HVAC News You Can Use

If you are looking for new, efficient ways to heat your home, you might be interested in Carbonic Heat.  Carbonic Heating involves a newly developed thin film heating element.  This element warms your floor quickly and evenly.

What’s great about this type of heating element is it can be cut with any ordinary shears to fit the shape of any room in your house!  It uses infrared rays to create maximum warmth.

Another benefit of Carbonic Heat is you can direct where you want to heat, which saves you money on your utility bills.

Radiant heat also provides a ductless environment where dust and other contaminants typically found in air ducts are not being spread through your home.  It is also very quiet due to not needing any air flow or water pipes.

No furnace, no valves and no pumps means no maintenance! 

There are many different ways to heat your home.  If you’re tired of dust or noisy pipes, radiant floor heat might be worth checking into!

For more information on heating solutions available on Long Island, stop by AirNow in Garden City Park!

If you’re like me, and many of my friends and family, allergy season is in full swing.  Fortunately, there are things we can do to help relieve the itchy eyes and sneezing, the worst of my symptoms being severe sinus pain.

There’s not much I’m going to do outside my home.  The yellow dust on my car each morning tells me a bit about how the rest of my day will go.  But inside my home, I have taken steps to reduce the allergens floating around in the air.  Luckily for me, pollen is the least of my worries.  Inside the house, there is a much more sinister enemy.  Unfortunately I have not yet tracked down the name of the culprit.  I know only that he hides in my closet among the layers of dust on the floor.  I stay clear of him, for he is the one who in one quick swoop, knocked me to my knees with sinus pain that could take down the fiercest of beasts.

Ok, ok, maybe I exaggerated a little, but it was quite painful.  It did knock me onto the couch in an attempt to find some position to lessen the pressure in my head.  But an allergy tablet and 30 minutes later, I was back on my feet.

Sweeping the closet is a good start in preventing another such attack.  But there is more I could be doing to fix the problem.  Central Air Purification would be great, but since I don’t have any duct work in my house, I’m looking more into individual air purifiers in the rooms that need it most.

Air purifiers clean the air, removing allergens such as pollen, dust, mold and pet dander.  They work in different ways depending on the type you choose.  Some pass the air through a special type of filter that removes the particles in the air then blows the air back into the room.  HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filters) are the most effective in removing tiny particles.

Some purifiers do not use a HEPA filter, but instead use ozone.  However, high levels of ozone can be dangerous if a person is overexposed.  You will want to contact a specialist if you feel your home requires ozone treatment.  Unfortunately, ozone may actually worsen allergies in some people.

Others, like the one in my home, use an electrostatic filter to capture the particles in the air.  Some electrostatic air purifiers will then send the air through a charcoal filter to remove even more contaminants.  I like this type because the filter is reusable.

Of course, air purifiers can only do so much.  Frequent vacuuming and dusting is also critical in keeping allergens to a minimum.  If you want to know more about air purification, the folks at AirNow would be glad to help. 

Today I’m going to deviate from HVAC to talk about a problem many business owners as well as employees face: Procrastination. 

What is Procrastination?

Have you ever put something off that you should be doing now? If so, then you have fallen victim to procrastination. It happens to everyone every once in a while. The key is to know when it is unwise to put things off and how to avoid the temptation in the first place.

Bernard Meltzer once said, “Hard work is often the easy work you did not do at the proper time.”

What Causes Procrastination?

There are many reasons (excuses?) to put things off. It could be just that you are waiting for the right time to do the job, or that you are not in the mood. Other reasons could have to do with the way you organize your work. Answering these questions might help you determine why a task is not getting done:

• Are your goals clear?
• Is the task more difficult than anticipated?
• Is the task taking longer than expected?
• Do you understand what the outcome of the task is supposed to be?
• Where did the task assignment come from, and how do you feel about it?
• Is the task too ambiguous?

Some personality traits might be blocking your ability to perform as well, such as the fear of failure or success, perfectionism or the need to develop decision making skills.

How Do You Avoid Procrastination?

Confronting these issues can help you avoid putting off tasks. Below are some steps you can take to stop procrastinating and get the project done!

Set Goals:

• Clearly define your final objective.
• List the steps it will take to achieve your goal.
• Note the steps that have already been completed. A visual reminder that you are making progress can aid in keeping up your motivation.

Motivate Yourself:

• Ask yourself what is your motivation. Having a positive motive for completing a task can help to keep you on track. If you are thinking negative thoughts about a task, you are more likely to put it off.
• Make a list of your roadblocks. Decide what you can change and change it so you can reach your goal.
• Ask yourself what will happen if you do not complete the task. Knowing this may be enough to motivate you.

Develop a Plan:

• Make a list of the resources you will need to complete the task. These can be books, time and even people.
• Develop your plan using realistic steps.
• Schedule your tasks according to the amount of time it should take to complete each one.
• Set aside time each day or week to focus on the project.
• Set periodic goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
• Find someone to review your work periodically.

Some final reminders to beat procrastination: Always remember that mistakes do happen. Make sure you do not dwell on them, but chalk it up as experience, learn from it and move on. There will be distractions and escapes. Do not give in to temptation! There will be emotional roadblocks such as frustration when things don’t seem to be going right. Rather than let it stall your progress, develop a plan to get past it and move forward. Finally, visualize your success! Good luck out there!

Understanding humidity control in critical environments such us data centers can help save energy and money.  Unfortunately, the use of HVAC technology in such environments is still fairly new and needs to be improved to realize the most energy efficient methods.

Even though environmental control for data systems first came to the forefront in the 1960’s, it’s only been in the last decade that the most significant advances have been made.  Standards are continually changing as needs change.  It is well known how quickly computer technology changes and the HVAC industry must constantly evolve in order to keep up with the cooling demands.

The efficiency of climate control systems in data centers relies not only on the fuel being used, but also in the overall design of the system itself.  Because of the ever changing needs in different data centers, older designs that were once highly efficient in one application may not be the best choice in the newer data canters.  Incorrect design could ultimately lead to increased energy consumption beyond what would have been needed in a better designed system.

The next challenge that needs to be overcome is better understanding the limitations of the computer equipment itself.  There is not enough data on the effects of humidity on the equipment.  While it is known that excessive humidity will damage the equipment, it is not known how varying levels of humidity within the recommended range affect the equipment’s overall life.

Another unknown is how the use of outside air would affect the equipment.  In HVAC, the use of outside air would greatly increase the efficiency of the system.  However, outside air is likely to carry with it dust and dirt particles that could build up inside the equipment and cause a short circuit.  There are also greater fluctuations in the humidity of outside air.

Data Center designers as well as operators need to work together to determine the best course of action for keeping the systems at peak operating performance.  Understanding the pace at which technology changes as well as continually gathering as much data as possible for analysis will go a long way toward ensuring the most energy efficient cooling systems for data centers.

If you need more information on Data Center Environmental Control, contact AirNow/Herricks Mechanical Corp and we will be happy to assist you.

I was reading the March/April Issue of Construction Law Briefing and came across an interesting article about scheduling.  It seems pretty obvious that sticking to a schedule is very important, but this article really brings it home.  Let me give you a quick summary:

One of the most important aspects of a construction contract is the schedule. Even a recovery schedule may not be enough to save a contractor from an early default termination of the contract. This is demonstrated in the following case involving big names such as McDonnell Douglas, General Dynamics and the U.S. Navy.

McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics were contracted by the Navy in 1988 to design, develop and produce a new stealth fighter. The first flight of the first prototype was originally scheduled for June 1990. Additional deployments of more advanced prototypes were to take place each month through 1991.

The Navy realized the design process was taking longer than anticipated, so it attempted to negotiate a new schedule. However, the contractors, already expecting a $2 billion loss, insisted on presidential relief from the contract’s price terms.

A recovery schedule was issued by the Navy in August 1990 without the contractors’ agreement. The first flight was moved back to December 1991, and the remaining aircraft were to be released every other month through February 1993.

Manufacturing the fuselage parts proved more difficult than expected. The contractors had to cut costs and did so by eliminating overtime and cutting 110 employees.

The Department of Defense stepped in to review the project’s status. On January 7, 1991, the Navy terminated the contract, claiming that the contractors could not complete the project within the allotted time.

McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics sued the Navy, claiming a termination of convenience rather than a default termination. The Court of Claims initially agreed with the contractors and they were awarded $1.2 billion for the termination costs.

This was not the end of the case, however. The Court of Claims, after a series of appeals and new trials, reversed their decision and determined that it was indeed a default termination. The court determined that the contractors’ demands for presidential relief were unreasonable and that they should have been more willing to renegotiate the schedule. The court also determined that the Navy’s unilateral recovery schedule was not unreasonable and that it was enforceable.

The Court of Claims reviewed a series of internal documents in which the contractors stated that they would not be able to meet the scheduled deadlines. The court observed:

The law does not require the Government to help “fix the contract.” The Government can point to reasons in retrospect why [the contractors] were not making the progress that some officials hoped and perhaps expected. So long as those reasons form a rational basis for a reviewing court to uphold [the] decision to terminate, the court must do so.

The initial $1.2 billion award to the contractors was then taken away.

As this case demonstrates, it is of high importance that a schedule be followed. If a recovery schedule becomes necessary, a contractor should review it carefully with legal counsel. If the schedule is reasonable, the contractor should be prepared to stick to it to avoid early default termination of the contract.

What is it? 

Black mold is a genus of molds, also called Stachybotrys. Black Mold prefers to call cellulose-rich materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint “home sweet home.” But what it can do to your home is anything but sweet.  Black mold wrecks havoc on your indoor air quality-often coming to life if fungus on water-damaged building materials goes unchecked.

What causes it? 

Mold spores only need certain basic conditions to reproduce and grow.  Give them water, food, and the right temperature range and they will thrive. Black  mold grows better in a dark environment with an organic, porous material to grow on.  Such materials are often the black mold’s very source of both food and water. Growth typically occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding.  

What problems are associated with it? 

Black mold can cause problems for your health and your home.  Watch for the following symptoms if you suspect you have a black mold infestation:

• Itchy Throat
• Watery Eyes
• Headaches
• Memory Loss
• Irritated skin
• Excessive Coughing (even coughing up blood)
• Excess Mucus
• Bleeding in the lungs
• Mold in the bloodstream
• Possible mild strokes
• Fatigue

In your home, it can manifest in a number of ways.   If you have dry rot, you probably have black mold. Dry rot, a common condition in older homes, is a bacteria similar to mold and needs the same type of conditions for ideal growth-a damp, dark spot in your home.  Another indicator is if you notice tiny trees growing in your rain gutters.  It means they’re blocked-and potentially providing the perfect playground for black mold. 

Other sure signs that you may have black mold invading your home:

• You’ve recently had a basement flood, or you’ve got a serious basement leak.
• There are musty or mildew-like odors somewhere in your home.
• One or more of your walls is discolored, or the paint is cracked and peeling
• Your wooden floors are warped

How can it be treated?

If you have a small, isolated problem with black mold, the solution is quite simple.  In most cases mold can be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional.  Call the professionals at Air Now, who have experience in cleaning black mold in buildings and homes.

If you prefer to be your own handyman, you can try the following on your own before calling in a professional:

Locate and fix all sources of mold-causing water intrusion such as recurring flooding, plumbing leaks, leaky roofs or siding, blocked air-conditioning condensation drain lines, and high indoor humidity.

Inspect and test inside, above, and below each water-damaged ceiling, wall, and floor with a fiber optics inspection device or at at-home mold test kits, which can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores.  Cut off small one inch squares of core dry wall to sample. Remove the sample and look in the middle and back of each core for visible black mold growth.

Find and locate all toxic black mold infestations (visible and hidden) in the entire home or building.  Wherever you see visible black mold, you can simply use clear Scotch tape to lift a sample off of it, or scrape visible mold particles into a mold test kit.  Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc.   Black mold also likes to live around leaking pipes, wall surfaces behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles.

Test the outward airflow from each heating/cooling duct for high levels of airborne black mold spores. Airborne mold spores from heating and cooling ducts will usually enter through them as well as the rest of the building.  If you have a problem, calling a place like Air Now and allowing professionals to remove it, can bring you peace of mind and a mold-free home.

Replace any mold-infested heating/cooling equipment and ducts .

If replacing everything is too expensive for you, do repeated mold fogging and mold spraying with a mold fogging machine or sprayer into the return air duct while the system is running.  The fan ventilation will distribute the fungicide to interior surfaces. Fogging is much more wide-reaching, and therefore more effective in killing black mold than spraying alone.

How Can Black Mold Be Prevented? 

• Keep humidity level in house below 50%.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Periodically wipe any growth from your HVAC cooling coils with disinfectant
• Clean/disinfect the drain pan (where the condensation from the cooling coils drip)
• Change HVAC filters regularly
• Remove potentially contaminated insulation lining the ductwork of your HVAC system, or it will spread mold spores throughout your house when it is running
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms
• Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints
• Clean your bathroom with mold-killing products
• Do not carpet your bathrooms
• Remove and replace flooded carpets

Whether it is prevention or a cure you’re going after, calling Air Now and enlisting their professional help will go a long way towards preserving your health and your home.

You should get to know your heating pump system before it stops working. Listen for the sounds it makes, how long it stays on and learn where everything is. If you take a few minutes to get to know it, you’ll be prepared if something goes wrong.

Ask your service technician for a analysis on your next maintenance inspection if you’re unsure where things are. Except for a few minor owner-capable maintenance items, only experienced service personnel should perform heat pump troubleshooting repair and service of your heat pump. If you suspect your heat pump is not performing properly, after referring to “heat pump troubleshooting” instructions, you will be able to determine if calling for service is required.

Your installer can be a good source of heat pump service. For questions concerning installation, alteration, operation, service and upkeep, contact your installer or a heat pump troubleshooting service. Warranties are often canceled if the heater is used or repaired improperly.

In addition to possible voiding of warranties: watch out for unapproved installation of your heat pump. Non-standard modifications, poor or incorrect maintenance by unqualified personnel, or improper use of the heater may result in personal injury and/or property damage. To avoid damage to equipment, it is important that safety instructions displayed on the heat pump, and that your manual, be read and followed.

Maintenance of the Heat Pump

The main component of the vapor mass heat pump system is a compressor, designed to pump cool refrigerant gas from the evaporator into the condenser. The compressor design can either be a centrifugal or a rotational screw type. The building size and the HVAC system will determine the type of compressor.

Regardless of the compressor type, it raises the temperature and pressure of vaporized gas, forcing it into the condenser. The compressor should never pump fluid. This will not only damage the compressor, but can also create a safety hazard.

The refrigeration unit needs to be properly maintained and the heat pump requires periodic inspection and testing. Unfortunately, the compressor is often ignored until it breaks down or stops running at which time it gets replaced, and the system is back up and running, at least temporarily. Be sure to hire a qualified heat pump technician to perform this service if you need to access the refrigeration side of the system.

If the display is not lit, make sure the main breaker in heat pump and the disconnect switch are both turned ON. If the display reads “flo” there may be a valve located incorrectly, allowing water to by-pass the heat pump; be sure water is flowing through the heat pump. If the display reads “off” raise the desired water temperature above the actual temperature and the unit should start after a three to four minute delay.

If the air blowing out of the top of the unit is noticeably cooler than the surrounding air,

make sure all air coils are free from barriers, also low roof overhangs, landscaping, walls, and fences, etc. 

Troubleshooting Compressor Electrical Motor Faults

A clamp meter is a great implement for troubleshooting electrical motor faults - especially meters designed to measure both AC voltage and AC current. These meters let the flow be measured without breaking into the electrical circuit. A compressor failure is often caused by an electrical failure. To check the compressor for electrical problems, check the voltage at the starter terminals, followed by de-energized tests at the compressor: Use an insulation tester to check resistance on windings and check each distortion to the ground.

Occasionally, defective compressors with electrical winding failures are caused by an electrical-system crisis. To verify whether the electrical system is at fault, use an infrared thermometer to scan connectors, wiring, and circuit breakers while the equipment is operational. Check the compressor and pump motor amps to verify that they were within the manufacturer’s proposal measure. Any loose connections or overloaded circuits will appear as abnormal temperatures; however, mechanical-system failure or inferior installation and service practices often cause compressor electrical problems in heat pump troubleshooting.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting the Chillers and Cooling Systems

Good maintenance often requires simple, but labor-intensive procedures and a checklist for the maintenance staff. As soon as possible, refrigerant leaks should be fixed, the condenser and evaporator coils for heat pump troubleshooting should be cleaned regularly and checked for debris that could block airflow or water flow. In terms of general maintenance considerations, keep water strainers and filters clean, check oil heaters; follow manufacturer-recommended inspections for routine overhaul measures, and time frames. The pumps should be checked quickly by measuring the differential pressure across the inlet and discharge of the pump circulating,. Check the refrigerant quantity, system pressures and heat, water-flow rates, and ensure a third-part oil analysis on compressor lubricants.

There has been a great proliferation of “green” building interest by homebuyers and builders over the last few years. Building energy efficient homes and cultivating energy efficiency in our homes can increase their value. We all hear a lot about reducing our “environmental footprint,” the amount of energy that we use and the amount of waste that we create. One of the best places to begin making our homes energy efficient is in our homes, ensuring that they use energy as efficiently as possible. Here are some of the ways to look at energy efficiency and what to consider in choosing or renovating a home.

There are numerous mortgage programs that allow home buyers to finance the cost of energy improvements into their mortgage in response to the growing demand to conserve energy in our homes. These new mortgages increase their loan-to-value, or improve their qualifying ratios. Some of the more common improvements that are used to make homes more energy efficient include the addition of high efficiency heating/cooling systems, and improved insulation. All of these contribute to reduced energy use, and also make homes quieter, more comfortable, and more desirable. There are two types of financing options available that cover a variety of situations for energy efficient homes. These mortgage programs allow buyers to buy more expensive homes that have a lower ownership cost that offsets the larger mortgage payment.

Making an energy efficient home

The heating and cooling costs of a home represents the largest cost outside of the home mortgage expense. Everyone wants a home that is comfortable to live in, and yet it can be expensive reaching a comfortable level of costs associated. Energy efficiency can be defined as the use of products or systems that use less energy to do the same or better job as conventional products. In home construction and performance, there are many areas where energy efficiency can be attained, to allow you to meet those desired comfort levels. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program has developed a process for evaluating products used in a home, such as appliances, windows, lighting and other products that meet or exceed efficiency standards or recommendations. When choosing products for a home, ensure the products meet Energy Star ratings. These can include the furnace, air conditioning and water heater performance, replacement of appliances in the home, and installation of energy efficient lighting.

Other design aspects have a significant impact on the energy performance of a home. For the environment, insulation levels should be correct, and more importantly, good installation of the insulation is critical in ensuring it is performing at the expected levels. Air penetration and seepage can be another area where hidden openings in the building shell can let heat and cooling losses happen, thus reducing the home’s performance efficiency.

In addition to the presentation of individual components in a home, the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program also works with builders to qualify and certify home performance, to ensure that maximum performance is achieved. ENERGY STAR® qualified homes are designed to be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code. ENERGY STAR® qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills. ENERGY STAR® homes have had their energy efficiency independently verified by an inspector known as a Home Energy rater. A Home Energy rater will inspect and test the home during construction, and verify that the home meets EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency.

RESNET; Establishes rules for the energy rating industry

RESNET was founded in 1995 to develop a national market for home energy ratings and energy efficient mortgages. RESNET’s main goal was the development of standards for the rating services quality. The standards set the national procedures for home energy ratings, and include testing and accreditation for raters and providers, development of confirmation processes for homes meeting EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program and energy efficient building standards, as well as meeting local Energy Code compliance. A certified HVAC rater follows a set standard as to how a home is measured, verified and rated, and must comply with national standards to continue to perform certified ratings.

What is an energy audit?

A home energy audit consists of a full visual analysis of the mechanism and aspects of the home, along with energy efficiency performance testing of air infiltration with a tool called a blower door. Evaluation of home energy bills can also be included. A blower door slightly de-pressurizes the home and reduces the amount of air leakage present. The home is compared to a hypothetical reference home that is based on the IECC 2004, and the home is then provided with a rating. The rating can be a numerical rating based upon the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program requirements.

It’s no secret that the time to start thinking about energy and the environment has long past.  With home heating and air conditioning being one of the largest consumers of energy, HVAC contractors and suppliers are constantly seeking ways to go green.

Going green means creating buildings that use fewer non-renewable energy sources and create less pollution.  Green buildings generally cost less money to heat and cool and are better for the health of its occupants as well as the environment.  It’s not just about saving money anymore.  It’s about saving our planet.

Today I will give you a brief outline of some of the new, greener products available for your home.

On-Demand Hot Water Heating Systems: Also called a tankless hot water heater, an on-demand hot water heater provides you with hot water only as it is needed rather than relying on a large storage tank.  A traditional hot water tank needs to keep the water in the tank hot at all times, so even when there is no need for hot water, the system is burning energy to keep the hot water on stand-by. A tankless system works by heating cold water as it runs through the system.  The hot water then travels as needed to the faucet. Besides being more energy efficient, an additional benefit is you never have to wait for the water tank to heat up. There is always hot water available. The size of unit needed for your home is determined by your hot water usage. Taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time may exceed the capabilities of a smaller unit.

Indirect Hot Water Heating Systems: An indirect hot water heating system uses your existing boiler to heat your water.  Water heated by the boiler is transferred to an insulated storage tank.  This saves energy because it eliminates the need for a separate energy source to heat the water as in conventional electric or gas hot water heaters. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat pumps use the heat from the ground to heat the air in your home. The temperature underground is relatively stable all year round. A heat pump extracts heat from the ground and pumps it into your home. The heat is gathered and transferred using a refrigerant. The heat is circulated through your home using a fan and ductwork. Because of the stable temperatures underground, the process that provides heat in the winter can provide air conditioning during the hot summer months.

Ordinary heat pumps work in similar fashion, but rely on extracting heat from the outdoor air and pumping it indoors. Even though heat can be extracted from even cold air, the heat pump has to work harder to produce heat during the coldest days. That makes geothermal heat pumps far more efficient.

Solar Water Heaters: A solar thermal water heating system connects directly to your existing gas or electric system.  The purpose is to provide supplemental energy to power the system.  The use of a solar water heating system can decrease your need for conventional energy sources and cut down on greenhouse gases. The actual cost savings varies based on the price of the solar collectors where the water is heated, the storage tank, the amount of water you use, the efficiency of your original system and the amount of sunlight in your area.

Solar Air Heaters: Solar power can also be used to heat your home. Air or water, depending on your choice of system, is heated by the solar collectors. The heat is then transferred into the home. If the system does not provide enough heat, a backup system can be used to finish the job. Even if a backup system is needed, the use of solar power greatly decreases the amount of fuel burned by the traditional system.

Biomass Combusters: You can lower your heating bills by installing a biomass stove. Biomass stoves burn pellets made from recycled waste made from sawdust. These pellets burn cleaner than traditional wood burners. Also in the works are stoves that will burn corn or even grass pellets, putting your grass clippings to good use! Not only do they save you money on your heating bill, but they can be an attractive fixture in your home.

As more and more people become more concerned with the environment and the rising oil prices, companies are scrambling to find alternative sources of energy for heating and cooling. We at Air Now are equally committed to helping our customers realize substantial cost savings over the life of their HVAC systems. Check back often for news on the latest Green Energy products.