Bennett Sheet Metal Blog

How A Dehumidifier Gives You Control Over Relative Humidity

Bill Logan — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:17 +0000

The relative humidity inside your home generally depends on a number of factors, such as the outdoor climate and the design and efficiency of your home. Regardless of the cause of high humidity, there are several steps a homeowner can take, such as using a dehumidifier, in order to keep relative humidity within a comfortable range.

The problem

Most experts recommend that homeowners maintain a relative indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. If it rises higher than 50 percent, you’ll feel a noticeable difference, and you’ll create an environment that’s conducive to mold growth.

If it falls lower than 30 percent, your home will likely become too dry, causing a host of problems such as dry skin and nasal passages and damaging wood products in your home.

Testing your home’s humidity

It’s fairly easy to see evidence of relative humidity gone amok; however, if you’re uncertain as to your home’s relative humidity, consider purchasing a hygrometer, which will monitor your home’s humidity for you.

The solution

When a home experiences high humidity levels, it’s fairly easy to remedy the problem using a dehumidifier, providing whole-house comfort. Connected to your heating and cooling equipment, the dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air as it circulates through your HVAC system, so the conditioned air that’s delivered into your home will drier.

This type of system is ideal because it will automatically monitor your home’s relative humidity and adjust its dehumidifying capabilities according to how much moisture is present in your home. It also conveniently connects to your home’s main water supply, so there’s little maintenance required.

There are a few other steps you can take to control high humidity, including:

Running exhaust fans when you shower or cook
Ensuring proper drainage of water away from your home’s foundation
Quickly repairing any leaks in your home

For humidity control, consider investing in a dehumidifier. Contact Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating today for more information about whole-house dehumidification. We’ve been serving homeowners throughout the Courtenay / Campbell Riverarea since 1961.

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

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Humidifier image via Shutterstock

Understanding Tankless Water Heater Sizing

Bill Logan — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:49 +0000

Traditional water heaters struggle for efficiency in colder climates because they lose a good amount of energy to standby heat loss, which is the heat that escapes the tank as the hot water waits to be used. The best way to avoid standby heat loss is to upgrade to a tankless heater. But in order to maximize your energy savings, you’ll need to understand tankless water heater sizing.

So how do you calculate the temperature and flow rate you’ll need? Here are the steps for tankless water heater sizing:

List the devices in your home that require hot water. Take a few minutes to walk into every room in your house to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Make a usage chart. Chart the hourly activities that use hot water during a typical day. Make sure to accurately assess things like shower times and dish washing habits.
Find the flow rate each requires. You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual or do a quick Internet search. Make sure you know the make and model of your specific devices.
Find the temperature of water coming in to your home. You can call your water company for this information but make sure to ask about the winter temperatures. In the Vancouver area, water may be as cold as 4 degrees when it enters your pipes.
Do the math. Subtract the incoming temperature from the desired temperature, which should be around 50 degrees. Using the example above, that gives you a rise of 46 degrees. Then find the hours of the day when usage is highest and add up the flow rate each activity requires.

If these calculations give you a peak usage number greater than what a single unit can supply, you may want to either upgrade your faucets and appliances to more efficient products or consider installing more than one tankless heater.

If you want to have a professional help with tankless water heating sizing, contact Bennett Sheet Metal and Heating. For over 50 years we’ve been providing expert home comfort service to Courtenay / Campbell River area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tankless water heater sizing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

With A Ductless Mini Split, Your Options For Home Heating And Cooling Just Increased

Bill Logan — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:30 +0000

If you’re planning to add on to your home or to convert an unfinished space into one in which you can live, you may find that a ductless mini split is a good way for you to heat and cool it. These are technically heat pumps, but instead of using ductwork to distribute the air, the mini splits rely on free-standing air handlers to circulate the conditioned air.

Heat pumps are efficient ways to condition air. The systems work well for heating until temperatures fall near 0 degrees, but since most winter temperatures are above freezing, the ductless mini splits can be an efficient way to heat spaces up to 112 square meters. In the summer, the mini splits work just like air conditioners, taking heat out of the space and disposing of it outdoors.

The mini split has some advantages for conditioning an add-on or smaller space. The air handler has its own temperature control, so when you’re not using the room, you can shut it off. Since these systems don’t use ducts, you won’t experience any thermal losses from duct leaks or temperature transference.

When you don’t need to use ducts to distribute the air, you save money on the installation and gain additional living space. When adding on to your home, you won’t have to extend ducts from your home or install a larger system capable of heating and cooling your entire home plus the additional load. The systems also give you more flexibility when decorating a space, since you’re not necessarily limited to where the air handler goes, although that varies by HVAC engineering considerations.

Unlike heat pumps, the installation of a mini split only requires wiring the compressor to household power and running the conduit that supplies the refrigerant, drainpipe and power for the air handler. Once the system is hooked up, and the air handler is placed where you want it, the system is ready to go.

If you’re looking for an alternative to using ducts for conditioning and would like to learn more about ductless mini splits, contact Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating. We’ve been serving the Courtenay and Campbell River area for decades.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductless mini splits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Repair Decision image via Shutterstock

Programmable Thermostats Have Evolved To Include Remote Control

Bill Logan — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:07 +0000

Although Vancouver has a relatively mild climate compared to the rest of Canada, homeowners still have to have a reliable heating and cooling system. One problem that homeowners face is that of getting the maximum efficiency out of the system they use. Many people have started installing programmable thermostats to improve their control. The most recent version of these are called “smart” thermostats. Although they are not inexpensive, smart programmable thermostats offer homeowners many advantages.

What smart thermostats do

Smart programmable thermostats come with a wide range of features, depending on the model you choose. Here are just a few of the features you may enjoy:

You should be able to set up a series of heating or cooling sequences based on your particular schedule.
Using the wall unit, a remote or your phone, you should be able to reprogram when the heating or cooling will start, cancel problems or change the schedule at the push of a button.
Some of the smart thermostats can even connect to the internet themselves to do things like the alert you if there is a problem or check to see the current price of fuel or electricity and adjust their function accordingly.

How to get one

The installation of a smart programmable thermostat is a complex process. It not only has to be wired into the HVAC system, it also has be set up to work with a digital gateway. This gateway will connect it to a remote or to your phone so you can control the unit from a distance. In addition, it may have to be connected to the internet. To do this correctly, it is usually best to call in a professional who has done it before.

Choosing to install smart programmable thermostats can save your money, make your home more comfortable and make your life easier. If you have any questions about installing or using these systems, please contact Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Why Signing An Annual HVAC Service Contract Should Be On Your Spring To-Do List

Bill Logan — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:09 +0000

As the snow starts to melt, your thoughts may be wandering to all of the household maintenance activities that come with the changing of the seasons. At the top of your list should be an HVAC system tune-up, even if your heating and cooling system didn’t have any problems last year.

It’s a common mistake to believe that if you didn’t need any repairs last year, you probably don’t need a tune-up. Having your HVAC system serviced on an annual basis can save you money in the long run, and there are even more benefits if you sign up for an annual HVAC service contract.

Efficiency – When HVAC equipment is not properly maintained, it will lose energy efficiency over time. This means higher monthly utility costs for you. When a trained technician performs annual maintenance on your HVAC system, they will ensure that the equipment is operating at optimal efficiency, helping you to keep costs low.
Home comfort – Poor maintenance can lead to poor performance, causing inconsistent temperatures throughout your home and impacting your family’s overall comfort.
Equipment life – Just as with a vehicle or any other equipment with a motor, parts become worn and occasionally need to be replaced or cleaned. Proper maintenance can help lengthen the life of your HVAC equipment so you can get the most from your valuable investment.

Many annual HVAC service contracts come with additional perks like priority service or discounts on parts and labor when repairs are required. You may also get the benefit of automatic scheduling, so you don’t even have to think about calling to schedule an appointment. Cross that item off your spring to-do list forever when you sign up for an annual HVAC service contract.

The professionals at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating are here to help you with all of your HVAC needs, including yearly maintenance. Contact us today to learn more about how an annual HVAC service contract can help keep your family comfortable all year long.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC service contracts and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Spring Is Almost Here, And A/C Maintenance Is On The Horizon

Bill Logan — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:34 +0000

A/C maintenance is one of those critical areas of home ownership, and with spring fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to have your air conditioning system evaluated and checked by an HVAC pro for potential shortcomings or compromises. Over 60 percent of American homes have air conditioners, which account for 5 percent of the overall energy usage in the U.S. That may not sound like much, but it translates to a huge amount of energy output–and wear and tear.

Streamlining and economizing your high-efficiency HVAC system with professional maintenance not only helps you save money, but it helps the environment as well by reining in some of the 100 million tons of carbon dioxide released annually by A/C units. A well-maintained A/C unit could also save you a potential 20-50 percent on your energy bill.

By scheduling A/C maintenance now, you’ll get the jump on the summer heat and get your maintenance appointment out of the way, avoiding the summer rush of homeowners calling with A/C emergencies. That way, you can relax knowing you’re taken care of.

When performing A/C maintenance, HVAC experts will:

Do performance diagnostics and fix problem areas accordingly
Change out dusty and worn-out air filters
Make suggestions on upgrades and self-maintenance
Do an inspection of your home energy “flow chart”

There is much you yourself can do to maximize your A/C life and output, and save money in the process. Keeping air filters clean or changing them monthly will save you an estimated 5-15 percent in energy consumption. Evaporator and condenser coils can collect dirt and reduce airflow, slowing your A/C unit’s performance significantly. Staying on top of your air conditioner’s potential problems goes a long way to ensuring its longevity.

For more details on how we can help you prepare for summer with our A/C maintenance expertise, please contact us today. Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating has been proudly providing HVAC equipment installation and service to residents of the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C. area for over 50 years!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioner maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Does A Failing Furnace Have You Considering An Upgrade? Consult An Expert

Bill Logan — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:35 +0000

If you barely survived the winter with a failing furnace, you’ve probably been considering your options. What kind of furnace can you get on your budget? How important are efficiency ratings? What about size? Furnaces are generally a long-term investment, so how can you be sure you’ll be satisfied with your purchase for years to come?

If these questions have been circling in your head ever since you realized you had a failing furnace, you should consult a professional furnace dealer. Having someone who is knowledgeable about all aspects of furnace selection and installation can set your mind at ease while ensuring that you get exactly the heating system that you need.

Some of the things that you’ll discuss with your furnace professional include sizing and efficiency ratings.

Sizing

The size of your furnace has a huge impact on your utility bills and how comfortable your home is. Unfortunately, you can’t simply rely on the size of your failing furnace to choose your new furnace.

Changes in furnace technology over the past few decades mean that the size of a furnace needed to heat your house in the past will be very different from what you need now. Sizing is based on the square footage of your house as well as other factors, such as insulation, average winter temperatures and the configuration of your floor plan. A furnace installation professional will take measurements to ensure that you get a size that is right for your home.

Efficiency ratings

Energy efficiency is another area where furnace professionals can help you make the right choice. Furnace efficiency is measured using the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This measures how much fuel is actually used by your furnace to heat your home, rather than being wasted by escaping through cracks or up a chimney. A higher AFUE rating is generally better, but higher ratings also come with a higher price tag on the furnace. A knowledgeable professional can help you determine what rating will help maximize your return on investment.

For expert information on all HVAC matters in the Courteay / Campbell River area, contact Bennett Sheet Metal and Heating Ltd.

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

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Upgrade image via Shutterstock

Solar Energy — Is It An Option For Your Home?

Bill Logan — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:04 +0000

Converting to solar energy can reduce energy costs, help you become less dependent on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner environment. There are many benefits to solar energy:

It’s limitless and free.
It has almost no impact on the environment.
It reduces your electricity and fuel usage.
Installation may come with government incentives.
It lowers your reliance on fossil fuels.
It increases your home’s value.
It’s reliable.

Grid-tied PV systems are the least expensive solar system to install. Your home is still tied into the local utility company’s grid, so that when the system isn’t producing electricity, your electricity can be provided by the local grid or network. Excess electricity generated by your system can also be fed back to the local grid.

Your other option is a stand-alone PV system. This is also called an off-grid system because it operates independently from your local utility’s grid, meaning that all of your electricity is generated by the solar system. If you live in a remote area, where installing power lines may be costly, a stand-alone system can be an ideal alternative.

Before making the decision to go solar, you should make sure that you’re prepared for installation of a solar energy system. This involves several steps.

Call your local energy dealer to help determine if your home meets the requirements for installation of a solar energy system.
Make sure your roof gets enough sun.
Make sure your roof is large enough for installation. Each solar module will need 15 square feet of unobstructed rooftop surface area.
Check local building codes for restrictions regarding solar system installation.
Make sure your home has the proper electrical wiring.
Speak with your utility company about solar-friendly programs and policies that may be in place.

If you live in or around Courtenay / Campbellriver British Columbia, and you’d like more expert advice on installing a solar energy system in your home, contact Bennett Sheet Metal and Heating Ltd. Established in 1961, we offer over 50 years of experience in heating and air conditioning systems.

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

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Correcting Excess Dust In Your Air Conditioner

Bill Logan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:09 +0000

Making sure your air conditioner is clean and well-maintained is an essential part of keeping it running properly over time. Excess dust and other debris can build up in your air conditioning unit and not only affect the quality of the airflow, but also wear down the gears and components of your air conditioner. If the dust is left in your system, it can cause leaks, contaminate your indoor air and even permanently damage your unit. Also, when the filter is clogged and airflow is reduced, the motor is put under greater pressure as it has to do more work to draw the same amount of air.

To prevent these problems from occurring, you should have your air conditioning unit cleaned by a professional on a regular basis. An expert HVAC technician will be able to open the unit to remove any dust or debris that has become caught within the disconnect boxes, voltage connections and coils. Once the dust has been cleared from your air conditioner, both inside and out, your indoor air will flow better.

In addition to cleaning the different components of your air conditioner, your HVAC technician will also service the electrical components of the unit and replace any dusty or old, worn-down filters. Because a filter’s job is to keep your air free of pollen, dust mites and other airborne contaminants, it’s important that it be kept clean. Once it is too worn to keep doing its job at maximum efficiency, your technician may recommend replacement.

Having your air conditioner cleaned periodically not only provides you with cleaner indoor air, but it can also extend the life of your unit and save you money you would otherwise spend on replacing worn parts or even the entire system. Most services are quick and easy, and each individual unit can be checked and cleaned in just a matter of minutes. This is a much better option than having to replace the unit.

If you’d like to find out more about how to rid your air conditioner of excess dust and contaminants, contact us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating.

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Air Conditioner image via Shutterstock

Need A New Cooling System? Have You Considered Geothermal?

Bill Logan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:52 +0000

When you’re looking for a new cooling system, a geothermal heat pump offers you some of the best energy efficiency and longevity available in heat pump technology. These appliances exchange heat from place to place using only electricity. A geothermal heat pump removes heat from the air inside your home during the summer and places it underground. In the winter, the cycle reverses and it captures the heat and brings it indoors for heating.

Several types of geothermal systems exist. They all work effectively for cooling, but the kind you choose depends on your geology and lot size. The systems use pipes that loop underground. In yards where space and geology allow, horizontal systems lay the pipes underground over a larger horizontal area. Vertical systems go narrow and deep and are ideal for small yards, or if you don’t want to disturb existing landscaping.

When you select geothermal as a new cooling system, count on it for reliability. The underground pipes can last as long as 50 years and the above ground components up to 25. The systems are also quieter to operate, since they don’t use an outdoor compressor. When the indoor blower contains a variable-speed motor, the systems have higher energy efficiency and whisper-quiet operation.

Selecting a geothermal heat pump requires the assistance of an HVAC professional. Your yard needs evaluation for topography, and the physical characteristics of your home dictate your choice for these new cooling systems. Installation involves digging underground, laying pipe and hooking it to the interior air handler. Once installed, a geothermal heat pump works just like any other.

If you’re interested in a new cooling system that offers significant benefits, contact Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating. We’ve been providing HVAC services to the Comox Valley since 1971.

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

Bennett Sheet Metal services Courtenay, BC and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!