

It’s very easy to make sure that this winter you stay green, and keep your hard-earned money from flying right out of those cold, drafty windows.

http://gloucestertownship.patch.com/

Furnasman
Furnasman.com
Winnipeg Auto Dealers
Waverley Auto Mall
Waverley Auto Mall

Prepare furnace for fall

Posted on September 25, 2011 by admin

Pratt, Kan. —

Recent cooler temperatures have prompted families to turn on or at least think about turning on their furnaces.

Fall starts on Friday and as homeowners and apartment renters start warming up their dwelling places they need to make a few preparations before moving that thermostat from cool to heat.

Before the heat is turned on, the furnace should be inspected either by the occupant or by a professional to assure that nothing has happened that would effect the operation of the unit, said Pratt Fire Chief David Kramer.

The excessive summer heat means air conditioning units have been run a lot this summer and that has drawn a lot of dust and material into the furnace unit, Kramer said.

“It always a good idea to inspect and clean the unit,” Kramer said.

The unit should be carefully inspected for proper operation, necessary lubrication should be done and filters should be changed.

Besides the furnace, the vents for the ductwork also need to be inspected. Sometimes people put items in front of vents and that can effect airflow as well as create a heat hazard.

Homes with fireplaces also need to do a thorough inspection and cleaning before lighting the fire.

The firebox and chimney need to be cleaned out at least once a year and if the fireplace is used regularly during the heating season it should be done at least once a season, Kramer said.

Cleaning the firebox makes the fireplace burn cleaner and more efficiently. The chimney should also be cleaned to help reduce accumulations of creosote that can actually catch fire, Kramer said.

Either the homeowner or a chimney sweep can get the fireplace ready for operation.

A brush assembly with an extension pole works well to get the reach into the fireplace. If the roof is accessible, a chain can also be used to break up accumulated material inside the fireplace but it is better to use a brush on a telescoping pole.

The spark arrester and the flue also need to be inspected to make sure they are clean and in good working order.

Keeping the fireplace clean and in good working order also reduces the danger of the build up of poisonous gasses.

“A fire place is a source of carbon monoxide,” Kramer said.

Chimney sweeps are available in the Hutchinson area.

Once the fireplace is ready, the wood should be dry and not green. Green wood can pop and snap and cause sparks to come out of the fireplace and onto the floor, carpet or people.

Also keep all combustibles away from the fireplace. Fireplaces get extremely hot and items can catch fire if they are too close to the fireplace.

Ashes need to be cleaned up as soon as they begin to accumulate. They should be placed in a metal container and left for an extended period of time to allow the ashes to cool.

When the ashes are dumped out they should be watered down just to make sure they couldn’t reignite and start a fire.

“Ashes stay hot for a long time,” Kramer said. “We’ve had numerous issues from discarded fireplace ashes and embers.”

Homeowners need to be particularly careful because the extreme heat has made lots of potential fuel even with the recent rain.

Some homes use space heaters and care should be taken with those as well. Be careful about using extension cords and remember to keep combustibles away from the units.

Don’t leave space heaters, fireplaces or kerosene heaters unattended especially with children in the home.

They get extremely hot and it is easy for a child to get burned. And never place a rug or any item on top of the extension cord.

Some city residents may want to burn their leaves instead of bagging them and hauling them off. Fires can easily get out of control and the city fire department has had increasing numbers of yard fires from leaf burning over the last two years.

http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

7 ways to keep your air conditioner humming

Posted on August 4, 2011 by admin

If you want to spend two or three super-heated days without any air conditioning, call for service on your AC system only when it acts up.

This summer, prevent a breakdown during the blistering heat by contacting a service tech – one who’s licensed, insured, bonded and recommended by someone you trust – to give your unit a once-over and fix any problems waiting to grow into something more expensive, inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Here are a few ways you can keep your air conditioning humming.

» Don’t run the fan in the “on” position. A thermostat has two settings: on and automatic. In the on position, the fan will run constantly all day and night. On auto, the indoor blower will come on only when the compressor comes on.

An air conditioner removes humidity from your indoor air. If you leave the fan turned on when the compressor turns off, it will blow that humidity back into the house.

If the humidity is low outside, you can run your fan all you want. But for much of the country, a constantly running fan can make indoor air downright uncomfortable.

» Change the AC filter every month. Even if the manufacturer’s instructions say change it once a season, do it every 30 days just like with your furnace filter.

Especially in windy locales, filters clog quickly with dust, hair and debris. Once that happens, air can’t flow freely through the filter to the coil.

If air to the coil is restricted, it won’t transfer heat or deal with humidity. That not only makes the house uncomfortable, it can damage the air-conditioning system and cost you plenty. Don’t use a $1 fiberglass filter. Choose a 1-inch pleated filter for about $4. And stay away from the $17 to $25 pleated filter.

Sure, the expensive filters catch just about every speck of dust that tries to pass through to the coil, but they provide so much resistance that even air can’t get through. That can starve your unit for air.

> Don’t crank the thermostat up when you’re leaving the house for the day. It’s true that the house doesn’t need to be as cool when nobody’s in it. But when a house gets too warm, it heats up not only the air, but the furniture, carpet and everything else in the house.

When you return home after work – at one of the hottest times of the day – and dip the temperature way down to get comfortable, the air conditioner has to cool the air, the furniture, the rugs all over again.

That’s going to cost more than the money you saved by turning the dial up. Your best bet is to install a programmable thermostat that consistently fluctuates the temperature every day by only two or three degrees.

» Never run the evaporative cooler – if you have one – on the same day as you run your air-conditioner. The air conditioner dehumidifies your indoor air; an evaporative cooler, common in dry climates, adds humidity.

So they’re natural-born enemies. Humidity reduces the effectiveness of your AC by as much as 20 percent.

Most people who have evaporative coolers like to run them in the morning when it’s a little cooler outdoors, and then switch to air conditioning when it heats up later in the day.

If you do that, you’ll waste energy.

> Notice any changes in the way your system sounds, if it vibrates or how much air it pushes out. You live with that unit, so you know it better than anybody. When you see, feel or hear changes, something’s wrong. Call the service tech while the problem is new and fixable.

> If you have your unit repaired, ask the technician to leave you any old parts that they replace. You’re more likely to avoid falling victim to a common scam by unscrupulous contractors who will tell you that your unit or some of its parts have failed when they haven’t.

Some air-conditioning companies require their techs to meet quotas by selling a certain amount of replacement parts whether the customers need them or not. Others pay techs a commission on replacement parts, which can tempt them to lie to homeowners about the condition of their systems.

Your best bet is to do your homework before inviting an AC tech into your home. Find out how long the company has been in business in your area and whether the tech has a state license.

Ask to see proof of insurance and bonding. And always go with someone who comes highly recommended by someone you trust.

> Find out how old your system is. Most last about 15 years. If yours is getting up there in years, plan to replace it.

A qualified service tech can evaluate the system and give you an idea of how much longer it has. If you decide to hang onto it until it dies, be prepared by choosing and consulting with a trusted company and selecting your replacement unit ahead of time.

That way, you won’t have to make these expensive decisions during an emergency in the middle of the summer – and you’re likely to get better equipment, a better price and a better installation job.

http://www.coloradoan.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

8 Ways To Avoid Air-Conditioning Trouble

Posted on July 29, 2011 by admin

If you want to spend two or three super-heated days without any air conditioning, call for service on your AC system only when it acts up.

This summer, prevent a breakdown during the blistering heat by contacting a service tech — one who’s licensed, insured, bonded and recommended by someone you trust — to give your unit a once-over and fix any little problems that are waiting to grow into something more expensive, inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Here are a few other ways you can keep your air conditioning humming.

1. Don’t run the fan in the “on” position.

A thermostat has two settings: on and automatic. In the on position, the fan will run constantly all day and night. On auto, the indoor blower will come on only when the compressor comes on.

An air conditioner removes humidity from your indoor air. If you leave the fan turned on when the compressor turns off, it will blow that humidity back into the house.
If the humidity is low outside, you can run your fan all you want. But for much of the country, a constantly running fan can make indoor air downright uncomfortable.

2. Change the AC filter every month.

Even if the manufacturer’s instructions say change it once a season, do it every 30 days just like with your furnace filter.

Especially in windy locales, filters clog quickly with dust, hair and debris. Once that happens, air can’t flow freely through the filter to the coil.

If air to the coil is restricted, it won’t transfer heat or deal with humidity. That not only makes the house uncomfortable, it can damage the air-conditioning system and cost you plenty.

A tip:@ Don’t use a $1 fiberglass filter. Choose a 1-inch pleated filter for about $4. And stay away from the $17 to $25 pleated filter.

3. Don’t crank the thermostat up when you’re leaving the house for the day.

It’s true that the house doesn’t need to be as cool when nobody’s in it. But when a house gets too warm, it heats up not only the air, but the furniture, carpet and everything else in the house.

When you return home after work — at one of the hottest times of the day — and dip the temperature way down to get comfortable, the air conditioner has to cool the air, the furniture, the rugs all over again.

That’s going to cost more than the money you saved by turning the dial up. Best bet: Install a programmable thermostat that consistently fluctuates the temperature every day by only two or three degrees.

4. Never run the evaporative cooler — if you have one — on the same day as you run your air-conditioner.

The air conditioner dehumidifies your indoor air; an evaporative cooler, common in dry climates, adds humidity.

So they’re natural-born enemies. Humidity reduces the effectiveness of your AC by as much as 20 percent.

Most people who have evaporative coolers like to run them in the morning when it’s a little cooler outdoors, and then switch to air conditioning when it heats up later in the day.

If you do that, you’ll waste energy.

5. Watch your secondary drain.

If you have a split-system air conditioner — part of the unit is in the attic and part is outside on the ground — you probably have two drains coming out of the house: one near the ground and one on the wall.

The one on the wall is the secondary drain. The only time water comes out of it is if the primary drain — the one on the ground — is clogged. This is an emergency. Call your AC tech to clean out that drain.

6. Notice any changes in the way your system sounds, if it vibrates or how much air it pushes out.

You live with that unit, so you know it better than anybody. When you see, feel or hear changes, something’s wrong.

Call the service tech while the problem is new and fixable.

7. If you have your unit repaired, ask the technician to leave you any old parts that he replaces.

You’re more likely to avoid falling victim to a common scam by unscrupulous contractors who will tell you that your unit or some of its parts have failed when they haven’t.

Your best bet: Do your homework before inviting an AC tech into your home. Find out how long the company has been in business in your area and whether the tech has a state license.

Ask to see proof of insurance and bonding. And always go with someone who comes highly recommended by someone you trust.

8. Find out how old your system is.

Most last for about 15 years. If yours is getting up there in years, plan to replace it.

That way, you won’t have to make these expensive decisions during an emergency in the middle of the summer — and you’re likely to get better equipment, a better price and a better installation job.

http://wusa9.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

Nine Ways to Cool Down Air-Condition Costs

Posted on July 29, 2011 by admin

House Real Estate 01 Nine Ways to Cool Down Air Condition Costs
Hear that? It’s the sound of your air conditioner running and the sound of your bank account drying up.

Heating and air conditioning your home take a 43% bite from your monthly utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Here’s how to reduce those costs in summer.

Improve Plantings Around Your House

“Most heat that accumulates inside a house comes directly from the sun shining onto the roof or through windows, and heating the house directly,” says John Krigger, owner of Saturn Resource Management, which offers energy conservation training in Helena, Mont.

Planting leafy trees around the building’s exterior will stop the sun from reaching inside your home. “Even for the cost of going to the nursery and buying a 15- to 20-foot-tall tree, trees are still the best value,” Krigger says.

If the trees or shrubs shade your air conditioner, you could boost your AC’s efficiency by up to 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Clothe Your Windows

Solar screens, or mesh-like window screens, intercept up to 70% of solar energy before it gets into the house, Krigger says. Window screens are particularly effective on east- and west-facing windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Window films are another option. They are transparent, metalized sheets that reflect heat before it can be transmitted through glass.

However, windows must be shut for window films to work, while solar screens do double-duty, keeping sun and insects out even with windows open.

Flip a Switch

Go ahead, get comfortable. Lower your air conditioner’s thermostat setting to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. But let that number rise to a warmer temperature at night or when you’re away from home. You can save 5% to 15% on your air-conditioning bills by raising the temperature setting on your thermostat when you’re away and don’t need cooling, according to the Department of Energy.

Fan It

No need to invest in fancy fans. Krigger says the key is to circulate air inside the house. If possible, locate fans on your house’s upper level and open windows on a lower level. If you live in a one-story house or apartment, you should close windows near the fan and open windows in rooms far from the fan, preferably on your home’s windward side, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Moving air also helps evaporate the sweat from your skin, says Paul Scheckel, an energy efficiency consultant in Montpelier, Vt., and author of “The Home Energy Diet.”

“Evaporational cooling is an incredibly efficient process for removing heat, and our bodies do it all by themselves. A little help can increase the cooling effect,” Scheckel says.

Chill in The Basement

Camp out in your basement, says Stan Cox, author of “Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World (and Finding New Ways to Get Through the Summer).” In your eco-cooled basement, a television, couch or futon and a cold drink may be all you need.

However, Scheckel says don’t open basement windows when outdoor air is heavy with humidity. “Warm, moist air will cause condensation on cool surfaces such as basement walls, ultimately increasing the humidity in your home,” he says.

Don’t Bake or Cook on The Stove

Skip the stove-top boiling and oven baking, Cox says. Decrease indoor heat by making microwave nachos or eating a cool salad. If you must boil pasta for tomorrow’s potluck, cook in the evening.

After cooking, turn on the kitchen exhaust, and use the bathroom exhaust fan after a hot shower. “Remove heat and moisture at the source,” Scheckel says. “Reducing humidity can help increase comfort.”

Maintain or Replace Your AC

“AC efficiency is mostly a function of the technology,” Scheckel says. “Keep the filter clean to allow for good air movement and keep the unit level so the condensation drains properly.”

If you replace your older room air conditioner with a newer unit, you could cut your energy costs in half, according to the Department of Energy. Look for a high-energy-efficiency ratio, or EER, or an Energy Star-qualified unit. Higher EER ratings mean a more efficient air conditioner. Energy Star refers to a system adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to identify energy-efficient products.

Let Humidity Set Your AC Pace

Set the AC fan speed on high, except on very humid days, says the U.S. Department of Energy. On humid days, set the speed on low. The slower air movement through the air-condition equipment removes more moisture from the air, improving comfort in your home.

Splash in The Bath

Hop in the shower, spray yourself with a water bottle or use a cool cloth on the back of your neck. And if you don’t chill out right away, don’t give up, says Cox, the environmental writer and scientist. “Our comfort range depends on the temperatures we have experienced in recent days and weeks,” he says. “The body and mind adjust to rising temperatures.”

http://www.foxbusiness.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

Sedgwick Heating Offers Tips About How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin

During a hot, sticky, humid day the air condition is one’s savior to keep the home cool and everyone comfortable. Properly maintaining the air conditioner will ensure the air conditioner is working to its fullest potential in a power effective manner which relates to cost effectiveness. Another plus of regular maintenance, a little time focused on maintaining the air conditioner will result in years of use. Maintenance to one’s air conditioner does not have to be a challenging experience.

Minneapolis air conditioning will take the stress out of the maintenance. Everything from cleaning the outdoor coils to ease the stress of the unit to changing the air filter will increase the life of the unit and decrease the cost of power use. Debris can clog the coils of the air conditioner and force the air conditioner to use more energy than normally necessary, so cleaning it most advantageous.

The service professional will complete a thorough evaluation of the unit to ensure that there are no leaks, seal any leaks, and check that the motor, belts, and thermostat are working at its optimal level. An assessment on proper refrigerant will be done as well as measurement of proper air flow and verify that the thermostat is reading properly. Even with routine professional attention for the air conditioner, owners must still periodically monitor the air filter and the unit itself.

Steps can be taken on a daily basis to help maintain the air conditioner’s functioning. Simple steps like installing the air conditioner and thermostat away from appliances that generate a lot heat like televisions. Another great tip is to keep the condensation clear from debris so that the water does not back up and damage the unit or the home.

If air conditioner maintenance is a new concept and one has no idea where to start then he or she should definitely ask the Minneapolis air conditioning professional for assistance. Learning how to occasionally check and change the filter to maintain proper use can significantly reduce the amount of energy consumption and ensure that the unit is working at its optimal level.

http://www.pr.com

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

When Do You Call A Gas Furnace Service To Get Your Furnace Fixed?

Posted on December 24, 2010 by admin

Do you have any clue about when it is smart to contact a gas furnace service to help you fix your home’s furnace? Most people don’t take time to think about this until they need to, but it is smart for everyone to understand when it is a good idea to call in the professionals for help.

There are many instances that will require the help of a professional. Sometimes you may be able to get the furnace fixed on your own if it is a simple problem, but not every time.

The following are the instances that will require you to make a call for a furnace service to come help you.

One: Your furnace has stopped producing heat – This problem can be caused by a closed control valve, faulty thermostat, tripped circuit, blown fuse or a pilot light that isn’t working.

Some of these problems may be easily fixed by you, but it is smart to call in a professional. The reason is because you are dealing with a gas furnace and if you don’t have experience with this, then trying to fix it can be dangerous.

The professionals know how to check each of these things to help them locate what the problem is being caused by so it can be easily repaired.

Two: Insufficient heat from the furnace – The causes for this problem are: the blower being occluded, blower belt being loose, burner is dirty or the filter is dirty.

These problems can occur at the same time, which can cause insufficient heat. You want to check the filter to make sure that is not the problem, but for the others, be smart and let the professionals handle it, unless you have experience with gas furnaces.

Three: Furnace keeps going on and off – If you are experiencing a furnace that keeps switching on and off before heating your home to the desired temperature, then this may be a good time to call a furnace service.

This problem can be caused by a clogged blower, overly dry motor or a filter that is dirty. Again, since you are dealing with a gas furnace, it is safer for you and your family to let the professionals handle it.

Four: Pilot light will not come on – You can check this at the bottom of the furnace, but don’t try and relight it until you know what is causing the problem. This can be caused by a pilot opening that is clogged, insufficient gas flow from an improperly set gas valve or even a damaged thermocouple.

Gas furnaces can be dangerous for anyone that doesn’t have experience with them. For any of the above situations, you need to be smart and call a gas furnace service for help. This is the safest way to ensure your furnace is working correctly.

http://theboardmagazine.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

Furnace Repair Fixes That You Can Do When The Unit is Not Heating Properly

Posted on November 29, 2010 by admin

Majority of furnace breakdowns are caused by a damaged/blown fuse, malfunctioning pilot light, tripped circuit breaker, or a failing thermostat. If in case your furnace unit does to not generate the appropriate amount of heat even if you have already adjusted the thermostat, then perhaps a furnace repair is necessary. It is best to hire the services of a specialist, like the Atlanta furnace repair experts, to ensure that the problem will be properly addressed. However, you may also opt to try fixing the problem on your own before you call in a professional.

First thing that you should do is to check if the furnace is turned on. For those using a heating and air conditioning type furnace unit, ascertain that the unit’s thermostat is set to the HEAT setting.

You should also inspect if the unit’s circuit breaker is switched on or if a fuse is blown. If you are dealing with a blown fuse, all you need to do is to change it with a new one. Also it is recommended that you check the main electric panel, and the subpanels supplying power to the unit. In case of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, you may have to reset the circuit breaker and change the fuse. However, if the circuit blows again after resetting it, then the problem might be a short circuit. In this regard, you may need to call a repair technician to appropriately deal with it.

Another reason why a furnace may not generate heat is if it is not turned on. If this is the case, then try turning on the unit to know if this is causing the problem. The power switch of the furnace is usually located either inside or outside the unit. Wait for a few minutes for the furnace to engage after switching the power on. If the unit is already turned on and there is still no heat coming out of it, then the problem maybe elsewhere.

You should also check the motor of the furnace. Chances are, the motor is overloaded hence why the unit is not producing heat. In this case, you have to find the RESET button located near the housing of the blower’s motor, when you find it you have to press it. After pressing the reset button and nothing happens, wait for about thirty minutes to allow the motor to cool down. Then, you should try pressing the reset button again.

http://www.electricsoupkitchen.com/

Furnasman

http://Furnasman.com/

Mazda 3 Edmonton

Mazda Edmonton