INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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Posted on January 17, 2013 by home heating

The Air we Breathe Does Matter

INDOOR AIR complaints have become a serious problem within our homes and buildings. Flu like symptoms can derive from the bacteria in the air we breathe within our homes.

This condition can be named as SBS or Sick Building Syndrome.

Discussions about INDOOR AIR QUALITY emerged in the 1970′s as a result of the energy crisis leading to home construction that was more efficient by way of being sealed up tight and subsequently lacking adequate ventilation.

Furthermore, may lead to further serious structural conditions such as dry rot, high moisture content, weeping of windows, inconsistent temperature problems, lingering health problems such flu symptoms, upper respiratory ailments, allergy and asthma.

As we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, especially in colder climates including Minnesota, it is imperative that our indoor home and office living environments are suitable for healthy living. Our indoor air quality can be up to 100 times more polluted and much more harmful to our health than the air we breathe outdoors.

Why, because the air we breathe indoors is trapped, confined and recirculated especially during the cold winter months in Minnesota. We breathe up to 20,000 liters of air per day, our lungs and bronchial pathways need the ability to cleanse and react quickly and often to these nasty airborne sub microscopic pollutants such as dust mites and dust mite feces. Dust mite feces are generally living organisms reproducing within our homes that may lead to concurrent asthma attacks. Ask yourself this question: Do you feel better when removed or away from its indoor environment for a period of time?

It’s common knowledge that the lack of ventilation is a detriment to our INDOOR AIR QUALITY and indoor environments. How? Stagnant air inundates the occupants with a concentration of pollutants. It may seem innocuous but poor indoor air quality may be associated with cough, congestion, skin irritations, lingering illnesses, indoor allergies, aggravating upper respiratory ailments and a collective problem called SICK BUILDING SYNDROME.

WHAT IS SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME describes what happens when a combination of indoor air toxins, pollutants, poor air flow, inadequate filtration and lack of ventilation interact with the human respiratory system. Especially in children, elderly and weakened immune systems.

Because the list of pollutants are so many, and their effects so varied, SICK BUILDING SYNDROME has a multitude of symptoms and can rear its head in many ways.

In general, however, the most prevalent symptoms include eye and skin irritation to include nonspecific upper respiratory symptoms. Pollutants such as house dust, dust mite feces, mold, harmful living (submicroscopic) organisms, bacteria, pollen, pet dander, chemicals, VOCs and toxic gases can be harmful to our own health. Especially in young children.

Other major contributors include high moisture content, dryness, lack of indoor air flow, inconsistent temperature problems, subpar filtration methods, incapacitated air ducts, inadequate ventilation methods, lack of return air flow (wide spread) and chemical vapors can all produce adverse effects. Stack and chimney effect may relate to an equilibrium and/or imbalance of diverse pressure zones within our own home. In more severe cases, causing a pressure imbalance within our homes that may lead to possible back drafting or higher concentrated levels of carbon monoxide.

The combination of one or more of these pollutants can multiply the problem and/or any compound that can pollute the air can be a factor of SICK BUILDING SYNDROME.

They need not be inorganic “factory” chemicals. Fungi are “natural” but also an especially major biological pollutant in the indoor environment. As long as moisture and oxygen are available, mold is able to grow. This leads to it being found on nearly any surface in a building, including carpets, ceiling tiles, insulation, inside air duct systems, other surfaces, wallpapers or air conditioning indoor cooling coils. Indoor environments that provide exposure to fungus may cause health problems such as allergy, asthma, pneumonia, airway irritation, upper respiratory problems, effects of asthma/allergies and much more.

WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

When air pollutants emanate from building materials and furnishings, they are trapped by the lack of ventilation and are left lingering in your home for the air we breathe. Our lungs inhale/exhaust up to 20,000 liters of air each and every day.

Lack of indoor ventilation, lack of combustion air, lack of make up air, inadequate air flow, lack of return air, non-metallic return air chutes within structure, over-sized air ducts, under-sized air ducts, poor indoor air filtration methods may also contribute to our health known as SICK BUILDING SYNDROME.

HOW COMMON IS SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

SBS (SICK BUILDING SYNDROME) is wide spread and an undermined health problem in many homes and buildings. It may also contribute to increased energy cost due to inadequate and non-functional heating and cooling systems. Non-functional or lack thereof ventilation systems. Not only limited to developed nations, SICK BUILDING SYNDROME has become a global problem and received global attention. An examination of 37 buildings throughout California found that all of the buildings had very “ineffective” filtering systems.

Furthermore, many buildings failed to meet ventilation standards. Is it for lack of codes, consumer awareness, education or lack of understanding towards the air we breathe?

For more information visit http://tcheatingair.com/Home.html

Home Industry Leading Air Conditioning Technology and Efficiency Ratings

Posted on May 10, 2013 by home heating

Ultra High Efficiency Air Conditioning Technology for your Home

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING HISTORY

The first modern air conditioning system was developed in 1902 by a young electrical engineer named Willis Haviland Carrier. It was designed to solve a humidity problem at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. Paper stock at the plant would sometimes absorb moisture from the warm summer air, making it difficult to apply the layered inking techniques of the time. Carrier treated the air inside the building by blowing it across chilled pipes. The air cooled as it passed across the cold pipes, and since cool air can’t carry as much moisture as warm air, the process reduced the humidity in the plant and stabilized the moisture content of the paper. Reducing the humidity also had the side benefit of lowering the air temperature — and a new technology was born.

The major parts of a GOODMAN Air Conditioner manages refrigerant and move air in two directions: Indoors and Outside:

Evaporator - Receives the liquid refrigerant
Condenser - Facilitates heat transfer
Expansion valve - regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator
Compressor - A pump that pressurizes refrigerant

The cold side of an air conditioner contains the evaporator and a fan that blows air over the chilled coils and into the room. The hot side contains the compressor, condenser and another fan to vent hot air coming off the compressed refrigerant to the outdoors. In between the two sets of coils, there’s an expansion valve. It regulates the amount of compressed liquid refrigerant moving into the evaporator. Once in the evaporator, the refrigerant experiences a pressure drop, expands and changes back into a gas. The compressor is actually a large electric pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas as part of the process of turning it back into a liquid. There are some additional sensors, timers and valves, but the evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion valve are the main components of an air conditioner.

FUJITSU Ductless Mini Splits makes it possible to heat and cool almost any application without the need of duct work, they save place, are energy efficient and offer superior comfort control, easy to install, easier to operate. Ductless Mini split systems incorporate intelligent control technology to make them more responsive to your needs. A smart inverter rotary scroll compressor technology reduces your energy consumption by one third compared to traditional AC.

The versatility and variety of applications for ductless split Air conditioning systems are virtually unlimited. They are an excellent choice for almost any spot –cooling or heating solution, new construction, central ac Multi-zone system; you can heat and cool multiple areas independently, or as supplemental systems. Applications include sun rooms, bedrooms, finished basements, as well as classrooms, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, computer rooms, offices, churches and a multitude of other light commercial applications.

About Duct-Free Systems

A duct-free system, also known as a “split” air conditioner system, is made up of or includes two components: an indoor unit to deliver conditioned air to the room, and an outdoor unit located outside of the house. Compact refrigerant lines run between the two units, eliminating the need for bulky ductwork. Duct-free systems are ideal for older homes that have no ductwork with hot water heating systems, adding room additions, or areas in homes that just never seem to be the right temperature or are never comfortable.

Duct-free systems are available in a range of sizes and styles–including systems that can heat and cool multiple rooms with a single outdoor unit to fit almost any need. The indoor units are available in many different types to fit with the look and feel of your home.

Duct Free Systems provide independent zoning and room by room temperature control.

Daikin 24,000 Btu concealed indoor unit

FUJITSU “ducted” units can be installed beneath floors and attic areas. Insulated ducting moves cold and hot air to each room. This is a heat pump type system. During cold winter months it will provide warm air for heating. During hot summer months, unit will provide cold air for cooling. Ceiling or floor openings are applied. Registers installed in openings.

One ducted type unit is ideal for homes with hot water heating systems. Whereas, there is no ductwork within home. Single compact “ducted” unit can provide up to 26,000 btus of cooling for a designated area of building. These are very universal type units. Internal factory supplied water pumps are built-in unit for drainage.

Making Your Home Energy Efficient in 2013

Posted on January 24, 2013 by home heating

Energy Star appliances, solar panels, heating and cooling systems, recycled building materials. If these sound familiar, then you’re probably no stranger to the idea of energy upgrades for your home. But instead of shelling out major dollars, first consider taking on a couple of smaller scale projects that could improve your home’s efficiency without the headache of a total renovation.

These are things that if you spend some money on now such as adding insulation in your attic or by upgrading your heating and cooling systems may provide a nice payoff on your power or utility bills over time.

The structure of any building is the primary function responsible for saving energy year round. For example, air sealing, attic insulation, windows, exterior performance can definitely enhance overall home energy performance. As many companies admit, your carpet is not a rated air filter for your home. Your windows are not the sole problem with saving energy. Rather a multitude of issues to include air flow, indoor air quality, filtration, adequate air duct sizing, proper ventilation, etc.

Hence, now another problem may arise. Many buildings become air tight. Other more serious problems may arise with ventilation and building pressurization issues that may cause SBS (Sick Building Syndrome). Seek advise from a Certified Energy Auditor or Building Performance Specialists.

Project #1: INfrared or blower door test

Before spending a lot of money to improve home efficiency, first, test your home and see where you really need to spend your money. Very simple, a picture or thermal image is taken of your home showing where specific upgrades are needed. This is a wise, cost effective and educated measure prior to getting a sales pitch from others for added expenses that may not be necessary for your home.

Having a building performance test is your best value. This may include infrared thermal imaging and/or blower door testing. These tests are fairly inexpensive but can save a whole lot of money in the long run. A Certified Home Performance Specialist can help guide homeowners in the right direction with their money on home improvement projects.

PROJECT #2: WINDOW REPLACEMENT

Replacing your windows can be a costly investment for your home. Again, prior to any replacement, a thermal imaging test should be performed. Facts to consider: How many windows actually need replacement? Is there leakage around the windows through cracks and seams? What is the moisture pattern on windows if seal(s) have failed? The latter will determine a defective window pane or poor air sealing around window from its original type installation.

Many manufacturers offer high performance type of windows. Features and benefits may be customized according to consumer preference. ENERGY STAR recommends that prescriptive meet .30 U-Value rating. Lesser or lower (.21) U-Value rating offers a much better efficiency that may be applicable to rebates as well. There are many types of windows available. Including single, double and triple thermal pane glass windows. Soft-E or Low-E windows provide added thermal or UV protection with a gas such as argon filled for improved thermal efficiency to better “insulate” for enhanced performance.

PROJECT #3: Radiant floor heating

Have you ever felt the sun beaming through a window on your face? Well, imagine that kind of heating on your feet – coming from your floors. Not always does your floor have to be replaced. It’s an investment that has an energy-savings payoff – in addition to making your home a cozier place. In many cases, as your heating source, gas boilers rather than electric can save you money in the long run. Check with your local utilities.

With radiant floor heating, heat is dispersed across the floor in an even manner. Radiant is defined as heat energy emitted from a warm element, such as a floor, wall or overhead panel, and warms people and other objects in rooms rather than directly heating the air.

Radiant Heating applications can be more costly than a conventional forced air heating system. On average, with other floor coating materials, an overall weight density of floor structure must be able to carry 14 lbs/per/sq ft.

Project #3: HVAC repair/replacement

If you have an older HVAC system, over 10 years old, it may be well worth your investment to replace it for better energy efficiency. The Federal Furnace Law in Minnesota requires that any new furnace replacement after 5/1/2013 must meet 90% AFUE efficiency. Our heating and cooling costs account for about half of its annual utility bill.

Older furnaces, such as 80% efficiency (non direct-pvc vent) will not meet or be available for residential home replacement after 5/1/2013 in Minnesota. Newer furnaces over 90% efficiency offer better energy savings and performance. Although, its installation is very critical towards its overall AFUE and performance rating. Remember, new furnaces are rated by ARI and other testing agencies by lab performance. Once, in your home a furnace efficiency rating may be compromised by its structure through air leaks, lack of air flow and poor building performance.

Example, on average, a 90% efficiency furnace will offer that percentage of heat back into your home or .90 cents of every heating dollar spent will on average, have the ability to heat your home. Annual maintenance of your new hating system is critical. For example, every three months replace your furnace air filter. If replacement is required much more frequently, than there may be more issues with air flow and air circulation that may need further attention.

Air flow is a very critical portion of your new furnace application. Poor air circulation is wide spread and misdiagnosed in many homes. This can cause many problems widely unknown to most consumers. Added stress on heating systems and components can derive from poor air circulation which may cause ongoing service problems and may shorten the longevity of the furnace and your investment.

When furnace air filters are clogged, your fan blower motor has to work and labor that much harder. This can possibly cause overheating within the furnace, overheating of blower motor which can lead to failure, poor air circulation, lack of return air passage to furnace, clogged secondary heat exchanger, clogged or improper sizing of indoor cooling coil. In many cases, blower motors tend to fail due to external issues rather than by the furnace itself.

Project #4: insulation

Think of insulation as a big winter blanket for your home. The “padding” that prevents hot air – or cool air in the summer – from flowing out of the house, improving your home’s energy efficiency.

As the home efficiency has advanced over the years, with it has the quality of insulation. This means there is better performing materials to insulate your home such as minimal expansion foam products sealed canned light fixtures, lesco, electrical air tight boxes and such.

Other options may be fiberglass or batt insulation in your attic. A measure of R-50 is sufficient in Minnesota. Image your roof/attic as a hat on your home. Attic air chutes are critical in proper attic ventilation. Your attic must maintain and average outdoor temp year round. If warm during heating season, this could be warm air rising through ceiling into your attic. When warm meets cold air, further problems may arise including costly roof repair and/or replacement. Proper attic insulation is key and essential towards lowering energy costs, mold prevention, icing in attic area, maintaining structural integrity of roof and peace of mind. Including new upgrades such as your heating and cooling systems.

Healthy Hearts Need Healthier Indoor Air

Posted on January 22, 2013 by home heating

Healthy Hearts need Healthy air: The affects of indoor and outdoor air quality on cardiovascular disease

In Minnesota, eating well, getting enough exercise, and watching our weight are all vital to keeping your heart healthy, but it may not be enough. You also need to breathe CLEAN AIR. We breathe up to 20,000 liters of air every day. Vital to our respiratory health, stress upon our heart, especially the lungs of young infants.

“What?” you may ask. “How does the air I breathe affect my heart?” Studies have shown that “long-term, chronic exposure to air pollution seems to manifest more in cardiovascular disease than it does in respiratory disease”.

Indoor Air Pollution may be up to 100 times more harmful to our health than the air outdoors. Both outdoor and indoor air is full of particulate matter (PM). The larger particles, like pollen, get caught in our nose or throat - the smaller such as dust mites and dust mite feces can attack our immune system’s first line of defense in capturing air pollution. During the winter months our homes may become trapped with bacteria, viruses, dust mites, mold, pollen and more. People with weakened immune systems may have difficulty fighting these microbial pests. Hence, long term effects such as Asthma and Allergy may occur.

Advanced Air Purification Technology can combat and may reduce these irritants by reversing its allergy/asthma cycle. But after thousands and thousands of years, our immune system is a little outdated. We can no longer defend ourselves against every kind of airborne and particulate matter of today. Outdoors, automobiles, construction sites and power plants, for example, emit PM that is 2.5 microns in size or less – that’s smaller than our bodies can naturally repel. Indoor air pollution is just as concerning, as most people in the US spend nearly 90% of their time indoors. Cooking, burning candles and wood burning fireplaces (not to mention tobacco smoke) also create PM that is as small as 2.5 microns. These minute particles can work their way into the deepest parts of our lungs and actually move into the bloodstream where air pollution related heart problems begin. These pollutants also cause inflammation in the lungs actually accelerating the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and can lead to ischemic heart disease, which causes heart attacks and other heart related problems. The EPA estimates that fine particulate exposure kills 20,000 people every year, and hospitalizes even more.

There is good news combating these submicroscopic organisms in our air. Having proper ventilation, filtration and air purification may reduce these airborne distractions. HEPA Air Filtration is highly recommended for high performance filtration. If properly applied with other related components it can be very effective. There is no simple solution.

Just because our bodies can’t naturally filter the smaller end of the PM spectrum doesn’t mean that we are completely defenseless. By implementing indoor air quality products, such as high quality HEPA or MERV air filters you can dramatically reduce your exposure to these harmful pollutants. Installing an air filter into your HVAC system is a great way to do this, because it is a convenient and cost effective whole-house solution. MERV 13 rated air filters can capture 65% of particles as small as .1 microns, and 90% of particles in the 1.0 – .30 micron range. If you don’t have an HVAC system, portable air filters are a viable option for pollutant reduction in your home. Either way, it’s nice to know you have some control over the quality of the indoor air you breathe which can result in keeping a healthier heart.

For further information visit http://tcheatingair.com/indoor_air_quality.html

Burrr…Heating your Home During Cold Weather

Posted on January 21, 2013 by home heating

Winter Heating Tips

Use Furnaces and Heaters Wisely

Set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable. Each degree you lower your thermostat can cut your heating costs between one and three percent. A common strategy is to lower thermostat settings to 68 degrees. The lower you set it, the more you’ll save.
Maintain 35% relative humidity during heating season.
Beware of air duct cleaning services. Air ducts shall rarely need to be cleaned if designed properly. Air ducts shall be self-cleaning in most homes. Saving $$$.
High Efficiency condensing furnaces shall be thoroughly cleaned, inspected and flushed annually.
Operate furnace blower at thermostat in “auto” or “recirc” position to save energy.
If furnace blower is an ECM or Variable Speed Blower run continuously. Annual cost based on 100w light bulb usage.
Maintain or replace air filters (quarterly), humidifier water pads, furnace cleaning annually. Cleaning and inspection shall include cooling coil, blower wheel, burners, piping, safety control limits. Many contractors only provide very basic services.
Turn your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees during your sleeping hours or while you’re away. Assuming your home can retain its heat energy. Programmable thermostats offer up to 4 programs per day.
Use a programmable thermostat with your furnace to adjust the setting while you sleep or no one is home.
Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed. MERV required.
Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season. If in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Weatherize - Energy Saving Tips

Caulking and weatherstripping keeps warm air in during the winter.
Utilize blower door or infrared camera tests for additional heating savings.
Apply adequate combustion air into home. Code requirement in Minnesota.
Add R-8 insulation around heat ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages. All transverse air duct seams shall be sealed with UL181 or approved mastic sealant. Balancing of air flow required.
If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to replace or repair.
Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed, when it is not in use.
During the heating season, keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

For Long Term Savings

If your furnace is over 10 years old, the new 2013 Federal Furnace Law requires that in Minnesota, replacement of aging furnaces must be energy efficient models and meet 90+ efficiency. The era of getting the cheapest, lowest efficiency models are over in Minnesota. If installed properly and according to manufacturer specs, these 90+ efficiency furnaces can help you save on heating bills. Although, if your home has air leaks and inadequate insulation value, your new furnace will be compromised and its efficiency rating may be less in value. A competent HVAC contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. Hiring an energy auditor is your best value. They undergo rigorous exams, education and testing qualified to examine your structure.
Although your best value, is an experienced energy auditor as an HVAC contractor that fully understands building performance. Rather than just selling a cardboard “box” (furnace). Many HVAC contractors are offered incentives to do so. Same day installations may hinder your overall energy value in home comfort. Remember, not all contractors provide the same experience, value or overall performance for your home. Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label. When hiring a contractor do not always assume their expertise from coupons, name or ads. Always ask questions.
Adding insulation and sealing air leaks help your energy performance in the wintertime by keeping the warm air inside. Infrared or blower door testing can determine the performance value of your home.

Everyday Tips to To Save Energy

These no-cost or low-cost tips are easy ways to save energy and money all year round.

Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115° is comfortable for most uses.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

For additional information visit http://tcheatingair.com/Home.html

Heating your Home in 2013

Posted on January 11, 2013 by home heating

Heating your Home in 2013

YOUR LOCAL AREA NEWS

Benefit on your new heating system with sealed combustion efficiency.

Many brand name manufacturers today provide over 95% AFUE ratings or efficiency model units.

Eliminating your old gas furnace from possible back drafting within your home. Safety is Priority #1.

Most importantly, newer furnaces of today provide a built-in safety factor reducing possible carbon monoxide poisoning through any draft opening and/or open burner type system caused by unwanted and possibly dangerous negative pressure imbalance from within your home. The enclosure of the burner compartment is sealed from within your home for its combustion process.

With two-pipe, direct vent type systems, combustion air intake/exhaust comes directly from outdoors rather than from within your home. For example, combustion air, is air required to replace “indoor air” for the combustion or burning process of any fossil fuels such as gas or wood burning appliance. This combustion air enters your home from an opening to the outdoors.

Your application will vary depending upon its contractor. HVAC contractors in Minnesota are not required to have any formal training from an accredited or approved educational vocational institution related to their field of work. Always research your application based on quality of workmanship, performance of operation and experience of its installer.

90%+ efficiency natural gas furnaces are condensing units, on average, when operating, will drain up to 5 gallons of water on a cold winter day. Due to its featured design, the condensing chamber or secondary heat exchanger will be positioned below your primary heat exchanger and above your main blower fan motor. Hence, dropping its rate of temperature below its dewpoint causing a temperature conducive to saturation, moisture or water. This process raises its efficiency factor by recovering more btus or heating capacity available for your home. Over .95 cents of every heating dollar is spent heating your home rather than thrown away up your chimney to the outdoors as with many older less efficient models.

Always remember that HOME PERFORMANCE is a key factor to optimum heating and cooling efficiency. This includes sufficient attic insulation (up to R-50), non obstructive soffit and roof ventilation, sealed vapor barrier, etc. Replacing an older furnace, without these key factors may compromise your overall performance and optimum long term energy savings.

Two pipe vent (direct vent) dedicated to outdoors are highly recommended. An operable floor drain or water drain outlet is highly recommended for proper condensate removal when in operation. If no floor drain is accessible, a water (condensate) pump w/safety switch will be required.

There is no need to apply additional combustion air as required in many states for furnace only operation. Other gas appliances may require combustion air within your home. There is no further need for a “chimney” for venting purposes such as with any 80% AFUE type furnaces. Therefore, minimizing any rust, corrosion and maintenance of vent pipe including downdraft problems within your existing chimney.

In conclusion, on average, for every heating dollar spent, .90 cents will be spent heating your home. Many furnace manufacturers also provide additional energy savings with an energy efficient ECM or Variable Speed Blower Fan Motor. Savings upward of 70% on your furnace fan blower operation. On average, the cost of operating a 100w light bulb annually. 2013 Best Buy. For more information visit http://tcheatingair.com/Home.html