As the temperatures rise in the greater Cleveland area, so does the humidity because warm air naturally holds more moisture than cool air. One of the auxiliary functions of your air conditioner is to remove excess moisture as it cools your air. If you're having humidity problems, you may notice a wet air filter in your central air conditioner, which can lead to mold, mildew and airflow obstructions in your home.

The Condensate Drain

When moisture condenses out of the air in the cooling system, it's usually disposed of through the condensate drain. If the drain becomes clogged, that moisture will remain within the air conditioner and re-evaporate, especially during periods when the air conditioner cycles off to maintain your temperature setting. That condensation can be trapped in the air filter medium, which can cause mold and mildew to grow. The condensate drain should be kept clear of any obstructions and cleaned with a dilute bleach solution once or twice a year.

Seasonal Maintenance

If your air conditioner is in poor repair, it may not function effectively when lowering humidity or draining it out. Having an annual HVAC inspection helps to catch any problems early, addressing them before you need emergency repairs. It also keeps your system in top operating condition so it can perform more effectively.

A Whole-House Dehumidifier

Some homes have more problems with humidity than others. If your home constantly has high humidity, you may consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Your air conditioner, after all, isn't designed to manage humidity; it simply lowers the humidity level as a side effect of its cooling operation. If humidity in your home is too high, it can lead to moisture condensation in more than just your air filter.

To learn more about how to handle a wet air filter and other humidity problems, contact Stack Heating & Cooling today.

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

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The HVAC industry uses the heating and cooling loads of homes to determine the size the HVAC system needs to be to ensure comfort and energy efficiency. HVAC engineers have designed software tools that take into account the three different loads every structure has to find the best fit.

In the HVAC field, a load is the amount of conditioning a home requires, and it takes into account the building’s ability to resist heat transfer. Homes with lower loads don’t require systems with as much capacity or size for heating and cooling.

Design Load

This load is driven by the physical characteristics of the home, like the number of levels it has, insulation, air infiltration, orientation to the sun, along with the quality of exterior doors and windows. The HVAC professional uses the average outdoor summer and winter temperatures to estimate the capacity the HVAC system needs to maintain comfortable indoor air temperatures.

Extreme Load

The second type of load is the extreme load, which takes into account the extreme outdoor temperatures the home experiences. Unless the home lacks insulation or has high rates of air infiltration, the extreme load isn’t normally an important consideration when considering the heating and cooling loads.

If the extreme load were given more credence in the load analysis, many homes would have oversized systems that drive up energy costs, reduce comfort and wear out faster.

Part Load

The last load to consider is the part load, or the normal seasonal temperatures. This load plays a major role in the load calculation HVAC contractors conduct, along with the design load. Manual J software largely determines the design load, and its sister software, Manual S, helps the HVAC contractor fine tune the equipment choice for the specific climate. Humidity in this region increases the cooling load, and with Manual S software, the HVAC pro can find the optimally sized system for your home.

To learn more about heating and cooling loads and how they affect HVAC sizing and performance, contact Stack Heating & Cooling. We've provided trusted HVAC services for greater Cleveland homeowners since 1976.

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

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The consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance may be costly to your comfort, budget and safety. HVAC contractors provide routine maintenance checks for your cooling and heating equipment to keep it running as efficiently and safely as possible. Neglecting this maintenance lays the groundwork for a host of largely avoidable mechanical and electrical issues.

Increased Energy Consumption

When an HVAC technician goes through your system, he or she cleans parts that may be difficult or impossible for you to access. Over time, dust can coat all the components, reducing their efficiency. Dirt can slow the fan blades, increasing the time it takes to condition your home.

Electrical and mechanical parts retain heat longer and dust and corrosion slow the flow of electricity through the system, reducing its performance. Running your system with a clogged air filter or a blocked outdoor condenser increases the wear on all its parts, as well as increasing energy consumption measurably.

More Serious Scenarios

Two of the three most serious consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance involve safety. When dust builds inside the blower compartment, it may cover the heat exchanger, which is used in combustion furnaces. The dust insulates the heat exchanger, keeping it hot longer, which may cause it to crack prematurely. A crack in this part can emit deadly carbon monoxide into your home’s air.

Dirt and corrosion building on the electrical components impedes the flow of electricity. As the movement slows, the parts retain heat and it sets the stage for part failure and overheating, which can start a fire, whether the system is set to cool or heat.

The blower compartment also contains an evaporator coil that the A/C uses to absorb the heat from your home. When it’s covered with dust or dirt, it may freeze over. If your system doesn’t automatically turn off, it can burn out the compressor, one of the most expensive parts to replace in an HVAC system.

For more information about the consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance, contact Stack Heating & Cooling. We’ve provided trusted HVAC services for greater Cleveland homeowners since 1976.

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

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Thermostat malfunctions can make you think something is seriously wrong with your HVAC system. Learning some basic thermostat troubleshooting methods may save you the cost of having an HVAC technician make the diagnosis. Here's how to investigate three common thermostat problems.

HVAC System Suddenly Quits Working

If the thermostat's display is dark, a lack of power may be the issue. Try replacing the batteries, then check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker in the electrical panel. If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up. If the wiring looks corroded, consider replacing the thermostat.

Thermostat Setting and Room Temperature Don't Match

Dirty thermostat components can cause this issue, so clean the inside as per the above instructions first. A jarring bump can throw a non-digital thermostat off level and cause setting and temperature discrepancies too. To fix it, place a carpenter's level just above the device and make adjustments until it's level again.

If you have a mechanical thermostat, a frozen anticipator is another potential culprit. Locate the arm that's attached to a round dial and try gently pushing it either direction to get it unstuck. If these fixes don't work, consider the thermostat's location. It may need to be moved if it's exposed to heat sources, direct sunlight or drafts or installed far from the main living areas.

Non-Stop HVAC Operation or Short Cycling

An off-kilter or dirty thermostat can cause this, so troubleshoot those issues first. Another possibility is an improperly calibrated anticipator. You may be able to lengthen the cycle by adjusting the anticipator lever one notch at a time toward the word "longer" on the dial. If this doesn't work, it may be time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

For expert help troubleshooting thermostat problems in your northeast Ohio home, contact the pros at Stack Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio 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.

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Like any urban location, the greater Cleveland area has its share of smog, as well as pollen and mold spores. Improving indoor air quality means dealing with these pollutants, in addition to the contaminants produced inside your home.

Keeping the Kitchen and Bath Clean

• Repair any leaky pipes or dripping faucets. These add humidity to the air, encouraging mold and dust mites.
• Run the exhaust fan for 15 minutes after cooking and showering, and wipe down the tub and shower after use to further cut humidity. If you find mold anywhere, clean it up immediately before it can release harmful spores into your air.
• Keep food in tightly sealed containers to avoid attracting cockroaches, mice and other pests that leave lung-irritating debris behind.
• Radon, a cancer-causing gas that occurs naturally in the ground in some areas, can enter your home through the foundation and water supply. Test for this gas using a kit available from the Ohio Department of Health or call an HVAC technician for help.

Fresher Air in the Bedrooms and Living Room

• Reduce clutter and dust weekly with a microfiber cloth that picks up dust instead just spreading it. This helps with improving indoor air quality in every room.
• To cut down on dust mites, use allergy-proof pillow and mattress covers, and wash bedding weekly in water that's at least 130 degrees.
• Place carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and within 15 feet of every sleeping area. Keep them at least 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances and areas of high humidity, such as the kitchen and bath.
• Use air filters of at least MERV 5 or, if you have allergies or asthma, MERV 10 to 11. Also check that your home has the right amount of ventilation for its size. A ventilation professional can help with this. Ventilation is your best defense against volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemical gases produced by some carpets, upholstery, air fresheners and other materials used in construction.

For more tips on improving indoor air quality, contact Stack Heating & Cooling in northeast Ohio.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio 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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The greater Cleveland area's high humidity means your air conditioner has no shortage of condensate to deal with. Cleaning the A/C condensate drain correctly helps ensure this water doesn't shut down your system or back up onto your floor.

Disinfect the Inside End

Because it's constantly wet during the summer, your air conditioner's condensate drain is prone to developing algae and mold. If not cleaned out, these microorganisms keep growing and eventually block the drain. Some A/Cs sense blockages and automatically shut down to prevent a backup. With others, the condensate water runs over onto your floor, potentially damaging your flooring and walls, until you notice it.

To prevent this, once or twice every cooling season, pour a cup of bleach, vinegar or an algaecide designed for air conditioners into your condensate drain's access line in your indoor unit. Wait 30 minutes, then flush the line with water. If water remains in the drain pan, you most likely have a blockage. Inserting a length of surgical tubing into the drain can help loosen small blockages. Avoid inserting sharp objects, however, because these can damage the drain. If this doesn't clear the blockage, shut off your A/C and use a wet-vac to suck out debris.

Clear Out the Outside End

The outside end of your condensate drain, usually a pipe on the side of your house, can also develop sludge and blockages. A wet-vac will help you with cleaning the A/C condensate drain from this side. Attach the wet-vac's hose to the condensate drain's end. Use a plumbing fitting, such as a socket coupling or reducer, to achieve the airtight connection necessary to effectively pull out the sludge. Without a tight connection, you may get only water. Let the wet-vac run for two or three minutes.

If you run into a solid blockage you can't remove or find rust or other deterioration, contact a technician. Attempting to force the blockage out can damage the drain.

For more tips on cleaning the A/C condensate drain or for professional cleaning, contact us at Stack Heating & Cooling in the greater Cleveland area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio 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.

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Heat pump advantages get better all the time. The technology and efficiency of heat pumps continues to advance and today’s new units are more than ever a viable source of dependable cooling and heating. About 13 percent of the homes in North America now utilize heat pumps. In many cases, upgrading to a heat pump is indicated when either the air conditioner or furnace in a home requires replacement. Installing a heat pump instead allows the homeowner to consolidate cooling and heating functions into a single unit, utilizing the existing ductwork.

Like an air conditioner, a heat pump moves heat. However, while a central A/C only absorbs heat inside the house and disperses it outdoors to cool the premises, a heat pump also functions in reverse, extracting latent heat from the air outdoors and moving it indoors to warm the house.

Lower Costs

Since no combustion of natural gas or other fuel is involved, the only expenses related to heating or cooling with a heat pump are the costs of electricity to power the compressor and blower fan. In summer, the energy costs are similar to a central air conditioner with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) equivalent to the heat pump. During winter, however, heating costs with a heat pump can be up to 30 percent less than with a standard gas-fired or electric furnace.

Streamlined Maintenance

Upgrading to a heat pump means upkeep is limited to a single unit. Heat pump maintenance is generally the same as the maintenance on a conventional air conditioner and can be handled by a qualified HVAC technician, preferably scheduled twice a year. The procedure involves a check of all systems as well as measuring the refrigerant level and routine coil inspection and cleaning. Monthly filter changes—an easy DIY procedure your HVAC contractor will be happy to demonstrate—are recommended, as well.

For more information on heat pump advantages for your home, contact the cooling professionals at Stack Heating & Cooling.

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

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Are you familiar with the Energy Star logo? You can find this distinctive blue label bearing the logo affixed to a wide range of efficient products, including HVAC equipment and appliances. 

If you're shopping for a new air conditioner, furnace or other HVAC-related equipment, looking for the Energy Star logo is the key to shopping for efficiency. Choosing an Energy Star-rated appliance means you'll save considerable money on utility bills, particularly when it comes to HVAC equipment, which is the largest consumer of energy in most American homes.

Earning the Energy Star Label

The Environmental Protection Agency awards the Energy Star rating after a product is tested according to strict guidelines in an approved laboratory and then reviewed by a third party for certification.

Energy Star-rated products must also belong to categories that can contribute significantly to energy savings across the nation. They must be capable of performing at a level in line with consumer demands, while operating efficiently. Further, they must have features in demand in the marketplace.

Often, Energy Star-labeled products cost more than their less-efficient counterparts, so consumers should be able to recoup the cost of the increased efficiency by saving money on utility bills within a reasonable time.

Some of the HVAC-related products eligible for Energy Star certification, besides A/Cs and furnaces, are water heaters, dehumidifiers, boilers, ductless mini splits, ventilation fans and geothermal and air source heat pumps.

Not Just About Savings

While using Energy Star-rated products has saved homeowners millions of dollars in energy bills since the program was launched in 1992, Energy Star also plays a role in reducing homeowners' carbon footprints. The less energy each homeowner uses, the less power that is needed, and that translates to less use of fossil fuels and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star program has helped promote an estimated savings of 2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions since it was started.

For more on the how the Energy Star logo can help you find efficient HVAC equipment, contact Stack Heating and Cooling. We've provided quality service to our Lakewood-area customers since 1976.

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

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Humidity is a common problem for many Cleveland homeowners. Excess moisture in the air creates uncomfortable living conditions, contributes to respiratory and other health problems, reduces indoor air quality, damages woodwork, and decreases the efficiency of your cooling system. To eliminate these and other issues, here are a few tips on how to spot and reduce humidity in your home.

Signs of Excessive Indoor Humidity Levels

While extremely muggy conditions might be readily apparent to those living within the home, other signs of high humidity are less obvious. Those musty odors you've detected or water stains on your walls or ceilings should send up a red flag. Also be on alert for signs of mold growth or condensation on your windows. Even allergy symptoms could be directly tied to excess humidity.

How to Reduce Humidity in the Home

Lowering indoor humidity levels is easier than you might imagine. Some of the simplest and most effective means of doing so include:

• Adjusting thermostat fan settings: Switching your fan to "auto" instead of leaving it set to "on" will prevent air from passing over wet coils and re-humidifying the home.
• Sealing air and duct leaks: Air leaks and leaky ductwork can cause major humidity problems. Evaluate your home for problems and seal these leaks.
• Ventilating to the outdoors: Ventilation is essential to minimizing humidity. Dryer, kitchen and bathroom vents should only vent outdoors.
• Applying vapor barriers: Dirt floors in basements and crawl spaces should be covered with a vapor barrier.
• Making simple changes: Keep excess moisture out of the air by not boiling water or showering on especially humid days.
• Replacing plants: Some plants contribute to humidity while others, like the Boston fern, can actually reduce humidity. Replace those known to worsen indoor humidity.

In some cases, installing a properly sized air conditioning system with a variable-speed air handler is necessary to reduce humidity levels. Portable or whole-house dehumidifiers are also viable options.

For more useful tips on how to reduce humidity, contact the experts at Stack Heating and Cooling. We handle the home comfort needs of residents throughout the greater Cleveland area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio 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.

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The home energy rating, also known as the HERS index, is a standardized score that tells you where your home stands in the range of energy efficiency compared to an identical reference home. The HERS index is useful for developing effective plans to make improvements and upgrade efficiency, as well as for use when considering the purchase of an existing home. It’s also a marketing tool for home sellers to emphasize the energy efficiency of the house to potential buyers.

The Rating Process

HERS begins with an efficiency inspection by a HERS rater trained and certified by RESNET, a non-profit organization that sets standards for home energy rating.  The visual part of the inspection involves a close-up look at these factors:

• Building envelope characteristics, including the number of doors and windows, amount and type of insulation and condition of ductwork
• Air conditioner, furnace and ventilation system types and manufacturer’s efficiency ratings
• Types of major appliances
• Number of lighting fixtures and type of bulbs
• Evidence of moisture intrusion such as roof leaks or walls
• Any visible health or safety issues

The diagnostic phase uses specialized technology to quantify these efficiency factors:

• The extent of air leakage in the structure and the location of leaks is determined by a blower door test.
• Air loss from ductwork is evaluated by a duct pressurization test.
• The level and effectiveness of insulation is tested with infrared visualization.
• The safety and efficiency of furnace, stove and other combustion-related appliances is checked by a combustion analyzer and carbon monoxide detector.

What the Results Mean

The HERS index figure is calculated by comparing scores on aspects of the inspection to a reference house, which is an ideal new home of the same square footage that serves as a baseline. Scores above 100 indicate less efficiency and below 100 indicate greater efficiency. A home with a score of 75 indicates your home is more efficient than the reference house, while a score of 125 indicates less efficiency.

For more about obtaining a certified home energy rating for you house, contact Stack Heating & Cooling.

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

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