How often should I have my furnace or A/C serviced?
Annual maintenance is recommended by all furnace manufacturers and is required by most, if not all, to keep the furnace warranty intact. Furnaces have many moving parts and high-tech controls that need to be calibrated with special equipment to maintain peak performance. However the most crucial maintenance requirement of the furnace can be done by most homeowners and that is changing the furnace filter on a regular basis. A clean filter will improve the air quality in the home and at the same time protect the furnace from dirt and debris that can cause premature failure.
Why should I have my furnace or A/C serviced?
Just like your vehicle your furnace, air conditioner and indoor air quality equipment needs some annual T.L.C. to keeping operating at peak efficiency and to avoid those costly break-downs at the most in opportune time.
What is water Heater maintenance important?
Water heaters are quite easy to maintain and yet very few of us actually take the time once a year to complete the maintenance. As a homeowner I would suggest that the sediment for the base of the take be drained annually. This can be done by connecting a water hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and the other end can run to a drain. Allow approximately 5 gallons to drain or run until the water is clear. If you haven’t used this drain in a number of years there is a good possibility that the drain will not seal when you are complete. I would therefore caution you to undertake this process. It is also recommended to “exercise” the pressure relief near the top of the tank. This should also be done on an annual basis but the same caution is extended if you haven’t done so in a number of years. If you intend on exercising the pressure relief valve you should shut the water off to the tank first, then drain to clean the sediment out of the system from the bottom and finally exercise the valve.
What do I have to know about airflow?
Airflow is needed to transfer heat/cooling from the furnace or air conditioner. Air passes by the heat exchanger and the transfer takes place. Equipment failure and higher energy use is eminent if proper air flow is not maintained.
For instance: If a furnace’s air flow is below acceptable levels then the heat exchanger will over heat, this will cause the high limit safety switch to turn the furnace off until the unit has cooled down. This is not only very hard on the furnace but also a safety risk if the switch should fail. Large amounts of energy are also wasted because there is no exchange of heat between the heat exchanger and the air. If there is limited air flow when the unit is calling for cooling the lack of flow will cause the air conditioners heat exchanger to freeze. This may sound like a good thing if you want cooling but a frozen air conditioner delivers no cooling to the home. The heat exchanger becomes a block of ice that air can’t pass through and therefore none of the air’s heat can be absorbed.
How to calculate energy savings of a new furnace?
The first thing you need to do to calculate energy savings of your new gas furnace is to determine the actual cost of heating your home. Your gas bill is filled with extras such as delivery and surcharges and also the energy used to heat your water. A simple way to break these “extras” out is to use your gas bills from the last 12 months. First take the 3 summer months, June, July and August, and add them up, next divide by 3 to get the average monthly bill in the non-heating season and multiply by 12 to establish how much is spent on natural gas for the whole year on everything except the furnace. Now add up all 12 monthly gas bills and subtract the amount that you figured above for the 12 months of other appliances. This gives you a good idea on what you spent on just space heating for an entire year.
Now if your furnace is 25 years old it probably has an efficiency rating of 55% AFUE. That means about 55 cents out of every dollar heats the house and 45 cents goes up the chimney. The new high efficiency furnaces are 95% efficient so only 5 cents out of every dollar is wasted out the vent.
Say your last year’s gas bill for just space heating that you calculated above was $2250.00. This may be a common amount in Alberta.
$2250.00 – ($2250.00 x 55%)/95%= Savings/year
$2250.00 – (1302.63) = $947.37 Savings/year
What are the advantages of a variable speed motor?
Variable speed motors typically run at very low speeds, or as I like to suggest they are lazy only working as hard as they need to satisfy the demand required. On continuous setting the motor gently moves the air around the home realizing 3 key benefits.
1) Continuous air movement will minimize hot and cold spots by retrieving air from different areas of the home, mixing and then redistributing a more balanced temperature.
2) With the air continuously and gently moving across the furnace filter the filter is able to capture the airborne particulate much more efficiently.
3) Whole home humidifiers only work while the furnace fan is in operation, with a variable speed fan this is no longer an obstacle. With continuous air movement the humidifier is able to operate on those milder spring and autumn days when previously it was not possible, keeping your humidity right where you set it.
But the greatest benefits of a variable speed motor are its quiet operation and huge electricity savings. A variable speed motor typically uses about $40.00 in electricity operating 24/7 365 days per year where a non-variable will use $270.00-$450.00
What is the life expectancy of a new furnace?
Just like a new car it is very difficult to determine how long a furnace will last. Studies show that the average furnace lasts 15-25 years. This however is a very large spread. How your furnace is installed and the quality of annual service it receives will greatly affect not only its longevity but also its efficiency.
Longevity is always a concern so we recommend choosing a furnace with a long (20 years+) heat exchanger warranty as well as a long (10 years) parts warranty from a known manufacturer. At Friesen’s all our furnaces come with a manufacturer’s lifetime heat exchanger warranty as well as 10 years parts warranty combined with our industry leading maintenance program your new furnace will still be looking and functioning at peak performance when others have failed.
Why do I need to maintain my furnace?
Permits are not only required but you as a homeowner should insist that the furnace gets inspected. Installations that do not meet code can cause serious problems and even death. Furthermore your homeowners insurance does have the legal right to not provide compensation in the event that the poor installation caused the loss. Permits in most area cost around $100.00-$150.00 and for the piece of mind that the installation is up to code and your insurance remains intact is well worth it.
How long to install a furnace?
Furnace installations can vary a great deal. How much work to bring the installation up to code and the working conditions both inside and outside the home are definite factors. Generally speaking most furnace only installations are completed inside an eight hour day and if the rare case does occur where a second day is required a good contractor will make sure that you are not left without heat or water overnight.
Are permits required for a new Air Conditioner?
Permits are not only required but you as a homeowner should insist that the air conditioner gets inspected. Installations that do not meet code can cause serious problems and even death. Furthermore your homeowners insurance does have the legal right to not provide compensation in the event that the poor installation caused the loss. Permits in most area cost around $100.00-$150.00 and for the piece of mind that the installation is up to code and your insurance remains intact is well worth it.
How long to install an Air Conditioner?
Air Conditioner installations can vary a great deal. How much work to bring the installation up to code and the working conditions both inside and outside the home are definite factors. Generally speaking most Air Conditioner installations are completed inside a six hours.
What are Advantages of a two stage air conditioner?
Air conditioners are sized to keep up with the peak demand in the middle of summer. There are only a few days per year when the peak temperatures are actually attained. This means that for most of the year the air conditioner is over-sized for the space it was cooling. By choosing a two stage option the air conditioner will operate on first stage running more efficiently and at a lower sound level.
What are the benefits of water softening?
- Remove chlorine taste for healthier and better tasting water for drinking and cooking (yes you can use a water softener for your drinking water and no it doesn’t have a salt taste. Read “how a water softener works” for more information). Enjoy the wonderful taste of all your water based drinks like coffee, tea and juice.
- Softer skin and hair.
- Brighter clothes which are much softer to the touch.
- Spot free dishes. Gone are the days of spotty dishes or that awful white film build up. Its not your dish washer or detergent. It’s the water.
- Cleaner tubs, toilets and sinks with virtually no soap scum.
- Up to 75% savings on soap, detergent, shampoo and household cleaners.
- Reduce the scale build-up in your plumbing and water using appliances, extending their life-cycle and saving up to 33% in water heating costs.
How does a water softener work?
There is a common misconception that a water softener actually adds salt to the water to reduce the hardness. This is not the case. A water softener uses a medium that serves to exchange “ions” of calcium and magnesium with sodium and potassium. This occurs in four steps:
- To do the ion replacement, the water in the house runs through a resin bed of small plastic beads or zeolite. The beads are covered with sodium or potassium ions. As the water flows past the ions, they swap places with the calcium and magnesium ions. Eventually, the beads contain nothing but calcium and magnesium, and softening stops. It is then time to regenerate the beads or zeolite.
- To regenerate, the beads need to regain their sodium or potassium ions by being flooded with a salty, brine solution that is rich in sodium or potassium.
- Once completed, the calcium and magnesium, dirt and sediments are flushed from the beads and into the drain in a process called backwash.
- The final phase rinses the mineral tank with fresh water and loads the brine tank so it’s ready for the next cycle.
Automatic water softeners are usually programmed to recharge at specific times that will not disrupt the occupants. It is more water-efficient to have a metered model that will regenerate only when required.
What are the benefits of a humidifier?
The benefits of a humidifier are plenty. Here is a condensed list:
- Makes air moist, which help relieve cold, cough, flu and hay fever symptoms and keeps lungs more elastic.
- Susceptibility to infection is reduced drastically, by keeping the mucus membranes of throat and nasal passages moist and thus, allowing the tiny hair in both, to obstruct the dust and bacteria.
- Relieves and prevents dry, scratchy skin and lips.
- Reduces static electricity, thus prevents tiny shocks received from touching people and certain objects. The problem of static electricity occurs generally in winters, when the air is dry. It can be very annoying, when it charges doorknobs and metallic furniture. Static electricity can damage electronic appliances too.
- Helps prevent wooden floor from buckling and separating by hydrating. It keeps the furniture in good shape as well.
- Nosebleeds are prevented.
- Improves the atmosphere and air quality in home, thus moisturizing the respiratory system, which is beneficial for asthma sufferers.
- Fatigue, tiredness, headache and reduced concentration levels, due to lack of adequate oxygen vanish.
How much water does a flow thru humidifier waste?
Flow-thru humidifiers are the best cost effective humidification solution in hard water areas; they do however waste a lot of water. Studies have shown that a flow-thru humidifier running 24/7 will consume almost 100,000L annually, of which 80,000L will end up going down the drain. Recovery solutions are available to reduce the amount wasted to less than 365L annually.
What is a Hoyme Damper and how does it work?
Hoyme dampers are motorized dampers that are automatically controlled by the furnace. These dampers are typically set up to remain closed while recycling the air in the home. When there is a call for heat the damper will automatically open, allowing for the fresh air required by code to enter the home. When the call for heat is complete the damper will automatically close keeping the cold dry air outside where it belongs. A hoyme damper will also keep out the hot air in summer when the air conditioner is running reducing cooling costs.
What types of furnace filters are available and what do you recommend?
There are basically five types of furnace filters: Standard disposable, Pleated disposable, electrostatic, by-pass Hepa and electronic.
Standard disposable filters are designed to protect your furnace only; they are not designed to improve the quality of air in the home and are really the very minimum you should have in your furnace. Clean Air Delivery Rate = 12
Pleated disposable filters come in varying widths and are a good choice for those who do not have allergies or asthma as these filters will only remove particles large enough to be viewed with the naked eye. This type of filter is a very good choice for those that want to keep maintenance to a minimum and still get good quality air. Clean Air Delivery Rate = 240
Electrostatic filters are very effective at removing particles but the draw back is that they tend to cause air flow restriction (read air flow and how does it affect a units performance). Electrostatic filters are washable and can be used for many years. Some even come with a lifetime warranty. If you are diligent with your filter maintenance this may be a good option for you, but if you are you are best to stay away from these products. Clean Air Delivery Rate = 300
By-pass Hepa filters are so effective that only a portion of the air can cross the filter and the rest gets circulated through the home until the next pass. This fixes the problem of poor air flow but multiple passes are required to really get the air clean. Clean Air Delivery Rate = 600
Electronic Air Cleaners use electricity to capture particles smaller than the eye can see. Particles are given a positive charge and then pass by a negatively charged collection plate. These opposite charges attract and the particles become stuck to the plate. As the collection plate becomes coated with particulate the effectiveness of the cleaner diminishes so it won’t become plugged and reduce air flow. Electronic Air Cleaners are capable of capturing bacteria, viruses and mold. Honeywell Clean Air Delivery Rate = 660. Trane CleanEffects Clean Air Delivery Rate = 1200.
What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?
Programmable thermostats are becoming hugely popular for their comfort benefits and energy savings. By using a programmable thermostat correctly you can save 5% on your gas bill when the home is unoccupied or at night. Many programmable thermostats now come with an anticipation mode where it will actually detect how long it will take the furnace to reach the desired temperature. Programmable thermostats are perfect for anyone wanting to cut down on their carbon foot prints, save energy, reduce environmental waste (mercury), and have a more comfortable home.
How to compare quotes?
Comparing prices for a new comfort system isn’t as easy as shopping for a new pair of shoes. There are many factors to consider such as: price, the installing company, how the equipment is installed, the manufacture of the equipment and the comfort consultant. Just as a chain is only as strong as the weakest link, the same can be said for each element of the quote and installation.
When it comes to price “you get what you pay for” generally holds true. Companies that have been in business for a number of years will realize that over-pricing the installation will turn customers away. Companies that under-price their installations will not be in business long enough to maintain the equipment and customers will be left wondering where to turn if and when failure occurs. Generally speaking you should try to find a company that has been in business long enough to weather economic ups and downs and has built strong relationships in the community.
Many reports and studies are available rating the quality of HVAC equipment. Consumer Reports is a non-bias reporting agency and a good place to start when researching manufacturers. Be aware that no matter how good the equipment studies have shown that approximately 80%-90% of all HVAC installations have some sort of comfort robbing, energy wasting problems associated to poor installation. So even when identical equipment is installed the performance of the equipment can and does very greatly. Finding a company that has stringent quality control parameters in place is paramount and for a successful installation.
A well trained comfort consultant can make the difference between a smooth and rewarding installation and one that horror stories are based on. Your comfort consultant will not only guide you through the decision making process, making you fully aware of your options but also guide the installation team through the install, by having asked the right questions and knowing the preferences and desires of his clients.
What should I know about warranties?
Not all warranties are created equal and there are always conditions that apply. Knowing what to ask and how different warranties affect you are key. All furnace and air conditioner manufacturers offer some level of parts warranty on their products. These warranties vary in length from 1-10 years. Manufacturer warranties are often considered a better warranty then that of a local dealer based solely on the probability that the manufacturer is less likely to go out of business during the warranty period.
To keep your warranty valid annual maintenance is required. Just like a new car that has been driven for 100,000 kilometers without an oil change is unlikely to have the manufacturer pay for a new motor, the same is true for your new furnace or air conditioner.
Also ask whether the warranty is pro-rated (does the warranty pay the full replacement cost or will it only cover the value that they deem remaining?). This means if the full value of the part is $100.00 and the life expectancy is 10 years and you have used the part for 6 years then the warranty will only cover $40.00 not the full $100.00. Is the warranty transferable to a new homeowner if you decide to sell your home? Does the warranty include overtime charges if service is required outside of normal business hours?
What should I expect during the consultation?
Investing in a new heating, ventilation or air conditioning system is one of the largest and most important home improvement projects you as a homeowner will undertake.
Your comfort, wellbeing and obviously your finances will need careful consideration when determining which system is right for you. At Friesen’s our process starts off with our skilled comfort specialist asking the right questions to custom design a system to address all your comfort concerns. Then a walk-thru of the home will give you and your comfort specialist time to examine any problem areas and a computerized measurement of the mechanical room will provide all the information we need to pre-fabricate and assemble all materials needed for your custom installation. Finally we evaluate your needs, factor in your homes unique characteristics and compile a clear and concise, all inclusive proposal and agreement with many flexible financial and date of install possibilities.
What are the problems of Over-sizing?
Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to your comfort. Maximum comfort and energy efficiency are attained by correctly sized equipment. Furnaces, air conditioners and ventilation equipment that are too small will obviously not be able to keep up with demand on the extreme days and are therefore a bad fit for the home.
But what about equipment that is too large? Over sized equipment will rob you of your comfort and dramatically increase energy bills by cycling on and off more frequently. This starting and stopping also increases the wear and tear on the unit and because of the larger capacity the equipment will be noisier and create larger temperature swings in the home. Hot and cold spots will be more evident due to the short heating or cooling cycles. The shortened cycles do not allow for the home’s air to properly mix before the equipment satisfies the thermostat. Bottom line: Insist that your HVAC provider completes a proper heat loss/heat gain calculation to ensure your comfort and your systems efficiency is maintained.
How to calculate energy savings of a new furnace?
The first thing you need to do to calculate energy savings of your new gas furnace is to determine the actual cost of heating your home. Your gas bill is filled with extras such as delivery and surcharges and also the energy used to heat your water. A simple way to break these “extras” out is to use your gas bills from the last 12 months. First take the 3 summer months, June, July and August, and add them up, next divide by 3 to get the average monthly bill in the non-heating season and multiply by 12 to establish how much is spent on natural gas for the whole year on everything except the furnace. Now add up all 12 monthly gas bills and subtract the amount that you figured above for the 12 months of other appliances. This gives you a good idea on what you spent on just space heating for an entire year.
Now if your furnace is 25 years old it probably has an efficiency rating of 55% AFUE. That means about 55 cents out of every dollar heats the house and 45 cents goes up the chimney. The new high efficiency furnaces are 95% efficient so only 5 cents out of every dollar is wasted out the vent.
Say your last year’s gas bill for just space heating that you calculated above was $2250.00. This may be a common amount in Alberta.
$2250.00 – ($2250.00 x 55%)/95%= Savings/year
$2250.00 – (1302.63) = $947.37 Savings/year