Working Today for Tomorrow's Energy

Whole Home Humidifier Installation

2012-01-31T07:54:00.003-06:00

Is it feel dry in your home? Are you sick of filling up portable humidifiers? A whole home humidifier is a great way to control the humidity in a dry winter home. This will make your home feel warmer, protect your wood floors, and help your family stay healthier keeping your sinus humidified so it can catch the bad winter cold and flu bugs.

There are many ways but a Flow-through Humidifier is one of the most popular styles installed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other Midwest states.

Flow-through Humidifier

The best way to humidify your home

With the proper level of humidity in your home, you will feel more comfortable and breathe easier. You can eliminate that dry eye, nose and throat feeling you have when you wake up in the morning. Humidity also reduces or eliminates static electricity. It protects the investment in your home and your furniture because proper humidity prevents wood from cracking and peeling.

A flow-through humidifier can be easily added to any forced air heating system. The advantage with this type of humidifier is that it provides humidity without breeding or spreading mold or mildew. This is in contrast to the humidifiers that use a reservoir where water can stagnate--a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. A flow-through humidifier is easy to maintain. It has no moving parts and is designed to operate with no mineral or mold buildup.

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How much is to much for natural gas?

2011-06-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

Have you looked at how Centerpoint Energy now charges you for your natural gas? Centerpoint has put in place a new rate structure that charges you more money per therm of gas the more you use. Centerpoint says this is to promote high gas users to find more efficient heating options and conserve gas. What I find strange is usually the more of something you buy the cost goes down. When you buy bulk at Costco you get a discount because the cost per transaction goes down when volume goes up. With the new plan a tier 3-5 customer will pay 25-48% above the cost of gas. Minnesota Attorney General is now investigating this program as they have found 42% of Centerpoint customers in MN top 10 highest poverty communities are paying the max tier 5 rates. These are the people that have old homes and heating systems that they can’t afford to improve the efficiency. So is it fair to charge them an inflated high price because of this? Especially knowing if one customer uses a lot of a product looking at a business side they should be paying the lowest rate. Comfort Matters is a huge supporter of helping our customers save money on energy use and we want people to come to us for answers. But why could a company just raise their rates like Centerpoint when a homeowner has no other option but buy gas from them? You can read the Fox News article about the Attorney General request to suspend the current rate structure here: http://ow.ly/58n89

Why day light savings time? Why not Arizona?

2011-03-13T20:16:00.009-05:00

Did you ever wonder why there is daylight savings time?

Energy savings is the root to this all. Thank you to www.abc15.com Chris Kline for helping answer some of these questions. So as you will learn below saving energy in America is what started this, but as everything there is always a catch.

The history of daylight saving is tied to energy conservation. Switching to DST in the summer means more sunlight at night, which in turn means homes don't have to turn on lights as early.

According to the U.S. Government , that leads to energy and fuel savings.

Over the course of the last 100 years, the United States (including Arizona) has gone on Daylight Saving time in both World War 1 and World War 2, but then gone off after the wars were over.

In 1973, a more permanent federal law was enacted to help with the oil shortages of that time. But Arizona asked for – and was eventually granted an exemption. Unlike almost everywhere else, Arizona doesn't observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), and hasn't done so for the last 40 years.

According to an Arizona Republic editorial from 1969, the reason was the state's extreme heat. If Arizona were to observe Daylight Saving Time, the sun would stay out until 9 p.m. in the summer (instead of 8 p.m., like it does currently).

"[Data] clearly show that we must wait until about 9 p.m. DST to start any night-time activity such as drive-in movies, moonlight rides, convincing little children it’s bedtime, etc," the editorial stated. "And it’s still hot as blazes!"

Another Arizona Republic editorial from 1968 stated, "Drive-in theaters, the parents of small children, the bars, the farmers and those who do business with California" were against Daylight Saving time while "power companies, the evening golfers, the late risers, and the people with business interests on the Eastern seaboard" were for it.

But don't be fooled by Arizona's DST stance. Not every corner of Arizona is exempt from Daylight Saving Time today.

The Navajo Indian Reservation follows DST, but the reservation stretches across four different states.

If all of Arizona were to re-evaluate its stance and choose to observe DST, here's what would change.

Instead of sunrise at 5:30 a.m. during most of the summer, the sun would come up at 6:30 a.m. And at the end of the day, the sun would set at 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Winter sunrise and sunset times would remain the same.

So what's the catch?

DST has many benefits on sporting, entertainment and other activities after work, but have had questionable effects on farming and other night time entertainment that is tied to sunlight.

A 2009 Michigan State University published by the American Psychological Association study showed that DST has adverse effects on the American workplace.

"Following [the start and end of DST], employees slept 40 min less, had 5.7% more workplace injuries, and lost 67.6% more work days because of injuries than on non phase change days," explained the study, which looked at mining injuries between 1983 and 2006 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

If you are feeling pretty board or just got that geeky urge like I did you can also find a lot of info on DST at Wikipedia.

New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs

2010-11-26T20:29:00.001-06:00

New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs

Heating bills across the country are the highest they have ever been, with out any relief in sight. Even if your older furnace runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning bills can be lower too.

Compared with a 17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the typical family hundreds of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency of your old furnace, probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut your utility bills by 40%. You can do the arithmetic to determine your annual savings.

Not only will you have lower utility bills, but the comfort and quiet operation of a new system will surprise you. The contractor should install a computerized thermostat with it. This thermostat, coupled with the electronic controls in the new furnace, will maintain even room temperatures.

You can choose from two basic designs of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing. The condensing models (this refers to the type of heat exchanger used) are the most efficient and the best choice for most homeowners. The efficiencies of condensing models range from about 90% to over 95%.

These models are very efficient, and so little heat is lost in the flue gases that a chimney is not needed. The gases are exhausted by a 2-inch-diameter plastic pipe through an outdoor wall. With no need for a new chimney liner, a condensing furnace is often cheaper to install.

Some models also offer sealed combustion for better efficiency. The combustion air is drawn in from outdoors through another plastic pipe instead of being drawn from inside your house. Being sealed, there are fewer indoor drafts, less noise and less chance of hazardous back drafting.

For the ultimate in comfort and efficiency, but at a higher initial cost, is a two-stage heat output furnace with a variable-speed blower. This type of blower is needed if you want the best central air-conditioning.

In all but the coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a low heat level. This allows the furnace to run more continuously with fewer uncomfortable on/off cycles. The blower also runs slower and quieter at this low level. During very cold weather, it automatically switches to high heat.

If your budget allows, also install a quality air cleaner. Since a two-stage unit runs more, the air cleaner is more effective for allergy sufferers.

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Trapped in furnace, Conn. man tries to cut off his own arm

2010-06-11T06:08:00.003-05:00

Now I have heard many stories trying to fix a furnace. But this would have to be the most difficult one I have heard. There are many reason's to be careful when repairing an appliance in your home.

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Jonathan Metz had been trapped for two days in his basement with his left arm stuck in a broken furnace. Smelling rotting flesh, he decided that amputation was his only hope.

So he fashioned a tourniquet near his shoulder and began cutting. He made it almost all the way through, but wasn't able to free himself.

Read the rest of the story...

4 Reasons Your Home May be Uncomfortable

2010-04-17T11:26:00.005-05:00

There are many reasons you may have hot and cold rooms in your home. It is amazing that so many homes have the same problems, so don't feel like you are the only one. Everyday people tell me there upstairs is too hot or bedroom is too cold. Many times the repair is not major. An NCI Company can do some simple and quick tests to your home in about 60-90 minutes and see what is going on. Majority of the time the fix does not mean you have to buy a new furnace or A/C. Below is information provided by NATIONAL COMFORT INSTITUTE.

Four Reasons Why Your Home May be Uncomfortable
If you asked a number of people to define a comfortable home they might say; a place with nice furniture, a place that is warm and dry, a place that has a lot of space. When we get a call from a customer who says their home is uncomfortable it usually means they are having problems controlling temperatures and humidity within the home.

1. Undersized or Oversized Furnace or Air Conditioner
When someone designed your home, part of the design included the heating and cooling system. As with most homes, yours may have been modified since that original design. Or, if your home is new, the comfort system design may not be adequate for the home you are living in. We can evaluate the comfort and performance of your system based on the way your home is now. This includes any design changes, new insulation, windows, the addition of furniture, draperies, carpets and the hundreds of other items that can affect the way your comfort system performs.

For example, if your heating system isn't able to "keep up" on colder days, there's a good chance it's undersized. If it turns on and off constantly, chances are it's oversized. If your cooling system just won't cool your house down on the warmest days, there's a good chance it's undersized, or wasn't installed correctly. If it cycles on and off constantly and doesn't seem to pull the humidity out, it's likely oversized. This condition also wastes a great deal of energy and causes unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.

2. Incorrect Duct System
Most homes have a heating and cooling system that was designed for ideal scenarios. Unfortunately most homes are never ideal and often the air delivery systems do not work the way they were designed. In some cases, a duct system may be installed improperly or was damaged at some point so that it's not delivering the correct air into each room. This usually results in an uncomfortable home. Our technicians can check the airflow into each room and evaluate if your system is delivering the correct amount for the size of each room in your home.

3. Poor Air Quality
The funny thing about air quality is that you can't always smell it, but you can often feel it, and it can be a major contributor to discomfort in the home. Poor air quality can be anything from excess humidity in the air to bacteria and mold spores or even gasses emitting from your furnace or air conditioner. We have a variety of methods to check your home's air quality and report back to you. Some problems may be a minor nuisance and others could be life threatening.

4. Home Ventilation and Pressure
Even when you're not home, there are a variety of physical activities taking place that you can't see. Your home is a living and breathing entity with constant air movement - even when the heating or cooling system is turned off. The degree to which your home is sealed up or unsealed affects pressures that determine the way air travels throughout the home. This pressure can be controlled through proper venting and ducting depending on what is required. Air balancing can help correct these pressure imbalances. This process should only be performed by technicians who are trained and certified, and have the right instruments to measure and adjust the air in your home.

4 Additional Considerations When Replacing Furnace and Air Conditioners

2010-03-26T07:08:00.005-05:00

Here are some additional things you should consider when purchasing heating or air conditioning systems. The information provided below by Service Roundtable will help you make the best investment.

Because of the investment, replacing a heating and air conditioning system necessitates more due diligence. The best company to select for a replacement is a contractor who has performed satisfactorily for you in the past. An established, successful relationship is always the best gauge of what you can expect in the future. Relationship or not, the following are four items you should insist upon.

1. Will the company offer an AHRI Certified combination?
The Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute certifies product efficiency. If you are replacing your air conditioner or heat pump, a reputable contractor will present you with a certification of performance from ARI. Without replacing the condensing unit (outdoor unit) and the evaporator (air handler or indoor unit), a contractor cannot promise you will receive the efficiency you pay for, or even that the system will operate correctly over time.

2. Will the contractor permit equipment replacements?
If you replace your heating or cooling system, you should insist that the job is permitted. When jobs are permitted, a municipal inspector will review the installation to ensure the job can at least meet current building codes. Like licensing, building codes are the minimum standard.

3. Is the company willing to provide references?
If you do not know anyone who has done work for a company, ask for references. The contractor should be willing to provide you with three to five recent customers you can call.

4. Will the company provide you with a copy of a “load calculation?”
A load calculation is a method of sizing equipment. It’s often called a “Manual J®” for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J®, the standard for sizing residential equipment. Once measurements are taken, load calculations can be conducted quickly using computers. Contractors should be able to show and review the load calculations and provide you with a copy if you authorize the company to proceed with the replacement.

3 Things to Beware
Be especially careful about the following four pitfalls.

1. Beware the lowest price
You want to spend the least amount possible, which often eliminates the lowest price. Cheap contractors typically cut corners, which costs more in the long run. Cheap contractors cannot afford to fix mistakes, resulting in the need to pay twice. Often the lowest price is not the lowest at all.

2. Beware the yellow pages
Selecting a contractor from the yellow pages is tantamount to throwing a dart. Maybe you will get lucky. Maybe not. The yellow pages should be used as tool of last resort.

3. Beware anything that sounds too good to be true
Usually, something too good to be true really is too good to be true.

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Selection Checklist

2010-03-25T07:33:00.006-05:00

Selecting a company to install heating or air conditioning in your home can sometimes be difficult because there are so many to choose from. Below is a list provided by Service Roundtable of things you can look for to help make your decision.

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Selection Checklist

12 Things to Look For, Before Calling

With just a little observation, you can determine much about a company. You can find the following by direct observation, talking with friends and neighbors, and a quick review of the company’s website or advertising. If you do not know an answer, ask when you call.

1. Is the contractor referred by a friend or neighbor?

The best source of information about the quality of work, friendliness, and customer service is the experiences of friends or neighbors.

2. Does the company fleet reassure you?

Contractors driving unmarked, beat up, dirty vehicles and likely to treat your home similarly. In addition, these contractors may be skating on the edge of bankruptcy and unwilling or unable to fulfill their warranty requirements.

3. Does the company have a physical address?

While many contractors may operate out of a home office when starting, they do have a physical address. Fly-by-nights and moonlighters, who will not remain around to stand behind their work, do not. They operate companies from cell phones.

4. Are company employees neat, clean, and professional?

Companies that provide employees with uniforms and insist on moderate levels of grooming tend to take a more professional approach across the board. Fly-by-nights are more likely to wear dirty jeans and tee shirts.

5. Does the company employ NATE certified technicians?

Similar to the ASE program for the automotive industry, NATE is the heating and air conditioning industry’s technician certification program.

6. Does the company have a website?

Similar to a physical address, a website is a sign of legitimacy. Most heating and air conditioning companies have a web presence today.

7. Will the company guarantee a price before work begins?

Most contractors utilize a national flat rate pricing service today. The service uses national standard times for repairs, allowing the contractor to offer a fixed price quote before work begins, rather than an open-ended parts and labor estimate.

8. What warranties are offered?

Better contractors, who are more confident in their work, offer better warranties.

9. Is the contractor licensed?

Licensing is a minimum requirement. Under no circumstances should you allow an unlicensed contractor to work on your equipment.

10. Is the contractor fully insured?

If an employee of an uninsured contractor is hurt on your property, you can be held liable for medical expenses. Reputable contractors will provide copies of their general liability and workers compensation insurance. If the contractor uses subcontractors (e.g., an electrician or an insulation company), ask for copies of their insurance.

11. Is the company part of your community?

A company that’s involved in your community has a greater stake in their local reputation than one not involved. Problems will arise from time to time and companies with a stake in the community tend to put forth an extra effort to resolve problems.

12. Is the company part of a professional community?

Companies that belong to a trade association or business alliance are companies committed to their craft. They care more. Quality is better. The level of professionalism is higher.

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

2010-03-06T12:38:00.000-06:00

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

Your children will breathe easier

Act now against
asthma at home. Asthma is a serious lung disease.

During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Asthma can even cause death.

If you have asthma or a child with asthma, you are not alone.
About 17 million Americans have asthma.
Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children.

The air that children breathe can make a difference.
Asthma may be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in homes.
Help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

Below are five common asthma triggers found in homes and what you can do to reduce you and your child's exposure to them. Not all of the asthma triggers listed here affect every person with asthma. Not all asthma triggers are listed here. See your doctor or health care provider for more information.

Secondhand Smoke

Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.

Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home.

Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.

Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds.
Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.

Pets

Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.

Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary.
Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed.
Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.

Molds

Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control.

If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.

Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.

Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced.
Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry.
Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher.
Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.

Pests

Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.

Do not leave food or garbage out.
Store food in airtight containers.
Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays.

If sprays are used:

Limit the spray to infested area.
Carefully follow instructions on the label.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.

Also...

House dust may contain asthma triggers. Remove dust often with a damp cloth, and vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up. Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful.

When your local weather forecast announces an ozone action day, stay indoors as much as possible.

For more information:

You can request information from EPA's:

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)
P.O. Box 37133
Washington, DC 20013-7133
(800) 438-4318, or
(703) 356-4020 (local)
(703) 356-5386 (fax)
iaqinfo@aol.com

Other related sites:

National Academy of Sciences Report - "Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures"

Two years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to undertake an assessment of the role of indoor air quality in the growing asthma problem. EPA asked NAS to characterize the state of the science on health impacts and prevention strategies, and to provide recommendations on needed research. In response to this request, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has issued a report, Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures, on the role of indoor environmental pollutants in the development and exacerbation of asthma. The report affirms the Administrator's asthma initiative to educate the public about the ways they can help control asthma by managing indoor air quality. The report concludes that exposure to indoor pollutants is an important contributor to the asthma problem in this nation. Asthma sufferers should consult with their doctor about reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke, dust mites, pet dander, molds, and cockroaches. The executive summary of the NAS report is available at

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Safe use of gas range and ovens

2010-02-13T15:08:00.005-06:00

Gas Range and Ovens Carbon Monoxide Risk

A typical gas oven will produce high amounts of carbon monoxide (CO). This is normal and allowable by design. But what homeowners miss is you need to run a vented rangehood while cooking. When I say vented hood I mean one that actually vents outside. Not the style that just suck the air up and blow it back into the home.

A gas oven will commonly produce 200-300 PPM of CO. According to Iowa State University they are allowed to produce upto 800 PPM. When testing gas ovens in homes I have found this to be true. Homeowners commonly do not understand this and will cook with out turning on the rangehood vent. There are many homes that don't even have a vented rangehood.

This is one of the many reasons you can not use an oven to heat your home. Long use of the oven can over come the home with high levels of CO which can be very dangerous.

It is very important that any home with a gas range has a low level Carbon Monoxide Monitor. Not just a carbon monoxide alarm. Some states like Minnesota require CO alarms in homes, but not CO Monitors. A CO Monitor will alarm you with levels as low as 5 PPM in your home. A Carbon Monoxide alarm from your hardware store will not notify you until levels as high as 75 PPM in the home.

2010-02-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

Tap Water Scalds: Safety Alert

The temperature a water heater should be has multiple answers. Below is a document from the "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission". 120 degrees has been a common answer. Homeowners that have electric off peak water heaters commonly need to keep water warmer. There has also been studies that say you need water to be 140-145 degrees to prevent bacteria growth. When you do set your water heater higher than 120 degrees you need to add a mixing valve. A mixing valve will allow you to have the tank temperature 140 degrees, but it will mix cold water with the outlet water lowering it to 120 degrees or what ever you set it at. Mixing valves are also called Anti-scald valves.

Document #5098

Each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money.

Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.

Various procedures for lowering water temperature in the home exist, depending on the method of heating. Here are some suggestions:

Electric water heaters. Call your local electric company to adjust the thermostat. Some companies offer this service at no-charge. Hot water should not be used for at least two hours prior to setting. To make the adjustment yourself, start by shutting off current to the water heater, then turn off the circuit breaker to the heater or remove the fuse that serves the heater. Most electric water heaters have two thermostats, both of which must be set to a common temperature for proper operation. To reach these thermostats you must remove the upper and lower access panels. Adjust the thermostat following the instructions provided with the appliance. Hold a candy or meat thermometer under the faucet to check water temperature.

Gas water heaters. Because thermostats differ, call your local gas company for instructions. Where precise temperatures are not given, hold a candy or meat thermometer under faucet for most accurate reading first thing in the morning or at least two hours after water use. If reading is too high, adjust thermostat on heater, according to manufacturers instructions, and check again with thermometer.

Furnace heater. If you do not have an electric, gas, or oil-fired water heater, you probably have an on-line hot water system. Contact your fuel supplier to have the temperature lowered. If you live in an apartment, contact the building manager to discuss possible options for lowering your tap water temperature. Reducing water temperature will not affect the heating capacity of the furnace.

The CPSC notes that a thermostat setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) may be necessary for residential water heaters to reduce or eliminate the risk of most tap water scald injuries. Consumers should consider lowering the thermostat to the lowest settings that will satisfy hot water needs for all clothing and dish washing machines.
Never take hot water temperature for granted. Always hand-test before using, especially when bathing children and infants. Leaving a child unsupervised in the bathroom, even if only for a second, could cause serious injuries. Your presence at all times is the best defense against accidents and scaldings to infants and young children.

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Minnesota Energy Saver Rebate Program

2010-02-05T07:13:00.005-06:00

The State of Minnesota started a new energy rebate program for homeowners to make improvements to there home. The short version is you can make your home more energy efficient by upgrading heating system, air conditioning, windows, insulation, light fixtures, and a few other items.

The state's advantage is trying to help American become more energy independent.

The homeowners advantage is you get a very large rebate for items that can drastically lower you monthly gas and electric bills. If you look at long term what it cost to heat and cool your home it is amazing. Average Minnesota home cost $1,000/year for natural gas and $1,200/year in electricity. That is $2,200 per year or $22,000 over 10 Years. And if gas and electric rates keep going up as they have it will cost even more.

The heating and cooling system upgrade has been a great thing for homeowners. There never has been a time you could install a new 95% Efficient Gas furnace and cooling system for so little money. You can use federal tax credit up to $1500, local utility gas rebates, utility electric rebates, plus get another 35% rebate from the state. The state rebate is 35% of the total installed cost with a maximum rebate of $10,000 per home from the State of Minnesota.

One requirement is you must finance the installation, but you get a great 5.9% interest rate.

FIX UP FUND GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

-Must be owner occupied
-Decent credit history
-Current maximum household income of $96,500 (updated annually)
-Single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, and a unit of a condominium or town home (no common areas)

You can learn more about this loan at www.mnhousing.gov.

Or contact Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling at 763-493-2665 or info@comfortmatters.com and you can get more details or have an information package sent to you with details.

You can find participating banks at http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/home-buyers/programs/index.aspx.

2010 Minnesota Centerpoint Energy Rebates

2010-01-29T07:05:00.007-06:00

Minnesota Centerpoint Energy Rebates

Centerpoint Energy is the primary natural gas supplier for Minneapolis Twin City area. 2010 has brought a nice increase in rebates. In 2009 a customer would get $150 back if the installed a new 95% Efficient furnace. With energy being a major effort in our country there have been increased rebate programs.

Below is the list of rebates a homeowner can get. A quality heating installation company will be able to walk you through this process. Some of the companies take care of 100% of the paperwork for you. After you have a new qualifying heating system installed you will receive your rebate check in the mail typically 4-6 weeks after installation.

2010 Centerpoint Rebates:

$150 92% AFUE or greater gas furnace
$300 95% AFUE or greater gas furnace
$400 96% AFUE or greater gas furnace

$300 83.5% AFUE or greater gas boiler
$500 91% AFUE or greater condensing gas boiler

$25 Install programmable thermostat with qualifying heating system.

I would not concern yourself much over a 95% or 96% furnace. Most manufactures don't even offer a 96% efficient furnace. And in real world homes you will never see a difference on fuel savings between a 95% or 96%. Carefully screen the company installing your furnace because there installation methods can make a big difference on how efficient the furnace actually operates in your home. How the company designs the duct work connections will also effect how noisy the furnace is and how much electricity it will use. At completion there should be a combustion performance test done to tune the furnace for maximum energy savings. Companies using NCI (National Comfort Institute) standards will far our perform others.

Wood Stove Changeout Clears the Air in LIbby, Montana

2009-10-14T05:32:00.002-05:00

Contact: Deidra Darsa
(703) 522-0086 ET
darsa@hpba.org

Wood Stove Changeout Clears the Air in Libby, Montana
U.S. EPA Declares Libby Area Air Quality Meets Fine Particle Standard

Arlington, VA (October 13, 2009) - The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) is excited to announce the final success of the Libby, Montana, wood stove changeout program. This effort led by HPBA, the U.S. EPA and Montana state and local officials replaced 1130 outdated wood-burning appliances with new cleaner burning EPA-certified wood stoves donated and installed by HPBA member companies.

Prior to the changeout, the Lincoln County town of Libby was predicted to fall short of meeting the new 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) federal standard according to state-validated air quality monitoring data for the three years, 2005 through 2007. However, data for the most recent three years - 2006, 2007 and 2008 - proved the area was meeting the standard. It is now an official attainment area.

"These results show that new technology wood-burning stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves have a positive affect on the environment - both outdoors and in," said Jack Goldman, president of HPBA. "Not only do they burn cleaner than old-model stoves, they burn far more efficiently and use one-third less wood to heat the same space than previous stoves. This is great news for the people in Libby. They can now continue to warm their homes safely with wood, their main fuel source for home heating."

According to U.S. EPA, PM2.5 is a by-product of fuel combustion from wood burning, gasoline automobiles, diesel-powered vehicles such as trucks and busses, power plants and industrial processes and has been associated with a variety of serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma. By removing old technology wood-burning stoves and replacing them with new clean-burning stoves, residents of Libby, MT, are breathing easier.

Consumers interested in clean-burning wood- or pellet-burning appliances can now receive a federal tax credit for up to $1,500 on the purchase and installation of a 75% efficient appliance. For information on clean-burning wood stoves and the federal 30%/$1500 consumer tax credit for wood and pellet burning stoves, go to www.hpba.org/taxcredit.

For more information on wood stove changeouts and Libby, Montana, go to www.woodstovechangeout.org.

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is an international trade association first established in 1980 to represent and promote the interests of the hearth products industry in North America. In 2002, the Hearth Products Association (HPA) merged with the Barbecue Industry Association (BIA) to form HPBA. The association includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, manufacturers' representatives, service and installation firms, and other companies and individuals - all having business interests in and related to the hearth, patio, and barbecue products industries. For more information, please visit www.hpba.org or www.woodstovechangeout.org.

When to change oil on your furnace.

2009-09-12T20:58:00.003-05:00

When is the last time you changed the oil on your furnace? Ok, I got you thinking now. You are right, you don't change oil on a residential gas home heating furnace. But I bet you change oil on your car every 3,000-6,000 miles. It seams that everyone knows you need to change the oil on your car but we forget about the furnace that heats our home.

If you didn't change oil on your car it will still keep working for a long time. You may be able to drive 30, 40, maybe 60,000 miles without changing your oil. But the efficiency will go down, you will waste fuel, and the motor will definitly fail earlier than it should. Same goes for your furnace. If you never have a profesional HVAC company clean and inspect your furnace you will waste money on your heating bills and it will also fail early. Could you imagine living in Minnesota and going on vacation for a week in January when the average temperature is about 15 degrees and night can be -15 to -30 degrees and your furnace fails. Well it happens every day. If you lose heat in your home and you are away you could freeze the water pipes and flood your home.

Is freezing pipes worst case senoiro? Or is having a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisioning, or cold house with a 6 month old baby. All of these are bad and happen very commonly. But the most common problem by not having your furnace profesionally tuned up is wasting money every month on your gas bill and having to buy a new furnace 5-7 years earlier than needed.

Lets play some numbers. Pretend running an unefficient furnace waste $15/month. 6 month heating season equals $90/year. Next if a new furance install cost $3,500 and should last 20 years but now only last 12 years. That is like wasting another $116/year. So total waste is $206/year. That is $2,060 over 10 years. Well you can have a HVAC company do a quality inspection and cleaning for less money than $206/year typically.

So having a furnace tune up annually can save you money, drastically reduce chance of break down, save money on service, and provide a safer home for your family.

EnergyGuideLabels

2009-09-05T08:34:00.001-05:00

EnergyGuide Labels

The U.S. government established a mandatory compliance program in the 1970s requiring that certain types of new appliances bear a label to help consumers compare the energy efficiency among similar products. In 1980, the Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Labeling Rule became effective, and requires that EnergyGuide labels be placed on all new refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. These labels are bright yellow with black lettering identifying energy consumption characteristics of household appliances. Although these labels will not tell you which appliance is the most efficient, they will tell you the annual energy consumption and operating cost for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.

EnergyGuide labels show the estimated yearly electricity consumption to operate the product along with a scale for comparison among similar products. The comparison scale shows the least and most energy used by comparable models. The labeled model is represented by an arrow pointing to its relative position on that scale. This allows consumers to compare the labeled model with other similar models. The consumption figure printed on EnergyGuide labels, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is based on average usage assumptions and your actual energy consumption may vary depending on the appliance usage.

EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave ovens, clothes dryers, on-demand water heaters, portable space heaters, and lights.

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Source: U. S. Department of Energy

What is NATE Certification

2009-08-31T20:53:00.000-05:00

What is NATE Certification?

Why is it important?

What does it mean to me?

How do I know if a technician is NATE certified?

The Answer Guide

People want their comfort systems fixed fast, fixed right, and fixed the first time. But how do you pre-judge the quality of service you will receive?

No matter how reputable the company is that you call for service, the quality of your experience is ultimately dependent upon the quality of the technician dispatched to your home. How do you know whether a company employs qualified technicians?

One way is NATE certification.

A Few Facts

NATE is the North American Technician Excellence™ program. Modeled after the ASE certification program in the automotive industry, NATE is the industry standard for technician certification.

NATE is the industry’s national certification program and is supported by the entire industry.

Broad national surveys indicate that consumers overwhelmingly desire certified technicians. In fact, seven out of eight homeowners want their equipment serviced by a nationally certified technician.

NATE certification is far from certain, even for experienced technician. Nationally, passing rates for NATE certification exams are about the same as passing rates for the “bar” to earn a license to practice law.

Why is NATE Certification important?
Heating and air conditioning equipment gets more sophisticated with each passing year. Many of today’s comfort products include computer control boards and high tech sensor systems. Installing and servicing equipment requires more in-depth knowledge and training than ever before. NATE certification was designed to reflect a consensus of the knowledge industry experts determined technicians needed to be able to install and service equipment properly.

Should I allow a technician without NATE Certification to work on my comfort system?
NATE certification is voluntary and many excellent technicians have yet to sit for the NATE exams. In other words, there are good technicians who are not NATE certified. However, the odds of finding a good, qualified, competent technician increases when you insist on NATE certification. NATE certification means the technician is well-grounded in the knowledge he or she needs. NATE certification also reflects a commitment by the technician to the heating and air conditioning industry as a profession. NATE certified technicians are serious about their craft and self-motivated to perform well.

How do I know if a technician is NATE Certified?
For starters, ask for a NATE certified technician when you call for service. Beyond requesting one, identifying a NATE certified technician is often as simple as looking for the NATE patch on the sleeve of their uniform. If you unsure, ask the technician if he or she is NATE certified. NATE also maintains a database of contractors employing NATE certified technicians at www.natex.org.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

2009-08-30T19:44:00.001-05:00

"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

Mold Basics

Why is mold growing in my home?

Can mold cause health problems?

How do I get rid of mold?

Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup?

Mold Cleanup Guidelines

What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas

How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

Actions that will help prevent condensation

Testing or sampling for mold

Hidden Mold

Cleanup and Biocides

Additional Resources

Mold Basics

The key to mold control is moisture control.

If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.

It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup?

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below. However:

If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types. It is available free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or on the Internet at epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html.

If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.

If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building. Visit epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, or call (800) 438-4318 for a free copy.

If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Mold Cleanup Guidelines

Tips and techniques

The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered in this publication. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).

Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.

Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

What to Wear when Cleaning Moldy Areas

Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or osha.gov/ ).

Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see Cleanup and Biocides). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.

Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?

You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished.

You should have completed mold removal. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage

You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.

People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.

Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy answer. If you have concerns or questions call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318.

Moisture & Mold Prevention and Control Tips

Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.

If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity:

Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)

Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.

Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation:

Reduce the humidity (see above).

Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.

Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.

Increase air temperature.

Testing or Sampling for Mold

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Hidden Mold

Suspicion of Hidden Mold

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. 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. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

Additional Resources

For more information on mold related issues including mold cleanup and moisture control/condensation/humidity issues, you can call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318.

EPA's Mold Resources page (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html)

The EPA publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001), is available.

Other Indoor Air Quality Publications - www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs

PDF Formatted Version

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Dryer Fire Fact Sheet

2009-08-29T18:21:00.001-05:00

Dryer Fire Fact Sheet

Statistics and Implications

Dryer exhaust fires now surpass creosote (chimney) fires in frequency on a national level. In 1998, the most recent statistics available, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 15,600 dryer fires occurred killing 20 people, injuring 370 more and causing over $75.4 million in property damage. According to the CPSC, in most of these cases the culprit was lint getting into the machine’s heating element, sparking and fueling a fire. In response to this growing trend, many dryer manufacturers now employ a device that shuts the appliance down when airflow is obstructed. However, these safeguards are subject to wear and have been known to fail. Not surprisingly, some fire departments and insurance companies now require that dryer vents be inspected and cleaned regularly.
With gas dryers, there is also concern of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Since lint and flue gases use the same avenue of exit from the house, a blocked vent can cause CO fumes to back up into the house. These fumes are colorless and odorless and they can be fatal. Low-level CO poisoning mimics flu symptoms (without the fever): headache, weakness, nausea, disorientation and deep fatigue. At higher levels, occupants can fall asleep, lapse into a coma and die.

Anatomy of a Dryer Fire

Dryer fires usually start beneath the dryer when the motor overheats. Overheating is caused by a build-up of lint in the duct that increases the drying time and blocks the flow of air, just like cholesterol in your arteries can build up and block the flow of blood to your heart. Naturally, any lint that has collected under the dryer will burn and the draft from the dryer will pull that fire up into the duct. Since the duct is coated or even blocked with lint, many times a house fire results. Other contributing conditions may include failure of the thermostat and limit switches in the dryer, lint inside the dryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, a crushed hose behind the dryer, or a bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent.

Higher Risk Situations

Residential dryer vent lengths may not have an equivalent length greater than 25 feet. Five additional feet for each 90-degree bend must be added to the actual physical length to compute the vent’s equivalent length. This will determine the vent’s actual resistance to the airflow.
Homes with larger families or where dryers are used heavily are at greater risk.
Flexible plastic duct is no longer code-approved for clothes dryers. It is normally one of the first things burning lint will ignite, having been shown to flame in as little as 12 seconds. Lower cost and high flexibility often make it attractive to unadvised homeowners installing their own machines.
Flexible duct made of thin foil is not recommended for clothes dryers. It’s tendency to "kink" and stop airflow makes it dangerous to use.

Warning Signs

Dryer is still producing heat, but taking longer and longer to dry clothes, especially towels and jeans.
Clothes are damp or hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.
Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on.

Additional Benefits to Dryer Vent Cleaning

Allows your dryer to operate more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money.
Protects your dryer from excess wear and premature death.
Helps clothes dry faster—a time savings for busy families.
Reduces excess household dust and humidity
Helps preserve clothing, as the life of many fabrics is damaged by excessive high heat.

Inspection Frequency

Most vents need cleaning every two to three years. Some dryer vents need attention more often. If it is the first time that a dryer vent has been cleaned, having it re-checked again in a year can help to make a reasonable judgment. Determining factors include:

How heavily the dryer is used
How long the vent is and the materials used. Shorter vents usually blow better.
The age and type of dryer used. Full size dryers blow better than smaller stack dryers or older dryers
The design of the vent. Those with a lot of turns and elbows blow worse and build up more lint.

Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

Consumer Product Safety Alert

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries associated with clothes dryers. Some of these fires may occur when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under certain conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive heat build-up may cause a fire in some dryers. To prevent fires:

Clean the lint filter regularly and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Clean the filter after each load of clothes. While the dryer is operating, check the outside exhaust to make sure exhaust air is escaping normally, If it is not, look inside both ends of the duct and remove any lint. If there are signs that the dryer is hotter than normal, this may be a sign that the dryer's temperature control thermostat needs servicing.
Check the exhaust duct more often if you have a plastic, flexible duct. This type of duct is more apt to trap lint than ducting without ridges.

Closely follow manufacturers' instructions for new installations. Most manufacturers that get their clothes dryers approved by Underwriters Laboratories specify the use of metal exhaust duct. If metal duct is not available at the retailer where the dryer was purchased, check other locations, such as hardware or builder supply stores. If you are having the dryer installed, insist upon metal duct unless the installer has verified that the manufacturer permits the use of plastic duct.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Keeping Minnesota State Fair Cold...

2009-08-25T20:55:00.016-05:00

Oh no... Summer's almost over? Not yet, the Minnesota State Fair is typically a hot and busy week. Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling, Inc was able to help keep one of the food stands cold.

Midway Food Company from Winchester, Texas area has a food stand called the Midway Grill and it gets pretty hot working over a grill at the fair. Well only a couple weeks away their air conditioning stopped working on their custom built portable 18,000 pound kitchen. The trailer was out in Montana at a fair when Comfort Matters got the call that they were heading to Minnesota for the fair and needed to get the cooling fixed. Comfort Matters found a Trane rooftop air conditioner in Laramie Wyomin g that would work. So within days before the fair the trailer was delivered to Comfort Matters office in Hanover, MN.

"This became a very interesting and custom installation" said Corey Hickmann (owner of Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling, Inc.) We brought in Crystal Welding to help custom build the aluminum frame and ducting so we could mount the new Trane unit on the Roof. Even though it decided to rain most of the day slowing down the work, the new cooling system was up and running the next day and ready for delivery to the fair. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest fair in the country for daily attendance and it is very important to the Midway Grill to have a successful event.

So if you are out at the fair try a burger and fries at the Midway Grill, and if you miss it there it will be heading to Utah, Texas, and a few other stops before the year is over.

How to select a contractor.

2009-08-18T21:43:00.002-05:00

There are many things to consider when selecting a contractor. This blog is around heating and cooling contractors, but the same principle applies if you are buying a furnace, deck, roof, kitchen, or a basement remodel.

Check references: I can not stress this enough. If you are spending $2500 or $10,000 you must check the contractor references. A new furnace or a/c should last 20 years. But even more important is in Minnesota for example you will spend $26,000 over those 20 years on average to heat and cool your home. So ask for testimonials. If the contractor surveys there customers ask to see the surveys. If you want to make the best choice ask to talk to customer they have done work for. Make sure they will call you back on Saturday when it is -20 or 95 degrees outside if your heating or cooling doesn't work.
Ask for copy of liability insurance certificate: Check to see what there coverage is. You want at minimum $1 million dollars coverage. Then if you really want to be safe call there insurance company to confirm there premiums are paid in full. To many companies can show a certificate but may not be late on payments. If something happens you the homeowner are responsible. If the contractor is not willing to give you this info "walk away".
Confirm they have a current State Bond: In Minnesota for example contractors are required to have a state bond to help protect the homeowner in case the contractor goes out of business.
Get Permits: Ask for copy of the local permit at time of installation. Note: some cities do not require permits so you can't in those cases. But call your city hall to confirm that is true.
Back ground screened employees: Does the company criminally screen there employees. The people installing your new furnace or A/C have access to your home, make sure they are safe.
Does the company work from home: Confirm they actually work from a office. Some contractors may office from home and do great work. But the majority of bad contractors also work from home. Don't base decision on this but it will help.

Don't worry about the brand of furnace or A/C you buy. If it is a Carrier, Goodman, Amana, Trane, Bryant, Chevy, Ford, or BMW it does not matter as much as who installs it. What matters is how well trained the installers are, will they be there for you if it fails, and will it save you money on your energy bills for the next 2 or 20 years. (BTW: no Chevy, Ford, or BMW don't make furnace and A/C)

The upfront cost of the installation will be determined by factors I listed above. Just because someone offers a lower installation you are not saving money. I have learned that lesson over the years. When the cost is lower the odds say something is missing.

Will 2-stage furnace save me money?

2009-08-17T19:38:00.004-05:00

Will a 2-stage gas furnace save me money?

Well this is kind of a loaded question. For example I am going to use a 95% efficient gas furnace. The brand does not matter. If you buy a Trane, Bryant, Carrier, Goodman, or Lennox there is not a measurable amount of difference. The bigger difference will be by what company installs it. Majority of furnaces installed are 1-stage. Which means when the house gets cold 100% of the heat comes on. The problem is if it isn't very cold out the furnace may only run for 5 or 10 minutes then shut off. A furnace needs to run at least 10 minutes before you can even get it up to 95% efficient. When if first comes on it will be maybe 50%, then 60%, and keep going up as it runs longer until it reaches peak efficiency. It is like a car, if you drive stop and go traffic your gas mileage is low, but if you go on the highway for 60 miles and don't stop your gas mileage goes up.

So if your furnace turns on and off to often you will not ever get to save money because the furnace doesn't get to peak efficiency. So back to the installing company. If they install a furnace that is to large for your home it will turn on and off to many times during the day cost you money and making your gas company lots of money. So a very common problem is if the installing company selects a furnace that is to large it will run on low stage to often wasting energy. So it is possible to put in a new more efficient furnace but have it not save you any money.

Today we have 1-stage, 2-stage, 3-stage, and modulating furnaces. The advantage of multi stage furnaces is better comfort in the home. If the furnace runs longer it will get the temperature more even in your rooms. Plus the longer the furnace runs and less on/off cycles reliability does go up. So multi stage may help the furnace last longer which will save you money. But you may not be saving what you should be. Depending on model's the first stage (low heat) could be only 70-85% efficient, compared to high heat when it could be 95% efficient. A properly installed 1-stage or multi stage furnace will give you far better long term results. As time goes on gas will keep going up. A well installed furnace could last your 15-20 years. So why over pay each month on your gas bill. Be very careful on selecting your installing contractor because that can save you $1,000's of dollars over the next 15-20 years.

So the moral of the story is "just because your new furnace is 2-STAGE, that does not mean it will save you more money".

How to size a geothermal heating system.

2009-08-07T19:17:00.002-05:00

Geothermal heating systems and not much different than standard air source heat pump system. The main difference is geothermal uses the earth to add or remove heat from your home instead of the outside air. With geo the ground will vary from 30-75 degrees typically depending on season. Air source heat pumps need to deal with air temps ranging from -30 to 110 degrees depending if heating or cooling your home.

The big difference with air source heat pump is they can't provide enough heat from the home once outdoor temp gets below 20 degrees. So you need some sort of extra heat whether it be natural gas, oil, LP, or electric heat. Geothermal systems can be designed to heat your home to what ever outdoor temp you want.

Here is the catch to be careful of. If you are converting your current heating system to geothermal the duct work was designed for something else. For example purpose I am going to compare an average gas or oil heat. Now electric heat system won't be much different.

EXAMPLES BELOW ARE FOR A MINNESOTA HOME

Gas heat systems can provide higher temperature heat in the duct system with less air flow. So when a home is designed for gas the average home needs 1000-1400 CFM. (CFM= cubic feet per minute of air) A home that has a duct system for 1000 CFM with gas heat may now need a 4 ton geothermal heating system. Average design is 400 CFM/ton of geo. So a 4ton geo will need 1600 CFM. The problem is over 50% of home duct systems are undersized in the first place. An educated HVAC company will be able to test your home and see what you can do. Below is a typical solution that way to many heating companies do wrong.

Home needs a 4ton geo which is 1600 CFM but home has duct system only good enough for 1000 CFM. A common answer is to select a 3 ton geo system with gas back up heat. The 3 ton geo will need 1200 CFm. Usually some minor modification can be made to the duct system to handle 1200 CFM. Now when you get to the dead of winter in January when it is -10 and colder for a week straight the geo may not be able to keep up so you will need to use the gas furnace a little. But by going from a 4ton to a 3ton geo you will save about $2,500 just in well drilling. Plus you don't have to tear your home apart making the duct system large enough for a 4ton system. So by going to a 3ton you may save $3500, 4000, maybe 5000. Yes the 3ton may cost an extra $200 per year to heat your home, but it could take you 20 years to equal the $4000 savings.

So in short you maybe able to install a 3ton geo and have a 10 year pay back or a 4ton geo and have a 30 year pay back.

Now these examples above are very general and will vary by area you live or type of home. Point to be aware of bigger definitely is not better when it comes to geo. Now with the 30% federal tax credit geo is cheaper than ever to install and pay back is a lot faster. But don't let a poorly educated installation company steer you the wrong way.

The "Post-It Note" of heating and cooling my home.

2009-07-27T21:46:00.003-05:00

The Post-it note is known as a great American invention. Back in 1974 Arthur Fry came up with way to make an experimental glue famous while working for 3M in Minnesota. The Post-it note changed the world of paper. So as I was thinking about this I wondered what major innovation changed the way we heat and cool a home. There are many things that have changed the comfort we feel in a home today.

Early years we had a fireplace in our 1-room house. Now the average home has 2-3 bathrooms. In the early 1900's when coal fired furnaces were used a house could vary in temp 30-40 degrees easily depending on what room you were in because once you got the coal burning hot you couldn't just stop it.

Today people expect to be comfortable when they sleep, keep the babies room warm in the winter, but still save energy. Zoned Heating has been the technology that has allowed this. The average home has one thermostat in the hallway which tells the furnace to turn on or off. First who lives in the hallway, so why do we care what the temperature is there. Imagine if you only had one light switch in your whole house. Well that is what happens when you have one thermostat. Two story homes are a real problem because in the summer the upper level is hot and the basement is cold. The other advantage of zone systems is why do you want to cool your bedrooms to 74 degrees during the day when no one is in there. Or why do you want your living room to be cooled at 3 AM when you are in bed.

Zone systems allow a standard home to have multiple thermostats through out the house. So you can cool the bedrooms at night, but not waste energy cooling the living room. Or in the winter you can heat your basement over 65 degrees unlike the average home. People commonly spend well over $20k finishing a basement to use but then they freeze trying to watch TV down there. To get a better understanding how it works click HERE to see a short video.

Honeywell says you can see up to 30% savings on your heating and cooling bills by zoning your home. One major energy savings people experience, is in the summer. Homeowners will set there thermostat to 70-72 degrees on the main level so they can hopefully get the upstairs to 76-78. When you have zoning in your home you have a thermostat upstairs in your master bedroom for example and you set that thermostat to 75 degrees and you can leave the living room at 78 for example while you sleep.

One thing you have to be concerned about is the installation of a zone system is who is the company designing and installing it. It is important to research who you buy a zone system from because if it is improperly installed you can shorten the life of your furnace and A/C and have a noisy operating system. But a properly installed zone system is like a "Post-It Note" to me.

How long is the warranty on my air conditioner?

2009-07-23T18:52:00.004-05:00

Air Conditioning Warranty... Some of the facts...

Manufactures have made major changes to warranties over the years. Plus there are many untold parts also.

First thing what is covered. Well there is 3 major components to the warranty.

Parts, this includes the little things like contactors, capacitors, and fan motors.
Compressor, this is the most expensive and important part of the unit. This is the main work horse, kind of like the engine in a car. Typical compressor replacement is $1,200-1,900.
Labor, this is the thing a lot of contractors miss lead to homeowners. Pretty much every manufacture of a/c units require the contractor to cover labor warranty on there own unless you purchase an extended warranty to cover labor. So becareful because if the contractor tells you 1 year, hope he is still in business then. Or are they the kind of company that will call you back when you have trouble. It is very common to see the low price contrctor also be the guy who won't return your call if your A/C stops working in 8 months.

One major part of an a/c is the refrigerant. Manufactures don't consider this a part on standard warranty. So if the unit gets a leak they may cover the $25 part that leaked, but you are stuck paying for the possible hundreds of dollars in refrigerant.

2nd Major Issue:

Almost all brands use to be 1 Year parts Warranty. Now as compitition has grown they started to increase warranty. A very common warranty today now is 10 Years on all parts. BUT.... you must register the unit within 60-90 days or else your warranty drops to 5 years. The registered warranty is also only good for the original buyer, not the second owner of the home. Example Trane use to have 10 Year parts warranty on there XL systems. You didn't have to register it and if you sold the home the new buyer got the remander of the warranty. Now the same XL unit will only give the original buyer 10 years and it drops to 5 years if you don't register it.

Guess what, people forget to register things. That isn't a secret to anybody. The problem you will find is most contractors may leave that detail out. Some contractors actually will register the unit for there customers so it doesn't get forgot. This is one difference between a quality installing company and the cheap guy.

All this above is common to different brands. Weather you are buying TRANE, BRYANT, LENNOX, CARRIER, ARMSTRONG, YORK, LUXAIRE, HEIL, PAYNE, AMERICAN STANDARD, COMFORT MAKER, DAY NIGHT, GOODMAN, AMANA, FRIDGIDAIRE, MAYTAG, TAPPAN, KENMORE, TEMPSTAR, NORDYNE, or who ever they all are pretty much the same. Funny thing of the 20 brands I listed above that is actually only 6 different companys. Just like buying a Chevy, GMC, or Buick, same car just different stearing wheel.

Research your contractor before you worry about the warranty or brand.

Upstairs is to hot, I can't sleep.

2009-07-12T16:05:00.004-05:00

If I could count how many times I have heard "my upstairs is to hot". Or " I have to set my thermostat to 70 degrees so my upstairs bed room is 77". This is a very common problem in 2-story homes in the midwest. A lot of southern climate homes have a seperate a/c for the upper level but in the midwest typically there is one furnace and a/c for the whole house.

Think about the 2nd story. There are 4 outside walls plus a roof. Most attics are 110-125 degrees on a hot summer day. That hot air wants to get into your home. Heat travels towards cold. Now when you only have one thermostat in the main level how does it know the bedrooms are hot? Duct systems are typically very poorly designed today and don't let enough cold air get to the up stairs.

So, now what do I do?
Well just add a second thermostat to the upper level. It isn't as easy as it sounds, but for a professional heating and cooling company it isn't that hard. They can add automatic dampers that will direct the cold air to the places in the home that need it. This allows you to keep you main level at a nice 75 degrees and your upstairs at 75. Or what ever temperature you like. The video on Arzel zoning does a nice job explaining it.

Arzel Zoning (may take a minute to load depending on your interent speed)

Accourding to Honeywell a typical home will save 20-25% on there heating and cooling bills by adding zoning to your home. Plus you can actually sleep good at night.

Oh, I almost forgot, if your basement is to cold in the winter, zoning can fix that also. Just another bonus.

HouseSmarts Road show goes to Tyler, Tx

2009-07-06T07:44:00.002-05:00

Trane Brand Featured on Nationally Syndicated Television Show, HouseSmarts™

This video talks about home building products including windows, carpet, and HVAC products. Also shows some nice software by Google to help design homes.

Watch the show online

Contractor and home improvement expert Lou Manfredini traveled to Tyler, TX to film an “On the Road with Lou” segment for his nationally syndicated television show, “HouseSmarts.” The “On the Road with Lou” segment highlights local points of interest and home improvement tips in cities around the country and is a regular part of the 30-minute home improvement program.

The Tyler segment aired Saturday, June 13 around the country and focused on the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden and one of the largest manufacturing facilities of Trane Residential Systems. The program included information on several Trane products and offerings, and Manfredini interviewed Dave Pannier, president, Trane Residential Systems and Dale Green, vice president of sales. The segment highlighted the fact that Trane Residential Systems are the largest employer in Tyler and a leader in the HVAC industry.

In addition to his “HouseSmarts” show, Manfredini is a regular contributor to NBC’s “TODAY Show,” WGN Radio and USA Weekend magazine.

Trane XC95 3-Stage Variable Speed Furnace

2009-07-02T07:41:00.002-05:00

Trane XC95 3-Stage Variable Speed Furnace

The XC95 offers a nice feature of only needing 2-wires for communication to the outdoor air conditioner or heatpump. Standard systems require 8-10 wires for controlling heat pump systems which can be difficult seeing most homes only have 2-wires going outside. The ComfortLink II allows the furnace and thermostat to all talk to each other on a 2-wire connection. Plus with the new Energy Tax credit this furnace qualifies for up to $1,500 tax credit.

XC95 Gas Furnace

Communicating technology in the world’s first three-stage furnace

Advanced ComfortLink II communications technology allows the XC95 to configure itself for optimal performance year after year. Add the Telephone Access Module (TAM) to get alerts sent to your phone, and even adjust your settings remotely, whenever you like. With its three stages of heat, an industry first, you can achieve up to a 95% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency).

Trane XC95 features:

Efficient performance
The XC95 is rated with up to 95% AFUE, annual fuel utilization efficiency.

ComfortLink II Communicating Capability
ComfortLink II communicating technology connects all of your key components so your system automatically charges, configures and calibrates for optimal performance through the lifetime of your products. When the optional Telephone Access Module (TAM) is added, you can conveniently adjust settings and receive system updates by phone wherever you are.

Comfortable, even heating
Variable-speed fan motor adjusts speed to provide a consistent flow of warm, comfortable air with quiet operation.

Cleaner, healthier indoor air
Add Trane CleanEffects™ to your system for advanced air filtration that removes more dust, pollen and other irritants from conditioned air for a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home. And Trane CleanEffects™ is now proven to remove more than 99% of the common flu virus from your home’s filtered air.

Trane XC95 specifics

Every Trane furnace is packed with high-quality components. Each helps ensure that time after time, your unit will provide total comfort your family can rely on. The XC95 includes: ComfortLink II Communicating Capability

Communicating User Interface
Variable-speed blower motor
Three–stage gas heat provides greater fuel efficiency and better comfort control
Heavy gauge, two-tone powder-painted cabinet Increased dehumidification with Comfort-R(™) mode
Durable adaptive silicon Nitride hot surface igniter
Multi-port, In-shot burners
One-piece aluminized steel primary heat exchanger
24-volt Fuse protects Controls
Insulated cabinet for quiet operation
Convertible to Horizontal left or right
AL29-4C Stainless Steel secondary Heat Exchanger
Cleanable filter with spring-loaded filter rack
ERV, Humidifier, and Air cleaner compatible

Trane Lifetime limited Warranty details

Lifetime Limited Warranty on heat exchanger.
Five-Year Limited Warranty on internal functional parts.
If your XC95 furnace is installed at the same time as a new Trane XLi outdoor condensing unit, it will be covered for ten years on internal functional parts as part of the outdoor unit system warranty.
Optional Extended Warranties available. Extended warranties cover labor and other costs not covered by Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
Warranties are for residential use
Ask for full warranty information at time of purchase.

Water Heating Tips

2009-06-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

Water Heating Tips

Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period.

Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat.

Insulate your gas or oil hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the water heater's top, bottom, thermostat, or burner compartment; when in doubt, get professional help.

Install non-aerating low-flow faucets and showerheads.

Buy a new water heater. While it may cost more initially than a standard water heater, the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance.

Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it's best to start shopping for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Doing some research before your heater fails will enable you to select one that most appropriately meets your needs.

Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 115°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses.

Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take, so follow the manufacturer's advice.

If you heat with electricity and live in a warm and sunny climate, consider installing a solar water heater. The solar units are environmentally friendly and can now be installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house.

Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15-25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.

My four season porch is too hot.

2009-06-05T21:47:00.003-05:00

Four season porches are very popular in northern climate. When the summer comes the mosquitoes come with. So you can't sit outside with out bugs and bees bothering you. The spring is wet and fall is cool. Well winter, all of us in the Midwest know what winter is. You and all your neighbors hibernate in home. The problem heating and cooling a 4 season porch with your home heating/cooling system is difficult to get the proper amount of duct work in the room for good air flow. Mitsubishi ductless heating/cooling systems are a great choice. Our most popular model now qualifies for a 30% tax credit because it is so efficient. The new Mitsubishi 9,000 and 12,000 BTU models are up to 26 SEER. The typical home cooling system is 6-10 SEER. SEER is like gas millage, the higher it is the less money to run. Mitsubishi now has a feature called "eye see". Meaning the unit actually has an eye that looks at your room to see what temperature each spot is. The unit will then automatically blow air in that direction. Mitsubishi heat pump systems are great because they provide a very low cost heating. These units will run at 300% efficient on average. A typical heat pump usually can't supply enough heat on a good cold Minnesota day. So when it is -15 outside you may not be able to keep your porch at 70 degrees. But there are not many days that it is that cold. If you want perfect heat all year adding a fireplace is a great choice. Talk to your local heating professional for details.

It is hard to go wrong with ductless systems.

More efficient because you don't have duct work to leak air
Better technology
Multi speed units adjust as the temperature gets hotter or colder
Proven technology for over 25 years just in USA, longer world wide
Easy to operate
Low maintenance

Wood Burning Stoves Qualify for $1,500 Tax Credit

2009-06-04T17:38:00.005-05:00

The tax stimulus package now includes the Lexington Forge Wood burning Stoves.

Lexington Forge Models Eligible for US Tax Credit

PARIS, KY (June 4, 2009)-- Recent economic stimulus legislation has included a 30% (up to $1500) consumer tax credit on the purchase of a 75% efficient biomass burning stove. This legislation takes effect immediately and, though the qualifying guidelines were just released this week, is retroactive to any eligible stove purchased since January 1, 2009. The credit is available through 2010. Tax payers should keep in mind that this is a credit, not a deduction, on their income tax returns. Therefore the entire eligible amount is credited to their tax bill.

Stimulus tax credits have been an interesting move by the IRS. There is a large amount of money that has been allowed to pay for energy efficient heating and cooling equipment in American Homes. Tax credits will vary by individual tax situations. You can confirm your status with your CPA. You can contact Comfort Matters about tax credit questions at www.ComfortMatters.com.

Are you sick of Allergies?

2009-06-04T07:51:00.003-05:00

The season is at prime for pollen floating in the air. According to wrongdiagnosis.com 37 million Americans suffer from pollen allergies. A whole house air cleaner can greatly reduce allergens in your home allowing you to sleep well and wake up feeling rested. I have heard from countless customers that good air filtration will make the difference. Be careful using some big box store brands like 3M filters for example. See earlier blogs I have done about that.

One product I have learned is Trane CleanEffects has the greatest effect for people with allergies and asthma. The great part about it is you don't have to pay for expensive replacement filters once it is installed. You just wash the unit out.

Trane CleanEffects utilizes patented, breakthrough air cleaning technology to remove up to an astounding 99.98% of airborne allergens from the air that passes through the filter, making it 8 times more effective than even the best HEPA room filters and up to 100 times more effective than a standard 1" filter. What's more, Trane CleanEffects has been performance-tested by LMS Technologies and Environmental Health &Engineering, Inc. (EH&E), with the results verified by professors from the Harvard School of Public Health, so you know you're getting an air filtration system like no other.

Trane CleanEffects™ specifics

Removal of up to 99.98% of particles and allergens from your filtered indoor air. It removes particles as small as .1 microns – 1/1,000th the diameter of a human hair – a size that eludes most air cleaners.
An industry-leading clean air delivery rate of 1,200.
Low operating costs, with no replacement filters to buy.
Cleaning indicators easily visible on the outside of the unit.
Easy to clean filters—just vacuum or rinse once every 3 to 9 months (depending on usage).
Easy installation.
Quiet operation
Trane CleanEffects was designed to fall well below the 50 parts per billion (ppb) FDA voluntary emission limit for medical devices. Trane CleanEffects contributes a negligible amount of ozone – less than .3 ppb to the living space.
- To put this into perspective further, typical ozone levels during the summer outdoors are at about 60 to 90 ppb, and indoor levels can vary greatly but are typically between 12 ppb to more than 80 ppb. Testing of Trane Clean Effects by third parties has shown there’s no more ozone in a home installed with Trane CleanEffects than naturally occurs in the environment already
Trane CleanEffects is the industry benchmark supported and verified by third parties who make it their business to know about clean air. Experts from LMS Technologies, EH&E, Harvard School of Public Health and other major university research shows Trane CleanEffects to be the best air filtration system on the market.
Low pressure drop.

Test Your Energy IQ

2009-05-12T18:33:00.002-05:00

Test Your Energy IQ

From: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, Consumer and Public Liaison, Energy Information Administration (10/95).

Answers follow the questions from ComfortMatters.com

1. For which jobs are microwave ovens used most?

Defrosting frozen foods

Cooking meals

Reheating foods

Preparing snacks

2. Microwave ovens are currently found in what percentage of all U.S. Homes?

23%

54%

84%

3. Almost all of us use ovens for cooking. What percentage are electric?

17%

63%

81%

4. How many gallons of hot water does the typical dishwasher use during a normal cycle?

7

14

25

5. Ceiling fans are currently found in what percentage of U.S. homes?

10 to 15%

25 to 30%

50 to 55%

6. Switching to fluorescent lighting can save consumers a lot of money. How much money could Americans save collectively each year if we all made the switch to efficient lighting?

$500,000

$ 1 million

$750 million

7. Energy-efficient lighting can reduce home electricity demand up to what percent?

15%

50%

75%

8. In a family of four, if each member takes one 10-minute shower a day using a standard showerhead, how many gallons of water will the family use a year?

13,000 gallons

73,000 gallons

150,000 gallons

9. How much does the typical family spend in a year to run its electric home appliances?

$100 to $300

$400 to $1,000

$1,100 to $1,500

10. How many gallons of gasoline does a typical driver use each year?

1,070 gallons

3,500 gallons

5,100 gallons

11. What percent of home heat is lost up an open chimney flue after a fire has died in the fireplace?

1%

5%

10%

12. Industry consumes what percent of the total energy used in the United States?

10%

36%

57%

13. Which renewable energy source generates the most electricity?

Wind power

Hydropower

Solar power

14. What energy source provides more than half of the electricity in the U.S.?

Nuclear

Coal

Natural gas

15. What is the nation's most plentiful energy source?

Oil

Coal

Nuclear

Answers

1. Cooking meals

2. 84%

3. 63%

4. 14 gallons

5. 50 to 55%

6. $750 million

7. 75%

8. 73,000 gallons

9. $400 to $1,000

10. 1,070

11. 10%

12. 36%

13. Hydropower

14. Coal

15. Coal

H1N1 aka: Swine Flu Prevention

2009-05-04T07:47:00.004-05:00

Swine flu (H1N1) has created a new world of panic that American hasn't delt with in a long time. This is just a wake up call about simple things that should be done. Like washing hands.... Beside that there are many methods of controling health problems like the flu. The flu will kill on average 36,000 people per year according to the CDC. That is just the everyday flu that we deal with. There have been products around for a long time to control flu virus. Like Trane CleanEffects home filtration system or Ultra Vilot systems like Sanuvox. CleanEffects kills 99% of airborne flu virus that passes through it according to a Harvard School of Public Health.

Below is a press release by Sanuvox about there findings with the H1N1.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Web: www.sanuvox.com

PRESS RELEASE April 28th 2009
Sanuvox UV Air Sterilization System's ability to destroy airborne
Type A Influenza including Swine Flu (H1N1)
(Montreal, Canada) Sanuvox Technologies has been receiving inquiries following the recent swine influenza (H1N1)
outbreak in Mexico, United States, and Canada as well as in other parts of the world. Sanuvox UV Air Sterilization
Systems are designed to destroy airborne biological contaminants including the swine influenza.
Sanuvox wants to inform the public on the ability of Sanuvox Ultraviolet Air Sterilization Systems to destroy the influenza
virus including those that fall into the family of Orthomyxoviridae. These include type A, type B and type C influenza
viruses. The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least some of the human cases are a never-before-seen
version of the H1N1 strain of the influenza type A virus.
The Sanuvox In-Duct Ultraviolet Air Sterilization System (UV Bio-Wall) has been tested by the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the US National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) against biological warfare
agents. Installed into the ventilation system, the Sanuvox UV Air Sterilization unit achieved on a single pass with no
recirculation >99.97% destruction on S. marcescens bacteria, 99% destruction on the MS2 virus and 93% destruction on
B. atrophaeus bacterial spore.
McGill University has tested the Sanuvox portable / stand-alone UV Air Sterilization unit (P900GX) against tuberculosis,
and achieved a destruction rate of 90% while operating in the sputum induction room of the Montreal Chest Hospital.
Sanuvox testing which has been completed by the US EPA, NHSRC and McGill University on bio-contaminants which
require up to ten times (10X) the dosage of UV energy to destroy in comparison to the weaker influenza virus.
According to Dr. Normand Brais, President of Sanuvox Technologies Inc. "The use of high-intensity ultraviolet germicidal
systems can control the transmission of the airborne influenza virus thus preventing cross-contamination of occupants
and co-workers." Dr. Normand Brais goes onto say, "Sanuvox UV systems are specifically designed to deliver the
necessary UV energy to effectively disinfect the indoor air."
To read the EPA / National Homeland Security Research testing on the Sanuvox UV Air Sterilization System please visit
www.epa.gov/ordnhsrc/pubs/600r06053.pdf .

For information on Swine Influenza please visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu .

Sanuvox Technologies manufactures UV Air Sterilization Systems which are installed into the ductwork designed to
sterilize the biological contaminants as they pass through the UV system. Sanuvox also manufactures mobile
decontamination units and stand-alone HEPA Filter / Ultraviolet Air Sterilization systems designed to destroy biocontaminants
while trapping particles down to .3 microns in size.

For more information on indoor air quality go to www.ComfortMatters.com.

My Air Conditioner is low on freon.

2009-04-22T19:57:00.003-05:00

Summer time is almost here. It is getting warmer outside and you will soon be using your a/c. The most common question by homeowners is "does my a/c need freon?". First thing is "Freon" is a trademark name by Dupont. Freon is actually regrigerant of many types. Most common residential a/c systems use R-22. Saying freon is like saying Xerox instead of copy machine. I am going to call it Freon for now. People think because the air coming from there registers feels to warm, or there house isn't cooling off fast enough it must need freon.

Freon should not leak from your a/c. Air conditioning systems are sealed and should never leak. This isn't like putting gas in your car. If freon has leaked there is a problem. You need to have a qualified HVAC technician repair the leak or else this will keep happening. When an A/C gets low on freon it is very normal for the indoor coil to freeze to a block of ice. Then when that ice melts you will get water leaking in the furnace and on the floor. Water will damage the furnace and just make your problems worse. Majority of service calls for "my a/c is low on freon" turns out to be just a plugged air filter. It is important that you change your furnace filter every month if you use a standard 1" thick filter.

Signs A/C is low on Refrigerant

You feel low airflow coming from registers
Air starts to feel warmer from registers
Water on floor by your furnace
Ice building up on copper lines from a/c to indoor coil
High electrical usage
House takes longer than normal to cool off

Now above are typical signs, but remember the majority of problems are something else beside low on refrigerant. Having your a/c cleaned and tested annually by a HVAC company can save you a lot of money over the years.

One new fact to keep in mind is R22 refrigerant is in the process of being discontinued. 2010 all manufactures have to stop using R22 in there new equipment. As this happens the cost of R22 will keep going up. So if you have an a/c leaking this is just another reason you want to get it fixed so it doesn't happen again. If your a/c is over 10 years old you may want to think about replaceing it. New a/c units will typically cost 30% less to run and will use the new enviromentally friendly refrigerant called R410a.

How to clean a Trane Air Conditioner

2009-04-18T10:58:00.011-05:00

TRANE SPINE FIN COIL CLEANING

It's very important to clean your a/c system every year in both residential & commercial buildings. Annual cleaning will add 5-7 years to there life typically. Which just that savings will cover the cost of having it done. Plus the likely hood of the unit breaking down on the hottest day of the summer is much less if you annually have it inspected.

Trane is unique in there outdoor coil design. The use a technology called Spine Fin which is an all aluminum coil. Carrier did this many years ago but have now switched back to the standard copper coil and aluminum plate fins. Spine fin is a proven technology that has a lot of advantages over copper/aluminum plate fin coils. Spine fin has less fittings having less chance of leaks, retains efficiency longer, and allows your compressor to run cooler saving you money each year of it's life.

But some people complain and think spine fin coils are impossible to clean. It is actually easier to clean spine fin coils. The part that needs to be clean is the leading edge because that is where heat is extracted from the coil. What people think is hard is when you have a lot of cotton wood that gets into the coil. Below is a method to clean cottonwood quickly, but you must take care while doing it. My companies technicians have used this method for years and it is great. Trane does approve to using this method also.

Remove power to compressor terminals
Go to thermostat and give call for cooling
The outdoor fan motor should be running now but not the compressor.
Take a torch. Must be lazy orange flame, don't use hot brazing flame. You can also use propane or map gas turbo torch.
Run the flame along the coil allowing the fan to pull the flame through the coil. This will burn the cottonwood. Note: smoke will come out of top of a/c, and yes it will smell a little depending how dirty it is as the cottonwood burns.
Last shut power off to outdoor unit and hose it off with garden hose. For best results I strongly recommend using a condenser coil cleaner to spray on first like Calgon Nu-brite. This will help pull the dirt from the inside of the coil. Don't ever use a pressure washer as you will damage the coil. Wash the coil from the top and work your way down.

When doing this you can leave the outside hail guards on the Trane unit. If the unit is really bad you may have to remove the panels. I have seen units that look like a wool jacket is wrapped around them they are so dirty. For more information you can go to www.ComfortMatters.com.

Consumers can sabotage energy-saving efforts

2009-04-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Consumers can sabotage energy-saving efforts

By Traci Watson, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — As President Obama and Congress pump billions into energy conservation, experts warn that the promised energy savings could be undermined by consumer behavior.
There is even a name for it: the Snackwell Effect.

Just as dieters might binge on Snackwell's low-calorie cookies, people who buy energy-efficient items for their homes sabotage their efforts to save power — often by using the appliances more heavily, studies have shown.
A marketing survey to be released today showed that one-third of respondents who made energy-efficiency efforts at home saw no decrease in their energy bills, and a 2008 study by University of Michigan economist Lucas Davis found that people given energy-efficient washing machines washed more clothes.

"It could be that by doing something virtuous, it gives you license to do something indulgent somewhere else," says Portland State University's Loren Lutzenhiser, who studies energy consumption.

People who install efficient lights lose 5%-12% of the expected energy savings by leaving them on longer, said Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez of the non-profit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. People who buy an efficient furnace lose 10%-30% of their savings, probably from raising the thermostat, she said.

"It doesn't mean energy efficiency is a waste of time," says Sussex University's Steve Sorrell, who wrote a 2007 report for the federally funded UK Energy Research Centre on the phenomenon, which economists call the takeback effect. It does mean that "standards on efficiency will not be sufficient by themselves."

The takeback effect could cut the energy savings from measures being championed in Washington. The $787 billion stimulus package signed by Obama last month includes $5 billion for weatherization programs and $300 million in rebates for energy-efficient products.

In a new survey of 500 Americans by the Shelton Group, one-third of respondents reported that they hadn't seen the expected cuts in their energy bill after investing in energy-efficiency measures such as weatherstripping. Alan King of Morgantown, W.Va., for example, says he and his wife purchased energy-efficient appliances but their electric bill has changed little.

King confesses that sometimes his wife will wash just one piece of clothing in their high-efficiency washer, which she would not have done before.

One solution: Devices that tell people how much electricity they use hour-by-hour, so they know the power consumed by a particular appliance.

"People don't really know what they're using," says Lynda Ziegler of Southern California Edison. "At least on a cookie label there's the number of calories."

Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2009-03-22-energysavings_N.htm

Do 3M Furnace Filters Really Work?

2009-04-04T14:33:00.004-05:00

Are you electric bills too high?
Is your 2nd level too hot in the summer?
Does your furnace sound really loud?

You can't go to Home Depot, Target, or any other store without seeing 3M filters for sale. Millions of these filters are sold every year. If customers only knew how much money they are really wasting. 3M isn't the only one; ArmHammer, Bluedot, Honeywell, and many others included.

Yes the 3M will catch more dirt than your $3 filter. But they do not let air through either. A furnace duct system efficiency is measured in Static Pressure (SP). Average duct system should create .5" SP across a furnace. The higher the number the harder the furnace blower must work. Out of the .5" allowed, the filter should be about .1". 3M filters commonly have a .25 to .4" SP drop. Basically SP is like your blood pressure. As you know high blood pressure is bad, same with SP.
I have seen furnaces needing to be replaced after only being 6-7 years old commonly. And a huge part will be poor duct design and 3M filters. There are multiple grades of 3M filters also. As the price is higher they are even worse. I think it is purple package can be up to $12-15 each filter and these must be changed even more than the red box.

Think of it this way. The object of 3M filter is catch a lot of dirt and pollen. So it needs really small holes. The problem is the filters are to small to hold all the dirt. When you have a larger media filter they are 4 or 5" thick and can hold more dirt and let the air through.

When you use a 3M filter it is like your furnace running a marathon with a rope around its neck. The furnace can't breath... Which causes over heating in the summer and over cooling in the summer.
COOLING PROBLEMS
Over cooling the a/c in summer will cause the indoor coil to freeze like a block of ice. Next thing you know water is leaking from your furnace and your house gets hot. Plugged air filter is a very common service call Cooling Contractors have in the summer. Once the coil start to freeze up you can also ruin the compressor in the a/c which will commonly cost $1,200 to 1,800 to fix.

HEATING PROBLEMS
In the winter that 3M filter will cause low air flow across the furnace heat exchanger. When that happens the metal in the heat exchanger heats up and cools down more than normal. Then the metal can crack just like if you flex a paper clip to many times. A cracked heat exchanger in a furnace can allow carbon monoxide to leak into the home causing major health effects or even death.

There are many better filter options available. If you are worried about allergies or indoor air quality contact a local HVAC company. If you just want to keep your furnace running for a long time you are better off using the $3 filter instead of the overpriced 3M filter that will just cause you high electric bills and isssues with your heating and cooling equipment. DO NOT follow the 3M instructions either that say change upto 90 days. If you don't want to keep using 3M atleast make sure you change it every 30 days. (some homes even more often)

I like Poly fiber filters for a low cost option. They will cost you about $3 each, you replace them every month and you will be much better off. You can get a low cost filter at just about any hardware store. The best thing to do is talk to your local heating professional about filter while he is at your home doing an annual furnace and A/C cleaning.

In Short

Change standard 1" thick filters every 30 days
High resistance filters (3M) will drastically increase electrical use
If you ever see water leaking by your furnace in the summer, good odds your filter is plugged or just not letting enough air through
Use whole house media filters like Trane 5" Perfect fit media
Not changing air filters enough will cut the life of your furnace in half

5 Ways to Save Water While on the Can

2009-04-03T20:00:00.002-05:00

Ok, do I have your attention. Everyone spends time on the can. Yes I mean toilet. 25% of the water in a home goes down the toilet every day. 1.6 Billion gallons per day are flushed. That is equal to 2,400 Olympic size pools per day.

So next time you are maybe sitting at the cabin bathroom in Shawanoo, WI or maybe a hotel room while visiting Minneapolis, MN for the weekend remember these following facts from ChelseaGreen.

But consider this: clean water requires huge amounts of energy to be chemically treated and pumped into our homes; it uses up groundwater, which puts stress on woodlands and causes damage to wildlife habitats in wetlands and rivers; and although it may seem abundant, many regions will need to keep a substantial supply on hand to stave off water shortages and summer water rationing.

This precious resource is literally going down the crapper.

Here are some facts about water usage, from Water: Use Less—Save More by Jon Clift and Amanda Cuthbert:

Over a quarter of all the clean, drinkable water you use in your home is used to flush the toilets.
Older toilets can use 3 gallons of clean water with every flush, while new toilets use as little as 1 gallon.
Many people in the world exist on 3 gallons of water day or less. We can use that amount in one flush of the toilet.

Here are 5 steps you can take to reduce your water usage (also excerpted from Water):

1. Remember the rhyme: “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.” You will save a lot of water!
2. If you have an old toilet, you can reduce the amount of water it uses by putting a “displacement device” in the tank. Use small plastic bottles filled with water or a displacement bag designed for toilet tanks. Displacement bags may be available free from your local water department or can be purchased from a hardware store.
3. Avoid flushing anything down the toilet that has not previously passed though your digestive system, apart from toilet paper – it’s a waste of water and might block the sewer. Bag it and bin it.
4. Choose a slimline toilet rather than a full-size toilet; they use a lot less water per flush.
5. When you are buying a new toilet, look for a dual-flush toilet, or a low-flush toilet, which uses only 1.6 gallons per flush.

Clean water is just another part of the world. Energy conservation from heating and cooling our homes is another huge part. Geothermal heating/cooling systems can save your home another 30-70%. So start with flushing a little less down the toilet, then move on to a larger item like heating and cooling your home.

Ten Facts About the Water We Waste

2009-03-31T20:06:00.004-05:00

I have many personal questions on what effect we have on the environment. Some people say we will all die as the ice caps melt, other studies say global warming is bogus and only a natural effect of sun spots. Both stories have good points. One thing I do know is American's waste to much water. Just watching my daily habits I have found myself guilty. Everyone trying to help I know won't hurt the world. Below are some easy water saving tips by Water: Use Less—Save More.

As the globe’s temperature rises and the earth’s weather patterns go haywire, water is quickly becoming a hot topic in the US and elsewhere. Floods are sweeping through new areas, while others are drying out faster than ever. We’ve long had the luxury of holding a cavalier attitude about the water we use, and more often than not that attitude has led us to unnecessary waste and pollution of our water.

From Water: Use Less—Save More:

Americans now use 127 percent more water than we did in 1950.
About 95 percent of the water entering our homes goes down the drain.
Running the tap while brushing your teeth can waste 4 gallons of water.
Older toilets can use 3 gallons of clean water with every flush, while new toilets use as little as 1 gallon.
Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drop per second can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water each year.
A garden hose or sprinkler can use almost as much water in an hour as an average family of four uses in one day.
A water-efficient dishwasher will use as little a 4 gallons per wash cycle, whereas some older models use up to 13 gallons per cycle.
Some experts estimate that more than 50 percent of landscape water use goes to waste due to evaporation or runoff caused by over-watering.
Many people in the world exist on 3 gallons of water per day or less. We can use that amount in one flush of the toilet.
Over a quarter of all the clean, drinkable water you use in your home is used to flush the toilets.

For tips on how to reduce the amount of water you use and waste, see Water: Use Less—Save More, by Jon Clift and Amanda Cuthbert.

More energy saving info at www.ComfortMatters.com

Fireplace to Increase Home Values

2009-03-26T11:31:00.003-05:00

There are many different answers how much value a fireplace adds to a home. I have seen from 6-12% increase in value. That will vary by home value. Because adding a fireplace to a $900,000 won't increase value by $100k. But there is no doubt adding a fireplace will increase value as well as make a home easier to sell. If you have an old home with wood fireplaces, get rid of them. All they do is waste money on your heating bills. You can have a very nice gas fireplace installed in the same hole. You will then save heating money plus you can use it and enjoy the room even more.

Fireplace Info

Fireplaces

Regardless of your décor or your heating needs – there is a fireplace from Lennox Hearth Products that will fit your home perfectly. From gas- and wood-burning to electric

fireplaces, you have a long list of choices.

Comfort Matters has many fireplace options to fit your needs. Our trained installers take extra care to protect your home by laying floor covers down and complete a detailed cleaning after the job is done. Because Comfort Matters depends on quality referrals from satisfied customers we will go the extra mile to provide service better than you have ever had before.

Basement Remodels
New Construction
Wood Inserts
Free Standing Gas Stoves
Electric Fireplaces
Outdoor Wood & Gas Fireplaces
EPA Wood burning Fireplaces

There are many models and options. Different doors, backgrounds, blowers, and remote controls.

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

2009-03-24T12:35:00.004-05:00

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

Your children will breathe easier

Act now against
asthma at home. Asthma is a serious lung disease.

During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Asthma can even cause death.

If you have asthma or a child with asthma, you are not alone.
About 17 million Americans have asthma.
Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children.

The air that children breathe can make a difference.
Asthma may be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in homes.
Help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

Below are five common asthma triggers found in homes and what you can do to reduce you and your child's exposure to them. Not all of the asthma triggers listed here affect every person with asthma. Not all asthma triggers are listed here. See your doctor or health care provider for more information.

Secondhand Smoke

Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.

Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home.

Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.

Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds.
Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.

Pets

Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.

Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary.
Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed.
Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.

Molds

Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control.

If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.

Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.

Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced.
Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry.
Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher.
Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.

Pests

Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.

Do not leave food or garbage out.
Store food in airtight containers.
Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays.

If sprays are used:

Limit the spray to infested area.
Carefully follow instructions on the label.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.

Also...

House dust may contain asthma triggers. Remove dust often with a damp cloth, and vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up. Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful.

When your local weather forecast announces an ozone action day, stay indoors as much as possible.

There are many home filtration ways to help asthma. Trane CleanEffects system is 99.98% Efficient whole house air cleaner that has proven technology to help asthma suffering people.
Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling web site has more air cleaning solutions also.
For more information:

You can request information from EPA's:

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)
P.O. Box 37133
Washington, DC 20013-7133
(800) 438-4318, or
(703) 356-4020 (local)
(703) 356-5386 (fax)
iaqinfo@aol.com

Other related sites:

National Academy of Sciences Report - "Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures"

Two years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to undertake an assessment of the role of indoor air quality in the growing asthma problem. EPA asked NAS to characterize the state of the science on health impacts and prevention strategies, and to provide recommendations on needed research. In response to this request, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has issued a report, Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures, on the role of indoor environmental pollutants in the development and exacerbation of asthma. The report affirms the Administrator's asthma initiative to educate the public about the ways they can help control asthma by managing indoor air quality. The report concludes that exposure to indoor pollutants is an important contributor to the asthma problem in this nation. Asthma sufferers should consult with their doctor about reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke, dust mites, pet dander, molds, and cockroaches. The executive summary of the NAS report is available at

Created: July 22, 1999; Last Modified: January 26, 2000

Office of Air and Radiation
Indoor Environments Division (6609J)
EPA/402-F-99-005, July 1999

Is Bamboo Floors the Greenest Option?

2009-03-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

People commonly think bamboo is the greenest choice for flooring. Bamboo is actually a grass, not a tree. So it can be replaced in nature very fast.

Oak forest can take 120 Years to replace while bamboo takes about 3 years. Plus all bamboo floors come from China. One thing to consider when building GREEN is where does it come from. LEED looks at the effect of transport and the manufacturing process.

So... How far is it from China to Minnesota??? Takes a little fuel to get it there.

Next... What is the quality of manufacturing in China??? I am not preaching on chinese process, but there is definitly question on the pollution control they have versus USA.

Did I just ruin your treehugging idea of Bamboo? That isn't my goal. I am still mixed on what I think is right. 95% of the original forests have been cut down in the world. That is a scary thought. The ability to grow bamboo in 3 years is great.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/09/bamboo_flooring.php

What is LEED Home?

2009-03-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

Boy this is a question that could take along time to answer. So this subject may take a few blogs.

LEED is an organization rating system.
"Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design"

The US Green Building Council is who regulates LEED.

There are so many things that go into a LEED rating system. LEED can be residential or commercial buildings. There is a scale that a building earns points for doing different things that will benefit the environment.

Example of items:

Heating system efficiency
Insulation
Quality of windows
Maybe using a 50 year shingle instead of 30 year
Light color paints for better day lighting in rooms
Collecting Rain water
Using building materials from local manufactures
Avoiding use of VOC products
Low flow shower heads
Using grey water again instead of sending down sewer
Not putting duct work in outside walls
Not using construction cavities for return air duct.(no panning)
Seal duct work through multiple methods. (Aeroseal, foil tape, mastek)

Geothermal Heating 30% Install Savings

2009-03-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

With the 2009 Stimulus Bill that was passed American homeowners now can save 30% of the installed cost on geothermal systems. The new energy bill allows each tax paying citizen to get 30% of the installation cost back from there income taxes they will pay in 2009. This is a huge benefit to take advantage of. Nobody likes to pay taxes, now you can get some back, plus lower your monthly heating/cooling cost which equals more money in your pocket.

Energy Star

A geothermal heating system isn't very complicated. They are less maintenance than a standard gas furnace, they have a longer life span, plus provide a lot of environmental benefit. A basic description: The sun heats the earth and a geothermal system removes the energy from the sun in the ground and transfers it to your home. Same happens in the summer, it will transfer the nice cool ground temp to your home. A typical Minnesota home will save around 50% commonly.

Geothermal Description Link

I did a cost compression of a typical Minnesota home. There heating cost were $1,480/year and cooling was $123/year, and hot water cost were $405. With a geothermal heating system the new heating cost would be $475, cooling $34, and hot water $208. So the total energy for the home was $2,007 and new was $716. That is a savings of $107 per month.

Summary:
Less maintenance, saves money every month, last longer, and now the government will pay 30% of the bill.

BTW: Geothermal Systems don't have an outdoor unit like a standard A/C you are use to. So you can get rid of the noisy box outside also.

What is "Main Air Circulating Fan"

2009-02-27T08:02:00.000-06:00

The new stimulus bill has a tax credit for "main air circulating fan" accourding to Energy Star web site. Well what does that mean. The answers are not clear yet. It looks like congress got ahead of the HVAC industry manufactures. This rebate has not been cleared up yet. But if you look at the original 2009 and 2007 Energy Tax credit that meant if you buy a furnace with a ECM (Electrically communicating motor) blower you got $50. More commonly the ECM motors are known as "variable speed" furnace.

What is benifit to V.S. motors?

The average furnace in your home has a motor that is typically 45-50% efficient. So meaning every dollar you spend to run the furnace fan you waste 1/2 of it. The average VS motor will be 95-98% Efficient. So you only wast 5 cents out of every dollar you spend. A typicall 2000 Sq Foot home in Minnesota running there furnace fan in the "On" position on the thermostat will spend about $200 per year in electricity. If you have a VS furnace that will drop to about $45-60 per year. It is not uncommon to save $150/year. The cost savings will go up to $225-275 per year when you get into a larger home around 3500-4000 Sq Foot.

Why should you run the furnace fan 100% of the time?

better air quality because you are always filtering the air as it goes through the furnace filter
more even temperatures from room to room in your house or even more even temp from one floor to another

What is down side of running fan 100% of time?

cost more money if you don't have an ECM motor
worse dehumidification in the summer time when cooling

So now, what does this new tax credit mean for the Stimulus Bill?
No body knows yet. (nice answer, I must be in congress) The way it currently reads accourding to Energy Star if you buy a qualifying furnace with ECM motor you will get a 30% tax credit with a max payout of $1500. That is a great deal if it turns out that way. Currently I have talked with multiple manufactures like Trane, Bryant, Amana, Goodman, and UPG(York) and they are all trying to get clarification from the IRS on this. So far it is looking like a good deal.

Ok, one more catch. There is one know fact but not talked about with having an ECM motor in your furnace. If you have a poorly installed duct system you may not save as much money as you should. Furnace duct systems are rated by Static Pressure. It is like your blood preasure, the higher it is the worse. If you have a poorly installed heating or cooling system this will easly double the design static pressure which will then drastically increase your electrical use. The Static Pressure should be tested regularly on your HVAC system, but unfortinatly only about 10-15% of heating contractors even know how to do it. It is easy, and doesn't cost much. A quality HVAC contractor will test static pressure every time they are servicing your system or installing a new one. There are many ways to save money in energy use, it just takes the right heating and cooling profesional to help you.

Energy Tax Credit Act of 2009 (Stimulus Bill)

2009-02-26T09:48:00.000-06:00

Expansion of The Energy Tax Credits in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Well the new stimulus bill has money in it for homeowners to get up to 30% tax refund if they make there home more energy efficient.

The tax credit is for qualifying windows, insulation, and heating systems.

Heating Systems Included:

Geothermal Heat Pump	Closed Loop	Open Loop	Direct Expansion
	14.1 EER	16.2 EER	15 EER
	3.3 COP	3.6 COP	3.5 COP


Natural Gas Furnace	95% AFUE
Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler	90% AFUE

Propane Furnace	95% AFUE
Propane Hot Water Boiler	90% AFUE

Oil Furnace	90% AFUE
Oil Hot Water Boiler	90% AFUE

Gas, Oil or Propane Water Heaters	.82 Energy Factor
	90% Thermal Efficiency

Electric Heat Pump Hot Water Heater	2.0 Energy Factor

Wood Stoves	75% Thermal Efficiency as measured using a lower heating value.

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan (ECMs)	No more than 2% of furnace total energy use

You can earn up to 30% credit on furnace, A/C, Air source heat pump, or water heaters. With a max cap of $1500. Example, you buy a new qualifying 95% Furnace and it cost $4500 installed you will get $1350 back on taxes. The way the tax part works is for example you have to pay in $2000 on your 2009 taxes you will now only pay in $650.

If you install Geothermal or Solar products your get 30% back with no cap. So if you buy a $15,000 Geo system you will get $4500 back. That new Geo system just cost you $10,500 plus you still get any local rebates avalable.

This is a huge part of the stimulus bill. This is money you as a citizen can actually get directly back to you. Plus you will be saving money on your monthly heating or cooling bills. Kind of a gift that keeps giving.

You can go to Energy Star: for detail information.

I would make sure you find a quality installing contractor with any of these options. Because a poor installation will not allow the equipment to save you any money. A new furnace or boiler is not like buying a TV or refrigerator. You can't just take it home and plug it in. There are many installing companies that treat them that way and it is far from that way. Sometimes the cheapest options cost the most in the long run. Unfortinatly I have learned that to many times in life.

Make sure you always check with your CPA to verify your tax situation will qualify for the credit. But pretty much most everyone that has a job and pays taxes should get the credit.

5 Ways to Save on your heating bill

2009-01-29T09:38:00.001-06:00

Here is a short story done by "The Today Show" on 5 ways to save money on your heating bill. It talks about programmable thermostats, high efficient furnaces, water heaters, and window caulking. They talk about installing your own programmable thermostat, but be careful because the wire colors don't always match like they say. You could end up with your a/c running in the middle of winter. Which that can cause major damage to the a/c. You may want to call a heating company to install one.

Today Show Link

Amish Heaters and Edenpure Heaters

2009-01-28T18:30:00.000-06:00

Amish heaters are selling like hot cakes. But do they really help you save 50% on your heating bill? See the Fox news report what they found.

Amish heaters are actually built in China. Electric portable heaters will not save money versus heating with gas. You can go to the hardware store and buy a 1500 watt electric heater for about $20 that will do the same as the Amish heater. If you turn your house down to 50 degrees and just put the Amish heater in the room you are in, yes you will lower your heating bill. But you will also not be very comfortable in your home. Plus you have to be careful you don't turn the heat back to far and freeze a water pipe.

Maybe you can strap the heater to your back when you walk around the house. or not.... If you are looking to save on heating cost look at a quality installed 95% Efficient furnace or a heat pump system. You can easly save hundreds of $$ per year and even over $1000 depending on your current system. Plus you can take advantage of the $200 IRS tax credit for installing a new 95% furnace.

Furnace Energy Tax Credit

2009-01-25T19:02:00.001-06:00

2009 has brought back the home heating energy tax credit. This was pushed by many organization's but failed to happen. But then the 2nd draft of the bail out bill came and this past with it. So for homeowners who replace there gas furnace with a 95% Efficient model they will get $150. If the furnace has an energy efficient motor (commonly called variable speed) you get another $50. You can get details on this program at http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=511.

This money is a direct credit. Meaning if you are getting $500 back on your taxes at the end of 2009 you will now get $700. There are other items you can earn energy tax credit like home insulating. But the max for a household is $500.

Don't forget to check if you local natural gas supplier has rebates also. For example you can get up to $150 from Centerpoint Energy in Minnesota.

Act now against asthma at home.	Asthma is a serious lung disease. During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can even cause death.
	If you have asthma or a child with asthma, you are not alone. About 17 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children.
	The air that children breathe can make a difference. Asthma may be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in homes. Help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Secondhand Smoke Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.	Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either.
Dust Mites Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.	Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water. Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds. Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.
Pets Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.	Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary. Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed. Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.
Molds Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture. Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.	Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry. Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher. Vent clothes dryers to the outside. Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.
Pests Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.	Do not leave food or garbage out. Store food in airtight containers. Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away. Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays. If sprays are used: Limit the spray to infested area. Carefully follow instructions on the label. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.
Also...	House dust may contain asthma triggers. Remove dust often with a damp cloth, and vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up. Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful. When your local weather forecast announces an ozone action day, stay indoors as much as possible.

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A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

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Contents

Mold Basics

Why is mold growing in my home?

Can mold cause health problems?

How do I get rid of mold?

Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup?

Mold Cleanup Guidelines

Tips and techniques

What to Wear when Cleaning Moldy Areas

How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?

Moisture & Mold Prevention and Control Tips

Actions that will help to reduce humidity:

Actions that will help prevent condensation:

Testing or Sampling for Mold

Hidden Mold

Suspicion of Hidden Mold

Investigating hidden mold problems

Cleanup and Biocides

Additional Resources

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Anatomy of a Dryer Fire

Higher Risk Situations

Warning Signs

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Test Your Energy IQ

Test Your Energy IQ

1. For which jobs are microwave ovens used most?

2. Microwave ovens are currently found in what percentage of all U.S. Homes?

3. Almost all of us use ovens for cooking. What percentage are electric?

4. How many gallons of hot water does the typical dishwasher use during a normal cycle?

5. Ceiling fans are currently found in what percentage of U.S. homes?

6. Switching to fluorescent lighting can save consumers a lot of money. How much money could Americans save collectively each year if we all made the switch to efficient lighting?

7. Energy-efficient lighting can reduce home electricity demand up to what percent?

8. In a family of four, if each member takes one 10-minute shower a day using a standard showerhead, how many gallons of water will the family use a year?

9. How much does the typical family spend in a year to run its electric home appliances?