Pool owners know how expensive it can be to keep their pool water at a comfortable temperature. The good news is, there’s a smart, efficient way to do it that won’t force you to shorten your swimming season, or tax your energy budget. Most homeowners who have heat pumps use them to economically heat and cool their homes. But a heat pump can also heat water by using heat from the air around the unit and transferring it to the water in your pool.
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. They operate by recovering heat from the atmosphere instead of using fuel to create it. Therefore, they can be 2-3 times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. And, there’s no need to store fossil fuels on your property.
Since it holds substantial amounts of heat, sun-warmed air is the energy source used for this type of water heater. The pool heat pump recycles heat energy that already exists in the air around us. Transferring heat is much less expensive than burning a fuel for heat.
Here’s how it works:
1.A large quantity of warm air is drawn across the air coil by a high-efficiency motor and fan blade.
2.Cold liquid R-410A refrigerant inside the air coil absorbs heat from warm air and changes to a warm gas.
3.Warm gas is compressed by a new high efficiency scroll compressor. The R-410A is now a hot gas.
4.Hot gas moves through the outer casing of the water coil, releasing heat to the cooler pool & spa water passing through the inner casing of the water coil.
5.The R-410A condenses back to a liquid, then the process repeats itself over and over until your pool or spa is up to your desired temperature.
These units are quiet and energy-efficient, and better yet, they don’t require vents, flues, or expensive piping, allowing for installation almost anywhere. We believe that this type of heat pump is the most economical way to heat your pool in Southwest Florida, so check out your options.
If you want to learn more about how to efficiently heat your pool water, contact us. We’ll provide you with a free, no obligation analysis that includes sizing, operational cost and an objective comparison to fossil fuel and solar. We can also calculate your return on investment. So, if you have a pool, heat it the smart way! We can show you how.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Get to Know your Air Conditioner
It’s air conditioning season, and by now you’ve probably had your checkup done, you’ve got your A/C unit cranked up, and it’s keeping you cool and dry during these hot, humid summer days. You’re probably not thinking much about how it works, what the parts do, and how they work together to keep you comfortable. Of course, here at Action Air, we think you should know as much as possible about your HVAC system so that you can keep it operating smoothly and efficiently. So in the next couple of posts I’d like to go over the basics of air conditioning and heat pump cooling.
Most people think that air conditioners lower the temperature in their homes simply by pumping cool air in. What’s really happening is that the warm air from your house is being circulated through the air handler and cycled back in as cooler air. This cycle continues until your thermostat reaches the desired temperature.
Air conditioners work in the same way as refrigerators. Of course, instead of cooling just a small space, an air conditioning system cools a whole house; but the principle is the same. Air conditioners use chemicals, or refrigerants, that convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. This chemical is used to transfer heat from the air inside of a home to the outside air.
The unit has three main parts– a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. The compressor and condenser are usually on the portion of the air conditioner that is located outside the home. The evaporator is located on the inside the house, often as part of your heating unit.
The evaporative cycle is the action that produces cool air in your home:
1.The compressor compresses cool refrigerant gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure gas.
2.This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
3.The refrigerant liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure gas.
4.This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the building.
In order to circulate the cool air throughout your home and remove hot air, a fan on the evaporator blows air inside the house across the evaporator fins. The return grille and ductwork take the hot air through the ducts and into the evaporator. The hot air is actually used to expand the gas in the evaporator. As the heat is removed from the air, the air and coil are cooled. It is then blown into the house through supply ducts.
This continues over and over until the room reaches the temperature you set your thermostat to. When that happens, the thermostat senses that the temperature has reached the right setting and turns off the air conditioner. As the room warms up, the thermostat turns the air conditioner back on until the room reaches the desired temperature.
This is the basic process by which air conditioners work.
Most people think that air conditioners lower the temperature in their homes simply by pumping cool air in. What’s really happening is that the warm air from your house is being circulated through the air handler and cycled back in as cooler air. This cycle continues until your thermostat reaches the desired temperature.
Air conditioners work in the same way as refrigerators. Of course, instead of cooling just a small space, an air conditioning system cools a whole house; but the principle is the same. Air conditioners use chemicals, or refrigerants, that convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. This chemical is used to transfer heat from the air inside of a home to the outside air.
The unit has three main parts– a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. The compressor and condenser are usually on the portion of the air conditioner that is located outside the home. The evaporator is located on the inside the house, often as part of your heating unit.
The evaporative cycle is the action that produces cool air in your home:
1.The compressor compresses cool refrigerant gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure gas.
2.This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
3.The refrigerant liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure gas.
4.This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the building.
In order to circulate the cool air throughout your home and remove hot air, a fan on the evaporator blows air inside the house across the evaporator fins. The return grille and ductwork take the hot air through the ducts and into the evaporator. The hot air is actually used to expand the gas in the evaporator. As the heat is removed from the air, the air and coil are cooled. It is then blown into the house through supply ducts.
This continues over and over until the room reaches the temperature you set your thermostat to. When that happens, the thermostat senses that the temperature has reached the right setting and turns off the air conditioner. As the room warms up, the thermostat turns the air conditioner back on until the room reaches the desired temperature.
This is the basic process by which air conditioners work.
Next time, we’ll talk about how a heat pump cools your home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Maintaining your Air Handler
We’ve discussed the air handler and its function as part of your HVAC system. Now, let’s talk about some aspects of maintenance for this important system component. Professional service is highly recommended, as this is a pretty technical piece of equipment. We can come out as part of scheduled maintenance visits to check your air handler.
Spring maintenance checks can help you avoid costly A/C repairs when the heat of summer arrives. Air handling units have high voltage running into them and there is a shock hazard. So, remember that only an HVAC professional should work on the air handler unit.
Inside the unit are the evaporator, metering device (on most units), the blower motor, and some electro-mechanical controls for HVAC control. The metering device and the electro-mechanical controls should be checked by an HVAC professional to ensure that they are clean and functioning properly.
A big problem people encounter with the evaporator coils is blocked coils. Usually, this means that the coils are plugged with dust, dirt, and other debris. For the evaporator to work properly and efficiently, the coils must be clean and have a measured amount of air flow.
This is one reason that a good filter is necessary, in order to filter all the particles from the air before it reaches the coils. If the air is not filtered, then there will be a build-up over time of dust and debris that get sucked into the return. This build-up clogs the evaporator coil and can actually cause the coil to ice up. The air handling unit becomes less and less efficient and will eventually fail to cool or heat the home. Air handling units need basic preventive maintenance to prevent premature breakdowns and to keep them operating at peak efficiency.
Cleaning the coils is also an important part of air handler maintenance. Coils operate below the dew point when the air conditioner or heat pump cooling cycle is on. This will make the evaporator coil wet, so when the dust makes contact with the coil it will often stick to it. Over time this will cause a build up and eventually the HVAC system will stop cooling. With improper flow across the evaporator coils there is no heat exchange process. The coils will freeze and ice will form on them. Another cause of ice forming on the evaporator coil is a low refrigerant charge. If the evaporator coils are clean and they are icing up, you need to call an HVAC professional to check the refrigerant charge.
Typically the only required HVAC maintenance on the blower is oiling the air handler blower motor if it has oil ports, or checking the belt if you have a belt driven motor. Not all blower motors have oil ports. These blower motors use sealed bearings and never require oil. The air handler blower motors that do have oil ports usually have little plastic dust caps that can be removed so that oil can be applied.
Clean coils, a working motor, proper filters and refrigerant levels and good air flow are essential elements for the efficient operation of your air handler. If you suspect that your air handler isn’t doing its job, let us know. With regular maintenance, you can get the best performance out of this critical piece of HVAC equipment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Spring maintenance checks can help you avoid costly A/C repairs when the heat of summer arrives. Air handling units have high voltage running into them and there is a shock hazard. So, remember that only an HVAC professional should work on the air handler unit.
Inside the unit are the evaporator, metering device (on most units), the blower motor, and some electro-mechanical controls for HVAC control. The metering device and the electro-mechanical controls should be checked by an HVAC professional to ensure that they are clean and functioning properly.
A big problem people encounter with the evaporator coils is blocked coils. Usually, this means that the coils are plugged with dust, dirt, and other debris. For the evaporator to work properly and efficiently, the coils must be clean and have a measured amount of air flow.
This is one reason that a good filter is necessary, in order to filter all the particles from the air before it reaches the coils. If the air is not filtered, then there will be a build-up over time of dust and debris that get sucked into the return. This build-up clogs the evaporator coil and can actually cause the coil to ice up. The air handling unit becomes less and less efficient and will eventually fail to cool or heat the home. Air handling units need basic preventive maintenance to prevent premature breakdowns and to keep them operating at peak efficiency.
Cleaning the coils is also an important part of air handler maintenance. Coils operate below the dew point when the air conditioner or heat pump cooling cycle is on. This will make the evaporator coil wet, so when the dust makes contact with the coil it will often stick to it. Over time this will cause a build up and eventually the HVAC system will stop cooling. With improper flow across the evaporator coils there is no heat exchange process. The coils will freeze and ice will form on them. Another cause of ice forming on the evaporator coil is a low refrigerant charge. If the evaporator coils are clean and they are icing up, you need to call an HVAC professional to check the refrigerant charge.
Typically the only required HVAC maintenance on the blower is oiling the air handler blower motor if it has oil ports, or checking the belt if you have a belt driven motor. Not all blower motors have oil ports. These blower motors use sealed bearings and never require oil. The air handler blower motors that do have oil ports usually have little plastic dust caps that can be removed so that oil can be applied.
Clean coils, a working motor, proper filters and refrigerant levels and good air flow are essential elements for the efficient operation of your air handler. If you suspect that your air handler isn’t doing its job, let us know. With regular maintenance, you can get the best performance out of this critical piece of HVAC equipment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
What is an Air Handler?
Your heating and cooling system is made up of many parts, all working together to keep you comfortable all year round. I’d like to talk about some of the components of your HVAC system—what they are and how they work. After all, the more you know about your system equipment, the better.
Let’s start with the air handler. An air handler is usually located in the garage, a closet, or in the attic (unless you have a package unit then the air handler is incorporated in the system). It is essential to any HVAC forced air system. All A/C units need a way to move the air, and the air handler serves this function. It houses the evaporator coils, the blower motor, and some HVAC controls. It can be an up flow, down flow, or horizontal flow AHU (air handling unit).
Let’s start with the air handler. An air handler is usually located in the garage, a closet, or in the attic (unless you have a package unit then the air handler is incorporated in the system). It is essential to any HVAC forced air system. All A/C units need a way to move the air, and the air handler serves this function. It houses the evaporator coils, the blower motor, and some HVAC controls. It can be an up flow, down flow, or horizontal flow AHU (air handling unit).
Knowing this information can help you find the filter if you have never changed the filter in this air handling unit. Some air handling units have the filter inside. If there is no filter in the return register or grill then the filter is either in the return duct or in the unit itself. Filtering the air is not only important for the indoor air quality in your home but it is essential for the proper operation of the air handling unit itself.
The evaporator coil carries refrigerant inside it. This coil and refrigerant, through the heat exchange process, absorbs heat from the air passing through the coils inside the air handler. The heat causes the refrigerant inside the evaporator coils to boil and change state. The refrigerant, where it enters the coil, is mostly a liquid. By the time it reaches the end of the coils it should have absorbed enough heat to change it from a liquid to a vapor. On the outside of the unit there are two copper lines. The large line is the suction line. This line carries the vapor (refrigerant) back to the compressor in the condensing unit. The small line is called a liquid line. This line carries liquid (refrigerant) from the condensing unit coils to the evaporator. When the unit is running the liquid line should be hot and suction line should be cold (unless it is a heat pump in the heating mode). The temperatures of these lines will vary depending on how hot the house is inside and the ambient temperature outside the home.
The blower is comprised of different components in most units. It has an electric motor, a blower wheel, and a cage typically referred to as a squirrel cage. Some air handling units have belt driven motors and most have capacitors for the air handler electric motor.
Your air handler is a vital piece of HVAC equipment. Next time, we’ll talk about how to maintain your air handler to keep it and your system operating efficiently.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Friday, April 22, 2011
Are Your Air Conditioning Ducts Costing You Money?
As a Florida homeowner, you know how much you rely on your A/C unit and heat pump. You need them to keep you comfortable all year long, even in extreme heat or cold. But, is your forced-air system working too hard for your comfort? One way to tell is to inspect your ductwork. Leaky air ducts could be causing a lot of issues in your home, and worse yet, they could be costing you money. Ductwork that’s improperly sealed or torn allows about 20% of the air going through it to escape. As a result, your system has to work harder and use more fuel to keep you comfortable. Which leads to- you guessed it- higher energy bills. It also shortens the life span of your heating and cooling equipment.
There are several clues that indicate improperly sealed ducts:
■Energy bills that seem too high
■Areas that are hard to heat or cool
■Stuffy or dusty rooms
■Tangled or kinked ducts
■Uninsulated ducts in the garage or attic
Do any of these issues sound familiar? If so, you need to check your ducts and make sure they’re performing well. We do a lot of ductwork inspection and repair, and we know how important it is that they’re in good shape. So, make sure maintenance includes the following steps:
1. Do a thorough inspection of all ducts. Don’t forget ductwork in the attic and garage.
2. Use mastic, metal tape or an approved sealant to seal up any leaks or poor connections. Duct tape is not recommended as it’s not durable for this application.
3. Seal ductwork to all registers and air returns.
4. Insulate around ducts in the garage and attic with R-6 insulation.
Keeping your home comfortable requires ducts that are clean, free from obstructions and sealed properly. Taking these steps will improve your home’s energy efficiency, keep indoor air clean and save you up to 20% off your energy bill. It doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your ducts in good working order and the payoff could be big, so do yourself and your system a favor– keep your ducts happy with regular inspections.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
There are several clues that indicate improperly sealed ducts:
■Energy bills that seem too high
■Areas that are hard to heat or cool
■Stuffy or dusty rooms
■Tangled or kinked ducts
■Uninsulated ducts in the garage or attic
Do any of these issues sound familiar? If so, you need to check your ducts and make sure they’re performing well. We do a lot of ductwork inspection and repair, and we know how important it is that they’re in good shape. So, make sure maintenance includes the following steps:
1. Do a thorough inspection of all ducts. Don’t forget ductwork in the attic and garage.
2. Use mastic, metal tape or an approved sealant to seal up any leaks or poor connections. Duct tape is not recommended as it’s not durable for this application.
3. Seal ductwork to all registers and air returns.
4. Insulate around ducts in the garage and attic with R-6 insulation.
Keeping your home comfortable requires ducts that are clean, free from obstructions and sealed properly. Taking these steps will improve your home’s energy efficiency, keep indoor air clean and save you up to 20% off your energy bill. It doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your ducts in good working order and the payoff could be big, so do yourself and your system a favor– keep your ducts happy with regular inspections.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Air Conditioning Maintenance- Don’t Neglect It!
This is a topic we can’t talk about enough. Here at Action Air, we believe that regular maintenance is one of the most important factors in your home comfort. All of the other measures you take to reduce energy use and increase comfort won’t be effective if your AC is not working properly. Maintenance ensures that your cooling system keeps you comfortable, works at peak efficiency, lasts longer and costs you less money in repairs.
So, let’s go over some of the basics of AC maintenance for Florida homeowners:
Filters
One of the most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5%–15%.
For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct’s length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, air handler, or in the air conditioner itself.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They’re available in a variety of types and efficiencies. We can tell you which kinds of filters are right for your system, and clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters during regularly scheduled maintenance visits. You can do the job every month or two during the cooling season, as well. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.
Coils
The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 18 inches to 2 feet to allow for adequate air flow around the condenser.
Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition. We can also take care of this during preventative maintenance.
Condensate drains
Clogged drain channels prevent your cooling unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet. Routine cleaning with a shop vac and approved drain cleaning additive is very worthwhile.
Regular AC maintenance is worth the extra few minutes it takes each month to make sure these important components are working properly. Another smart idea? Sign up for a maintenance contract. Our highly-trained technicians can be your AC system’s best friend!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
So, let’s go over some of the basics of AC maintenance for Florida homeowners:
Filters
One of the most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5%–15%.
For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct’s length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, air handler, or in the air conditioner itself.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They’re available in a variety of types and efficiencies. We can tell you which kinds of filters are right for your system, and clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters during regularly scheduled maintenance visits. You can do the job every month or two during the cooling season, as well. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.
Coils
The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 18 inches to 2 feet to allow for adequate air flow around the condenser.
Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition. We can also take care of this during preventative maintenance.
Condensate drains
Clogged drain channels prevent your cooling unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet. Routine cleaning with a shop vac and approved drain cleaning additive is very worthwhile.
Regular AC maintenance is worth the extra few minutes it takes each month to make sure these important components are working properly. Another smart idea? Sign up for a maintenance contract. Our highly-trained technicians can be your AC system’s best friend!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What Makes HEPA Air Filters Different?
The average Northeast Florida home’s indoor air quality is 10 times more polluted than the outdoor air, which is consistent with national trends in indoor pollution. Indoor air can become “bottled up,” especially in homes that are sealed tightly to maximize energy efficiency, as it isn’t exchanged as often. These are a few reasons why indoor air filters are so important to your health and the integrity of your equipment. Different filtration methods are available. HEPA air filters are one of the most popular options, because of their ability to capture more than 99.95 percent of particles.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. HEPA filters are generally capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than the human eye can see. Originally developed for military and biomechanical use, they are currently some of the most efficient residential air filters on the market. HEPA filters can remove:
■Dust
■Dust mites
■Pollen
■Mold spores
■Various allergens
■Pet dander
HEPA filter fibers are usually made of fiberglass and are arranged haphazardly, very close to one another to create a dense “mat.” The material has many more pleats per inch than in standard filters. Another way they differ from standard air filters in that they do not merely function like a “sieve,” but rely on air movement to trap particles in three different ways:
■Interception, in which particles become stuck to fibers
■Impaction, in which particles get stuck in the weave
■Diffusion, where the most minuscule particles collide with gas molecules, slowing down their process and making them more likely to be trapped by interception or impaction.
HEPA filters are not the only option out there. Some homeowners find that HEPA filters can make their systems work too hard pull air through the filter, so check with the technician the next time you’re due for preventive maintenance to find out the right filter for your system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. HEPA filters are generally capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than the human eye can see. Originally developed for military and biomechanical use, they are currently some of the most efficient residential air filters on the market. HEPA filters can remove:
■Dust
■Dust mites
■Pollen
■Mold spores
■Various allergens
■Pet dander
HEPA filter fibers are usually made of fiberglass and are arranged haphazardly, very close to one another to create a dense “mat.” The material has many more pleats per inch than in standard filters. Another way they differ from standard air filters in that they do not merely function like a “sieve,” but rely on air movement to trap particles in three different ways:
■Interception, in which particles become stuck to fibers
■Impaction, in which particles get stuck in the weave
■Diffusion, where the most minuscule particles collide with gas molecules, slowing down their process and making them more likely to be trapped by interception or impaction.
HEPA filters are not the only option out there. Some homeowners find that HEPA filters can make their systems work too hard pull air through the filter, so check with the technician the next time you’re due for preventive maintenance to find out the right filter for your system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Repair or Replace Dilemma? Facts about Your A/C’s Lifespan
Do you have a room or addition to your Northeast Florida home that never gets as cool as it should? Do you have a huge, window air conditioner that is noisy and blocks the view? Is the upstairs of your home difficult to cool? An answer to all those problems can come from installing ductless mini-split air conditioning.
Ductless mini splits have been gaining in popularity. They have been in use for years in Japan, where land and outside space is limited for large heat pumps or central-air units. Mini splits are compact, efficient and do not use ducts to deliver cool air.
Ductless mini splits consist of two components: an inside air-handling unit and a compact outdoor compressor and condenser. The interior part is generally mounted on a wall where it will generate the best cooling. The outside section can be placed up to 50 feet away from the inside section. The two components are connected by a simple 3-inch opening through the wall.
The ductless mini-split air conditioning system is sized for the area to be cooled. Smaller spaces will require fewer BTU’s than larger areas. Sizing the unit assures the best efficiency by not using more power than is needed.
They offer great flexibility in adapting to different room and home situations. Some systems are capable of using only one outside component to handle up to four inside units which can be run independently with their own thermostat. Other options include units which can be ceiling or wall-mounted, and floor models are also available.
If you would like an different option to the noise of a window unit or you have rooms that are never cool enough, contact us at Action Air. We can give you all the details on this great cooling system.
Ductless mini splits have been gaining in popularity. They have been in use for years in Japan, where land and outside space is limited for large heat pumps or central-air units. Mini splits are compact, efficient and do not use ducts to deliver cool air.
Ductless mini splits consist of two components: an inside air-handling unit and a compact outdoor compressor and condenser. The interior part is generally mounted on a wall where it will generate the best cooling. The outside section can be placed up to 50 feet away from the inside section. The two components are connected by a simple 3-inch opening through the wall.
The ductless mini-split air conditioning system is sized for the area to be cooled. Smaller spaces will require fewer BTU’s than larger areas. Sizing the unit assures the best efficiency by not using more power than is needed.
They offer great flexibility in adapting to different room and home situations. Some systems are capable of using only one outside component to handle up to four inside units which can be run independently with their own thermostat. Other options include units which can be ceiling or wall-mounted, and floor models are also available.
If you would like an different option to the noise of a window unit or you have rooms that are never cool enough, contact us at Action Air. We can give you all the details on this great cooling system.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Trying to Get Air to a New Space? Ductless Options Can Help
Additions to your home can be difficult to heat and cool. Spaces with hydronic systems, radiant panels, or a bonus room over a garage, can also prove tricky. Ductless heating and cooling is a good option to get airflow to spaces like this. Maybe your existing system does not accommodate certain rooms or additions, or maybe it’s just not possible to install ducts where you need them. In these circumstances, ductless heating and cooling is versatile and practical.
Ductless heating and cooling systems are called mini-splits. Their biggest advantage is their small size, which allows them to heat or cool specific zones. You can purchase a single unit, or a model that has as many as four units that allows you to heat or cool four different zones. Each zone has its own thermostat, so you can adjust each as needed or keep them off if no one is using the space. This makes for great savings because you aren’t using energy you don’t need.
Mini-splits are easy to install. They consist of two units, an indoor air-handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser. The two are linked by a conduit through the wall, which in some models can be up to 50 feet long, giving you a great deal of space to place your units where you need them.
Another advantage of ductless heating and cooling systems is that they can be installed any place a small, 3-inch hole can be made in the wall. They can even be hung in the corner near the ceiling. Most models run very quietly, and many even operate by remote and filter the air as they heat or cool it.
Most mini-split systems are either a heat pump or an air conditioner model. Heat pumps are a good choice for climates that experience both warm and cool weather, since they have the ability to pump heat both into and out of a small space. Mini-split air conditioners work well for consistently warmer temperatures like ours.
Call Action Air to discuss which ductless option is right for you! We’re happy to help!
Ductless heating and cooling systems are called mini-splits. Their biggest advantage is their small size, which allows them to heat or cool specific zones. You can purchase a single unit, or a model that has as many as four units that allows you to heat or cool four different zones. Each zone has its own thermostat, so you can adjust each as needed or keep them off if no one is using the space. This makes for great savings because you aren’t using energy you don’t need.
Mini-splits are easy to install. They consist of two units, an indoor air-handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser. The two are linked by a conduit through the wall, which in some models can be up to 50 feet long, giving you a great deal of space to place your units where you need them.
Another advantage of ductless heating and cooling systems is that they can be installed any place a small, 3-inch hole can be made in the wall. They can even be hung in the corner near the ceiling. Most models run very quietly, and many even operate by remote and filter the air as they heat or cool it.
Most mini-split systems are either a heat pump or an air conditioner model. Heat pumps are a good choice for climates that experience both warm and cool weather, since they have the ability to pump heat both into and out of a small space. Mini-split air conditioners work well for consistently warmer temperatures like ours.
Call Action Air to discuss which ductless option is right for you! We’re happy to help!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Programmable Thermostat Features You’ll Like (Hint: They Go Way Beyond Temperature Settings)
Programmable thermostats offer many features that go beyond temperature control to offer convenience, comfort and more. One impressive feature is energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the right thermostat and programming it correctly could save you up to $180 a year!
Various models offer different features which complement weekly schedules. There are three common models:
■7 day models are the most flexible, allowing you to program different settings for morning, afternoon, evening and night for each day of the week.
■5+ 2 day models are a good choice for people keeping one schedule Monday-Friday, and another on Saturday and Sunday.
■5-1-1 day models have three programmable “slots,” one for the work week, a second for Saturdays, and a third for Sundays.
Remote access allows for zone temperature control. Sensors are placed in individual rooms or zones throughout the house, and connected to the main unit. If you want your bedroom warm in the morning, you can set the temperature to rise when you wake up in that specific location. You can also keep children’s rooms from becoming too cold without giving the children access to the controls. Some remote access models even allow you to adjust settings by phone or internet before you get home.
Programmable thermostats make keeping comfortable convenient. Action Air will be glad to help you decide which features suit your lifestyle to offer the maximum control, versatility and energy savings!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Various models offer different features which complement weekly schedules. There are three common models:
■7 day models are the most flexible, allowing you to program different settings for morning, afternoon, evening and night for each day of the week.
■5+ 2 day models are a good choice for people keeping one schedule Monday-Friday, and another on Saturday and Sunday.
■5-1-1 day models have three programmable “slots,” one for the work week, a second for Saturdays, and a third for Sundays.
Remote access allows for zone temperature control. Sensors are placed in individual rooms or zones throughout the house, and connected to the main unit. If you want your bedroom warm in the morning, you can set the temperature to rise when you wake up in that specific location. You can also keep children’s rooms from becoming too cold without giving the children access to the controls. Some remote access models even allow you to adjust settings by phone or internet before you get home.
Programmable thermostats make keeping comfortable convenient. Action Air will be glad to help you decide which features suit your lifestyle to offer the maximum control, versatility and energy savings!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Federal Tax Credits Still On For Energy Efficient Systems
Lots of homeowners took advantage of the generous federal tax credits offered for heating and air conditioning systems in 2010. Those credits have been reduced, but you can still see some tax benefit if you are considering an upgrade in your heating and cooling systems. Now is the time to think about installing new air conditioning or an air-source heat pump.
Here’s what you need to know about the federal tax credits for these types of equipment:
■The credit is good for 10 percent of the cost up to $500, or a specified amount between $50 and $300. Action Air can help you determine which models qualify.
■The equipment must be purchased and installed before the end of 2011.
■The tax credit can only be claimed for your principal residence and the equipment must be installed in an existing home.
■Second homes, rental properties, and new construction are not eligible.
Air source heat pumps are an energy-efficient home comfort solution that provides both heating and cooling.They work by moving heat, rather than generating heat, so they consume much less energy than a furnace or conventional air conditioner. The professionals at Action Air have years of experience installing air source heat pumps in northeast Florida, so we know which models work best for different situations.
If you are looking to install a new central air conditioning system, we can help you with that, too. There are countless numbers of models available, but not all of them are eligible for federal tax credits. The best way to determine the right unit for your home is to work with a professional to make sure the equipment you purchase is not too large or too small for your home comfort needs. Contact us at Action Air to learn more about which energy-efficient air conditioners are available.
Schedule time with us now, before your home gets hot and uncomfortable, and you will not miss out on this year’s federal tax credits.
Here’s what you need to know about the federal tax credits for these types of equipment:
■The credit is good for 10 percent of the cost up to $500, or a specified amount between $50 and $300. Action Air can help you determine which models qualify.
■The equipment must be purchased and installed before the end of 2011.
■The tax credit can only be claimed for your principal residence and the equipment must be installed in an existing home.
■Second homes, rental properties, and new construction are not eligible.
Air source heat pumps are an energy-efficient home comfort solution that provides both heating and cooling.They work by moving heat, rather than generating heat, so they consume much less energy than a furnace or conventional air conditioner. The professionals at Action Air have years of experience installing air source heat pumps in northeast Florida, so we know which models work best for different situations.
If you are looking to install a new central air conditioning system, we can help you with that, too. There are countless numbers of models available, but not all of them are eligible for federal tax credits. The best way to determine the right unit for your home is to work with a professional to make sure the equipment you purchase is not too large or too small for your home comfort needs. Contact us at Action Air to learn more about which energy-efficient air conditioners are available.
Schedule time with us now, before your home gets hot and uncomfortable, and you will not miss out on this year’s federal tax credits.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Value of Quality Installation & Maintenance
These days the internet has become a very valuable tool for price comparing when considering purchases, especially major purchases. Everyone uses it. However, if you are considering a new heating and cooling system you need to consider more than just what the best price is and who carries the top brand. The largest factors when buying a heating and cooling system are the installation and maintenance.
Industry research shows that 90% of the value you receive is tied directly to installation and maintenance. The evaluation, installation and maintenance of your system have a greater impact on your wallet and overall comfort than the equipment itself! It is important to make sure it is installed properly, by a reputable company, and maintained to keep it working properly long after you buy it.
A properly installed heating and cooling system starts with a qualified technician performing a load calculation on your home prior to system selection. This calculation is necessary to insure that you get the correct size system to meet the needs of your home. A unit that is too big (oversized) may have a higher upfront cost, raise your utility costs, remove less humidity and fail more quickly. A unit that is too small will have to work harder to heat and cool your home and will most likely fail prematurely as well. A load calculation takes into consideration factors such as, the square footage of usable space in your home, the number of windows, types of windows, insulation amounts, the direction your home is facing and along with many other factors.
Another major factor in insuring that your system in installed correctly is to hire a reputable, trained technician. A professional service technician will know that your ducts need to be checked before installing a new HVAC system. If the ducts are too small they will cause your HVAC system to use more energy and will deliver less comfort. Too small of ducts will lead to early equipment failure as well. A trained technician will also know to measure and document your airflow, to measure refrigerant charge, to ensure that your unit is safe electrically, to test the firing rate on a new furnace or boiler and to test your thermostat to ensure it is compatible with the new equipment.
By choosing a reputable HVAC company for installation they should be able to provide you with a copy of the installation checklist with a record of all measurements taken during installation, as well as provide a copy of the owner’s manual, manufacturer’s warranty and their warranty. Along with this you should get a list of recommended maintenance requirements. Maintenance is key to keeping your system working at peak performance. Many people don’t think that they need to maintain newly installed equipment. Not only is this necessary to keep your warranty in effect (most equipment manufacturers will state in the terms of their warranty that an annual maintenance must be performed by a qualified technician), but also to assure that your new equipment is operating safely and at its peak efficiency.
There is nothing better for your heating and/or air conditioning system than annual maintenance. Annual maintenance allows your system to continue to work at peak efficiency year in and year out. A system that is maintained annually experiences considerably fewer breakdowns and costly repairs along with using less energy. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your system is saving you money on your utility bills every time it comes on. In some instances, the energy savings are enough to pay the cost of the planned annual maintenance service.
So, when you’re in the market for a major purchase like a new heating & cooling system to maximize your home comfort do your research and pick a reputable, experienced HVAC company. Leave the internet to products that do not rely on the value of installation and maintenance!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Warranties vs. Maintenance
In the HVAC (heating, cooling & ventilation) industry, we often hear the comments, ”We don’t need planned maintenance, we’re still under warranty.” Nothing could be further from the truth!
Manufacturers, to help compensate for problems caused by manufacturing defects, provide warranties on new equipment. If a piece of equipment fails during the warranty period and if the manufacturer accepts that the failure was not caused by outside influence (through improper use or lack of routine maintenance procedures), then they will generally provide a replacement part, free of charge. Equipment manufacturers don’t typically cover labor and the necessary materials needed to replace a failed/ broken part, however, at Action Air, we cover parts and labor for the first year on all repairs made and all systems we install.
In some cases, if a manufacturer determines that a lack of routine maintenance has contributed to the failure of equipment then the warranty coverage can be revoked leaving the homeowner to accept the full cost of repair.
Planned Maintenance inspections are important to not only keep your warranty valid, but also to keep your heating & cooling system working efficiently and safely. Most of us think that after we’ve bought our heating and cooling system, we’re done. We put out the money to pay for this expensive equipment (the most expensive equipment in most homes!) and we expect it to work, without any more effort.
I doubt that any of us would think the same of our cars. We know that our cars require regular maintenance if we want them to keep performing day after day. If you were to stop all maintenance on your car it would eventually seize up and quit working. The same applies to your heating and cooling system, which without regular maintenance will eventually breakdown or fail in approximately 2-3 years. After spending a bunch of money on a HVAC system no one wants to turn around and have to shell out this same money 2-3 years down the road. Your heating and cooling equipment, like your car requires regular maintenance.
Looking back at our records, we were able to determine that 50% of our repair calls could have been avoided by regular maintenance. By having a yearly tune-up on your system, you can avoid much more expensive repairs.
During a typical tune-up, your technician will have a long list of checks that they perform on your heating & cooling system. These checks enable the technician to catch things like a loose electrical connection or parts with visible wear. These problems caught at the time of a tune-up can easily be fixed and will help avoid costly repairs later.
Lack of maintenance will lead to dirt and dust build-up in your system as well. According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” This build-up will cause your system to run harder and longer and greatly decreases its efficiency. As your system works harder to beat the heat or cold, your monthly utility bills will increase.
Lack of maintenance on your heating & cooling system can also lead to safety issues. During a tune-up all of the electrical connections are examined, and the unit disconnect switch along with all of the safety devices are checked. If you do not have your system checked out annually you could be running a serious safety risk and not even be aware of it.
As with our cars, we realize that if we don’t do regular maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups, we will void our warranties. If something major goes wrong with our car we won’t be able to go into the dealership and have it fixed under warranty. Well, the same goes for your heating and cooling system. Most appliances have a 5-10 year warranty, and if you don’t maintain the equipment and something goes wrong, you’re out of luck and the warranty will be void. You’ll end up spending a large amount of money to fix it or even replace equipment that would have been covered under warranty, had you kept up with maintenance.
A lack of maintenance leads to repairs and early equipment failure, inefficiency, higher utility bills and an overall decrease in the system’s ability to keep your home comfortable, not to mention, invalidating your warranty and creating an unsafe environment in your home. When you look at all of this, the cost of a yearly tune-up is cheap in comparison!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Manufacturers, to help compensate for problems caused by manufacturing defects, provide warranties on new equipment. If a piece of equipment fails during the warranty period and if the manufacturer accepts that the failure was not caused by outside influence (through improper use or lack of routine maintenance procedures), then they will generally provide a replacement part, free of charge. Equipment manufacturers don’t typically cover labor and the necessary materials needed to replace a failed/ broken part, however, at Action Air, we cover parts and labor for the first year on all repairs made and all systems we install.
In some cases, if a manufacturer determines that a lack of routine maintenance has contributed to the failure of equipment then the warranty coverage can be revoked leaving the homeowner to accept the full cost of repair.
Planned Maintenance inspections are important to not only keep your warranty valid, but also to keep your heating & cooling system working efficiently and safely. Most of us think that after we’ve bought our heating and cooling system, we’re done. We put out the money to pay for this expensive equipment (the most expensive equipment in most homes!) and we expect it to work, without any more effort.
I doubt that any of us would think the same of our cars. We know that our cars require regular maintenance if we want them to keep performing day after day. If you were to stop all maintenance on your car it would eventually seize up and quit working. The same applies to your heating and cooling system, which without regular maintenance will eventually breakdown or fail in approximately 2-3 years. After spending a bunch of money on a HVAC system no one wants to turn around and have to shell out this same money 2-3 years down the road. Your heating and cooling equipment, like your car requires regular maintenance.
Looking back at our records, we were able to determine that 50% of our repair calls could have been avoided by regular maintenance. By having a yearly tune-up on your system, you can avoid much more expensive repairs.
During a typical tune-up, your technician will have a long list of checks that they perform on your heating & cooling system. These checks enable the technician to catch things like a loose electrical connection or parts with visible wear. These problems caught at the time of a tune-up can easily be fixed and will help avoid costly repairs later.
Lack of maintenance will lead to dirt and dust build-up in your system as well. According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” This build-up will cause your system to run harder and longer and greatly decreases its efficiency. As your system works harder to beat the heat or cold, your monthly utility bills will increase.
Lack of maintenance on your heating & cooling system can also lead to safety issues. During a tune-up all of the electrical connections are examined, and the unit disconnect switch along with all of the safety devices are checked. If you do not have your system checked out annually you could be running a serious safety risk and not even be aware of it.
As with our cars, we realize that if we don’t do regular maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups, we will void our warranties. If something major goes wrong with our car we won’t be able to go into the dealership and have it fixed under warranty. Well, the same goes for your heating and cooling system. Most appliances have a 5-10 year warranty, and if you don’t maintain the equipment and something goes wrong, you’re out of luck and the warranty will be void. You’ll end up spending a large amount of money to fix it or even replace equipment that would have been covered under warranty, had you kept up with maintenance.
A lack of maintenance leads to repairs and early equipment failure, inefficiency, higher utility bills and an overall decrease in the system’s ability to keep your home comfortable, not to mention, invalidating your warranty and creating an unsafe environment in your home. When you look at all of this, the cost of a yearly tune-up is cheap in comparison!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Why You Shouldn’t “Super” Size Your New Heating & Cooling
Don’t pay too much for Your Heating & Cooling System
If you are in the market to replace older, inefficient heating and cooling system with new energy efficient ones, an understanding of the critical importance of sizing the system correctly is needed. The correct size of heating and cooling equipment in your home will improve your comfort while reducing costs, maintenance and energy usage.
To give you some history, homes were not as tightly constructed in the past as they are today and it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that were two to four times the necessary capacity. Now most people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes. Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer allows you to install a much smaller system while still being comfortable and saving on your monthly utility bills.
The most common mistake made in new heating and cooling systems is oversizing. This will make the new system not only more expensive to buy and install, but also forces it to operate inefficiently. An oversized system will also breakdown more often and cost more to operate. Oversized heating equipment creates uncomfortable and large temperature swings. Oversized air conditioners (and heat pumps) do not run long enough to dehumidify the air, which results in the air feeling “clammy” and the potential for unhealthy mold growth in your home.
Oversized equipment experiences frequent starts and stops (known as “short cycling”) will accelerate the wear and tear on the equipment, which can lead to premature failure. Oversized equipment also uses more fan power for the blower, which often leads to duct leakage due to higher operating duct pressures.
On the other side, undersized equipment, with airflow that is too low, can reduce the efficiency of the air distribution and accelerate wear on the system components, leading to earlier failure. Basically, your system will be working longer and harder to keep up with your comfort demands. Your system will have to run constantly and will wear itself out at a quicker rate.
A home “load calculation” is critical when homeowners are looking for a new heating and cooling system. This is basically a list of factors that determine what size system you need. A good contractor/technician will look at things such as, wall measurements, floor space, windows, R-value of home’s insulation, overall square footage of livable space, etc. A close estimate of a building’s air leakage is also necessary. This estimate should also include an inspection of the size, condition of seals on joints and insulation and location of distribution ducts in a forced air system.
Beware of a contractor/technician who only checks the “nameplate” (the label listing BTU’s) of the existing unit and tries to sell you one just like it or even worse, one that’s larger. This is not the correct way to size equipment and is not in your best interest. Another method includes using simple “rule of thumb”. They may base the size of your home on similar homes like it, using a chart that takes into account a variety of factors. This method can be used for a first estimate, but should not be used to size the actual system. You should include a requirement to produce a written sizing calculation when negotiating with your heating and cooling contractor/technician.
So remember when you are looking to buy a new heating and/or cooling system correctly sizing of your system will directly affect the comfort level in your home, as well as the long-term life of the system and overall cost to you. Pick the right size and skip the super-size!
Sources: http://www.energy.gov/ http://www.energystar.gov/ http://www.hgtvpro.com/ http://www.energysavers.gov/
If you are in the market to replace older, inefficient heating and cooling system with new energy efficient ones, an understanding of the critical importance of sizing the system correctly is needed. The correct size of heating and cooling equipment in your home will improve your comfort while reducing costs, maintenance and energy usage.
To give you some history, homes were not as tightly constructed in the past as they are today and it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that were two to four times the necessary capacity. Now most people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes. Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer allows you to install a much smaller system while still being comfortable and saving on your monthly utility bills.
The most common mistake made in new heating and cooling systems is oversizing. This will make the new system not only more expensive to buy and install, but also forces it to operate inefficiently. An oversized system will also breakdown more often and cost more to operate. Oversized heating equipment creates uncomfortable and large temperature swings. Oversized air conditioners (and heat pumps) do not run long enough to dehumidify the air, which results in the air feeling “clammy” and the potential for unhealthy mold growth in your home.
Oversized equipment experiences frequent starts and stops (known as “short cycling”) will accelerate the wear and tear on the equipment, which can lead to premature failure. Oversized equipment also uses more fan power for the blower, which often leads to duct leakage due to higher operating duct pressures.
On the other side, undersized equipment, with airflow that is too low, can reduce the efficiency of the air distribution and accelerate wear on the system components, leading to earlier failure. Basically, your system will be working longer and harder to keep up with your comfort demands. Your system will have to run constantly and will wear itself out at a quicker rate.
A home “load calculation” is critical when homeowners are looking for a new heating and cooling system. This is basically a list of factors that determine what size system you need. A good contractor/technician will look at things such as, wall measurements, floor space, windows, R-value of home’s insulation, overall square footage of livable space, etc. A close estimate of a building’s air leakage is also necessary. This estimate should also include an inspection of the size, condition of seals on joints and insulation and location of distribution ducts in a forced air system.
Beware of a contractor/technician who only checks the “nameplate” (the label listing BTU’s) of the existing unit and tries to sell you one just like it or even worse, one that’s larger. This is not the correct way to size equipment and is not in your best interest. Another method includes using simple “rule of thumb”. They may base the size of your home on similar homes like it, using a chart that takes into account a variety of factors. This method can be used for a first estimate, but should not be used to size the actual system. You should include a requirement to produce a written sizing calculation when negotiating with your heating and cooling contractor/technician.
So remember when you are looking to buy a new heating and/or cooling system correctly sizing of your system will directly affect the comfort level in your home, as well as the long-term life of the system and overall cost to you. Pick the right size and skip the super-size!
Sources: http://www.energy.gov/ http://www.energystar.gov/ http://www.hgtvpro.com/ http://www.energysavers.gov/
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