The nature of heat gain/loss and heat movement makes it extremely difficult for many homeowners to maintain comfortable temperatures room to room. Comfort problems invariably lead to higher energy bills and fussing over thermostat settings. A zoning system alleviates these issues by maintaining different temperatures for different zones based on your settings. Read on to learn more about zoning systems and see if zoning would make a change for the better in your home.

Who Benefits From Zoning?

If your home has any of the following attributes, a zoning system may be right for you:

• Multiple floors of living space
• Rooms with expansive glass
• Homes with new additions or retrofitted rooms
• Occupants with different temperature preferences
• Homes with uneven temperatures and drafts

Zoning System Basics

A zoning system is a combination of motorized duct dampers and thermostats that are added to an HVAC system. Each zone has an independent thermostat that controls the duct dampers in that zone. The duct dampers open and close to allow or restrict cooled or heated airflow based on your thermostat settings and the temperature readings in each zone.

Zoning Makes a Difference

A zone is simply one or more rooms or areas in a home that are distinguished by similar heat gain/loss properties, sun orientation, heat movement, occupant preferences and more. In other words, zoning systems are designed to parallel temperature variations and preferences in your home and, in so doing, mitigate your comfort and energy problems.

Zoning systems are unique to each home and may consist of only two zones or as many as eight zones. For example, a two-story home may simply need two zones that separate cooling and heating from the upper- and lower-level floors. Or the same home may include an office or a frequently occupied family room, which would become a third zone.

Zoning gives you total control of temperatures in each zone any time, day or night. This saves energy and keeps everybody comfy.

To find out if a zoning system would benefit your New River Valley home, please contact New River Heating & Air today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia 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.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “John T Takai/Shutterstock”

The post Zoning Systems Keep Your Rooms Comfortable at Different Temperatures appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Whether you're shopping for a new air conditioner, furnace, refrigerator, television or any other major appliance, be sure to have a look at its EnergyGuide label. A program of the U.S. Department of Energy, the EnergyGuide label provides an easy way to compare the energy efficiency of similar products at a glance. The label consists of three main sections.

Features

This section describes the basic features of a product, such as the type of air conditioning system, the fuel specifications for a furnace or the style of a refrigerator.

Model

In this section, you'll find the manufacturer's brand name and model number, as well as model-specific details, like the capacity of the product. For example, and air conditioner's capacity will be listed in British thermal units (BTUs).

Energy Usage

The final section includes the energy efficiency estimates for the product, indicated on a scale that shows how it compares to similar models, ranging from least to most efficient. For an air conditioner, the scale shows its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). A heat pump lists both the SEER for cooling in the summer, and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for the winter months. Furnaces include the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). For each rating, a higher score indicates a more efficient model.

For most other appliances, a scale showing the estimated annual operating cost in dollars is shown, ranging from least expensive to most expensive, as well as the amount of energy consumed per year. For electric appliances, the energy usage is indicated in kilowatt-hours. Certain appliances may list two or more cost estimates. For example, a dishwasher indicates individual costs for use with either a gas or an electric water heater.

By using this information to directly compare competing models, you can choose a product with the highest efficiency for your budget. This will allow you to save money on monthly utility bills while also reducing your environmental impact.

For more information about the EnergyGuide label and how it applies to HVAC products, contact New River Heating & Air. We've been serving the New River Valley area since 1986.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about EnergyGuide labels and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Markgraf/Shutterstock”

The post What Homeowners Need to Know About the EnergyGuide Label appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Well planned renovations can help your home join the ranks of the most beautiful living spaces in Radford and Pulaski. By taking action toward maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling, you can improve your home without risking your health.

Don't Let the Contaminants In

The most effective way to keep your air clean is to avoid bringing in contaminants in the first place. Many remodeling products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to a variety of health problems ranging from headaches to cancer. These products include drywall, insulation, paint, varnish, carpeting and upholstery. To protect your health, look for products labeled "low VOC" or "low emissions."

Some homes, however, already contain air pollutants. Houses built or decorated before 1978 may have lead paint or asbestos insulation. Older buildings and those that have sustained water damage at any point may hide harmful mold behind the walls or under the floors. Before you start remodeling, have a building contractor or another professional come in and check for hidden air contamination threats like these. The contractor can also recommend remediation options, if necessary.

Control Your Airflow

Good ventilation is another effective method for maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling. Keep the windows open while work is taking place, and when possible, place a box fan in the window to draw air out of the room. An oscillating fan in the room can help, too.

To prevent dust and debris from getting into your heating and cooling system's air ducts and migrating to the rest of your house, seal air registers by covering them with plastic and taping down the edges.

Cut a piece of plastic sheeting large enough to cover the doorway and tape it down around the door's edges. Cut a slit in the plastic large enough to walk though. Attach another piece of plastic to the top of the door inside the room and let it hang with a few inches of excess on the floor.

For guidance on maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling or after the work's done, contact New River Heating & Air. We proudly serve homeowners around southwest Virginia.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Risto Viita/Shutterstock”

The post A Guide to Maintaining Indoor Air Quality While Remodeling Your Home appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Summertime in Radford is more enjoyable with a functional cooling system. When it's time for an A/C replacement, be sure to consider a variable-speed air handler. In addition to saving energy, this option has many other significant benefits. Read on to learn more about this type of A/C and the benefits that come along with it.

How It Works

Your air conditioner consists of a number of components working to absorb the heat indoors and release it outdoors. An air handler circulates the air throughout the ductwork with either a single or variable-speed motor.

With a standard air handler, once the unit cycles on, it does so at 100 percent capacity and remains there after the thermostat setting has been met. A variable-speed air handler adjusts it's speed according to demand, and while it begins at 100 percent, ut runs at a near-continuous lower speed once the ideal temperature has been met.

Benefits of a Variable-Speed Air Handler

1. Noise reduction: When a standard air conditioner cycles on, it's accompanied by a loud rush of air through the ducts. A variable-speed air handler is quieter by design, often cycling on so quietly, it goes undetected.
2. Increased comfort: The stops and starts of a conventional HVAC system allow for a significant temperature differential between when it's running and when it's not. A variable-speed air handler's near-continuous operation keeps your home at a consistent temperature for greater comfort.
3. Maximum efficiency: The process of cycling on and off uses a great deal of electricity. Bypassing these full speed operations for continual, low speed activity can help your cooling system reach peak efficiency.
4. Greater humidity control: Longer running cycles mean the A/C can better manage humidity for greater control and comfort.
5. Enhanced air quality: Continuous circulation means air passes through the air filter again and again. While you may need to change the air filter more often, the payoff is cleaner indoor air.

To learn more about the benefits of a variable-speed air handler, call the experts at New River Heating & Air. We proudly serve those in and around southwest Virginia.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about variable-speed air handlers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GrandeDuc/Shutterstock”

The post 5 Reasons to Buy an A/C with a Variable-Speed Air Handler appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Thermostats have stepped into the digital age by embracing advanced computerized technologies. You can access a smart thermostat via a smartphone app and control a multitude of systems, such as cooling, heating, ventilation, humidification and air purification. However, one feature that has become standard on thermostats for decades still baffles many people. Read on to find out if setting your thermostat fan to "on" or "auto" is best.

Setting Your Thermostat Fan

Understanding how to set your thermostat fan to "auto" or "on" is simple, but deciding which setting is best depends on your preferences for energy consumption and indoor air quality (IAQ). When the "auto" setting is selected, the HVAC system's fan runs concurrently with the heating and cooling cycles. When cooling or heating starts and stops, so does the fan.

When the fan is set to the "on" option, the fan runs continuously, regardless of whether or not the cooling or heating systems are engaged. The "on" setting requires some thought about the following:

• Energy consumption: The fan motor is a powerful machine that forces airflow through the home and ducts. It uses a significant amount of electricity, and if your fan is always "on," your energy bills are going to be noticeably higher.
• IAQ - It stands to reason that the more indoor air is circulated through the air filter, the more airborne contaminants will be captured and removed from the living spaces. If better indoor air quality is more important to you than higher energy bills, then "on" setting is for you. Just remember to check the air filter often and replace it when dirt begins accumulating.

Air Quality Alternatives

Many homeowners want both healthy indoor air and lower energy bills. In this case, the "auto" option is better, along with the help of other IAQ alternatives. It makes much better sense from an energy standpoint to utilize a whole-house air purification system, which is attached to the air ducts, requires minimal maintenance and does a more thorough job of cleaning indoor air.

For more information about setting your thermostat fan, or for other home comfort concerns, contact New River Heating & Air.

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

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “lucadp/Shutterstock”

The post Should You Use On or Auto When Setting Your Thermostat Fan? appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Strategic landscaping in conjunction with your A/C is a great way to keep your Pulaski home cool and comfortable all summer long. But what happens when the same plants that provide beauty and shade interfere with the operation of your cooling system? Read on to learn more about landscaping around your outdoor A/C unit to increase comfort and efficiency while reducing energy bills. 

What Not to Do Around the Outdoor Cooling Component

In order to perform annual preventive maintenance, service or repairs, don't plant anything that will block access to the condenser. Other tips include the following:

• Avoid building anything structural above the outdoor unit, such as a porch or deck.
• Don't plant dense trees or shrubbery nearby that may hamper airflow or circulation.
• Keeping loose sand or soil out of the area. In the event of wind or rain, particles will make their way onto and inside the unit.

What type of landscaping around the outdoor A/C unit should you do? Try the following:

• Allow a minimum of two feet of clearance around the perimeter of the outdoor unit and at least five feet above.
• Protect the air conditioner from direct sunlight. The additional heat makes it work harder, shortening its life span and decreasing efficiency.

Tips for Landscaping Around Your Outdoor A/C Unit

• Choose wisely. If you're looking to hide your A/C from view, hedges work well and can be shaped and trimmed as needed. Lattice fencing is also effective and can be used to grow climbing plants or vines. When planting trees, consider varieties that don't lose their leaves in the fall to eliminate debris that may restrict airflow.
• Seek shade. Trees provide cooling and shade to your house and the condenser unit of your air conditioner, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool your living space.

To learn more about how landscaping around your outdoor A/C unit can affect cooling, call New River Heating & Air. We proudly serve homeowners in the New River Valley area of southwest Virginia.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about  A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “alexmillos/Shutterstock”

The post What You Need to Know About Landscaping Around Your Outdoor A/C Unit appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

In our muggy Southwest Virginia climate, A/C condensate drain problems can quickly become severe water damage problems. They may also jeopardize your healthy indoor air quality. Your central air conditioner can wring over 20 gallons of condensation out of the air on a humid summer day. Should anything obstruct free flow in the drainage system, the air handler becomes ground zero for A/C condensate drain problems, often long before the homeowner is aware that anything is wrong.  

Drain Clog

If the primary and backup condensate drain lines clog, the drip pan will rapidly overflow as the system continues producing condensate. Because the air handler is typically installed in remote parts of the home like the attic or inside an HVAC closet, water overflow may proceed unnoticed for some time.

Schedule an annual A/C checkup by an HVAC professional. It should include testing the condensate drain system and resolving any issues. You can also have a safety overflow switch installed to automatically shut down the system if the pan fills up.

Mold Growth

The wet, warm environment of the condensate drain pan is a perfect habitat for mold growth. Dormant spores washed into the pan by condensation grow into mold when in contact with moisture. Once established, active mold growth in the pan continuously releases toxic spores that may infect the system airflow.

Pour a cup of household bleach into the pan twice a year during cooling season to discourage mold growth. If mold occurs, an HVAC service tech can disinfect the system and install biocide tablets for long-term mold protection.

Dry Water Trap

Water contained within the drain trap in the condensate drain line seals out sewer gas. After a long winter of inactivity, however, the trap may dry out and allow noxious odors to flow into the air handler and be dispersed throughout the home.

A gallon of water poured into the drain pan will replenish a dry drain trap and seal out odors.

For professional help dealing with A/C condensate drain problems, contact New River Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C condensate drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Christian Delbert/Shutterstock”

The post Catch These A/C Condensate Drain Problems Before They Cause Serious Problems appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Temperature certainly affects comfort levels, but only to a degree. When it's too warm and sticky inside your home, or too cool and dry, your first reaction may be to adjust the thermostat down or up. Fiddling with the thermostat setting is a costly solution for home comfort issues and doesn't always work. Keep reading to learn the relation between the factors that affect home comfort and your energy budget.

Humidity and IAQ

During the summer, you often hear the old saying "it's not the heat, it's the humidity." Humidity is an element of indoor air quality (IAQ) that affects the body's natural functions for regulating temperature. If it's too humid, moisture can't be evaporated from the skin efficiently. If it's too dry, such as on a cold winter's day, the body loses heat too fast.

Indoor humidity is affected by outdoor humidity levels, moisture created inside the home and the environment inside the home. Consider these tips to manage indoor humidity:

• During the summer, save cooking, cleaning and bathing for morning and evening hours when it's cooler.
• Be sure to use the kitchen and bathroom fans while cooking and showering, respectively.
• Seal air leaks in the attic and in ventilated crawl spaces and basements.
• Open windows every chance you get when the weather is nice.
• Have your HVAC system inspected by a professional. Duct leaks and cooling and heating inefficiency can increase indoor humidity.
• Consider mechanical solutions for managing indoor humidity and pollutants with whole-home ventilators and air purification systems.

Temperature and Thermostat Settings

Once humidity is under control, it will be easier to maintain energy efficient thermostat settings. Energy Star suggests 78 degrees during the cooling months and 68 degrees during the heating months. Turn the thermostat back/up 10 to 15 degrees when the home is unoccupied. Use the fan option "auto" for greater energy savings and "on" for better IAQ.

To learn more about the factors that affect home comfort, please contact New River Heating & Air. We've provided IAQ and HVAC solutions for New River Valley residents since 1986.

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

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “kurhan/Shutterstock”

The post The Factors that Affect Home Comfort Include More Than Just Temperature appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Excessive humidity inside your Blacksburg home can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to damaged woodwork and furniture and cause certain health issues. If your indoor environment is too humid, here are some tips on how to reduce humidity and restore balance and comfort. 

Common Sources of Excess Moisture

Moisture can originate from sources both in and outside your home. Common places where excess moisture can enter your home include:

• Cracks in the foundation walls (especially when combined with an insufficient slope).
• Missing or torn shingles.
• Blocked exterior vents.

Interior sources of excessive moisture in the air include the following:

• Improperly sized HVAC equipment.
• Inadequate maintenance practices.
• An abundance of houseplants.
• Exhaust fans vented to the attic rather than the outdoors.
• Standing water.
• Leaky pipes or faucets.

Know the Signs

Visible mold or a sauna-like feeling are obvious signs of excess moisture, but some are more subtle, such as:

• Unexplained allergy symptoms.
• Water stains on ceilings or walls.
• Window condensation.
• A musty odor.

Tips to Reduce Humidity

It pays to measure and control indoor humidity levels to improve health and prevent damage. Start by purchasing a  hygrometer from your local home improvement store and aim for a reading between 30 and 50 percent. Then, consider the following ways to reduce humidity.

• Ventilate: Employing a whole-house ventilation strategy is important, particularly in newer homes with tight construction. An energy-recovery ventilation (ERV) system can help, bringing in fresh air while exhausting stale air and recycling a certain degree of moisture. This allows humidity levels to remain stable.
• Exhaust: Turn on kitchen, bathroom and laundry exhaust fans while performing household activities.
• Dehumidify: Problem areas such as a damp basement may benefit from a dehumidifier. Determine the square footage of the area before buying a dehumidifier, and ask your contractor if you would benefit more from a whole-home dehumidifier or a portable unit.

To learn more about how to reduce humidity in your home, contact New River Heating & Air. We've provided quality service to homeowners in the New River Valley since 1986.

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

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Stuart Miles/Shutterstock”

The post Valuable Advice on How to Reduce Humidity in Your New River Valley Home appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.

Think the air inside your home is cleaner than the air outdoors? You’re not alone. A recent study found that over 50 percent of respondents thought their home’s air was much cleaner than outdoor air. As it turns out, your home’s indoor air could be two to five times more more toxic than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Most people are unaware of how their actions help contribute to poor indoor air quality. For instance, a whopping 76 percent of respondents admitted to regularly using items and appliances that create poor indoor air conditions, including scented candles, gas stoves and fireplaces.

The study also found that 76 percent of respondents with indoor allergy symptoms were more likely to take medication for their symptoms than tackle indoor air quality (IAQ) problems at the source, namely by changing their air filters on a regular basis. Despite 94 percent of respondents knowing the importance of changing their HVAC system’s air filter, 47 percent only change their filters sporadically and 54 percent believe that it doesn’t need changing if it looks clean.

Steps to Take to Improve IAQ

It only takes a few simple steps to improve your home’s indoor air quality. Recommendations include:

• Checking your air filter every month and changing it at least every three months.
• Having a professional inspect your gas-burning appliances, including stoves, furnaces and water heaters. These appliances can produce soot and other byproducts that impact the quality of indoor air.
• Refraining from using aerosols and other products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Making sure your home has adequate ventilation. A steady flow of fresh outdoor air can do wonders for improving IAQ.

To learn more about the impact that indoor air quality has on your Pulaski home, contact the professionals at New River Heating & Air. We've been serving southwest Virginia since 1986.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Avesun/Shutterstock”

The post Is Your Indoor Air Quality as Polluted as Outdoor Air? appeared first on New River Heating and Air Blog.