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With The Energy Star Yardstick You Can Calculate How You Measure Up

Joe Flande — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:13 +0000

In the last 10 years, new heating and cooling technology has advanced to the point that many homeowners are giving it a second look because of its affordability, cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. How can you tell if your heating and cooling system is saving or losing you money? Try the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick.

At the Energy Star Yardstick site, you can enter your electricity and heating costs, house and family size, type of fuel your system uses, and geographic location. Using this information, the site calculates your home heating system’s efficiency using a theoretical Energy Star yardstick. Finding out how efficiently you spend your energy dollars is a good place to start when evaluating any heating and cooling changes.

Families that equip their homes with high-efficiency appliances can save about a third on their energy bills as well as enjoy a similar reduction in carbon emissions. If you’ve noticed your energy bills have skyrocketed – and you can bet that your system’s emissions have risen as well – then it may be time to audit your appliances’ efficiency ratings with the Home Energy Yardstick.

Understanding the rating systems can be a challenge. If you have any questions, contact the professionals at Home Comfort Inc. Since 1954, we’ve been proud to provide the highest-quality service to our customers in Polk and Marion counties. Our technicians are trained to use Energy Star guidelines to calculate the cost benefits of high-efficiency heating and cooling products, to save you money and keep your home comfortable.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our websiteto see our special offers and get started today!

Energy Star image via Shutterstock

Winter Energy Savings: It’s Possible To Lower Your Utility Bills Without Spending A Fortune

Joe Flande — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:58 +0000

While upgrading to a new high-efficiency heating and cooling system is the best way to increase energy savings in the long term, there are several other low-cost ways to lower your utility bills this winter without budgeting for a new HVAC system.

Following these eight simple tips can help you increase energy savings this winter, without making a major dent in your wallet:

Lower your thermostat settings – Even dropping the temperature a couple degrees can reduce your monthly utility bills by up to 5 percent. If you have a zoned system, you can lower the settings in unoccupied rooms even more.
Limit use of exhaust fans – Venting humid air out of the bathroom and kitchen is important, but if you leave those exhaust fans running, they will draw out heated air and force your furnace to work harder.
Don’t block air supply and return registers – If heated air can’t reach your thermostat, or more importantly your chilly toes, the furnace will continue to run, costing you more money.
Seal air leaks – Some very inexpensive caulk in the right places can add up to big energy savings. Leaks around windows and doors are the biggest culprits.
Seal ductwork – If you’re heating your unfinished basement through leaks in the ductwork, you’re losing heated air that should be going to your living spaces.
Maintain your heating equipment – Regular maintenance will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and increase energy savings.
Close the fireplace damper - If you have a fireplace, the flue is designed to pull heated air out. It doesn’t distinguish between hot air from a fire and warm air from your furnace, so you could be losing valuable heat if you leave the dampers of your fireplace or wood stove open.
Add more insulation – Start in the attic and other easy-to-reach places like the basement and crawl spaces.

Home Comfort Inc. provides planned maintenance service for customers throughout Polk and Marion counties. We’re also happy to help you solve any heating and cooling problems you might have, so give us a callany time with questions or to schedule an appointment.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Four Ways You Can Help Your HVAC System Run More Efficiently

Joe Flande — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:43 +0000

In today’s economy, you need all the money-saving ideas you can get. Heating and cooling costs are a major expense for most households; keeping your HVAC system running efficiently can help lower these costs and lengthen the life of your equipment.

Getting meaningful energy savings does not have to be expensive. Use these four methods to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system:

Change air filters – During the heating season, most manufacturers recommend that you change air filters as often as once a month and at least every three months. A dirty filter will impede air flow, making your furnace work harder to heat your home. Air filters also protect interior equipment surfaces from dust and dirt, keeping them operating more efficiently.
Invest in annual maintenance – A good technician knows how to tune-up your HVAC system for optimal performance. Replacing worn parts will not only increase energy efficiency; it will help prevent repairs later in the season, keeping you warm and cozy all winter long.
Use your programmable thermostat – Setting your thermostat to about 10 degrees lower when you’re not in the house can dramatically impact your energy bills. It also allows your furnace to take a break, lengthening equipment life and conserving energy.
Seal ductwork - Leaky ducts mean that you’re leaking heat into the unconditioned spaces in your home before it reaches your living areas. This means that your furnace has to work harder to keep rooms at the thermostat settings. Sealing ducts is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

If your furnace is getting older, these four tips may not have the impact that you desire. Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system may help you save a lot of money in the long run. Look at the big picture and consider how much lower your monthly energy bills could be.

The experts at Home Comfort Inc. are here to help you maintain your HVAC system for maximum efficiency and smooth operation. Contact us today to sign up for planned service, or just to ask for expert advice.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Energy Savings image via Shutterstock

Frozen Pipes Can Mean Big Trouble — Take These Steps To Avoid The Problem

Joe Flande — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:07 +0000

Temperatures can get pretty low in parts of Oregon, and if you have a vacation home or just plan to be away for a few weeks, you need to make sure you don’t come home to frozen pipes. Ice crystals are larger than water molecules, so frozen water takes up more space than it does when it’s a liquid. When this happens in a pipe, increased water pressure can cause frozen pipes to burst or crack, creating significant leaking problems.

So what can you do to prevent this potentially costly problem? Follow these tips to significantly reduce the chance of it happening to you:

Seal the leaks - If pipes are exposed to cold air, the water inside them may freeze. Most new homes have the water pipes between walls and the outer layer of insulation, protecting them from the colder outdoor air. However, if you have air leaks around wiring conduits, ductwork or other holes, cold air can still reach the pipes. Sealing these air leaks will not only help prevent frozen pipes, but it will also lower your energy bills.
Protect the pipes – Some water pipes may be in areas that are not protected by insulation, for example the attic or garage. In these cases, you can insulate the pipes themselves to ensure that they are protected from cold air.
Run the water – If temperatures drop into the teens and you are concerned about frozen pipes, allowing the water to drip can help prevent this problem. Although it may not prevent some of the water from freezing, it will prevent the water pressure build-up that causes bursting. Make sure you open both hot and cold taps because these water lines are separate.
Watch the thermostat - While you should turn down the thermostat while you’re away, turning it off completely could contribute to pipe freezing. For vacation homes, consider draining the system to prevent freezing altogether.

Home Comfort Inc. is here to help you keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long. If you’re concerned about frozen pipes or any other insulation or heating problem, give us a call.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Why Ask For A NATE-Certified Technician? Here’s Why

Joe Flande — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:21 +0000

Most industries have some sort of certifying body that requires their members to achieve a certain standard of excellence. This system both helps members promote their services, and more importantly, allows customers to know that their service provider is qualified. The organization that does this for the HVAC industry is called NATE (North American Technician Excellence). NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their commitment to their craft, to their customers, and to providing excellent customer service.

While contractors are not required to hire NATE-certified technicians, the smart ones either do so, or else make sure their technicians obtain that certification. By working with NATE-certified technicians, an HVAC company knows that they are providing their customers with the following benefits:

Proven knowledge of heating and cooling systems – Every NATE technician must pass a series of tests to become qualified, and ongoing education is required.
Proper equipment installation and maintenance service – NATE technicians are proven to have fewer callbacks than technicians who are not certified.
Heating and cooling system operation at peak efficiency – With specialized skills and an emphasis on energy efficiency, NATE technicians will ensure that your equipment is operating efficiently, which will help lower your monthly energy bills.
The latest techniques and technologies - NATE certification requires ongoing training, which means that as new advanced technologies and equipment become available, NATE technicians are trained on how to install and maintain them.

Remember, contractors are not required to work with NATE-certified technicians; it’s up to you to ask for one.

Next time you need HVAC service in Polk and Marion counties, call the professionals at Home Comfort Inc. We’re committed to keeping you and your family comfortable all year long. Our technicians participate in ongoing training to keep them at the top of their fields. You benefit from both their knowledge and their courteous, professional service. Contact us any time to schedule an appointment.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Uneven Heating Issues? A Zoning System Can Take Care Of That

Joe Flande — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:38 +0000

If you only have one thermostat, you may be comfortable in one room, while another family member in a different part of the house simply can’t get warm or cool enough. This is because thermostats only respond to the air temperature in the room where they are located. Zoning systems can help eliminate this problem by putting multiple thermostats in different areas of your home.

In addition to improving home comfort, zoning systems can help increase energy efficiency. When certain areas of your home are not occupied, you can simply turn down the thermostat for that zone, saving fuel and reducing your monthly utility costs.

Homes with multiple levels are obvious candidates for zoning systems, but several other factors can contribute to the problems associated with having only a single thermostat, including:

A sprawling layout
Rooms with several large windows
Areas with very high ceilings or large open spaces
Finished basements, garages or attics
Homes with additions or extensions

If your home has any of the above characteristics and a forced-air heating and cooling system, you may greatly benefit from a zoning system. Your contractor can install multiple thermostats and a system of motorized dampers to control the air flow to the different zones in your home. In some cases, ductwork may need to be upgraded or modified. After the installation, you’ll be able to control every zone in your home from a convenient control panel.

A zoning system is an affordable way to make your home dramatically more comfortable. The ability to control the temperature in different areas of your home will save money and reduce your energy usage. You may even be able to get a longer life from your heating and cooling equipment because it will not need to run as frequently.

For more tips and tricks for improving energy efficiency and home comfort, contact the professionals at Home Comfort, Inc. We provide heating and cooling products and installation throughout Polk and Marion counties.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Boiler Replacement: What It Pays To Keep In Mind While You’re Shopping For A New Unit

Joe Flande — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:14 +0000

Just as buying a new furnace or air conditioner requires taking a number of different factors into consideration, boiler replacement is also a significant investment that should include some research. Boiler technology has probably changed a lot since the last time you purchased a heating system; look for the following criteria when shopping for a new unit:

AFUE rating – Look for an efficiency rating of at least 90 percent. You can purchase new units with AFUE ratings as high as 97 percent. Although higher efficiency systems tend to be more expensive, you eventually will recoup the purchase cost through lower operation costs.
Sealed combustion – Your existing boiler probably vents exhaust fumes through a flue system. New units with sealed combustion are safer because it’s not possible for these toxic fumes to enter your living spaces.
Condensing technology – Rather than allowing hot exhaust fumes to escape with wasted heat, boilers with condensing technology pass flue gases through a second heat exchanger to further increase energy efficiency.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time for boiler replacement, ask yourself the following questions:

Is the efficiency rating of your existing boiler less than 70 percent?
Is your boiler oversized?
Did you need to have the boiler repaired more than one time in the past year?
Was your boiler converted from coal to another type of fuel?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s probably time to upgrade your equipment.

When it comes to boiler replacement, properly sizing your new equipment is just as important as all of the other criteria. If your boiler is over-sized, which is very common in older installations, the equipment cannot function at its maximum efficiency rating, even with the advanced technologies. Your contractor can properly size your boiler to ensure optimal operation.

If you are considering boiler replacement, call the professionals at Home Comfort Inc. first. One of our comfort specialists can help you determine the right size and efficiency rating for your home, so you can get the most from your valuable investment.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Buyers Guide image via Shutterstock

Compare The AFUE Ratings When You’re Selecting A Furnace, But Run The Numbers Too

Joe Flande — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:25 +0000

AFUE ratings are important metrics to consider when purchasing a new heating system, especially if you live in an area with colder winters, like Polk and Marion counties. Selecting a higher-efficiency furnace means that more of the energy you consume will be converted to heat, which is friendlier to both the environment and your wallet. However, AFUE ratings are not the only factor you should consider when investing in a new furnace.
AFUE ratings tell you the percentage of fuel that is used to heat your home; higher numbers mean higher efficiency. While this is useful information, what AFUE ratings don’t tell you includes the following information:

Purchase price – Higher-efficiency systems tend to be more expensive because they use more advanced technology. Your contractor can help you estimate whether a few additional efficiency percentage points will be worth the additional cost based on your usage history.
Operating costs – You should factor in both the estimated fuel and electricity costs required to operate the equipment. In addition to the AFUE rating, look for a system with a variable-speed blower motor to reduce electricity costs.
Furnace sizing – Having an appropriately sized furnace is just as important as selecting a good AFUE rating. If your furnace is too small it may not be able to sufficiently heat your home. However, one that’s too big will operate inefficiently and could cost you more in the long run.

Your contractor can estimate the correct furnace size based on the layout and size of your home. They can then provide you with several different options and operating cost estimates based on the size of the system, your historic usage, local utility rates and regional weather patterns.

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, work with Home Comfort Inc. to help you select a system that has all of the features you need to keep your home comfortable all winter long, while staying within your budget. Call us today to schedule a consultation or visit our offices in Dallas.

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.

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Sure, You Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors, But Have You Put Them In The Right Places?

Joe Flande — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:59 +0000

If you have carbon monoxide detectors in your Oregon home, you have taken an excellent first step toward protecting your family from this toxic gas. However, if these detectors are not located in the right places in your home, you may not be providing the best protection possible.

Each carbon monoxide detector manufacturer has specific instructions regarding installation and maintenance, but there are some common standards you can employ. Following these installation guidelines can help ensure that you’re getting the most from your home protection equipment:

Put detectors near the sleeping areas in your home to ensure that all family members will be alerted if the alarm goes off.
Put at least one detector on every floor. Carbon monoxide behaves slightly differently than normal air, so you may have a problem on one level, but not all.
Do not install carbon monoxide detectors in the bathroom, laundry room or others areas that typically have higher humidity levels.
Test the alarm periodically and replace batteries as needed.

Many fuel-burning appliances emit a low level of carbon monoxide that does not become harmful to you and your family unless it’s allowed to build up or is not properly ventilated. Because a certain amount will be released during proper operation, it is important not to install carbon monoxide detectors too close to these appliances, in order to avoid unnecessary alerts. The recommended distance is at least 15 feet away from furnaces and stoves.

Remember, you cannot smell, taste or see carbon monoxide, which is why detectors are so important. If the alarm does go off, remove your family to an outdoor area until you, an HVAC professional or emergency personnel can determine the source of the CO. You may want to work with a heating and cooling contractor to help determine the source of the excess carbon monoxide and repair the problem. The source could be a malfunctioning furnace, poor ventilation of exhaust fumes, or appliance pilot lights.

If you have additional questions about carbon monoxide detectors or other home comfort equipment, including air quality systems, contact Home Comfort Inc.today.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Carbon monoxide detector image via Shutterstock

Cold And Flu Season’s Here — Make UV Lights A Key Player In Your Battle Plan

Joe Flande — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:57 +0000

The replaceable air filters in your heating system may be good at trapping larger particles like dust and pet dander, but when it comes to smaller living organisms like viruses and bacteria, they simply do not do the job. Higher efficiency technology such as HEPA filters may be able to remove these smaller particles, but they may also impede air flow and reduce energy efficiency in your heating system. A good solution to this problem is installing UV lights.

UV lights do not trap particles. Instead, they kill unwanted organic contaminants by destroying their cell walls. Installing a UV light system in your ductwork will kill bacteria and viruses as air passes through, and they can prevent mold and mildew from growing on duct and equipment surfaces.

The many benefits of UV lights include:

Better air quality – Destroying unwanted organisms can help protect your family’s health, especially now that cold and flu season has arrived in Oregon. Your standard air filter cannot destroy or remove viruses or mold spores, but UV lights can make them inactive before they even enter your living spaces.
Silent operation - UV light systems have no moving parts, which means you will never hear them operating.
Easy to maintain – No moving parts means fewer possibilities of system breakdown. Most UV bulbs only need to be replaced about once a year, so maintenance is minimal.
Out of sight – Because the UV light system is installed in your ductwork, you will never even see the system working. Unlike portable air filtration systems that take up valuable living space and may not match your decor, with UV lights you can conveniently disinfect the air in your home.

Some whole-house air purification systems use a combination of advanced filters and UV light technology. If you want to remove a wide range of unwanted particles, ask your contractor which air purification systems will meet your needs.

For all of your indoor air quality needs in Polk and Marion counties, call the trained professionals at Home Comfort Inc. We offer a variety of products and professional installation to ensure your new system is operating effectively and efficiently.

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

Home Comfort Inc. services Dallas, Oregon. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!