Archives for August 2013

NATE

August 28, 2013 by HVAC Expert

NATE- What NATE Means to Homeowners
By Betty Stephens

Overview

North American Technician Excellence, Inc. is the leading non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and the only test supported by the entire industry. . NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests.

NATE encourages the employment of NATE certified technicians for superior installation and maintenance or service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration systems.NATE does not directly supervise or employ technicians, and does not endorse or guarantee their work or performance. As a result, NATE disclaims any liability related to services performed by an individual technician or recommended employer.

When installing, servicing or repairing your heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC/R) system, NATE-certified technicians ensure peace of mind. NATE technicians have the knowledge to get the job done right the first time.

A recent survey says that 87% of air conditioning and heating consumers prefer certified technicians. Organizations that are part of the NATE coalition include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Become a Certified NATE HVAC Technician

To become certified installation and/or service technicians, these technicians must pass both core and specialty parts of either an installation or service test with a score of 70 or better. Specialties include heat pump, air conditioning, air distribution, oil heat and gas heat. The NATE test is not easy, and not all technicians pass it the first time. NATE certification verifies that the technicians who pass are the best in the trade when it comes to knowledge and experience installing or servicing your home heating or cooling system.

Call your dealer for an appointment and ask if their installation and service technicians are NATE-certified. Look for the NATE logo when you need service on your current system or a new comfort system.

How NATE Benefits Homeowners

For superior installation and maintenance or service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration system, ask for a NATE-certified technician. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests. When installing, servicing or repairing your heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC/R) system, NATE-certified technicians ensure peace of mind. NATE technicians have the knowledge to get the job done right the first time.

Homeowners Benefit by:
1. Lower utility bills through proper installation and maintenance
2. Fewer callbacks and warranty returns.
3. Fast, efficient service.
4. Job done right the first time.
5. Equipment that runs at peak efficiency.
6. Advice & knowledge of skilled, certified technician.
7. Greater peace of mind.
Select Your NATE Program
NATE offers multiple certifications divided into installation and service, and senior categories. You take the CORE (if required) and one SPECIALTY test to earn your desired certification.
All NATE exams are based on Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs),
Statistically proven job task analysis from experts in the HVACR industry. KATEs represent a wide variety of perspectives on subject matter pertinent to contractors,
technicians, distributors, educators, manufacturers and utilities.

Anyone interested in obtaining NATE certification may take the tests. However, requirements for each certification can be different and may change as the industry changes.

Everblue is an approved NATE Training Organization and is the nation’s largest certification organization for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. NATE is the only third-party certification body governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVAC industry.

Link to their Web site.

Insulation

August 26, 2013 by HVAC Expert

Insulation Types
By Betty Stephens

Insulation Overview
Insulation forms a thermal blanket around your home, saving money and improving comfort. The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation notably blankets and materials that can be poured in place. Other types require professional installation.

When insulating your home, you can choose from many types of insulation. To choose the best type of insulation, you should first determine the following:
• Where you want or need to install/add insulation.
• The recommended R-values for areas you want to insulate.
Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value, which indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness, and its density. In calculating the R-value of a multi-layered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added.
Types of Insulation
There are four basic types of insulation out there: bats/blankets, spray foam, loose fill and rigid board. The most appropriate kind to use is going to depend on where you’re installing insulation. Different kinds of construction and the extent of rehabilitation will affect what you need, as will code requirements. While pink blanket insulation is the most familiar, you should remember that there are a lot of other options.

Loose Fill
This type of insulation is made up of a loose pellet or fiber mix, and is blown into the building using special types of equipment. It can be synthetic, or made of a natural material like recycled cotton and wool from the fiber industries. Benefits of this kind of insulation include easier filling of small spaces and better sound insulation. However, it’s also costlier and can get everywhere. The most common type is cellulose fiber, chemically treated to prevent rot and fire dangers. Make sure the material meets regulations in your areas. There are also fiberglass and rock wool loose fill insulation, which are blown into the open stud cavities. Generally, loose fill types of insulation have R values of about R-3 to R-4 per inch of depth, while cellulose has about thirty percent more insulating value than a rock wool variety.

Blankets and Batts

These are the least expensive types of insulation and probably the most common if you’re installing insulation at home. Made either from processed fiberglass or rock wool, they’re used to insulate the areas above ceilings, below floors, and inside walls. Carefully installing this insulation is important if you want it to work effectively. This is a type that’s best for standard stud, joist, and rafter spacings, since it’s cut in widths that securely fit between the members. Some have radiant barrier backing, while other brands are merely backed with paper. Batts are usually four to eight feet long, while blankets come in long rolls that are cut to fit. R values for this kind of insulation are about R-3 per inch in thickness.
Rigid Board

Usually made from polyurethane, fiberglass or polystyrene, this substance comes in many thicknesses and has an extremely high insulating value of about R-4 to R-8 per inch of thickness. This type of insulation is commonly used for reproofing work on flat roofs, as perimeter insulation at the edges of concrete slabs, and in basement walls. It may also be used to provide insulation in cathedral ceilings.
When used in interior installations, it has to be covered with a building code approved material, such as half inch gypsum board, to achieve the desired amount of fire safety. When installing insulation of this type outside, you’ll need to cover it in a weather proof facing that meets your local codes.

Spray Foam

This type of insulation comes as a two part liquid – the polymer and the foaming agent. Usually, the polymer in this case is a modified urethane, or a polyurethane. This liquid is sprayed into the cavities in walls, ceilings and floors, and expands during application, becoming a solid plastic filled with lots of tiny air filled cells. This makes it easy to fill unusual spaces. Installing installation of this type must be done by a professional with dedicated equipment for mixing, measuring, and spraying. This insulation is commonly in use in retrofits, since it works well for oddly shaped areas and can be installed around obstructions.

This type of insulation costs more than a traditional batt insulation, but can be cost effective anyway. This is because it forms an air barrier and an insulation, eliminating the need for caulking, taping joints, applying house wrap or vapor barrier, and other detailing.

Installing Insulation
The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation — notably blankets and materials that can be poured in place. Other types require professional installation.
When hiring a professional certified installer:
• Obtain written cost estimates from several contractors for the R-value you need, and don’t be surprised if quoted prices for a given R-value installation vary by more than a factor of two.
• Ask contractors about their air-sealing services and costs as well, because it’s a good idea to seal air leaks before installing insulation.
Insulation Advice
Follow this link to view the Department of Energy tips and advice web site on insulation. Department of Energy Insulation link.

R22 Phase-Out

August 21, 2013 by HVAC Expert

Phase Out of R22 in 2020
By Betty Stephens

Chlorodifluoromethane, better known as HCFC-22 or R-22 is a common refrigerant that is currently being phased out in the U.S. due to its very high potential to exacerbate ozone-depletion (R-22 is also a global warming gas). U.S. EPA has tried to reduce use of this material by imposing strict quotas on its production. Since 2010, the agency has also banned sale of new air-conditioning units containing the compound, and has promoted recycling of the gas from old machines so it will not be released. However, R-22 will still be produced in decreasing quantities until 2020.
With the phase out of the R22 now becoming eminent in the coming years, the US companies are now not investing in the R22 production. As the deadline is getting closer the availability of R22 is becoming difficult, which is making the operation and maintenance of the existing equipment quite expensive. Even the raw material used for the manufacture of R22 gas, mainly chlorine, fluorspar, and natural gas, have become highly expensive.
What does all this mean to the typical homeowner?
The choice is dependent upon several factors:
• How old is your indoor evaporator coil?
• How old is your condenser?
• Do you want the highest efficiency available?
• Do you want a unit that is environmentally friendly?
• What will be the cost of R-22 as supply goes down?
When you are replacing equipment with R410A the condenser and the coil must be matched. You can’t have a coil that uses R-22 and a condenser that uses R410A. If one piece of your cooling equipment fails you have to look at the age of the other component to make a choice. R-22 equipment is still available, but as time goes on the selection and efficiency range that is available will go down. In fact all manufacturers today are choosing to make their high efficiency equipment with only R410A.
Because of this R22 phase out you may have to replace both the condenser and the coil, even if one of those components is still working. Another factor to consider is the cost of R22 Freon as the supply decreases. R12 (which was phased out several years ago) went as high as $72 per pound. When you consider that an average system uses about 12 lbs that could get expensive in a hurry.
Large Businesses
By law, owners of large equipment (e.g., supermarket systems, commercial air conditioning units) have to ensure that the equipment is maintained and leaks are repaired by certified technicians.
Homeowners
Homeowners of smaller central A/C units are not legally responsible for refrigerant leaks, but anyone servicing the smaller equipment is still prohibited from knowingly venting R-22. While the choice to recharge leaky equipment may come down to economics (recharge vs. new unit) this choice may be short-sighted. The unit would likely continue to require routine servicing, with increasingly more expensive recharges.
Some of the things related to R-22 that are legal and some are not legal:
Legal:
• Production for servicing existing equipment installed prior to January 1, 2010
• Production and import by businesses that have prescribed allowances from U.S. EPA through 2020
Not Legal:
• Intentional venting.
• Leaks from large systems above specified leak rates that go unreported and unrepaired.
• Imports or production by businesses that are not authorized by EPA.
• Sale to non EPA-certified technicians.
What Happens to Old Refrigerators?
Of the 9.4 million fridges reaching end of life in the U.S., about 25 percent are resold into the aftermarket, resulting in increased energy demand from continued use of the older, less-efficient models. That leaves 7.1 million fridges to be de-manufactured. Of these fridges, the vast majority end up in landfills or metal scrap yards, where their coolant refrigerants and other hazardous materials may not be dealt with properly. EPA’s RAD program encourages voluntary, responsible recycling but less than 10 percent of the discarded fridges in the U.S. are managed under RAD programs.
While Federal law requires recovery of refrigerants and other hazardous waste prior to disposal or recycling properly recovering refrigerants adds time and labor to an already labor-intensive process. “Cutting the line, or venting the refrigerant before the refrigerator arrives at the recycling facility, unfortunately, may be a common practice before the old fridge is crushed for scrap metal.
Summary
Refrigerants with zero or very low global warming potential (GWP) are gaining more market acceptance, in lots of applications. This year, EPA added three hydrocarbons as acceptable alternatives in household and small commercial refrigerators and freezers through the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The newly-listed hydrocarbon refrigerants already widely in use in Europe can be used to replace CFC-12 and HCFC-22 in household refrigerators, freezers, combination refrigerator-freezers, and commercial stand-alone units.
U.S. EPA regulations related to fluorochemical refrigerants have resulted in a safe and smooth transition from CFCs to alternatives that are far better for the environment. However, it is challenging to ensure compliance with regulations that involve tens of thousands of certified technicians servicing millions of air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems across the U.S.
The EPA is expecting that allowance cuts for R-22 production will encourage greater recovery, and that refrigerant reclaimers will, in fact, be offering higher “bounties” for the gas.

The Mister

August 16, 2013 by HVAC Expert

The Mister
By Betty Stephens

Through evaporative cooling The Mister pre-cools the air entering the AC unit, improving its efficiency and cooling capacity. The amount of electricity needed to cool a home is decreased, which saves money.
The Mister is an evaporation unit that helps cool air before it goes into the air conditioner unit. The AC makes the house cool on its own but it takes a great deal of energy to run… This means that valuable resources are being used excessfully during the year. The Mister cools everything down prior to the start of the AC’s cooling process, which means the unit does not use nearly as much energy.
The amount of money home owners can save while using The Mister is huge. Most people using the Mister can save almost 30% of the air conditioning costs. Home owners are able to recoup their initial investment over time. They can even save thousands. The Mister has a filtration system attached that keeps the AC clean. This means there are less maintenance costs.

The Miser technology has been used for years in commercial settings. This technology is no longer too powerful for use in homes. It is easy to care for the unit. All homeowners have to do is change the batteries and filter once a year and there will be cooler air, less bills, low maintenance. and it is easy to install. Also, when they buy the unit they are eligible to receive a tax credit worth 30% of the purchase price.
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

In a recent scientific study completed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Tulane University, researchers prove that the Cool N Save AC Pre-Cool Mist Kit greatly increases the efficiency of air conditioning systems, and therefore can significantly lower electricity costs. Cooler air will able to circulate throughout a house and this will decrease the time the condenser unit runs, thus reducing electricity cost to the user.

Carrier Corporation

August 4, 2013 by HVAC Expert

Carrier Corporation United Technologies

Carrier Corp. is the world’s leader in high technology, heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Willis Carrier is credited with inventing modern air conditioning in 1902. In 1915 Carrier, along with six other engineers, pooled together $32,600 to form the Carrier Engineering Corporation. In 1920 they purchased their first plant in Newark, New Jersey.

The corporation bearing his name succeeded in marketing its air conditioner to the residential market in the 1950s, which led to formerly sparsely populated areas such as the American Southwest became home to sprawling suburbs. Carrier is the largest air conditioning producer in the world. It has U.S. manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana for residential and commercial furnaces and air handlers, Collierville, Tennessee for residential condensing units and heat pumps, Tyler, Texas for residential package units and commercial condensing and package units, Mexico for evaporator coils, and Charlotte, North Carolina for accessories and chillers.

Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, USA, Carrier has approximately 32,000 employees in more than 170 countries in six continents.

United Technologies Corporation

Carrier Corporation was acquired by United Technologies Corporation in July 1979. UTC, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. UTC’s products include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace systems and industrial products, Otis elevators and escalators, UTC Fire & Security systems and UTC Power fuel cells. Also in the UTC family is a central research organization – the United Technologies Research Center – where industry leaders deliver the world’s most advanced technologies, provide innovative thinking and conduct disciplined research for the UTC businesses.

Carrier Brands
Carrier Corporation is also the manufacturer of Bryant, Payne, and Day & Night Heating and Cooling Systems, as well as additional brands through its sister company, International Comfort Products (ICP) headquartered in Lewisburg, Tennessee, acquired by Carrier in 1999. Carrier’s brand names include Weathermaker furnaces and air conditioners, Weathermaster commercial units, Centurion rooftop units, and Aquazone water- and ground-source. Carrier’s numerous air conditioner models are certified by Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

Carrier also owns Transicold (“reefer” transport refrigeration). In early 2008, Carrier acquired Environmental Market Solutions, Inc. (EMSI), an environmental and green building consulting company based in the United States.

Carrier
Carrier is the world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems. Carrier is built upon a legacy of innovation and commitment. Through their market-leading products and solutions, they are constantly striving to help people live more comfortable, healthy and productive lives. Carrier was named a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) “Brand Leader” in a recent survey conducted by Hanley Wood’s Builder Magazine and Readex Research. Carrier, the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). They solve problems on a global level, and their innovations drive new industries.
Bryant
Bryant’s wide range of hard-working products include gas and oil furnaces, fan coils, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, packaged products, humidifiers, ventilators, other air quality accessories and more. These industry-leading products are manufactured at sites across the United States. Bryant plants are among the largest heating and cooling production facilities in the world, incorporating advanced technology to maintain the highest standards possible in the design, production and quality testing of Bryant heating and cooling equipment. Since 1904, Bryant has built a reputation for going above and beyond to give you the home comfort you deserve.

Payne
There are no short cuts when building a brand that stands for dependable products at the best possible price. The same principles that made D.W. Payne and his sons successful in 1914 are still very evident today. When you choose Payne® products, you’re getting more than just a name. You’re getting attractive, affordable products that work. Dependability is our value. That’s the Payne promise. Payne maintains a simple line of highly efficient and dependable products such as air conditioners, gas furnaces, heat pumps, indoor coils, duct-free splits, and small packaged products. Homeowners who want dependable heating and cooling systems at a reasonable price turn to Payne.

TopTech

While dealing with customers can be a challenge, dealing with your supplier should not be. That is why Carrier Enterprise is committed to helping our dealers get what they need when they need it to meet the needs of their customers. From equipment and tools to parts and supplies, our stores have everything you need to get the job done right the first time. The TopTech brand – the highest quality HVAC parts, supplies, and accessories – are consistently made one step above the competition with quality control measures and feature sets.
Founten
Founten uses leading edge technology to deliver an intelligent Wireless HVAC Energy Management Solutions enabling you to achieve significant, measurable energy savings, and increase the satisfaction of your occupants through intuitive Cloud based reporting and management. Founten provides this wireless HVAC EMS solution all at an economical price for both equipment and installation which has never been achieved in EMS before.

Gree (ETAC)

CE is proud to offer the latest innovation from Gree, the Engineered Terminal Air Conditioner. E-TAC’s smart technology puts energy control and savings back into customer’s hands. Specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of hospitality, healthcare and specialty residential installations, Backed by the longest standard warranty in the industry, the E-TAC series also offers the most complete line of accessories available. Features include a dry mode, pre-programmed setpoint limits and ranging from 1000 to 15000 BTUs, the E-TAC Series is the ideal choice for superior performance and energy savings.

Day & Night®
Day & Night Heating and Cooling Products are designed with homeowners in mind to help them learn more about energy efficiency ratings and ways to cut their home energy bill by using Day & Night high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces. All Day & Night products meet or exceed federal standards for efficiency and can greatly save on energy costs, especially compared to an older, less efficient system. Day & Night systems are built for quiet operation, reliability, and durability. You get the benefit of the latest technology and a heritage of quality in systems that deliver maximum comfort to your home. Day & Night energy efficiency ratings of AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) in heating, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in cooling, and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) in heat pumps, meet or exceed federal standards.

Summary
Carrier is to air conditioning what Sony is to television, Ford is to cars, and Coca-Cola is to soda: the long established name in its field that usually delivers a high quality product. Carrier does not list the cost of its air conditioners on its website or in any other company materials, similar to nearly every other HVAC manufacturer. The Carrier air conditioner price you pay, as the end consumer, is a total consisting of the wholesale air conditioner price and the installation cost.
Carrier has three series of air conditioners:
1. Infinity.
2. Performance.
3. Comfort.
Carrier’s Infinity Series has a 21 SEER rating, placing every unit in this series among the most energy-efficient models in the industry.

Carrier’s Performance Series includes air conditioners that are large, heavy and durable. These units have a lower SEER rating, but they’re designed to outlast most air conditioning units on the market.

Carriers Comfort Series is for buyers who are on a budget. These air conditioners have a low SEER rating, but they are compact, economical and efficient.