Do you have the right tools and skill sets?

Trade-specific tools are required for installing a furnace. Do you own a set of refrigeration gauges? How about a two-stage vacuum pump? Are you familiar with brazing copper connections? What is your plan, should you need to modify your duct system? Are your sheet-metal skills up to par? These aren’t things one can learn from a cursory glance at an instruction manual. A licensed HVAC technician is educated and gets significant hands-on experience before he begins working solo.

What kind of furnace can you get?

Today’s very-high-efficiency furnaces are sophisticated pieces of equipment, and most manufacturers make them available only to HVAC contractors with factory-trained technicians. If you’re committed to installing a furnace yourself, you probably won’t be able to find and buy one that offers the efficiency you would like. Further, many manufacturers won’t warranty DIY-installed furnaces.

How safe will your furnace be?

Most important, installing a furnace yourself can pose a safety issue. Natural gas- and oil-fired furnaces can leak carbon monoxide if they’re improperly installed. The slightest installation error could result in a deadly situation for you and your loved ones.

While many projects around the house are ideal DIY jobs, installing a furnace isn’t one of them. If you’re replacing your furnace, entrust the job with the capable pros at Bailey’s Comfort Services. We can help you find the high-efficiency furnace that’s right for your home. We’ll size it correctly and install it expertly. Give us a call. He serve homeowners in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about installing a furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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In addition to allowing you to do your homework, starting the process now can enable you to get your home ready for your new system. Whatever you can do to lower your cooling load will help to ensure that you get the smallest, most economical unit available. Consider taking these measures if you haven’t already:

• Seal all air leaks in your home. Look for spots where cables, plumbing and wires enter your home. Seal around doorways and windows. If you don’t have energy-efficient windows yet, consider replacing them with Energy Star units.
• Inspect your ductwork, and seal all loose joints, tears and holes.
• Boost your insulation, paying special attention to your attic.

For a thorough assessment, consider asking your HVAC-system contractor to do a whole-house energy evaluation. He can pinpoint where you’re losing energy — and money — and help you draw up a list of improvements.

Today’s air conditioners are more efficient than ever, and it’s possible that your new unit will shave as much as 40 percent off your annual cooling costs. Look for a unit with the highest efficiency rating that you can afford. A unit with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio in the high teens or low 20s will cost more upfront but will save you much more over the long haul than a lower-efficiency unit. The Energy Star program has created a new designation, the Most Efficient label, for air conditioners that offer the biggest savings.

Also look for a unit with:

• Two-stage cooling for energy efficiency.
• Quiet operation. Some units have sound levels as low as 69 dB, which is many times quieter than a standard air conditioner.
• Fan-only mode for nighttime operation.
• A check light, which will tell you when you need to change the filter.

Your HVAC system contractor will be an invaluable resource as you choose your new air conditioner. And once you’ve made that decision, he can ensure that it’s sized correctly and installed properly.

Let the professionals at Bailey’s Comfort Services take care of your air conditioning replacement needs. And if you don’t need a new unit, but do a repair, take advantage of our special offer. We serve homeowners in the Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioning replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The formula for determining the daily cost of using an appliance is as follows: (wattage used × hours using the appliance each day) ÷ 1,000 (because one kilowatt equals 1,000 watts) = daily kilowatt hour consumption.

If the appliance is something you use daily, simply multiply the figure you get from the above formula by 365 to get the annual cost of using it.

Watt usage of common appliances

The EnergyGuide stickers on appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners and dishwashers display the watts used by each appliance. But if you discarded those yellow stickers when you had your appliances installed, and you don’t remember the wattage, here are a few average watt usage figures for common appliances:

• Clothes washer: 350 to 500.
• Dishwasher: 2,400 to 5,000. (The dry feature increases the wattage dramatically.)
• Ceiling fan: 65 to 175.
• Portable heater: 750 to 1,500.
• Refrigerator: (16 cubic feet): 750.
• Television: (36 inch):133.
• Toaster: 800 to 1,400.
• Toaster oven: 1,225.
• Vacuum cleaner: 1,000 to 1,440.
• Water heater (40-gallon tank): 4,500 to 5,500.

If you need help getting the most from a dishwasher, refrigerator, washer or other appliance in your eastern Georgia or western South Carolina home, give Bailey’s Comfort Services  in Augusta a call. We can help you with all your appliances. We also offer a full range of HVAC-system products and services. Give us a call. We’re happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about estimating annual cost of  appliances and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Your gas company uses different measures to express the amount of fuel you consume every month.

• BTU stands for British thermal unit. The average American family consumes an estimated 72.5 million BTUs of natural gas annually. The estimated annual cost per family is nearly $1,000.
• Therm, or thm, is short for thermal unit. One therm — or thm — equals 100,000 BTUs.
• CCF is 100 cubic feet of natural gas.
• MCF is 1,000 cubic feet of gas. One MCF is equal to 10 CCF.

A procurement or commodity charge is the amount you pay for gas, based on your usage. Gas companies purchase their energy from suppliers. The amount you’re charged is what your utility company has paid its supplier. Instead of marking up the price of the gas, your utility company makes money via charges associated with getting the gas to you.

The baseline allowance, or baseline charge, refers to the amount of energy you’ll probably need, based on average usage in your area. If you exceed this allowance, you will be charged, and it will show up as “amount over baseline.” If you use less, you won’t receive a credit.

Your gas company estimates the cost of gas from month to month and charges you according to that estimate. If the actual cost is lower or higher, you’ll receive a gas cost adjustment, which will appear as either a charge or a credit on your bill.

Interested in finding out more about your natural gas consumption and ways to manage it? Contact Bailey’s Comfort Services to learn more about keeping your Augusta-area home warm and your bills low.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about reading your heating bill and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Restored energy tax credits

The 25C energy efficiency tax credits that expired in 2011 have been restored in the “fiscal cliff” deal reached by Congress. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $500 for high-efficiency HVAC upgrades installed through 2013. The credit per system varies, but all credits are calculated for 10 percent of system cost, up to the maximum for each system. Qualifying high-efficiency systems include:

• Electric heat pumps ($300)
• Central air conditioners ($300)
• Furnaces and boilers ($150 — gas, oil or propane)
• Water heaters ($300 — gas, oil or propane)
• Heat-pump water heaters ($300)

The 25C energy tax credits are a boon for homeowners who are looking for quality heating and cooling systems. They’re also good for the environment, while reducing energy consumption and dependence and keeping money in your checking account month after month.

For instance, a high-efficiency condensing furnace improves fuel efficiency over very old and mid-efficiency furnaces by as much as 40 percent. That means 40 cents of every dollar you’ve been spending to heat your home can now stay in your pocket.

High-efficiency heat pumps deliver considerable efficiency with variable-speed air handlers. Improved coil designs, along with scroll compressors and two-stage compressors boost refrigerant heat absorption and release. And both heat pumps and furnaces complement companion comfort systems, such as zoning systems, whole-house humidifiers and air-purification systems.

For more information about the 25C energy tax credits, contact Bailey’s Comfort Services. Our full line of high-efficiency HVAC and water heating systems meet the efficiency criteria outlined for the tax credits, and we’ll review other incentives with you, such as available manufacturer’s rebates. Give us a call. We serve homeowners in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy tax credits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Use a humidifier. Dry air allows a larger charge to build up, and adding a whole-house humidifier can minimize it. Moreover, a humidifier can improve the air quality in your home. A portable humidifier can address the problem in one room, but it can’t take care of your entire home.
• Spray an anti-static on your carpets to minimize static buildup. Products are available at the store, but you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of liquid fabric softener to a spray bottle filled with water. Lightly mist the carpet.
• Add some greenery. Houseplants are a natural and beautiful way to add moisture to the air in your home.
• Adding a dryer sheet to your laundry will eliminate static cling in your clothes — along those little sparks you see from time to time. To eliminate the static in something you’re already wearing, rub a dryer sheet over the item.
• Use a moisturizer. After bathing, apply lotion to your skin. This will not only make your skin feel softer, but also reduce static buildup.
• Wear shoes with a built-in static guard. The soles of the shoes have conductive strands to reduce static.

Following these simple tips, and you can take charge of the static electricity in your life.

 We proudly service Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about static electricity and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Start by making your home as energy-tight as possible. Upgrade your insulation, paying special attention to your attic. Seal all air leaks, using weatherstripping and caulk. Look into replacing your doors and windows, if the ones you have are energy drains. Tightening your home will lower your heating and cooling load and may make it possible to buy a smaller, less expensive heat pump.
• Have your contractor evaluate your ductwork. All leaks should be sealed, and crushed or otherwise damaged sections should be replaced. Insulate ductwork that’s running through an unconditioned or poorly conditioned space, such as an unfinished attic or basement. If possible, have a return-air duct in every room of your home. Ask your HVAC tech to evaluate the size of your return-air grilles and make sure they’re the right size.
• Locate your outdoor unit on the north side of your home, if possible. If that’s not possible, pick a shady, unobstructed spot. Make sure there’s ample clearance on all sides.

Once your heat pump is installed, your HVAC tech should thoroughly explain how your heat pump operates. Follow your tech’s guidelines, and rely on your owner’s manual to ensure that you adhere to the guidelines of your warranty.

Bailey’s Comfort Services has been providing expert HVAC sales, installation and service for eight years. Call us for any of your home-comfort needs. We serve homeowners in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Types of forced-air systems

Radiant floor, baseboard and in-wall heating systems are not forced-air. Air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces are typically forced-air systems. Forced-air equipment can provide heated air and cooled air, depending on the season, which makes it a versatile option for homeowners who need both heating and cooling.

Forced-air heating and cooling components

A forced-air system has these primary components:

• The air handler: In a system that both heats and cools, the air handler is generally in the furnace compartment and called a furnace blower. In an A/C system only, it’s in the part of the system that’s inside the home, and it houses the air handler. This component uses a motor and a fan to push conditioned air into the home.
• The condenser: This is the outdoor part of an A/C or heat pump. It houses the outdoor coil to transfer heat and exhausts heated air outside.
• The heating element: Located inside the home, along with the air handler, a furnace uses burners and a heat exchanger to generate heat.
• The ductwork: A series of the duct tubing is routed from the HVAC system so that it supplies conditioned air to the home’s living spaces. A second series of ducts, called return ducts, takes air from the home and reroutes it through the HVAC system to be heated or cooled.
• The thermostat: The thermostat is control central, offering homeowners a way to manage the on and off cycling of the forced-air system.

Bailey’s Appliance & Air serves homeowners in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken. Contact us for help with your forced-air system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about forced-air systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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From spark to finish

A condensing gas furnace employs the latest technologies to maximize fuel efficiency so that almost all of your fuel dollar is used to heat your home. That’s a remarkable improvement from very old furnaces, which have an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 70 percent and even less. This is how a condensing gas furnace works.

• An electronic ignition system sparks fuel regulated by a modulating gas valve.
• Direct-vent air intake (not household air) is used for fuel combustion in a sealed combustion chamber.
• The primary heat exchanger receives heat.
• Hot exhaust gases, the by-product of fuel combustion, are sent into the secondary heat exchanger.
• The hot exhaust gases are condensed, and heat is extracted for use in your home (heat that is wasted up the chimney in conventional furnaces).
• The cooled exhaust gases are vented via a power draft blower through a PVC or ABS pipe. The acidic liquid by-product is piped into a floor drain.
• A variable-speed blower circulates the heated air through the ductwork to your living spaces.
• Heat from the modulating gas valve and airflow from the variable-speed blower are adjusted and regulated to match home heating requirements in increments as fine as 1 percent.

Improved performance

The secondary heat exchanger and modulating gas valve vastly improve fuel efficiency over conventional furnaces. The variable-speed blower, while not factored into AFUE, is up to four times more efficient than conventional single-speed blowers. This substantially cuts electricity consumption. Additionally, variable-speed technology provides even heating for greater comfort and better indoor-air quality with more filtration cycles.

Safety performance is achieved with sealed combustion and direct-vent intake. This sealed system prevents back-drafting. It also keeps airborne contaminants from damaging furnace components.

If you’re considering upgrading to a condensing gas furnace, contact Bailey’s Comfort Services today for more information. We service Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about condensing furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Regional efficiency standards

Existing standards for heating and cooling equipment apply to the nation as a whole. In May, new regional efficiency standards for gas-fueled furnaces will take effect. The required annual fuel utilization efficiency rating for furnaces installed in the Southwest and South will rise modestly from 78 percent to 80 percent. A standard requiring a minimum 90 percent AFUE for furnaces installed in the North was set to go into effect in May but was scuttled because of heavy objections. The American Public Gas Association had argued that many low-income homeowners could not afford the high-efficiency furnaces.

Changes for cooling systems will take effect in 2015. Existing standards for air conditioners and heat pumps are:

• Air conditioners – A seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 13.
• Heat pumps – Minimums of SEER 13 for cooling and a heating seasonal performance factor of 7.7

The new guidelines for air conditioners will not affect homeowners in the North, but homeowners in both the South and the Southwest will be required to purchase air conditioners with a SEER rating of at least 14. New heat pump standards will affect all three regions, rising to SEER 14 and HSPF 8.2 minimums.

The reason behind the changes

Many industry experts applaud the changes, namely because they take into account climate differences. Higher cooling standards in the South and the Southwest, for example, will effectively contribute to energy savings for homeowners and help to reduce consumption of natural resources. Further, the new standards are expected to promote competition and technology advancements among manufacturers, in the hope that even more efficient and cost-effective equipment will be produced in the near future.

If you have questions about the new regional efficiency standards for Georgia, or you would like to schedule preventive maintenance, contact Bailey’s Appliance & Air. We serve homeowners in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about efficiency standards and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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