Archives for June 2013

Home Inspection for HVAC Systems

Home Inspections

By Betty Stephens of Quest Media

Selling your house? When you sell your house, and conduct a real estate inspection what should inspectors check on the HVAC systems?
Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection

A heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) home inspection reviews the heating and cooling system of a home from a performance perspective. The inspection usually does not inspect or compare to codes or manufacturer requirements. Heating is provided typically by a forced air furnace distributed by duct work or a water/steam boiler using radiators or convectors, but space heaters, heat pumps and other methods are also in use. The energy source is usually natural gas, fuel oil, or electric, but other sources include wood and Geo-thermal. Cooling can be described as a split system, packaged unit, fan coil, heat pump, an evaporative cooler, or window/through-the-wall a/c unit.
A typical inspection will carry out a visual observation and operation of the HVAC system. The inspection will consider visible and readily accessible components, while noting recognized adverse and material defects present at the time of inspection. The inspection does not usually disassemble the equipment. The home inspection report may include a description of the system by its key components. Ideally the inspection intends to reduce risk for the buyer by reporting observed material defects. A defect may be a repair, maintenance or improvement consideration with or without a safety association. An optional statement on perceived useful remaining life may be provided.
Home Warranty Inc. states that “50% of the claims they pay are on HVAC systems yet these are two of the most under inspected items on the whole house inspection. Often the home inspector will only turn on the HVAC system that applies to current weather conditions (i.e. air conditioner in the summer, furnace in the winter) but does not evaluate the other system. In addition, several home inspectors do not have the equipment or technical knowledge to properly test HVAC systems so they tend to include several disclaimers on the home inspection about their lack of knowledge and recommend a qualified HVAC contractor evaluate further. This disclaimer is routinely included so that the recommendation to get a HVAC inspection completed becomes “white noise” to a potential home buyer.”
See their Web site at: http://www.homewarrantyinc.com/get-a-hvac-inspection

It is recommended that you use HVAC contractors to conduct “comprehensive” examinations of components and systems to determine whether they are working properly.
The role of an HVAC inspector is to assess the cleanliness and structural integrity of an HVAC system. Inspectors search for obstructions, excess moisture and microbial contamination in the HVAC system.
FHA Guidelines
When inspecting the HVAC home systems look for the following issues. FHA suggests that these issues may indicate unacceptable property condition.
Furnace/Heating System:
The home’s heating system must be in working condition and provide heat to all rooms in the property. If the property is heated by one or multiple heat stoves, the inspector will verify that these stoves can keep every room at a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wood stoves or furnaces must have chimneys that are in good condition, and wood stove chimneys must have chimney liners and be free of buildup.
• Unit does not turn on
• Heat is not emitted
• Unusual noise
• Smoke or irregular smell
• Significant holes or deterioration on unit
ENERGY STAR Home HVAC System Checklists
The Energy Star Web site has several HVAC checklists for different types of inspections that you may download or print.

Click the following link to view the checklists: http://http://www.gobookee.net/hvac-system-inspection-checklist/

EPA Regulations on R22 / SEER Ratings

EPA Regulations on R-22 / SEER Ratings
By Betty Stephens of Quest Media

The EPA has begun phasing out the production of R-22 and has banned the production of HVAC equipment that uses R-22 in compliance with Title VI of the Clean Air Act. The refrigerant that replaces R-22 is R-410A. R-410A is an HFC refrigerant blend with common trade names such as GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, Forane® 410A, and Puron®.
R-22 will be manufactured on a limited basis after this year and after 2020 will not be manufactured after… The EPA suggests that contractors to recycle and rescue as much R-22 to be used to continue to service existing units…
R-410A requires more pressure to cool, so therefore it requires new compressor and piping. Both the outside and inside unit must be replaced and current piping would need to be flushed with a special chemical.
The use of R-410A, as opposed to R-22, does not affect the HVAC unit’s energy efficiency. The energy efficiency is determined by a system’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). As of 2006, the minimum SEER rating allowed to be manufactured in the U.S. is a 13 which is 30% more efficient than a 10 rating. To receive the ENERGY STAR, a system must have a minimum 14 SEER rating. Currently, you can find a residential split-system with a SEER rating of 20 or more, but at a substantial cost over the standard SEER 13 units.
Systems with R-22 may find as the manufacturing of the product is reduced, the supply becoming difficult to find. “Also the price of R-22 is rising. Although the continued use of existing appliances with R-22 is not banned nor is the EPA mandating all R-22 equipment be converted, that is a factor that a homeowner should take into consideration when faced with repairing or replacing their system. More factors to take into consideration are the cost, energy efficiency, reliability, and performance. The life span of the outside condensing unit is usually around 15 years and the furnace around 20 years.
To learn more click the following link for EPA’s phase out of R-22 and R142b:

http://http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/downloads/homeownerbrochure.pdf

Ambit Energy

AMBIT ENERGY COMPANY
Written By: Betty Stephens of Quest Media

Ambit Energy is a United States multilevel marketing retail electricity and natural gas provider that serves residential and commercial customers in states where energy has been deregulated. Corporate headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas, and operations/call center headquarters are located in Plano, Texas. Ambit Energy was founded in 2006 in Addison, Texas by Jere Thompson Jr. and Chris Chambless.
Electric and natural gas Customers throughout California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. are choosing Ambit Energy as their choice in energy today. Ambit has grown to serve over 1 million Customers in only six years. And, it is said that those who make the switch often stay with Ambit for the signature perks they offer. They offer free energy when a customer refers 15 new Customers, or the customer may choose Travel Rewards for trips and cruises. They have created one of the most attractive Customer rewards programs in the industry. Once the customer signs up, they can begin the benefits of being an Ambit Energy Customer right away.
Ambit also offers an app for convenience in the palm of the customer’s hand. Depending on service territory, customers can enjoy freedom to pay bills, view usage and update account details from any web-enabled device.
Sales Structure
Ambit Energy obtains customers through a network of independent consultants who work directly with the customers. Ambit Energy uses direct selling and is a member of the Direct Selling Association of America. Direct selling is the marketing and selling of products directly to consumers away from a fixed retail location.

• Ambit Energy was named 2010’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Company by Inc. 500 and placed 390 in 2011.
• Ambit Energy placed 15th on the Direct Selling News Global 100 List in 2011 and 14th in 2012.

Ambit Energy Customers in Texas receive transmission and distribution services from the following energy companies:
1. AEP Texas provides electricity to residents throughout southern and western Texas.
2. CenterPoint Energy provides electricity to the 5,000 square mile footprint of the Houston metropolitan area.
3. Oncor provides electricity to residents of northern, western and central Texas.
4. TNMP provides electricity for western and northern central Texas, as well as areas of the Gulf Coast region.
Criticism
Ambit has been criticized for its direct sales model, and for being a multi-level marketing company. In May 2011, Ambit was sued by a consultant, who alleged that Ambit’s structure is a pyramid scheme. By August 2012, after several amendments and alterations to the original complaints including the removal of all allegations of fraud, a judge dismissed the case.
Ambit’s sales representatives have also been accused of overstating the benefits of participation, and of being overly aggressive in marketing to vulnerable customers such as the elderly, and non-English speakers, who might not fully understand the complexities of energy pricing.

Thermoacoustics Air Conditioning

Thermoacoustics

Using Sound Waves to Power Air-Conditioning,

Heating and Refrigeration

Cool Sound Industries, Inc. introduces a technological revolution in air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration and it’s GREEN. This thermoacoustics technology changes the way air conditioning works, it:

Eliminates the use of Freon and other environmentally damaging gases.
Is a comprehensive solution to stop the continued use of these gases.
Allows for design in climate control systems without costly compressors Has the potential for substantial energy savings.
Can be designed to operate on solar generated power sources.
Operates maintenance free well beyond the life cycle of conventional technology.
Maintains constant temperature and does not cycle on and off.
Uses a small solar cell sensitive to sunlight and uses the power grid only when necessary.

Link to their Web page: http://www.coolsound.us/ Click the links on the left side of their screen to learn more about The Technology.

Link to Wikipedia site for a very detailed description of thermoacoustics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoacoustics

Thermoacoustics History

The history of thermoacoustics is thought to have started 200 years ago with European glass blowers that noticed sound generated when a cold glass tube was placed next to a hot glass stem. The theory of thermoacoustics refrigeration was identified more recently when heat transfer phenomena was observed in a gas resonating in a cylinder. Ten years later, the use of oscillating fluid particles to induce a cooling effect resulted in the development of a “cyrocooler”. In the late ’80s, thermoacoustic research was pursued at the Naval Postgraduate School where a 5W Space Thermoacoustic Refrigerator, dubbed STAR, was developed and launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-42) in 1992. The Navy demonstrated the use of thermoacoustics and cooled off the electronics aboard the USS Deyo in 1995. More recently, interest in thermoacoustics has intensified, motivated by its relative mechanical simplicity, potential for broad integration into industrial and consumer applications and benign environmental impact.

At present, only low temperature applications have been commercialized in niche markets.

How Thermoacoustics Works

Thermoacoustic uses high-amplitude sound waves in a mixture of harmless gases to create oscillations in pressure, temperature and displacement, which are used to pump heat. These effects can be harnessed to produce powerful and efficient heat engines, including heat pumps and refrigerators.
High amplitude sound waves are generated inside a specially-shaped cavity pressurized to several atmospheres. The resulting pressure fluctuations can be designed to occur hundreds or even thousands of times per second and can generate temperature differences. The temperature differences occur across a stack of plates which are positioned between hot and cold heat exchangers, where the heat is removed or added to a system.

Acoustic waves oscillate an armature within a magnetic field and produce electricity. In heat pump applications, heat is forced to move against its natural tendency to flow from hot to cold, which consumes most of the energy in air-conditioners and refrigerators.

Follow the links given and learn more about Thermoacoustics.

The Future for the HVAC Industry

The Future for the HVAC Industry

Contributed by: Betty Stephens of Quest Media

Read what the experts are saying about the future of the HVAC industry. Here are some recent articles about the industry. Click the links to read the articles.

1. Future of the HVAC Industry Explored by Field Aware
Link: http://www.fieldaware.com/2012/07/12/future-of-the-hvac-industry-explored/

“Cooling with sound waves is a relatively new concept,” the company states. “The idea actually got off the ground when Ben and Jerry’s was looking for a new way to cool their ice cream freezers. While these designs are just beginning to be tested, this could open the door to a new generation of energy efficient cooling systems.”

2. Possible Futures for the HVAC Industry | Just Venting – Goodway
Link: http://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2008/11/possible-futures-for-the-hvac-industry/

The game is rapidly changing for every member of the HVAC world. From contractors and cleaners to architects and engineers, everybody is feeling the effects as the green business and building revolution gains momentum, the financial and economic situation grows ever more volatile, and new technological innovations send shockwaves throughout the industry. It seems the only thing we can be sure of is that the way things were done yesterday isn’t the way they will be done tomorrow.

3. Trends in Air-Conditioning – Challenges for the future/Richard B. Hayter, Ph.D., P.E. Kansas State University
Link: http://http://www.engg.ksu.edu/people/rhayter/tvvlpapr.htm

Trends would indicate that the HVAC industry is responding to a robust market and that the market is significantly influenced by a concern for energy and the environment. Advancements in technology are responding to those concerns.

4. The Future of HVAC Contracting | Opinions
Link: http://http://www.achrnews.com/blogs/17-opinions/post/119780-the-future-of-hvac-contracting

Do you remember the “Back to the Future” movies where Michael J. Fox jumped into a time-warping DeLorean sports car and sped into a future that was totally foreign? Can you imagine what an HVAC contractor from the 1990s would think if he were suddenly transported into 2012? He would find a foreign business world dealing with regional efficiency standards, R-410A refrigerant, dry-charged R-22 units, 25C tax credits, building performance standards, and home performance contracting. And if that were not scary enough, he would also be faced with the possibility of new legislation called the HOMES Act that would make him part of a RESNET Energy Smart Home Performance Team.