During moderate winter conditions, a one-stage furnace with a single-speed blower cycles on and off rapidly, cutting efficiency and causing room temperatures to see-saw between comfortable and chilly.  A two-stage, variable-speed furnace automatically adjusts to the conditions. When outdoor temperatures are over 40 degrees or so, the furnace drops to a low burner setting of approximately 60 percent output and circulates air at a reduced output. This sustains room temperatures more consistently, eliminates temperature fluctuations, and consumes less natural gas and electricity.  When outdoor temperatures dip, the burner advances to full output mode and the variable-speed blower gently transitions to higher airflow rates. Here are the benefits of upgrading to a two-stage furnace:

Efficiency. A single-stage furnace is like a car engine running full-blast in stop-and-go traffic: gas mileage suffers dramatically. A two-stage furnace operating at 60-65 percent output when possible decreases fuel consumption proportionally.

Comfort. With two burner outputs and variable-speed airflow, temperature fluctuations in the home are typically as low as two degrees above or below the thermostat setting.

Noise. The sound of combustion produced by the burner is a major contributor to furnace noise transmitted throughout the ducts. Lower burner output reduces noise levels.

Longer service life. A furnace operating at lower output with fewer stops and starts puts less wear and tear on the most expensive and critical components: the heat exchanger and the blower motor.

Serving Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and west-central Wisconsin since 1922, Hovland’s Inc. offers year-round heating and cooling sales and service. Ask us about more benefits of adopting two-stage furnace technology in your home. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about two-stage furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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A forced air system refers to an HVAC installation where heated air is delivered to all finished parts of your home via ductwork. These systems are inexpensive to install and generally good at keeping your entire home at a relatively comfortable temperature, but rely on ductwork and a central furnace or heat pump for their efficiency and standards of operation – leaky or obstructed ductwork may be a concern as your home ages, and if you use a gas furnace, you’ll need to stay aware of natural gas prices in your area. Because a forced air heating system circulates air through your home, it also plays a role in house-wide air filtration in a way that other systems do not.

But there are a few drawbacks to a forced-air system. Gas prices, as noted above, may be one of them, though currently with the huge uptick in domestic drilling, gas prices are an advantage rather than a problem. Forced air systems can also be noisy, and that noise can travel through the ductwork to all areas of your house. Depending on your home’s ductwork design and vent placement, parts of your home may experience warm or cool spots. And, like any system, forced air systems require regular maintenance.

Forced air heating systems, especially those that rely on a single central furnace, also don’t exhibit a lot of flexibility – there’s one temperature setting that’s supposed to regulate temperatures for the entire home. This is regardless of how the house is being occupied and doesn’t take into account the varied heating requirements for different levels or rooms. A zoning system will address this issue, but that is an extra cost.

If you’re building a new home, read up on how a typical forced air heating system might work for you, but also speak to your contractor about alternatives. You may find that forced air heating meets your needs, or you might find that alternatives such as radiant heating or ductless mini splits are more appealing to you.

To learn more about various ways to heat your west-central Wisconsin home, please contact us at Hovland’s, Inc. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about forced air heating system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Check Insulation, Sealing and Ductwork

Before it’s time to turn on the heat, take some time to prepare your house by checking insulation, and sealing air leaks in your home’s envelope and ductwork.

• Check your insulation, especially in the attic, and add extra insulation if there are any gaps or bare areas of flooring.
• Inspect for air leaks around windows, doors, vents and any areas where a draft or extra air flow can be felt, and seal with foam caulking and felt weatherization strips.
• Inspect ductwork for cracks, breaks, separations and rusted-out patches, and seal, reattach or replace where necessary.

Tips for Checking Boiler Problems

Take a few minutes to observe your system when it’s not producing the heat you’re used to:

• Look at the pilot light to make sure it’s not out. Lighting the pilot light may be the only thing needed to get your boiler working.
• Is your thermostat set to heat? If not, the boiler won’t operate. Turn the heat setting on and observe your boiler and air temperature.
• For anything more involved than these basic fixes, call a reliable HVAC professional to look at your system. They may find an easy-to-address problem that, if left unattended, can lead to bigger problems in the future.

Energy Star Heating Equipment

If your heating equipment is ready for replacement, you have a choice of Energy Star certified systems to choose from – whether an upgraded boiler, furnace or heat pump – for more efficient, economical operation.

For more information about boiler problems, please contact our professionals at Hovland’s, Inc., serving west-central Wisconsin. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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If you attempt the nighttime setback approach with a heat pump and a standard thermostat, you could actually end up spending more money than if you left it at the daytime temperature all night. Here’s a look at why this is the case and how to overcome this problem with a heat pump thermostat.

How Heat Pumps Work

An air-source heat pump, the most common variety, extracts heat from outdoor air and brings it inside. As the temperature drops, it becomes more difficult for the heat pump to keep the indoor temperature at the proper setting. To help counter this, most air-source heat pumps come with backup electric resistance heating. This is similar to a toaster oven, burning red hot inside the air handler to heat things up quickly – but not efficiently.

Overcoming Challenges with a Heat Pump Thermostat

Standard programmable thermostats work like an alarm clock. If you set the temperature to 65 degrees at 10 p.m. and 72 degrees at 6 a.m., the “alarm” goes off at these precise times and the heating equipment responds immediately. If you have a heat pump, that means the electric resistance heat will certainly be triggered to bring the temperature up faster, using more energy in the process and negating your efforts to lower your heating bill.

A heat pump thermostat is different. It’s specially designed to raise the temperature one degree at a time to prevent the backup heat from kicking on. That means if it’s 65 degrees overnight and you want it to be 72 degrees by 6 a.m., the heat pump thermostat triggers the equipment to start gradually warming your home a few hours in advance, hitting 72 degrees as close to 6 a.m. as possible. That’s the type of operation you need to save money using setback periods with a heat pump.

For more on heat pump thermostats, please contact us at Hovland’s, Inc., serving the Chippewa Valley and west-central Wisconsin. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pump thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Here’s a look at various types of Energy Star HVAC equipment and how each type earns the Energy Star label.

Furnaces and Boilers

As a Wisconsin resident, you know that investing in high-efficiency heating equipment is a wise investment. In a calendar year, we rely more on heating than cooling. That’s why Energy Star HVAC equipment with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating provides a greater return on investment to cold-climate residents than for homeowners farther south.

Boilers and oil furnaces qualify for the Energy Star rating at 85 percent AFUE or higher while gas furnaces must be 90 percent AFUE or higher. Most furnaces that qualify for the Energy Star label are condensing furnaces that transfer heat so thoroughly that water condenses as a combustion byproduct. Efficient boilers usually have an electronic ignition and better heat extracting abilities to help them qualify for the Energy Star rating.

Central Air Conditioners

The most common measurement of air conditioner efficiency is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. To be considered as Energy Star HVAC equipment, packaged systems must be rated at 14 SEER or higher while split systems, which are more common, must be 14.5 SEER or higher.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are unique in that they provide heating and cooling from a single system. They run on electricity, working the same as an air conditioner in the summer and in a reverse cycle in the winter, extract heat from outside and pump it into your home.

Air source heat pumps have the same SEER requirements as air conditioners to qualify for the Energy Star rating plus a minimum Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 8 for packaged systems and 8.2 for split systems.

To learn more about upgrading to Energy Star HVAC equipment, please contact us at Hovland’s, Inc., serving west-central Wisconsin. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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]]> http://blog.hovlands-inc.com/2013/12/10/energy-star-hvac-equipment/feed/ 0 http://blog.hovlands-inc.com/2013/12/05/ventilation-system-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ventilation-system-2 http://blog.hovlands-inc.com/2013/12/05/ventilation-system-2/#comments Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:00:24 +0000 http://hovlands-inc.socialtract.com/?p=1379 Read More >>

The fact that a home is an enclosed space means that if you want fresh air, sometimes you have to take a proactive approach. Keeping your home air from feeling stale is a role for a comprehensive ventilation system – but what should you look for, and where should you start?

To begin with, there are three primary forms of mechanical ventilation: exhaust ventilation, supply ventilation and balanced ventilation. All three use fans to move air into and out of your home.

• Exhaust ventilation actively removes air from your home. You might especially see this in areas such as an over-stove hood or a bathroom, where cooking fumes and increased humidity make it a priority to vent that air from your indoor environment.
• Supply ventilation brings outdoor air into a building, replenishing the indoor environment with (hopefully) fresh air.
• A balanced ventilation system uses exhaust and supply ventilation in tandem, calibrated to remove and supply equal volumes of air and thus maintain indoor air pressure at a constant level.

But regardless of which of these systems you use, there are a few things you should ask your contractor about when installing any ventilation system:

• Noise. When you’re removing air pollution, you don’t want to introduce noise pollution. Either look for fans with a noise rating of under 1 sone, or position fans in remote areas of your home where the noise won’t bother you. You just don’t want to put them in a place where they won’t do any good.
• Controls. You shouldn’t be able to switch your system on or off accidentally, whether this means an on/off switch in a utility closet or a programmable control that allows you to switch to higher and lower modes of operation based on home activity.
• Circulation. A whole-house system should be able to circulate air through all the living areas of your home.
• Air filtering. Filtering out outdoor dust, pollen and other airborne particulates is an essential part of any intake system, and your fan should be sized to account for the air resistance a filter introduces.

If you’re thinking of reworking your home ventilation system, please contact us at Hovland’s, Inc. We’re happy to help you find a ventilation system that meets the needs of your west-central Wisconsin home. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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• Change your filter. Monthly furnace filter changes during the peak heating season will allow for maximum airflow with the added benefits of cleaner air, increased efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on your HVAC system’s parts.
• Secure the perimeter. Take a stroll around your home’s exterior, looking for holes or gaps in the siding or foundation, including rotting wood or broken seals. Don’t overlook pipes, vents, outlets or other protrusions as the insulation protecting them can deteriorate or shrink over time leaving the area vulnerable.
• Inspect the roof. Missing or broken tiles can mean trouble and should prompt a trip to the attic to check for damage on the interior side.
• Check for air leaks. Windows, doors and wall outlets should be checked for leakage. Wait for a windy day and use a piece of tissue or a lit stick of incense to detect air movement, sealing areas of concern with caulking or weatherstripping as needed.
• Wrap your pipes. Insulate exposed piping that is located in unconditioned spaces such as your basement or crawlspace, to prevent heat loss.
• Perform annual maintenance. Have your heating system inspected, cleaned and serviced prior to heating season to achieve maximum efficiency and help prevent major repair bills.
• Inspect your ductwork. Check exposed ductwork for any breaks or gaps and be sure to seal with a good quality mastic or foil-backed tape. Leaky ducts not only contribute to heat loss but may reduce your indoor air quality by allowing contaminated air to enter your duct system.
• Insulate your water heater. Wrap your heater in an insulating water heater blanket to save energy and reduce the transfer and loss of heat. This usually isn’t necessary with newer storage tank water heaters, which come already insulated.

For more tips on avoiding heat loss this winter, please call the experts at Hovland’s, Inc. Since 1922, we’ve been helping west-central Wisconsin homeowners achieve maximum comfort year round. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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Power Down

Did you know that your central air conditioning unit may have a heater component that vaporizes refrigerant? When you leave the power on to your air conditioner, this heater may run all winter long, driving up energy use with no benefit to you. This constant use also may cause this heater component to wear out faster. Follow these steps to shut off power to your air conditioner over the winter:

• Look to see if your outside condensing unit has a shutoff switch. If so, you can shut off power to the unit there by switching the handle to the off position. It’s likely housed in a metal box affixed to the outside wall of your home near the unit.
• If you don’t have an exterior shutoff switch, turn off power to your air conditioner inside. Find the corresponding breaker or fuse at the central electrical panel of your home and switch it to the off position to disconnect power.
• If you have a humidifier, you may have closed its duct damper over the summer to improve air conditioner efficiency. Make sure to reopen this damper for the winter.

Provide the Right Cover

Many homeowners mistakenly think tightly wrapping the exterior A/C condensing unit is an essential part of A/C maintenance. In fact, doing so can cause unintended harm. Encasing your air conditioner can allow moisture to build up in the unit, promoting rust and the growth of mold and mildew. A covered air conditioner can be an attractive winter home for critters, too.

• Protect your air conditioner the right way. Simply cover the top with a weighted plywood board for the winter to protect against the elements and falling debris. You can also purchase a custom-made cover with openings for ventilation, to avoid moisture buildup.

Have questions about A/C maintenance? Please contact us at Hovland’s Inc. to learn more about protecting your exterior air conditioning unit this winter in the Chippewa Valley. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C maintenanceand other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the combustion of household fuels such as natural gas and wood. The gas, if allowed to accumulate in your living spaces, will get into your bloodstream and make it harder for your red blood cells to carry oxygen. This results in fatigue and nausea, which are often errantly thought to be symptoms of the flu. Exposure to carbon monoxide, if prolonged, can result in death. CO has a similar weight to air, so experts suggest placing carbon monoxide detectors high on a wall or near the ceiling. Since each detector is different, however, make sure you read the instructions for proper installation. If you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home, open your windows to get fresh air into the home immediately. Call a professional HVAC tech to locate the source of the carbon monoxide leak and repair it as soon as possible.

Radon is another dangerous, odorless, colorless gas. It seeps into the home through dirt floors in unfinished basements, cracks in basement walls and through water drainage systems. Radon is believed to be a cause of lung cancer and can only be detected with a special radon detection kit. If radon is detected in your home, contact a radon mitigation company right away.

Mold and mildew are often found in humid locations in the home such as the laundry room or bathrooms. They can also be found near pipe leaks and other areas with heavy condensation. You can find these potential sources of airborne pollution by sight or smell. If you see mold or mildew on your drywall, floor or any other surface, wipe it down with ammonia to kill off the microorganisms that make up these hazardous substances.

You could check for all of these pollutants yourself or get a professional opinion and assistance from Hovland’s, Inc. We have proudly served west-central Wisconsin residents since 1922. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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If you have been to your local hardware store in search of new air filter, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. First you must find the correct size and dimensions and then you have MERV and other ratings to contend.with. Just what do those numbers mean and how do you know which is right for you?

MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency rating value, is a system that rates an air filter’s ability to capture airborne particulates. Each filter is given a number value, from 1 to 20, based on the size and type of particles they remove from the air. Higher numbers mean the filter can capture smaller (and more) particles.

• Rating 1-4 – these are the least effective filters; they remove things like pollen, dust mites and textile fibers from the air. They will protect system components from most dirt and debris but don’t do much to improve indoor air quality.
• Rating 5-8 – these remove everything the lower-rated filters do plus things as small as mold spores and cement dust. These are the type most often found in homes and commercial buildings.
• Rating 9-12 – these filters remove the previously listed particles and Legionella, fumes from welding or car emissions and flour-sized dust. These are usually found in homes where there are known breathing and allergy problems. Installation of these filters may require increasing the power of your system’s fans to force air through the denser filtering media.
• Rating 12-20 – these filters are capable of removing bacteria, viruses and smoke. They’re intended for use in industrial or medical applications. Though they can be adapted for residential use, serious system modifications are usually required to ensure adequate airflow. MERV 17-20 filters are usually in the HEPA category.

For more information about which air filter best suits your needs or to schedule an inspection of your heating or cooling systems, please contact us at Hovland’s Inc. We have been keeping the people of Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and the surrounding areas comfortable in their homes since 1922. Hovland’s – Comfort for a Lifetime.

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

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