New Laws From The Department Of Energy

A new law has been approved by the department of energy.

As of May 1, 2013 80% Non weatherized furnaces will no longer be sold or installed. The new law is 95% and above. I am under the understanding that ACCA tried to fight this and wrote a letter stating that this is not right and all applications will be right for installation of 95% furnaces like attic, crawlspaces , etc.
But no action was taking and they passed it anyway.

This will force everyone to have to purchase a High Efficient furnace which could double the cost of just a standard furnace.

Some states are not required but as far as I know Utah, Colorado, Idaho and some others are.

In January 1, 2015

The new law is requiring 14 Seer and above on all A/C Units

I will update you on any new info I hear and provide you the info of where I got this information.

Doe's Brand Matter

People often have ask me the question doe's the brand really matter? There is a huge price difference.

The answer in my opinion as a service professional is absolutely, there were a lot of brands focused as budget models during the past years for new construction. Because the down fall of new construction nationwide those brands have to focus on getting into the retro fit or change out market. Be careful of brands that offer outstanding warranties like lifetime replacement warranties or 10 Yr parts and labor most of them are through a 3 party company and if there is  a problem trying to get them to help you as the consumer can be like pulling teeth.

My personal recommendation is Trane Or Lennox you will be happy you made the choice in most cases you will pay more for those brands but in the long run you will be better off.

Let me add one for thing, make sure you have a Nate Certified Technician to do your install, the installation is probably 80% on how well the equipment will operate. 

Sorry Everyone! I have not posted new content for a while

Sorry Everyone! I have not posted new content for a while. My wife had some medical issues that I had to address. Thanks for your patients new content will be posted shortly.

Air Quality in the Home

Author: Mike

Air Quality in the Home
There are things that you as the homeowner can do to make your home's indoor air healthier.The quality of indoor air can be worse than that of outdoor air. Today many homes are built or remodeled without regard to the factors that assure fresh and healthy indoor air. Our homes today are built more tightly, contain many furnishings, appliances and products that can and do affect indoor air quality.
Signs of Indoor Air Quality Problems Include:
asthma and allergic reaction symtomsstrange and mouldy odorsstale or stuffy aira detectable lack of airdirty or faulty central heating or air-conditioning equipmentdamaged flue pipes and chimneysunvented combustion air sources for fossil-fuel appliancesexcessive humiditythe presence of molds and mildewadverse health respond after remodeling, weatherizing, bringing in new furniture, using household and hobby products, and moving into a new home, and feeling noticably healthier outside of the house.Some Quick Facts:
Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air.Problems come from construction materials used in building homes, moisture intrusion, insects, pets, appliances, radon,  materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources.Health effects range from minor irritation to major health risks.Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, altering moisture intrusion, and following manufacturers' directions when using houshold cleaning products.Common Sources of Air Quality Problems
Poor indoor air quality can come from many sources . At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:moisture and biological pollutants, such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches;high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners;combustion products, including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and back-drafting from furnaces and water heaters;formaldehyde from durable-press draperies and other textiles, particleboard products, such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives;radon, which is a radioactive gas from the soil and rock beneath and around the home's foundation, groundwater wells, and some building materialshousehold products and furnishings, such as aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, construction adhesives, and additives used in carpeting and furniture, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs);asbestos, which is found in most homes built over 20 years ago. Sources include deteriorating or damaged pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical material (such as ceiling tiles) and floor tileslead from lead-based paint dust, which is created when removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning;particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, kerosene heaters and unvented gas space heaters; and tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde.put in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Install a smoke detector in each bedroom or in the adjacent hall.If you have gas or other fossil-fuel appliances in the house, install carbon monoxide detectors.Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available at most home centers such as Home Depot.Check the batteries frequently.The air circulation  If any outdoor contamants enter the home threw the air, the pollutants will elevate and accumulate to levels that can be hazardous to your health   Unless they are built with a limited mechanical means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes. Some weather conditions can drastically cut back the rate of air interchange, pollutants can build up even in homes that are commonly considered to be "leaky."
How Does Outdoor Air Enter a Home?
Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by infiltration, natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.  In natural ventilation, air moves through opened windows and doors. Air movement associated with infiltration and natural ventilation is caused by air-temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors, and by wind.  With infiltration, outdoor air flows into the house through openings, around windows, doors, thru floors and ceilings, joints and cracks in walls. at last, there are a number of mechanical ventilators, from outdoor-vented fans that remove air from a single room, such as the bathroom and kitchen, to air-handling systems that use fans and ductwork to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air to strategic points throughout the home. When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation, the exchange rate is low the pollution levels may increase and so can the contaminants that we breath.Some floor tiles contain asbestos.
Solution:Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional  asbestos remediator for removal. Call your local or state health department or the Environmental Protection Agency.
Moisture promotes biological pollutants including allergens, such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches.
Solution: Eliminate moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier, if you find it necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.
Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.
Solution: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected annually by a licensed chimney sweep for exhaust back-drafting, flue obstructions, cracks, excess creosote, and damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to protect your family!.
An air conditioner can be a source of biological allergens.
Solution: Empty and clean the water tray often. Follow all service and upkeep procedures, including changing the filter on a regular basis.
Gas and kerosene space heaters can release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.
Solution:Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In the room where the heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan, and slightly opening a window.
Tobacco smoke contains harmful combustion and particulate pollutants, including carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.
Solution: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so, specially near children. If smoking cannot be avoided indoors, open windows and use exhaust fans.
New draperies may be tempered with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit odors for a short time.
Solution:Before hanging, air draperies to eleviate odors. After hanging, air out the area. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.
Paint manufactured before l978 may contain lead.
Solution: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Before removing paint, test for lead. Do not sand, burn off or remove lead-based paint yourself. Hire a someone with special training to correct lead-based paint problems.Many animals create airborne allergens, such as dander, hair, feathers and skin.
Solution: Keep pets outdoors as much as conceivable. Clean the entire house regularly. Deep-clean areas where pets are permitted. Bathe pets regularly.Biological allergens caused by dust mites can trigger asthma.
Solution: Clean and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding with water hotter than 130 degrees F. Use more hard-surface finishes; they are less likely to attract and hold dust mites.
Kitchen
Unhealthy and irritating vapours may be released from chemicals in household cleaners and similar products.
Solution: Select non-aerosol and non-toxic products. Use, apply, store and dispose of them according to manufacturers' directions. If products are concentrated, label the storage container with dilution instructions. Use up a product completely before discarding its container.Pressed-wood cabinets can be a source of formaldehyde off gasing.
Solution: Maintain moderate temperatures (less than 80 degrees) and humidity (less than 49%). When purchasing new cabinets, select firm wood or metal cabinets, or those made with phenol resin; they emit less formaldehyde. Ventilate the area well after installation.
Unvented gas stoves and ranges are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and are dangerous.
Solution: Keep appliance burners clean. Have burners periodically adjusted Install and use an exhaust fan. Never use a gas range or stove to heat your home.
Bathrooms
Organic gases are released from chemicals in some personal care products, such as deodourant, hair spray,  toner, shampoo, nail polish and perfumes.
Solution: Select odor-free or low odor-producing products. Select non-aerosol varieties. Open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers' directions when using the product and disposing of containers.
Air fresheners can release organic gases.
Solution: Open a window or use the exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers' directions. Select natural products.
Bedroom
Humidifiers and cold-mist vaporizers can encourage biological allergens, including mold, mildew and cockroaches, that can trigger an asthmatic attack, and encourage the spread of viruses and the growth of bacteria.
Solution: Use and clean these appliances according to manufacturers' directions. Refill daily with fresh water.
Moth repellents often contain the pesticide paradichlorobenzene.
Solution: Avoid breathing vapors. Place them in a tightly sealed container. Store separately, away from living areas.
Chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process release organic gases.
Solution: Bring any odors to the attention of your dry cleaner. Try to air out dry-cleaned goods before bringing them into the home. Seek alternatives to dry cleaning, such as hand washing items.  Consider using green dry cleaners who use newer, non-toxic solvents and methods to clean garments.
Utility Rooms
Unvented gas clothes dryers produce carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and can be a fire hazard.
Solution:Regularly dispose of lint around and under the dryer. Provide air for gas units. Vent the dryer directly to the outdoors. Clean the lint trap, vent and ductwork on a regular basis.
Gas and oil furnaces and boilers, and gas water heaters can produce air-quality problems which include back-drafting of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.
Solution: Have your heating system and water heater, including gas piping and venting, inspected every year.
Asbestos pipe wrap and furnace insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Solution:Periodically check for damage and deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional certified remediator for repair or removal.
Basements
Ground moisture encourages biological allergens, including mold and mildew.
Solution: Inspect for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor, and sewage leaks. To keep your basement dry, prevent outside water from entering by installing rain gutters and downspouts, do not water close to the foundation,  correctly grade soil away from the home, and by applying waterproofing sealants to the basement's interior walls. If you have an accumulation of standing water, consider installing a sump pump. If sewage is the source of water intrusion, have drains professionally cleaned. If moisture has no obvious source, install an exhaust fan controlled by humidity levels. Remove mold and mildew. Regularly clean and disinfect the floor drain.
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas which poses the risk of lung cancer.
Solution:Test your home for radon. Have an experienced radon inspector test your home and a certified contractor mitigate your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Chemicals in hobby products, such as solvents, paint, glue and epoxy, release organic gases.
Solution: Follow manufacturers' directions for use, ventilation, application, clean-up, and container storage and disposal. Use outdoors when possible. When using indoors, open a window or use an exhaust fan. Re-seal containers tightly. Clean tools outside or in a well-ventilated area.
The Garage
Car and small engine exhaust are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.
Solution: Never leave vehicles, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, etc., running in the garage.
Paint, solvent and cleaning supplies may release harmful vapors.
Solution: Provide proper ventilation when using them. Follow manufacturers' directions. Buy only as much as you need. If the products contain methylene chloride, such as paint strippers, use them outdoors. Re-seal containers well. Keep products in their original, labeled containers. Clean brushes and other materials outside.  Consider using non-toxic green products whenever possible.
Pesticides and fertilizers used in the yard and garden may be toxic.
Solution: Use non-chemical methods whenever possible. Follow manufacturers' directions for mixing, applying and storing.  Wear protective clothing. Mix or dilute these products outdoors. Provide ventilation when using them indoors. Store them outside of the home in their original, labeled containers. After using the product, remove your shoes and clean your hands and clothing to avoid bringing the chemicals into your home.
Indoor Air Pollution and Health
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly years later.
Immediate Effects
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure, or it may take repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Sometimes, the treatment is as uncomplicated as eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.
The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors:  Age and pre-existing medical conditions are two important influences.How a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated exposures, and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical pollutants, as well. A comprehensive inspection and laboratory testing can help identify the culparts.
Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds and other viral diseases, so it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the time and place that symptoms occur. If the symptoms fade or go away when a person is away from home, for example, an effort should be made to identify the possible cause. Some health effects may be made worse by an lack of fresh air, or from the heating, cooling or humidity conditions that exist in your home.
Long-Term Effects
Other health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred, or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is important to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.
While common pollutants are found in indoor air many are responsible for illness. Concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problem, but are different for each person.  People may react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further investigation and testing are needed to better understand which health effects occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in your home, and which occur from the higher concentrations over short periods of time.  Indoor air contaminants can be a source of illness. Hire an IAC2 certified inspector trained in air quality to perform your next home inspection.
Article provided by A+ Inspections - Serving Orange, San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties 1-888-239-6969



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/air-quality-in-the-home-3931284.html

About the Author

About the author:  Michael Maseline, owner of A+ Inspections, licensed general building contractor, certified inspector, indoor air quality consultant, mold inspector and building science thermographer, serves the tri-county area of San Diego, Orange and Riverside in So. California.  Phone:  1-888-239-6969Website: http://www.aplusinspections.net Email: info@aplusinspections.net
 

Air Quality and Energy Costs

Author: TheeDesign Studio

Initially developed to protect an HVAC system's coils, ductwork and other components from dust and dirt, air filtration systems have evolved to include measure to protect and maintain a building'sindoor air quality. Most building managers and home owners acknowledge the relationship between air filtration and the quality of the air in the building, however the relationship between air filtration and energy use seems to be bypassed and overlooked. Unfortunately, many building mangers tend to focus on the filters price and look for ways to lower operating expenses by downgrading their filters.


In actuality, the filter directly and greatly impacts the operating costs of the system, more so than the cost of the filter itself. Depending on the type of filter and the application, the operating expenses can outweigh the filter cost by a factor of five to ten.


Energy Use


When trying to find a balance between indoor air quality and reasonable operating costs, it is important to understand how the air filtration system works and which differences impact the energy usage for your HVAC system. Here's how it works.


A filter is installed in the HVAC system and works to remove dust, dirt and other particles from the air as it passes through it into the system. This filter adds resistance to the air system, requiring the system's fan to use more energy to supply the proper air volume for the room.  The unfortunate issue is that high quality air filters, ones that provide the highest level of particle filtration, tend to also increase the resistance and cost of operating the system.


The entire issue has gotten a little more complicated as outdoor air has become more polluted. Bringing in air from outdoors requires more filtration than in the past, and because of this, the minimum airflow volume is higher than ever, requiring more energy from the fan. Of course, reducing resistance of the air filter will decrease fan energy requirements, but this translates into more particles remaining in the air and poor indoor air quality.


Filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. Over time, a filter becomes more and more loaded with particles of dirt and dust, making it more difficult for air to pass through the filter, and impacting resistance of air flow. Not only does a clogged filter raise operating costs, but it also decreases the quality of the air passing through the filter.


Finding a Balance between Efficiency and Energy


Before the escalating energy costs, finding a balance between proper filtration and reasonable operating costs wasn't an issue. However, with expensive filters and even more costly energy bills, balancing indoor air quality and cost is vital to maintain a building and healthy occupants.  One fortunate thing is that the range of available filtration systems has expanded over the recent years, offering solutions to fit every situation and can help meet both goals of proper filtration and cost efficiency.


There are many different types of filter designs such as traditional filters that trap particles between fibers, electrostatic filters that capture and hold particles with a charge, Filters with disposable or rechargeable containers to collect particles, or even ultraviolet based systems that help reduce concentrations of bacteria, viruses and fungus that might be in the air system.  In order to select the best system for specific situations, it's important to understand the types of contaminants found in a particular facility and the acceptable level of air quality for each application.


Most particulate contaminant in a building consists of dirt and dust particles, smoke, vapors, and bacteria. Particles are measured in very small metric units called microns. For example, dust and dirt can range from 10 microns to thousands of microns in diameter, where as smoke and bacteria range from .1 to 10 microns in diameter.  The needs for each building will be different according to the amount and type of contaminants inside and around the space that will be filtered.  Before selecting the right filtration system, building managers need to look for and eliminate sources of contaminants before looking for ways to filter them. Some common forms of contaminants include exhausts, chemicals, off-gassing from building materials, nearby loading docks, roads or dumpsters and other sources.  After acknowledging and managing the unnecessary sources of contaminants, they need to determine the filters efficiency. Of course, it would be wonderful to remove every particle of contaminants; however, it just isn't practical. Higher efficiency filters systems mean higher filter and energy costs. Research sufficient efficiencies for filtration systems so you can protect air quality with manageable maintenance costs to keep the system working the best it can. The overarching goal is to match a filter's efficiency to the application's needs to have the best scenario.


If you are in the Raleigh area and would like a free consultation on your building's indoor air quality and filtration needs, contact the experts at Air Systems Services by calling (919) 266-5755, or fill out the contact form at our website, http://www.airsystemservices.com



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/air-quality-and-energy-costs-4806309.html

About the Author

About Air System Services


Air System Services provides sales, service and installation of high efficiency home HVAC products from Trane, Lennox and Honeywell. Serving the Triangle and surrounding counties in NC, Air System Services provides customers with hassle-free air solutions with an emphasis on customer service. Contact the heating and cooling specialists at Air Systems Services by calling (919) 266-5755, or by visiting their website at http://www.airsystemservices.com