There are several reasons why you might want to calculate your home electricity use. Reducing consumption starts with knowing how much you’re using, which appliances are the biggest draw and how you can operate your appliances more efficiently. Also, if you’re trying to decide whether to invest in a more energy-efficient appliance, you may want to estimate appliance energy consumption.
The formula for estimating an appliance’s energy use is as follows:
Wattage × Hours Used Per Day ÷ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption
(1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 Watts)
If you multiply this by the number of days you use the appliance during the year for the annual consumption, you can then calculate the annual cost to run an appliance by multiplying the kWh per year by your local utility’s rate per kWh consumed.
Here are 2 examples:
Window fan:
(200 Watts × 4 hours/day × 120 days/year) ÷ 1000
= 96 kWh × 8.5 cents/kWh
= $8.16/year
Personal Computer and Monitor:
(120 + 150 Watts × 4 hours/day × 365 days/year) ÷ 1000
= 394 kWh × 8.5 cents/kWh
= $33.51/year
You’ll find the wattage of your appliance or device either on the packaging or stamped on the appliance itself. The wattage listed is the maximum power drawn by the appliance. Since many appliances have a range of settings (for example, the volume on a radio), the actual amount of power consumed depends on the setting used at any one time.
If the wattage is not listed on the appliance, you can still estimate it by finding the current draw (in amperes) and multiplying that by the voltage used by the appliance. Most appliances in the United States use 120 volts. Larger appliances, such as clothes dryers and electric cook tops, use 240 volts. The amperes might be stamped on the unit in place of the wattage. If not, find a clamp-on ammeter—an electrician’s tool that clamps around one of the two wires on the appliance—to measure the current flowing through it. You can obtain this type of ammeter in stores that sell electrical and electronic equipment. Take a reading while the device is running; this is the actual amount of current being used at that instant.
When measuring electricity use, remember that many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off. These “phantom loads” occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. Most phantom loads will increase the appliance’s energy consumption a few watt-hours. These loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.
The U.S. Department of Energy offers a lot of information about appliance energy use, including comparisons of different appliances. Click here to learn more.
If you want to reduce your energy bills, consider ways that you can reduce your electricity use in the home. Calculating the energy consumption of your appliances is a good first step. Contact us for options with high efficiency air conditioning systems, too.
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, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Tips for Saving Money when Using Appliances and Home Electronics
As mentioned in previous posts, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. These appliances and electronics include everything from clothes washers and dryers, to computers, to water heaters. By shopping for energy-efficient appliances and turning off appliances when they’re not in use you can achieve real savings in your monthly energy bill.
Here are some other helpful tips for saving money while operating your appliances and home electronics:
■Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
■Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.
■Air-dry clothes on clothes lines or drying racks. Air-drying is recommended by clothing manufacturers for some fabrics.
■Consider buying a laptop for your next computer upgrade; they use much less energy than desktop computers.
■Don’t over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
■Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
■Make sure power management is activated on your computer.
■Unplug your appliance or use a power strip and use the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance. Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics and appliances is consumed while the products are turned off.
■For older appliances, use a power controlling device (Beth B.—link to blog 44?) to reduce the energy consumption of the appliance’s electric motor.
■Regularly inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.
■Before purchasing an appliance or electronic device, estimate its annual energy cost using this guide.
■Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Studies have shown that using rechargeable batteries for products like cordless phones and PDAs is more cost-effective than throwaway batteries.
■Don’t use your computer screen saver. Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always the better energy-saving strategy.
■Put the AC adapter for your laptop on a power strip that can be turned off (or will turn off automatically); the transformer in the AC adapter draws power continuously, even when the laptop is not plugged into the adapter.
■Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.
■Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.
■Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
■Turn off your monitor when you’re away from your PC for 20 minutes or more. If you will be away for two hours or more, turn off your computer and monitor.
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.
Here are some other helpful tips for saving money while operating your appliances and home electronics:
■Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
■Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.
■Air-dry clothes on clothes lines or drying racks. Air-drying is recommended by clothing manufacturers for some fabrics.
■Consider buying a laptop for your next computer upgrade; they use much less energy than desktop computers.
■Don’t over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
■Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
■Make sure power management is activated on your computer.
■Unplug your appliance or use a power strip and use the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance. Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics and appliances is consumed while the products are turned off.
■For older appliances, use a power controlling device (Beth B.—link to blog 44?) to reduce the energy consumption of the appliance’s electric motor.
■Regularly inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.
■Before purchasing an appliance or electronic device, estimate its annual energy cost using this guide.
■Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Studies have shown that using rechargeable batteries for products like cordless phones and PDAs is more cost-effective than throwaway batteries.
■Don’t use your computer screen saver. Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always the better energy-saving strategy.
■Put the AC adapter for your laptop on a power strip that can be turned off (or will turn off automatically); the transformer in the AC adapter draws power continuously, even when the laptop is not plugged into the adapter.
■Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.
■Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.
■Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
■Turn off your monitor when you’re away from your PC for 20 minutes or more. If you will be away for two hours or more, turn off your computer and monitor.
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, October 5, 2010
Improving the Energy-Efficiency of Existing Windows
We’ve talked about selecting energy-efficient windows. But, if purchasing new windows is out of the budget, there are ways that you can improve the efficiency of your existing windows without a big investment in time or money. You can use any or all of these methods of keeping your conditioned air from leaking out through windows, and it’s well worth the effort. Sealing up your windows can save 30% of your heating and cooling from literally going out the window.
Adding storm windows
If you have old windows, the best solution is to replace them. However, if that isn’t possible, a less expensive option is to use storm windows. Some types of storm windows are also a good option for those living in apartments.
Even though storm windows add little to the insulating performance of single-glazed windows that are in good condition, studies have found that they can help to reduce air movement into and out of existing windows. Therefore, they help reduce heating and cooling costs. Storm windows are available for most types of windows, and they can be installed on the interior or exterior of the primary window. They range from the inexpensive plastic sheets or films designed for one heating season, to triple-track glass units with low emissivity coatings that offer many years of use.
Mid-priced storm windows may use glass, plastic panels, or special plastic sheets that have specific optical qualities. Those made of polycarbonate plastic or laminated glass also offer a high degree of resistance to breaking during storms and/or from intruders.
Caulking and weatherstripping
Most experts agree that caulking and weatherstripping—two simple air sealing techniques—will pay for themselves in energy savings within one year. Applying these techniques will also alleviate drafts and help your home feel warmer when it’s cool outside.
Before air sealing your home, you should first detect where the air leaks are coming from. For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test. This test, which depressurizes a home, can reveal the location of many leaks. A complete energy assessment will also help determine areas in your home that need more insulation.
Window treatments and coverings
You can choose window treatments or coverings not only for decoration but also for saving energy. Carefully selected and installed window treatments can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This might include awnings, blinds, draperies, insulated panels, shades, shutters and films.
Window treatments, however, aren’t effective at reducing air leakage or infiltration. You need to caulk and weatherstrip around windows to reduce air leakage.
These affordable solutions to leaky windows help keep your conditioned air where it belongs. However, if your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to make these improvements. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Improving the Energy-Efficiency and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Adding storm windows
If you have old windows, the best solution is to replace them. However, if that isn’t possible, a less expensive option is to use storm windows. Some types of storm windows are also a good option for those living in apartments.
Even though storm windows add little to the insulating performance of single-glazed windows that are in good condition, studies have found that they can help to reduce air movement into and out of existing windows. Therefore, they help reduce heating and cooling costs. Storm windows are available for most types of windows, and they can be installed on the interior or exterior of the primary window. They range from the inexpensive plastic sheets or films designed for one heating season, to triple-track glass units with low emissivity coatings that offer many years of use.
Mid-priced storm windows may use glass, plastic panels, or special plastic sheets that have specific optical qualities. Those made of polycarbonate plastic or laminated glass also offer a high degree of resistance to breaking during storms and/or from intruders.
Caulking and weatherstripping
Most experts agree that caulking and weatherstripping—two simple air sealing techniques—will pay for themselves in energy savings within one year. Applying these techniques will also alleviate drafts and help your home feel warmer when it’s cool outside.
Before air sealing your home, you should first detect where the air leaks are coming from. For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test. This test, which depressurizes a home, can reveal the location of many leaks. A complete energy assessment will also help determine areas in your home that need more insulation.
Window treatments and coverings
You can choose window treatments or coverings not only for decoration but also for saving energy. Carefully selected and installed window treatments can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This might include awnings, blinds, draperies, insulated panels, shades, shutters and films.
Window treatments, however, aren’t effective at reducing air leakage or infiltration. You need to caulk and weatherstrip around windows to reduce air leakage.
These affordable solutions to leaky windows help keep your conditioned air where it belongs. However, if your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to make these improvements. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Improving the Energy-Efficiency and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
How Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality
Although they may seem like a new innovation, air purifiers have been around for many years. While early efforts were little more than masks that filtered out large particles, today’s air cleaners now have the technology to protect you and your family from even microscopic airborne pollutants. And, since most Americans stay indoors an average of 90% of the time, providing fresher and cleaner air has never been more important.
Allergens like smoke, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and other pollutants can irritate your lungs and immune system. Unfortunately, most of these irritants cannot be seen by the naked eye. To remove these allergens, air purifiers typically use filters, electrical attraction, or ozone.
Air filters utilize fine sieves that filter particles from circulating air. As air flows into the air purifier, the finer the sieve used, the smaller the particles it traps. The accepted benchmark for air filters has been set by the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are guaranteed to trap 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. Microns are the standard unit used for measuring air particles.
The naked eye cannot see anything smaller than 10 microns, so pollutants like bacteria and viruses escape detection. Room air conditioner filters only capture particles 10.0 microns or larger. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, smoke, chemicals, asbestos, pollen, and pet dander. The more times the air passes through the HEPA filter, the cleaner the air becomes. Special ducting is needed for HEPA filters on systems.
Electrical attraction is another technology utilized by air purifiers to trap particles. Three types of air cleaners work using electrical attraction: electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electret filters, and negative ion generators.
Electrostatic precipitating cleaners or “electronic” air purifiers draw particles in by fan and charge them with a series of high-voltage wires. Several plates carry the opposite electrical charge and attract the contaminants as they pass by. Electronic air purifiers are perfect for individuals who don’t want to worry about the costly replacements of HEPA filters. The downside to these units is that many create a byproduct, ozone.
Electret filters in air purifiers use synthetic fibers that create static charges to attract particles. These filters are offered in a variety of types including plain, pleated, disposable or reusable. The type of filter you need will determine how often the filter requires replacement.
Negative ion generators or ionic air purifiers use tiny, charged wires or needles to create gas molecules with negative charges or ions that adhere to the airborne particles and collect in the filter.
Instead of using filters to trap particles, stand-alone ozone generators use high voltage electrical currents to convert oxygen to ozone, which acts as a powerful oxidant and breaks down molecules and microorganisms in the air. Several tests have proved that ozone generators are not very effective at removing indoor allergens. Ozone is, in fact, a powerful lung irritant and can be hazardous to your health. Both ozone generators and ionic air cleaners emit ozone, so the EPA and the American Lung Association advise against using ozone generators.
It’s important to get the facts about air cleaners, their advantages and disadvantages, and find out which one is right for you and your home. Ask us about how air cleaners work to provide you with fresh, clean indoor air.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about How Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Allergens like smoke, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and other pollutants can irritate your lungs and immune system. Unfortunately, most of these irritants cannot be seen by the naked eye. To remove these allergens, air purifiers typically use filters, electrical attraction, or ozone.
Air filters utilize fine sieves that filter particles from circulating air. As air flows into the air purifier, the finer the sieve used, the smaller the particles it traps. The accepted benchmark for air filters has been set by the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are guaranteed to trap 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. Microns are the standard unit used for measuring air particles.
The naked eye cannot see anything smaller than 10 microns, so pollutants like bacteria and viruses escape detection. Room air conditioner filters only capture particles 10.0 microns or larger. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, smoke, chemicals, asbestos, pollen, and pet dander. The more times the air passes through the HEPA filter, the cleaner the air becomes. Special ducting is needed for HEPA filters on systems.
Electrical attraction is another technology utilized by air purifiers to trap particles. Three types of air cleaners work using electrical attraction: electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electret filters, and negative ion generators.
Electrostatic precipitating cleaners or “electronic” air purifiers draw particles in by fan and charge them with a series of high-voltage wires. Several plates carry the opposite electrical charge and attract the contaminants as they pass by. Electronic air purifiers are perfect for individuals who don’t want to worry about the costly replacements of HEPA filters. The downside to these units is that many create a byproduct, ozone.
Electret filters in air purifiers use synthetic fibers that create static charges to attract particles. These filters are offered in a variety of types including plain, pleated, disposable or reusable. The type of filter you need will determine how often the filter requires replacement.
Negative ion generators or ionic air purifiers use tiny, charged wires or needles to create gas molecules with negative charges or ions that adhere to the airborne particles and collect in the filter.
Instead of using filters to trap particles, stand-alone ozone generators use high voltage electrical currents to convert oxygen to ozone, which acts as a powerful oxidant and breaks down molecules and microorganisms in the air. Several tests have proved that ozone generators are not very effective at removing indoor allergens. Ozone is, in fact, a powerful lung irritant and can be hazardous to your health. Both ozone generators and ionic air cleaners emit ozone, so the EPA and the American Lung Association advise against using ozone generators.
It’s important to get the facts about air cleaners, their advantages and disadvantages, and find out which one is right for you and your home. Ask us about how air cleaners work to provide you with fresh, clean indoor air.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about How Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
The Whole-House Approach to HVAC Systems
Many of our customers come to us because they’re building a new home. New construction gives homeowners a unique opportunity to design their HVAC systems from scratch, with future energy-efficiency and indoor air quality in mind. So, the planning stage of the process is a good time to think about the heating and cooling systems in terms of a whole-house approach.
Designing and constructing an energy-efficient house in Northeast Florida requires careful planning and attention to details. A whole-house systems approach can help you and your architect develop a successful strategy for incorporating energy efficiency into your home’s design.
A whole-house systems approach considers the interaction between you, your building site, your climate, and these other elements or components of your home:
■Appliances and home electronics
■Insulation and air sealing
■Lighting and daylighting
■Heating and cooling
■Water heating
■Windows, doors and skylights
Each of these elements can be designed, and materials chosen, to enhance your home’s energy-efficiency in order to reduce utility bills and improve home comfort. We’ll cover these elements in future posts.
Builders and designers who use this approach recognize that the features of one component in the house can greatly affect other components, which ultimately affects the overall energy efficiency of the house. Choosing a builder who believes in the whole house approach to HVAC is a smart move that pays off in reduced utility bills, lower maintenance costs and improved air quality while you live in the home.
Some benefits of using a whole-house systems approach include:
■Reduced utility and maintenance costs
■Increased comfort
■Reduced noise
■A healthier and safer indoor environment
■Improved building durability.
So, if you’re building, be sure to work with contractors who understand how to use the whole house approach to ensure your future comfort. This approach is meant to help your home work smarter, not harder. And, it can be used with any home design. We can work with you and your builder to incorporate all related systems in a way that meets your specifications, so ask us about the whole house approach, and how to plan your Florida dream home with comfort and energy efficiency in mind.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about The Whole-House Approach and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Designing and constructing an energy-efficient house in Northeast Florida requires careful planning and attention to details. A whole-house systems approach can help you and your architect develop a successful strategy for incorporating energy efficiency into your home’s design.
A whole-house systems approach considers the interaction between you, your building site, your climate, and these other elements or components of your home:
■Appliances and home electronics
■Insulation and air sealing
■Lighting and daylighting
■Heating and cooling
■Water heating
■Windows, doors and skylights
Each of these elements can be designed, and materials chosen, to enhance your home’s energy-efficiency in order to reduce utility bills and improve home comfort. We’ll cover these elements in future posts.
Builders and designers who use this approach recognize that the features of one component in the house can greatly affect other components, which ultimately affects the overall energy efficiency of the house. Choosing a builder who believes in the whole house approach to HVAC is a smart move that pays off in reduced utility bills, lower maintenance costs and improved air quality while you live in the home.
Some benefits of using a whole-house systems approach include:
■Reduced utility and maintenance costs
■Increased comfort
■Reduced noise
■A healthier and safer indoor environment
■Improved building durability.
So, if you’re building, be sure to work with contractors who understand how to use the whole house approach to ensure your future comfort. This approach is meant to help your home work smarter, not harder. And, it can be used with any home design. We can work with you and your builder to incorporate all related systems in a way that meets your specifications, so ask us about the whole house approach, and how to plan your Florida dream home with comfort and energy efficiency in mind.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about The Whole-House Approach and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
2-Stage Air Conditioners Offer Efficient Comfort
Two-stage air conditioners offer a more efficient, energy-saving way to cool your home. Two-stage cooling means that the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting can adequately meet household cooling demands about 80% of the time, a 2-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.
Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a 2-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other indoor air quality problems.
Two of the most important improvements to modern high-efficiency air conditioners are the 2-stage compressor and multi-speed condenser fan.
During the hottest weather, you may need the full capacity of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. During this full-time operation, your air conditioner runs at its maximum efficiency. But during moderate weather your air conditioner will cycle on and off to keep from over-cooling your home. This stop-and-go operation is inherently inefficient, since a lot of energy is wasted during the start-up and shut-down part of each cycle.
Air conditioning units with a 2-stage compressor and a multi-speed outdoor condenser fan operate at lower capacity during moderate weather. This results in cycles that are longer and more efficient. It also allows your system to remove more humidity from the air. When the weather is truly hot, they step up to full-speed operation to ensure your comfort.
Variable-capacity air conditioners are all more efficient than older units, but they work in different ways:
■Some 2-stage systems have two small compressors side-by-side. The first compressor operates alone during moderate weather. The second compressor kicks in only when needed during hot weather.
■The two-piston compressors run in one-piston mode during moderate weather and two-piston mode during hot weather.
■The multi-speed compressors actually turn at two different speeds to match the cooling load.
As A/C units evolve and become more efficient, engineers devise new ways of making them achieve better comfort. Two-stage air conditioners are one such innovation. Variable-speed blowers alter the speed of the blower motor to most efficiently match the output of the air conditioner’s compressor and condenser. This translates into better use of the available amount of cooling, less electricity consumption, and lower energy bills.
You can’t avoid the heat of summer, but with a 2-stage air conditioner you can reduce the cost of cooling your home and gain greater comfort throughout your home. You can learn more about air conditioners at www.energysavers.gov, or check out our demonstration of 2-stage cooling.
Two-stage air conditioners offer a more efficient, energy-saving way to cool your home. Two-stage cooling means that the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting can adequately meet household cooling demands about 80% of the time, a 2-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.
Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a 2-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other indoor air quality problems.
Two of the most important improvements to modern high-efficiency air conditioners are the 2-stage compressor and multi-speed condenser fan.
During the hottest weather, you may need the full capacity of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. During this full-time operation, your air conditioner runs at its maximum efficiency. But during moderate weather your air conditioner will cycle on and off to keep from over-cooling your home. This stop-and-go operation is inherently inefficient, since a lot of energy is wasted during the start-up and shut-down part of each cycle.
Air conditioning units with a 2-stage compressor and a multi-speed outdoor condenser fan operate at lower capacity during moderate weather. This results in cycles that are longer and more efficient. It also allows your system to remove more humidity from the air. When the weather is truly hot, they step up to full-speed operation to ensure your comfort.
Variable-capacity air conditioners are all more efficient than older units, but they work in different ways:
■Some 2-stage systems have two small compressors side-by-side. The first compressor operates alone during moderate weather. The second compressor kicks in only when needed during hot weather.
■The two-piston compressors run in one-piston mode during moderate weather and two-piston mode during hot weather.
■The multi-speed compressors actually turn at two different speeds to match the cooling load.
As A/C units evolve and become more efficient, engineers devise new ways of making them achieve better comfort. Two-stage air conditioners are one such innovation. Variable-speed blowers alter the speed of the blower motor to most efficiently match the output of the air conditioner’s compressor and condenser. This translates into better use of the available amount of cooling, less electricity consumption, and lower energy bills.
You can’t avoid the heat of summer, but with a 2-stage air conditioner you can reduce the cost of cooling your home and gain greater comfort throughout your home. You can learn more about air conditioners at www.energysavers.gov.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Ventilation and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a 2-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other indoor air quality problems.
Two of the most important improvements to modern high-efficiency air conditioners are the 2-stage compressor and multi-speed condenser fan.
During the hottest weather, you may need the full capacity of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. During this full-time operation, your air conditioner runs at its maximum efficiency. But during moderate weather your air conditioner will cycle on and off to keep from over-cooling your home. This stop-and-go operation is inherently inefficient, since a lot of energy is wasted during the start-up and shut-down part of each cycle.
Air conditioning units with a 2-stage compressor and a multi-speed outdoor condenser fan operate at lower capacity during moderate weather. This results in cycles that are longer and more efficient. It also allows your system to remove more humidity from the air. When the weather is truly hot, they step up to full-speed operation to ensure your comfort.
Variable-capacity air conditioners are all more efficient than older units, but they work in different ways:
■Some 2-stage systems have two small compressors side-by-side. The first compressor operates alone during moderate weather. The second compressor kicks in only when needed during hot weather.
■The two-piston compressors run in one-piston mode during moderate weather and two-piston mode during hot weather.
■The multi-speed compressors actually turn at two different speeds to match the cooling load.
As A/C units evolve and become more efficient, engineers devise new ways of making them achieve better comfort. Two-stage air conditioners are one such innovation. Variable-speed blowers alter the speed of the blower motor to most efficiently match the output of the air conditioner’s compressor and condenser. This translates into better use of the available amount of cooling, less electricity consumption, and lower energy bills.
You can’t avoid the heat of summer, but with a 2-stage air conditioner you can reduce the cost of cooling your home and gain greater comfort throughout your home. You can learn more about air conditioners at www.energysavers.gov, or check out our demonstration of 2-stage cooling.
Two-stage air conditioners offer a more efficient, energy-saving way to cool your home. Two-stage cooling means that the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting can adequately meet household cooling demands about 80% of the time, a 2-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.
Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a 2-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other indoor air quality problems.
Two of the most important improvements to modern high-efficiency air conditioners are the 2-stage compressor and multi-speed condenser fan.
During the hottest weather, you may need the full capacity of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. During this full-time operation, your air conditioner runs at its maximum efficiency. But during moderate weather your air conditioner will cycle on and off to keep from over-cooling your home. This stop-and-go operation is inherently inefficient, since a lot of energy is wasted during the start-up and shut-down part of each cycle.
Air conditioning units with a 2-stage compressor and a multi-speed outdoor condenser fan operate at lower capacity during moderate weather. This results in cycles that are longer and more efficient. It also allows your system to remove more humidity from the air. When the weather is truly hot, they step up to full-speed operation to ensure your comfort.
Variable-capacity air conditioners are all more efficient than older units, but they work in different ways:
■Some 2-stage systems have two small compressors side-by-side. The first compressor operates alone during moderate weather. The second compressor kicks in only when needed during hot weather.
■The two-piston compressors run in one-piston mode during moderate weather and two-piston mode during hot weather.
■The multi-speed compressors actually turn at two different speeds to match the cooling load.
As A/C units evolve and become more efficient, engineers devise new ways of making them achieve better comfort. Two-stage air conditioners are one such innovation. Variable-speed blowers alter the speed of the blower motor to most efficiently match the output of the air conditioner’s compressor and condenser. This translates into better use of the available amount of cooling, less electricity consumption, and lower energy bills.
You can’t avoid the heat of summer, but with a 2-stage air conditioner you can reduce the cost of cooling your home and gain greater comfort throughout your home. You can learn more about air conditioners at www.energysavers.gov.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Ventilation and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Indoor Air Quality and Your Business: What You Should Know
Some of our commercial customers ask us what they should do to improve the quality of the indoor air in their businesses. Indoor air quality is one factor that can have a big effect on the health of both employees and visitors to your buildings.
However, diagnosing an indoor air quality problem can be tricky. It isn’t always obvious, and health symptoms are very similar to those of a cold or the flu. Here are some clues that your problem may be more than the common cold.
■Everyone gets sick at the same time.
■Everyone feels better as soon as they leave the premises.
■The onset of the symptoms comes suddenly after a change, like freshly painted walls.
■People feel better outdoors.
■A doctor has identified the symptoms of an indoor air quality-related illness.
If indoor air quality becomes an issue, what can be done? Let’s discuss six practical, low-cost measures that business owners can take to improve the quality of indoor air in their buildings.
1. Eliminate the source. Mold, school bus exhaust, garbage—all of these can be sources of indoor air quality problems. Small things like replacing moldy material, prohibiting cars and work vehicles from idling in or around garages and buildings, and keeping garbage out of rooms with HVAC equipment can do a lot to minimize air pollutants.
2. Exhaust at the source. The source of a pollutant cannot always be eliminated. Installing exhaust systems in employee lounges and kitchens, duplicating rooms, restrooms, and industrial areas can remove pollutants before they spread throughout the building.
3. Ventilate the air. You really need to replace polluted air with cleaner, conditioned outdoor air.
4. Control the exposure. This involves changing either the time or location of exposure to pollutants. If your building has a painting, floor stripping, or waxing project, why not schedule it on a Friday evening, and give the indoor air a full weekend to recover?
5. Clean the air. There are ways to filter particles and gases out of the air as it passes through ventilation equipment. An HVAC technician can help design a system to fit your particular needs.
6. Educate about Indoor Air Quality. Teach your employees about the importance of indoor air quality and some basic steps that they can take to improve it.
Both business owners and their employees make decisions that directly affect their indoor air quality. It’s up to each business to provide proper education about the importance of good, clean air.
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.
However, diagnosing an indoor air quality problem can be tricky. It isn’t always obvious, and health symptoms are very similar to those of a cold or the flu. Here are some clues that your problem may be more than the common cold.
■Everyone gets sick at the same time.
■Everyone feels better as soon as they leave the premises.
■The onset of the symptoms comes suddenly after a change, like freshly painted walls.
■People feel better outdoors.
■A doctor has identified the symptoms of an indoor air quality-related illness.
If indoor air quality becomes an issue, what can be done? Let’s discuss six practical, low-cost measures that business owners can take to improve the quality of indoor air in their buildings.
1. Eliminate the source. Mold, school bus exhaust, garbage—all of these can be sources of indoor air quality problems. Small things like replacing moldy material, prohibiting cars and work vehicles from idling in or around garages and buildings, and keeping garbage out of rooms with HVAC equipment can do a lot to minimize air pollutants.
2. Exhaust at the source. The source of a pollutant cannot always be eliminated. Installing exhaust systems in employee lounges and kitchens, duplicating rooms, restrooms, and industrial areas can remove pollutants before they spread throughout the building.
3. Ventilate the air. You really need to replace polluted air with cleaner, conditioned outdoor air.
4. Control the exposure. This involves changing either the time or location of exposure to pollutants. If your building has a painting, floor stripping, or waxing project, why not schedule it on a Friday evening, and give the indoor air a full weekend to recover?
5. Clean the air. There are ways to filter particles and gases out of the air as it passes through ventilation equipment. An HVAC technician can help design a system to fit your particular needs.
6. Educate about Indoor Air Quality. Teach your employees about the importance of indoor air quality and some basic steps that they can take to improve it.
Both business owners and their employees make decisions that directly affect their indoor air quality. It’s up to each business to provide proper education about the importance of good, clean air.
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.
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