WebHVAC http://www.webhvac.com Air Conditioning & Heating Articles, News, Tips & HVAC Reviews Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:30:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 HeatingAndCoolingForYourHomehttp://feedburner.google.comWholesale Air Conditioners & Finding the Best Deals!http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/wholesale-air-conditioners-where-to-find-the-best-deals/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/wholesale-air-conditioners-where-to-find-the-best-deals/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:56:06 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2571 The Dog-Days of Summer are most definitely here and record hot temperatures are being seen all over the world. Along with the wholesale heat wave spreading across the country, there are many people faced with broken air conditioners and wondering how they will ever pay to have them replaced!

If its a small repair, you can review the Air Conditioner Repair Cost Guide and see if its the right choice, otherwise you may just need to find the best deal on a cheap air conditioner!

Where to Buy a Wholesale Air Conditioner

Depending on the type of discount air conditioner you need, there are going to be several places you can look! Most notably and most often the best places to find the bargains are eBay and Amazon.

Discount Window Air Conditioner Units

Finding a great deal on a wholesale window air conditioner on eBay is simple... since they have such a wide selection of products from everyone, everywhere! In many cases, you can find great deals like those listed below.

Cheap Portable Air Conditioner

Portable Air Conditioners have quickly become the standard for anyone looking for a bargain on wholesale ac units! You can find a discount portable air conditioner like those below around every corner of the eBay system!

Central Air Conditioner Distributor

Buying a wholesale central air conditioner is a bit trickier than any other type, since you are going to need the help of a professional to install it! In many cases, you are better off dealing with a local contractor and getting a few Free Estimates

Regardless of how, or where you find your wholesale hvac system, make sure you check the ratings of the person you are buying it from and only deal with places that have your best interest in mind as well!

If you buy the system from a wholesaler or distributor, make sure you follow through after the sale and leave your own feedback as well!

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/wholesale-air-conditioners-where-to-find-the-best-deals/feed/ 0 Carrier Infinity Thermostat Control Reviewhttp://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/carrier-infinity-thermostat-control-review/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/carrier-infinity-thermostat-control-review/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:49:32 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=1860 Regardless of how good your top of the line HVAC equipment is designed to operate, its all for nothing if you don't match it to the right thermostat for the job! For Carrier Infinity Series heating and cooling, there is only one thermostat you should consider... the Carrier Infinity Thermostat control system.

Built into the entire line of Carrier Infinity products are smart sensors, that are designed to communicate with the Infinity Control, allowing the Infinity systems to work at a higher level of intelligence than most home HVAC systems! The information that is sent to the control system is compared to the data from the other sensors, to automatically adjust various settings and provide one of the highest levels of indoor comfort you can get!

Just how smart is it? Several of the new model Infinity Thermostat controls can even send you an email when its time to change the filter!

Carrier Infinity Thermostat Details

Available in 5 different models to handle everything from wireless reporting to your home network, email reminders and up to 8 separate smart-zones within your home, each Infinity Control has:

  • Easy to Program with Intuitive prompts
  • Ideal Humidity Control System for Precise Indoor Comfort
  • Control Monitors all IAQ Products Installed
  • Automatically Controls and Adjusts Fan Speed
  • Controls Ventilator Products when Installed
  • 7-Day, Multiple mode Programmable
  • Several Models with Remote Access for Web or Phone Monitoring and Control
  • Zoning Control with up to 8-zone capability (Includes Remote Sensors)
  • Oversize and Easy to Use Buttons
  • Detects Dirty Air Filters Automatically!
  • 10-year parts limited warranty
  • Automated and intelligent Maintenance Prompts
  • Interactive Online Tutorial and User Manual

As you can see above, the Infinity Control System is designed to make your indoor comfort the best it can possibly be!

What Does the Infinity Thermostat Work With?

One of the best features of the Infinity Thermostat in my opinion, is that its designed to work the easiest and most efficiently on ANY product in the Carrier Infinity Series.

The Same Thermostat will work on:

Is the Infinity Control Hard to Setup and Use?

Like ANY kind of new technology, the Infinity Control system can be a bit intimidating at first glance! Carrier actually provides ALL of its contractors specialized training to know exactly how to install and configure the Infinity Control, as well as making sure you the final owner know how to use it after they leave! The great thing about the controller however is that its SO EASY to use, that once you walk through it one time, you won't have any problems in the future!

Carrier itself even provides an online tutorial for owners of the thermostat, so they can use all the functions of the unit before they actually do it on their own system! (Open the interactive Guide)

How to Buy an Infinity Thermostat

If you don't have an Infinity System installed, its really not worth the $300 price tag to get an Infinity Control. If you don't have any it... the best thing you can do is go to the Free Estimate page and have a local contractor come to you and provide a full hvac system quote.

If you already have the equipment installed and need to add the controller, you can usually find them on eBay for anywhere between $150-$300 dollars.

Infinity Controls on eBay

Do You Own a Carrier Infinity Thermostat?

If so, please write an owners review below and help others know how you like yours!

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/carrier-infinity-thermostat-control-review/feed/ 0 The Use of Alternative Energy and Your Homehttp://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/the-use-of-alternative-energy-and-your-home/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/the-use-of-alternative-energy-and-your-home/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:21:24 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2542 The trend in relation to homes being powered by alternative energy sources, such as solar collection cells and wind turbines needs to pick up again into the 21st century and beyond. Hydrogen fuel cells and biomass gases are also options that need to be explored further. We are in real need of other suitable energy that is self-regulating and should not have to rely on our supply of fossil fuels from unstable nations who are often hostile to us and our interests.

What is an Alternative Energy Source?

Alternative fuel describes corn, wheat, rye, wood, wood pellets and other biomass materials. It also includes solar energy, wind power, and water for micro-hydro or geothermal systems.

Before deciding to transition to renewable resources, you should determine which alternative fuel is most abundant in your area. Obviously, if it is more abundant, it will also be less expensive! Next time you get an HVAC contractor to give you heat pump prices, ask the contractor to also quote a hybrid heating system, and explain the cost savings.

Here is a brief description of some alternatives you should consider:

  • Biomass Energy: Using Corn, Wheat, Corn Stalks, Pine cones, Bark and twigs to generate fuel for your home or car
  • Solar Energy: Solar Panels for heating water and generating electricity
  • Hydrogen: This one is controversial, but has been tested. Nowhere near being main stream, but can you imagine using plain water to heat your water OR drive your car?
  • Wind Energy: The use of wind turbines to generate energy to entire cities is more and more becoming a reality throughout the country.

Benefits of Alternative Energy

There are many benefits to using alternative energy heating for your home. Predictability of monthly fuel and energy costs will not only make it easier to create your monthly budget, but will give you peace of mind.

You will immediately improve the value of your home. Making your home energy costs less expensive and being “green” at the same time is a big draw for home buyers right now.

Save thousands of dollars in energy costs. Regardless of the method you choose for alternative heating, they will usually benefit from energy efficient tax credits. You will receive a 30% Federal Tax Credit for all Solar, Wind and Geothermal Systems, including the cost of installation. You will also want to check with your local or State agencies for additional credits or rebates.

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/07/the-use-of-alternative-energy-and-your-home/feed/ 0 Top Rated Central Air Conditioners 2010http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/top-rated-central-air-conditioners-2010/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/top-rated-central-air-conditioners-2010/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:07:43 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2506 It's that time of year when WebHVAC publishes it's list of the Top Rated Central Air Conditioners in various categories most consumers would fall into. Results on this list are based on research from our own family of Heating and Cooling Product websites, local feedback from HVAC Contractors and after hearing what you, the consumer find important!

The categories we look at are:

  • Highest Efficiency Air Conditioners
  • Most Affordable Central Air Conditioners
  • Consumer Ratings for Comfort and Reliability

Top Rated Central Air Conditioners of 2010

High Efficiency Air Conditioners

High efficiency air conditioners not only qualify for the Home Energy Tax Credits, they exceed the guidelines and present the ultimate in high efficiency!

Most Affordable Central Air Conditioners

In the most affordable central air conditioner category, we looked at the price paid by several consumers across the US. While there are several installation factors that come into play, the following were consistently listed as being most affordable.

  • Goodman GSX13 Series Air Conditioners
  • Rheem RAN13 Model Air Conditioners
  • Bryant Legacy Series Air Conditioners

Highest Consumer Ratings of a Manufacturer

Have you been trying to find the best brand name air conditioner to have installed for your home? If so, the following companies have the HIGHEST consumer ratings!

  • Lennox Brand HVAC
  • Trane Heating and Cooling
  • Carrier Heating and Cooling

Central air conditioner ratings can help homeowners find the best central air conditioner for their homes. It's important to remember that each of the types or brands above are easily influenced by the contractor installing the system!

Reviews from visitors like yourself have helped up form the list and like any large home appliance, central air conditioners are among a major investment.

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/top-rated-central-air-conditioners-2010/feed/ 0 7 Ways to Get the AC Repairman to You FAST!http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-get-the-ac-repairman-to-you-fast/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-get-the-ac-repairman-to-you-fast/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:51:51 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2516 With the record heat hitting the Southeast US this week, many HVAC companies are reporting long delays in getting the repairman to homes with broken air conditioners for service.

The problem is... there are too many broken systems and not enough AC repair companies to go around right now! This is not out of the ordinary in the HVAC business, and the same trend can be seen ever year when record heat hits different areas. The bottom line for you as a homeowner, is to make sure you keep your air conditioner serviced properly, so you don't get into this position!

Most servicemen attributed the cause of broken AC units to irregular maintenance. B & E Air and Heat owner Eddie Burkhalter said his Charlotte NC AC Repair company cleans and checks AC units for more than 600 contract customers in the spring and fall. Since the heat has set in, only two contract customers have called in about AC repairs, he added.

7 Ways to Get Your Air Conditioner Repaired FAST!

While all of these tips may not be the best ethical choice, they work almost every time!

1 - Buy an Annual Service Contract Over the Phone!

Most HVAC companies offer priority service for service contract customers. Its usually $129/year, and will get them there today! Look at it as a premium fee to get to the front of the line! On the plus side... next year, you will know the system is ready BEFORE the heatwave!

2 - Mention that Your Elderly Mother is Struggling with the Heat

You and I both know it may be a lie... but appealing to the heart of the service manager works almost every time!

3 - Tell The Dispatcher you Work for the Local Newspaper

Casually mention that you (or your spouse) works for the local TV, Weather, or newspaper. Just the thought of being mentioned in the media makes most companies jump faster!

4 - (If you are a Woman) Ask for Early Service, Since you Work Nights at a Strip Club

Don't laugh... even if the dispatcher is female, she will make sure to include that info when she sends out the call and technicians will bump others to come to your home. Even if the call is only written on a whiteboard, it WILL have the word (stripper) written next to it, and technicians will volunteer to go first!

5 - Mention that You Own Other Rental Homes in Town

Never hurts to make the company think you have 10-15 other jobs they may get also!

6 - Ask if You Can Pay Extra to Be Moved to the First Available Call Slot

If you are REALLY desperate to get your air conditioner repaired right NOW... go to the bank and get a fresh $100 bill, walk in to the company office and ask to speak to the dispatcher to schedule an appointment for TODAY! Promise... it works.

7 - Do a Bit of Research BEFORE You Call, and Say You are a Friend of the Owner

Another one of those little lies... that has fast benefits! Look up the company on the web and find out the owners name. When you call, mention that you know [owners first name] him well...

What Other Method Might You Use?

Share below...

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-get-the-ac-repairman-to-you-fast/feed/ 0 Noisy Air Conditioner Video – Multiple Problemshttp://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/loud-carrier-air-conditioner-multiple-problems/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/loud-carrier-air-conditioner-multiple-problems/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:15:09 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2508 A guy walked up on this noisy carrier air conditioner and started recording with his phone.

See if you can spot all the wrongs in this noisy air conditioner video, I will post them below the video!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fga84pHqCAg

(Sorry about the embed issue with YouTube - I am still leaving it here for the face value though. Great video, just requires an extra click now!)

Why is the Air Conditioner Noisy?

Regardless... it won't be running much longer! Check to see Air Conditioner Repair Costs and get an idea!

What do you think?

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/loud-carrier-air-conditioner-multiple-problems/feed/ 0 Would You Give Your Arm to Try and Fix Your Own Furnace?http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/would-you-give-your-arm-to-try-and-fix-your-own-furnace/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/would-you-give-your-arm-to-try-and-fix-your-own-furnace/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:04:40 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2495 By now, you may have heard of Jonathan Metz, a Connecticut man who was trying to fix his own furnace boiler, when his arm was wedged between two heating cores and got stuck. With nobody home and no way to call for help, (The furnace was in the basement, not near a phone) Jonathan made the hard decision on day 3, and amputated his own arm.

Metz said he had been trying to clean the heating vents on his boiler when he dropped either a brush or a vacuum attachment inside. He was reaching in to retrieve it when his arm became stuck between the funnel-like fins of the boiler. When he tried to pull it out, the fins tightened on his arm, cutting into it. The more he struggled, the more it cut, and the more his arm swelled. (Source: Washington Post)

Let me just say... I can't imagine having to amputate my own arm to get unstuck from ANYTHING!

Always Evaluate Risk Versus Reward of DIY Projects

As tragic as this is for Jonathan and everyone around him, it really is a good time to remind everyone that with thousands of DIY websites (Like this one) on the web, nobody ever covers all the things that could go wrong. In this case, knowing more about the inner structure of the furnace itself... may have made a bit of difference!

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/would-you-give-your-arm-to-try-and-fix-your-own-furnace/feed/ 0 Are Your Bushes and Shrubs Hurting the AC Unit?http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/are-your-bushes-and-shrubs-hurting-the-ac-unit/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/are-your-bushes-and-shrubs-hurting-the-ac-unit/#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:22:01 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2328 I got a question from a friend yesterday asking about a few extra tips to help the air conditioner cool all day! If you recall, I wrote the article about 7 Ways to Cool a Hot Spot in your home earlier this week, but I didn't really cover what to do if the whole house gets hot in the afternoon!

After a few quick questions... one of the things we uncovered is that her shrubs may be overgrown like those in the picture to the left, and blocking airflow around the air conditioner condensing unit.

This air conditioner maintenance article will help you increase performance from your central air conditioner or heat pump system, by cleaning the area around it, which lets air flow freely around the outdoor condenser, and work more efficiently!

HVAC Systems Rely on Unobstructed Airflow

Regardless of whether you have a window unit, portable or central air conditioner, or a heat pump... you MUST have adequate clearance around the outdoor condenser to allow for ventilation!

That means:

  • No Bushes, Shrubs or Overgrowth within 18-24 Inches of the Unit on Any Side with an open Grill!
  • Make Sure Your Condenser is not Too Close to the House (At least 18-24 inches)
  • Don't Build the Deck Directly On Top of It, or Obstruct the Condenser Fan! (Don't laugh)
  • If you have (2) Units, Don't Push them Close Together to Save Space! (18-24 inches remember?)

Just like the radiator in your car... the condenser needs a clear area for the air to get in and pass across the coils.

What Other Things May Crowd the Condenser Unit?

Share your tips below... and add to this article!

]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/are-your-bushes-and-shrubs-hurting-the-ac-unit/feed/ 1 7 Ways to Cool Off a Hot Spot in Your Homehttp://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-cool-off-a-hot-spot-in-your-home/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-cool-off-a-hot-spot-in-your-home/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:50:58 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2317 One of the most common problems in a central air conditioning system is that by 4PM on a hot day, the cooling system just can't keep up with the hot temperatures outside, and the house gets hot in the afternoon!

While this can be the result of several maintenance issues that can be fixed with a quick repair, it can also be a direct result of the system not being properly sized for your home at the time it was installed. If you ever needed another reason to make sure you only choose a qualified contractor when you start looking at central air conditioner prices, finding out your air conditioner won't keep your house cool on a 90 degree day is it!

So, when you have a few rooms that get stupid-hot in the afternoon, how can you cool them off, without breaking the bank?

Cool off a Hot Spot in Your Home!

If you have other ways that can help, please don't be shy about using the comments below! Before you think of the easy way... closing a vent with the little sliding thing, please don't do it! While closing the vent in the winter months CAN help move more heat into certain areas, in the summer months, it will just build condensation, make your vents drip water, and before you know it... mold and rust!

1 - Keep the Shades Closed on the Sunny Side

Easy enough! Close the window shades, curtains, whatever you can on the hot side of the home (Usually the west side) when the sun is shining on it!

2 - Plant Shade Trees around the Home

Shading the home from the sun makes a difference! Hey, it also helps the environment! :-)

3 - Install a Small Room Air Conditioner

You can pick up a very affordable window air conditioner, or even a small portable air conditioner for the summer months.

4 - Add New Supply Air Vents to the Hot Rooms

If your duct system is easily accessible, run to the supply shop, grab a few bags of 6" R8 flex duct, and add a run or two! If you prefer not to do it yourself, post a handyman project on craigslist... you can probably get it done for less than $100!

5 - Balance the System with Zoning Dampers

Instead of adding a new duct run, you can pick up inexpensive zone dampers, and adjust the system manually by channeling more airflow to the hot spots of your home!

6 - Insulate the Attic on the Hot Side

A bag or two of the good old pink stuff can go a long way to cooling a hot spot!

7 - Install an Attic Vent Fan

Grab a thermostat and ttep into your attic at 4PM on a hot day. If the temp is more than 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, you may benefit with an attic vent fan! We have 2 sister sites, one about Solar Attic Fans (About $200) and another focused on Gable Attic Fans (Approx $50), start reading how an attic vent can help you!

8 - Make Small Adjustments to Your Lifestyle

In our home... which is brown, and has no shading on the west side, the sun beams on our kitchen at 5PM during the hottest part of the afternoon. By closing the shades on that side, and simply changing our supper time to 7 PM, it's no longer a problem!

How Else Can You Cool a Hot Spot on the Cheap?

If you are a HVAC pro, or just a homeowner with an easy suggestion, add it below! Thanks!



]]> http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/7-ways-to-cool-off-a-hot-spot-in-your-home/feed/ 0 Carrier Air Conditioning Units for 2010http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/carrier-air-conditioning-units-for-2010/ http://www.webhvac.com/2010/06/carrier-air-conditioning-units-for-2010/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:43:28 +0000 Mark http://www.webhvac.com/?p=2134 Carrier AC Units for 2010The Summer of 2010 is right in front of us, and many readers will face the fact that they need a new central air conditioning system in their home.

With all the choices from many different manufacturers, we thought it may help to get a better understanding of the 2010 Carrier Air Conditioning Units on the market, and how they may fit into your life.

Carrier Air Conditioning Units

Carrier has been a leader in the home cooling industry for many years and 2010 is no different! Compared to the Trane Air Conditioning Units this season, we have a lot to look forward to from Carrier as well!

Carrier Comfort Series Air Conditioners

  • One Step Up from Base Model
  • 14-16 SEER Depending on Size and Components
  • Top End Features and Options
  • Chlorine Free R410A Refrigerant
  • Higher Value at a Lower Price!

If you don't want the generic features of a base model carrier air conditioning unit, the Comfort series might be perfect for you! Often considered to the be the best value air conditioner from Carrier, the comfort systems offer features like the two-stage scroll compressors, not often found on anything other than the very top of the line systems!

Carrier Performance Air Conditioning Units

The Carrier Performance series air conditioners take the comfort systems one step farther and offer some of the advanced features of the highest quality air conditioners from Carrier, while keeping the cost in the middle of the road!

The Carrier Performance Air Conditioners are best related to mid grade gas at the pump... and offer better performance than the cheap stuff, but not quite as good as the best!

  • Middle of the Road Air Conditioner
  • 14-17 SEER Depending on Size and Components
  • Standard and Advanced Features
  • Chlorine Free R410A
  • Could be phased out and nobody would miss it!

Carrier Infinity Air Conditioners

The best of the best Carrier Air Conditioner on the market is the Carrier Infinity Air Conditioner. Not the 2-stage reciprocating compressor models, but if you go with an Infinity system, go all the way and get the two-stage scroll compressor.

  • Best of the Best Air Conditioner from Carrier
  • 15-21 SEER Depending on Size and Components
  • R410A Chlorine Free Refrigerant
  • 2-Stage Compressors
  • Highest SEER Ratings when Matched to the Right Fan Units
  • Communicating abilities for Highest Matched system Comfort

Opinion on Carrier Air Conditioners for 2010

Here it is in a nutshell...

  • If you want basic cooling, go with the basic system! The Carrier Comfort series air conditioners have almost all the features of the middle of the road unit, and you can save money by skipping the frill of the performance series.
  • If you want the highest in comfort, go with the high end Carrier Infinity system for your home.
  • Skip right past the Performance systems... the added performance is not enough to compensate for the added cost!

Read more at the Carrier Air Conditioner Comparison page, or have a qualified local contractor explain it better!

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