A zoning system addresses the age-hold problem of heating an entire home with just one thermostat. Since the thermostat can’t be in more than one place at a time, it can only control temperatures in the room where it’s located. The problem is that some parts of a house need more heating or cooling than others. With one thermostat, you’re certain to have areas of your house – such as upstairs bedrooms (too warm) and the finished basement (too cool) that are difficult to properly condition.

Zoning systems employ multiple thermostats wired to a central control panel. This panel sends messages to various duct dampers through your forced-air system, which controls air flow to predetermined zones in your home. You can customized heating and cooling to a particular area, as well as the preferences of occupants of that room or zone.

Here are some problem areas that are improved by a zoning system.

Vaulted or cathedral ceilings. These popular architectural styles can make it difficult to efficiently heat and cool a home without a zoning system. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in a room with vaulted or cathedral ceilings, you will have to over-compensate, which causes the temperatures in other rooms to be uncomfortable.

Hot upstairs, cold downstairs. Because heat rises, it’s common for homeowners to set the thermostat extra low in order to keep the upper levels habitable. Unfortunately, this wastes energy and creates a colder-than-comfortable downstairs climate. When we assess your home for a zoning system, we will make suggestions for your ideal thermostat placements so each floor is heated/cooled sufficiently, and remains comfortable year round.

Expansive windows. Even dual-paned windows aren’t as insulated as exterior walls. In addition to being less insulated, rooms with expansive window exposure are prone to solar heat gain. In the summer, you may have to freeze out the rest of your home in order to keep heavily windowed living spaces comfortable.

Do these problems sound familiar? Please contact us at Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning. We can install an affordable zoning system to give your home comfort a boost.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas 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.

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One central system works best when there are only one or two likely demands for water at the same time. If you have a large family, two or more units probably makes more sense.

Benefits of tankless water heating systems

Because a tankless system only heats water when you need it, it uses less energy (and costs less money to operate) than a traditional storage tank water heater. In addition, with a tankless system, you’ll never run out of hot water as long as you’ve sized the system properly to handle anticipated multiple uses.

A tankless system takes up less space than a traditional water tank. These heaters are mounted on the wall, freeing up the floor space that a water tank would use. And, since there is no danger of water leaking from a tankless system, these water heaters can be installed just about anywhere in the home. They don’t have to be located in the basement or the lowest level of the house.

If you’d like to explore how a tankless water heating system can save energy and money for your household, please contact us at Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping Charlotte area homeowners with their heating and cooling needs since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Trademark issues of poor ductwork design

Poor ductwork design invariably creates comfort issues, such as hot/cold spots from one room or floor to the next. Hot/cold spots are the result of unbalanced air pressure (i.e. uneven air flow) from the supply registers, through the living spaces and back through the return grilles. While unbalanced air pressure is the primary reason for comfort issues, there may be other factors at the root of the air-flow problem.

• Location: Good ductwork design provides a clear, unobstructed channel for supply air to flow from the supply registers through the living spaces and back to the return grilles. Most homes don’t have a return grille matched with each supply register. One solution is to install door-transfer grilles and/or jumper ducts that easily permit supply air in one room or area to reach the return grilles in an adjoining room or area. This also allows occupants to close doors for privacy without sacrificing comfort.
• Sealing: Leaky ducts and loose seams rapidly lose heated/cooled air. In addition to wasting energy, leaks compromise air pressure through the entire home – more hot/cold spots. Leaky ductwork should be sealed with sheet-metal screws, mastic sealant and/or metal tape to stop energy drains and air-pressure variances.
• Insulation: Uninsulated ducts outside the insulated living spaces lose heat energy at alarming rates through the thin metal walls of ductwork. By the time air flow reaches distant registers, air temperature and pressure have significantly changed compared to other rooms. Rigid insulation boards or insulation rolls may be applied to ducts to improve efficiency and comfort.

If you’ve had enough of comfort issues and high energy bills in your Charlotte area home, please contact a reputable HVAC professional to evaluate your ductwork design and outline the best course of action. Call Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning today, and we’ll be happy to help.

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

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• Improve the efficiency of your system to lower your energy costs and carbon footprint.
• Extend the operating life of your A/C.
• Prevent midsummer breakdowns due to extra stress on the system.

Your qualified HVAC professional will conduct a comprehensive check of your system that includes these key points:

• Lubricate moving parts to prevent damaging friction.
• Test the system controls for proper cycling.
• Record the operating temperatures and pressures.
• Measure the refrigerant level and test for leaks.
• Clean the condensate drain.
• Check the motor for problems such as worn bearings and dust buildup.
• Tighten belts.
• Check the compressor contacts.
• Tighten electrical connections.
• Clean and adjust the thermostat to make sure it’s accurate.
• Clean the outdoor condensing unit.
• Check the ductwork for loose connections and other leaks.

Preventive A/C maintenance isn’t the end of maintaining your system. There are several things you should do throughout the cooling season to keep your system operating efficiently all summer:

• Check your air filter each month and replace it when you can no longer see through it. Dirty filters prevent air from flowing optimally through the system and allow dust to build up inside your equipment, both of which can cause overheating and related damage.
• Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of obstructions. Prevent plant growth next to the unit and hose it down every month to remove dirt buildup and grass clippings from the fins.
• Maintain the area around your indoor unit to prevent dust from building up inside the unit.
• Remove any obstructions from your supply and return registers to ensure optimum airflow to the system.

For more expert advice about A/C maintenance, or to schedule your tune-up, please contact us at Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning, serving the Charlotte area with a high level of customer satisfaction since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Choosing a new air conditioner is as easy as 1-2-3

1. Read efficiency labels – To start lowering your cooling costs, look for a cooling system with a high efficiency rating. Central air conditioners are rated based upon their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Although the minimum SEER allowed today is 13, it’s smart to select a system with a SEER rating that is greater than 13. Not only will you enjoy greater overall efficiency, but you may be eligible for a significant federal tax credit through the end of 2013. Systems that are eligible for the credit must have a SEER rating of at least 14. These air conditioners are easy to spot because they will have the Energy Star label.
2. Have your system properly sized – Cooling equipment that’s too big for your home’s needs will run inefficiently and will not adequately remove moisture from the air. Conversely, an air conditioner that’s too small will not be able to keep you comfortable during the hottest days. To avoid these problems, your HVAC contractor should conduct a load calculation on your home to measure your exact cooling and dehumidification requirements. This will help to determine the right sized air conditioner for your house.
3. Demand proper installation – With correct installation, your system will run efficiently for years to come. Be sure that your contractor uses the main duct-sizing protocol (Manual D), allows for adequate indoor space for maintenance and repair, tightly connects and seals all ductwork, verifies the manufacturer-specified refrigerant charge and airflow rate, and locates the condensing unit where no nearby objects can block airflow.

For more tips on choosing a new air conditioner, please contact us at Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve residents of the greater Charlotte area.

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

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Central air conditioners (or heat pumps) are the most efficient way to cool your home. They are quiet and easy to operate. If you’re thinking about a new air conditioner, consider which type works best for you – a split system or a packaged system.

Split system – The condenser and compressor are located in a metal box outside, and the air handler/evaporator is located inside. The indoor component often works with the furnace blower. If you have an older split system air conditioner, think about replacing the outdoor compressor with a new high-efficiency model. Just make sure it’s compatible with the rest of the system.

Packaged system – The condenser, compressor and evaporator are all located outside in one unit, usually placed next to the house or on the roof. The outdoor unit provides cool air through return ducts that run to the inside of your home. Packaged A/Cs often include a natural gas furnace or electric heating coils. This combination removes the need for a separate furnace inside the house.

It’s important to look for high-efficiency models when buying a new A/C. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). All air conditioners made after January 2006 must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher, which is at least 30 percent more efficient than older models with SEER 10 or below. For high-efficiency A/C, look for a SEER rating of 16 or higher, with the Energy Star label, to help you save money.

The life span of a new air conditioner is 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance and upkeep, so it’s important to get the latest energy-efficient features. Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning can help you find the right system and properly install and maintain it. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

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

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There’s no running away from biological contaminants, but there are ways you can reduce them to relatively harmless levels. The following measures can help reduce your exposure to biocontaminants while improving your home’s indoor air quality:

• Maintain a clean home through dusting, vacuuming and ordinary cleaning. When vacuuming, make sure to use high-efficiency filters to better trap biocontaminants.
• Always maintain a relative humidity of around 30 to 50 percent to minimize the growth of mold and other biocontaminants. If necessary, use a portable or whole-house dehumidifier.
• Prevent moisture buildup within your home’s attic and crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
• Keep your humidifiers clean and refilled with fresh water on a daily basis.
• Make sure the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom are vented to the outdoors. Also make sure your clothes dryer’s exhaust vents to the outdoors.
• Dry out any water-damaged building materials (wallpaper, insulation, etc.) and carpets within 24 hours. Otherwise, have these items removed and replaced as soon as possible.
• Replace your HVAC system’s air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Get in the habit of inspecting the filter once a month, and changing it when it looks dirty.

Air cleaners can also help reduce levels of biocontaminants and restore your home’s indoor air quality. You can find a wide variety of air cleaners on the market, including models that utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to neutralize certain biocontaminants.

Clean indoor air is critical for any home’s safety and well-being. Call Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning for more information on how you can improve the indoor air quality of your home and reduce biocontaminants. We’ve taken care of the heating and air conditioning needs of Charlotte area residents since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas 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.

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• Size – Storage tank water heaters come in varying sizes, with tanks ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. Bigger is not necessarily better, however, when it comes to water heaters. Work with your contractor to determine your household’s hot water needs over the one hour when your household places peak demand on the unit, and then select a unit with the right capacity and temperature rise to match that need.
• Efficiency – The Energy Factor (EF) rating of water heaters varies, with gas-powered systems ranging between 0.5 and 0.7, and the highest-efficiency condensing gas versions reaching 0.8 EF, while electric systems range from 0.75 to 0.95. Heat pump water heaters achieve higher efficiency, rating 2.0 EF, while tankless (demand) water heaters achieve an EF rating of 0.82.
• Energy Star – Choosing a water heater replacement that bears the Energy Star logo means the system consumes less energy to operate than standard-efficiency water heaters, without sacrificing features or comfort.
• Fuel source – It’s worth investigating a water heater replacement system that employs a different fuel source, particularly if the cost of the fuel you’re using is high. A solar water heater offers access to free, renewable energy, while heat-pump systems also rate high in terms of performance and efficiency. Talk to your contractor about the potential adjustments your home requires in order to accommodate solar panels or a heat pump, in terms of component requirements, solar radiation and so forth.

A water heater replacement requires a sizable up-front investment. Don’t attempt to choose an upgrade on your own. Get professional advice to navigate sizing calculations, efficiency ratings, Energy Star-qualified options, and factors to consider when changing fuel sources. For expert advice when choosing a water heater replacement, please contact us at Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served greater Charlotte homeowners since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heater replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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MERV ratings (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) correspond to the ability of a filter to trap airborne particulates. The higher the filter’s rating, the better that air filter is at capturing the smallest particles.

• MERV 1-4: Provides minimal protection, though it does serve the main purpose of keeping dust and dirt off of system components. If it’s replaced regularly, a low-rated air filter also will maintain system airflow. It doesn’t help indoor air quality, however.
• MERV 5-8: Allows for smooth airflow and can remove particles three microns across or larger.
• MERV 9-12: Can capture particles as small as 1 micron. The MERV 5-12 filters are suitable for most residential systems.
• MERV 13-16: Will remove most particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, and should be used by people especially concerned about air quality. They may require system adjustments, however, in order to work with your equipment and not impede airflow.

The highest MERV rating isn’t always the best. You also have to take into account other factors such as performance over time and ability to maintain air quality while maintaining airflow.

The dimensions of your air filter can also be tricky. The actual dimensions of your filter, the ones that are accurate down to the fraction, aren’t what air filters are sold under. Instead, stores use nominal dimensions, the actual dimensions rounded to the nearest whole number. If you don’t know this, you could end up with a headache on your next trip to the home improvement or hardware store. Make sure to use your filter’s nominal dimensions when shopping for a replacement filter.

If you have a standard one-inch filter, you should change it every two to three months. Filters that are three to five inches thick should be replaced about once a year. These recommendations may be more or less, however, depending on how much your heating and cooling equipment is being used and other factors such as pets in the home, a lot of in-and-out traffic (kids!), and whether your home has a lot of carpeting. The best course? Inspect the air filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.

If you’re looking for expert advice on other issues related to home comfort and air quality, look no further than Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning. We are HVAC professionals whom the Charlotte area has trusted for more than 65 years.

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

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Do-it-yourself

Close all the windows and exterior doors and turn on all the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Inside your house, walk along the exterior-facing walls with a stick of incense and note where the smoke wavers. Do the same thing along the ceiling underneath the attic. The window and exterior door frames are likely to have the most air leaks, as well as anywhere you have recessed lights that go into the attic or along the edges of the attic hatch or door. Places where pipes, wires and cables enter your home or attic can also leak air. Seal the leaks with caulk, weatherstripping or expanding foam, depending on the situation.

Professional energy evaluation

Three types of diagnostic equipment used in a pro energy evaluation include a blower door, thermography and a PFT test.

• A blower door sits inside an exterior door frame and the fan inside it pulls the air out of your home. The gauges on it indicate the air pressure. In tight homes, the pressure drops quickly, since few places exist where air can enter. In leaky homes, the pressure is stable longer, which means that air is coming back into the home to equalize the pressure.
• Thermography is often used with a blower door test to pinpoint where the leaks are. The incoming air will have a different temperature, which the thermal equipment shows. Hotter air will be yellow to red, while cooler air will be blue to green. The thermal cameras or video equipment also show where insulation is lacking.
• A PFT test uses a harmless tracer gas that measures air infiltration. One part emits the gas and the other receives it. Tight homes have higher concentrations of the gas in the receiver than homes with more air leakage, since there’s less air dilution.

To learn more about an energy evaluation, contact Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided HVAC services for the Charlotte area since 1946.

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

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