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What You Need to Know About Your HVAC Certification

HVAC or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning specialist technicians are people that have specialized in installing, maintaining, and repairing our HVAC systems. All of them are required by law and by most employers to get their certification or license prior to practicing their job as a trained HVAC specialist. If you are planning on becoming one in the near future, here are all the details you need to know on how to get it, why it’s important, and what are the requirements.

Getting your HVAC training

There are certain HVAC mechanics and technicians who work without having a certification or a degree. However, the surest way to prepare for a rewarding career in this field is by completing your HVAC training program and receiving your certification and associate’s degree.

To make matters easier, you can now complete parts or all the courses required online. If you enroll in such a student program, you are given the chance to learn how to design, maintain, and repair different machines that are part of a heating and air-conditioning system. You can also learn about the general industry standards, on-the-job safety, electronics, air distribution, and air flow.

HVAC certification requirements – what you need to do

As far as requirements go, you can only enroll for these courses if you have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Also, most colleges or education centers will require you to take some general education courses prior to starting the HVAC program. This means you need to take some classes in social sciences, math, natural sciences, and English.

Of course, all HVAC training programs differ from one learning center to the other. However, here are some classes they all have in common.

Electric heating systems
Air pressure tests and analysis
Temperature flow
HVAC troubleshooting skills
Compressor maintenance
Compressor installation
Furnace ignition systems
Residential HVAC

Apart from completing your HVAC training and getting your certification, you might also want to consider completing an apprenticeship program. This type of practical education comes with both in-class and on-the-job training. Needless to say, it will aid you greatly with the following aspects.

You will see exactly what being on the job is like
You gain real-life experience, which you can then add to your resume. It will definitely work in your favor when applying for a job
You get to interact with real customers, which will give you a sense of what the social interaction for a job like HVAC technician feels like.

Apprenticeships normally last somewhere between three and five years. The length depends entirely on you, though. If, after two or three years, you feel you are now ready to become a self-standing HVAC technician, you can end it prematurely. However, should you wish to go all the way through, this means your entire education program comes to 7 years of studying and practicing. It’s important you take this piece of information into account.

Getting your HVAC certification online

One of the things that makes the entire 7-year education program easier and lighter is completing some of the courses online. If you have that option, we suggest you take it. There are some trade schools and community colleges, for example, that offer split programs. This means you are allowed to complete a portion of your studies online and the remaining ones directly at school. This particular format makes it a lot easier for most students to complete their HVAC certification requirements, simply because they can do it at their own pace. You can arrange your schedule so that the courses fit naturally into it, instead of having your life revolve around college, as traditional students do.

Best online schools for completing your HVAC certification program

Although online courses are one way to go, you need to be aware of the fact that you will not be able to complete your education remotely. Given the hands-on nature of the job, you will have to go to school at some point. However, until then, here are the best online schools to choose from.

Penn Foster Career School

Minimum eligibility requirements say that you have to be 18 or older to attend. Also, as far as online programs go, they offer:

The Penn Foster Career School’s HVACR Technician Career Diploma Program, which prepares students to work with air conditioning, heating, and ventilating
Penn Foster’s Automotive HVAC Essentials Certificate Program that teaches students everything about diagnosing and repairing auto HVAC issues.

Northern Michigan University

Here are their areas of study:

Mechanic and Repair Technologies
Construction Management and Trades
HVACR Maintenance
Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Precision Metal Working

University of Alaska

Their areas of study are:

Construction Management and Trades
Electrical Repair and Maintenance
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Precision Metal Working
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Dunwoody College of Technology

Their areas of study are the same as University of Alaska’s.

Oklahoma State University

They offer the following:

HVACR Maintenance
Leatherworking and Upholstery
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Milwaukee Area Technical College
York Technical College

These two education centers offer the same programs and areas of study as The University of Alaska and Dunwoody College of Technology

Pearl River Community College

Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:

Mechanic and Repair Technologies
Construction Management and Trades
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
Precision Metal Working
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Yakima Valley Community College

Their areas of study are:

Mechanic and Repair Technologies
Construction Management and Trades
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
Precision Metal Working
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Why is it important to earn your HVAC certification?

Statistical labor studies show that, as far as securing a job in the HVAC field goes, applicants who have trade school learning or apprenticeships do have an advantage. Some employers still offer on-the-job trainings, but these types of opportunities are rapidly disappearing. The simple reason is that technological advancements of heating and cooling devices as well as the non-relenting computerization make it too difficult for employers to keep up as far as trainings go. This means they would much rather hire someone who already knows everything, is skilled, and up-to-date than hire a person who needs to be trained and apprenticed before they can even be productive for the company.

The other reason, apart from securing a good job, for which you should consider getting your HVAC certification is money. As with any other line of work, people who have completed education programs will always be better paid than the ones who haven’t. If you are the successful graduate of a formal training program and also have your certification and license as required by law, you can expect to be paid approximately 50% more than your counterpart who hasn’t completed his formal training program.

Getting your EPA Certification

The EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency Certification indicates that you are an expert in the building, repairing, and assessing small and low- or high-pressure appliances. If you are a refrigeration or air equipment professional, you are required by the Clean Air Act to possess said certification. But don’t do it because you have to. It will greatly help you, as it is quite the resume booster. Here are some tips for getting it.

Give yourself at least three months in advance to study before taking the exam
Decide which type of EPA certification you need, as there are 3 types:

Type I – covers small appliances that use a maximum of 5 lbs. of refrigerant
Type II – covers all high-pressure appliances that use refrigerant at minus -58 degrees
Type III – covers all low-pressure appliances that boil their refrigerant at temperatures that exceed 50 degrees

In order to study, buy all the textbooks you need and take a look at all the pertinent materials. You can also download free software from the EPA Test website. It will show you the contents of different tests, which you can use as studying material.
There is a test fee which you must pay, of $24.95 if it’s the first time you’re taking the test. If you’re repeating the test, you need to pay $5.95, as of 2011. You can pay this fee online, after you have read the exam rules and clicked on the box that certifies you did. After you’ve paid the fee, you can begin your test. Also, keep in mind you need to answer 21 of the 25 existing questions in each test, in order to pass it.

Getting your HVAC, HVACR, and EPA certifications are the surest way to a stable and successful career in this field. People are becoming more and more health-conscious, as well as environmental-friendly. Therefore, when it comes to heating or cooling their houses or electro appliances, they look for the best people in the branch. Make sure that’s you and start studying for your certifications today!

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The Best 9 Through the Wall Air Conditioner Systems of 2016

Through the wall air conditioners are also known as in-wall air conditioners or, simply, wall air conditioners. They are called thusly because they are mounted into a hole in the wall and because they are attached on a permanent basis to your house. They are the perfect solution if for example, you’ve just bought your dream home or if you’re planning on living in the same house for a longer period. However, if you know this is the right solution for you but are not quite sure which particular one to purchase, don’t worry. Here is an excellent list of the best 9 through the wall air conditioner systems of 2016.

Top through the wall air conditioners and their reviews

#9. The LG LT123CNR

Reviews give this one 6.5 out of 10. That is because it lacks some main features and because of its size. Users believe it to be far too big for the power it offers.

It’s well suited for average and small rooms, and it has a remote control and a timer which you can program. Unfortunately, it’s not equipped with a sleep-mode option and, most importantly, it’s not very energy efficient. For example, say your average use over a three-month period is of 8 hours per day. Then you will have to pay some $113.18, which is quite high compared with other units we have on this list.

It’s quite big and heavy, weighing about 80 pounds, but it’s great for removing moisture from the air, should you live in a humid climate. Also, the LG LT123CNR retails at about $1 150.

#8. The LG LT1235CER

This one retails for approximately $600, and it received a 7.93/10 from users and reviewers. It was designed for large rooms and it really does fulfill its purpose, because it manages to cool them off easily and very efficiently. It has a moderate BTU capacity of 11 500. This means that the size of the room it needs to cool can go up to 700 square feet. Also, its 310 cubic feet per minute air-flow capacity means it will cool a room that large quickly enough.

Its energy-efficiency ratio is of 9.8, which puts it at number two on our list from this point of view. The estimated annual energy cost for this through the wall ac unit is $101.09, better than most products. Apart from that, it’s ENERGY STAR qualified.

As far as size goes, it’s quite small, coming in at 14-13/32 inches tall, 20-3/32 inches long and 24 inches wide and weighing 80 pounds. However, you should know that it doesn’t have a sleep-mode or an auto-mode function, which is why it’s placed almost at the bottom of the list.

#7. The Impecca

The Impecca received a 7.98/10 from users and reviewers alike, and it retails for $500. Its primary quality is that it has an impressive BTU power for heating, cooling, and fan speed options. It comes to some staggering 14 000 BTUs for cooling and 10 600 BTUs for heating a 700 square foot room. Also, it can eliminate up to 2.9 pints of moisture per hour.

Its energy efficiency rating goes up to 8.5, but it’s still one of the lowest on this list. Even if it is ENERGY STAR certified, it will still cost you some $142.56 per three months to run it. On the cons side, the Impecca comes with many acccessories and features, one of them being the remote control. It also has a programmable 24-hour timer and an auto-mode feature which allow you to run it as efficiently as possible.

Another great thing about it is that it goes beyond heating and cooling. It also has the option of circulating the air without refrigerating it, should you consider it’s not hot enough to use the ac. Apart from that, this unit allows you to use only its dehumidifying mode, separate from the ac itself.

#6. The GE AJCQ10ACF

It costs approximately $700, and it received an 8.4/10. Its BTU power is quite median, as the unit offers 10 400 BTUs. These are sufficient to cool a 425 square foot room. It has a moisture-removal feature that can remove up to 2.7 pints per hour in said room. One of its main pros is that it works on R-410a refrigerant. It’s known to be a lot friendlier to the environment than some older refrigerants, such as R-22.

As far as cost and energy-effectiveness go, the GE AJCQ10ACF is one of the best on the list. It has two certifications, one from ENERGY STAR and the other from AHAM (The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers). Its energy-efficiency ratio is a whopping 9.8.

#5. The GE AJCQ12ACF

Another GE model is the AJCQ12ACF. It retails for $711, and it received an 8.4/10 from users and reviewers alike. It was designed for medium rooms of about 550 square feet, so it offers some 12 000 BTUs. It uses the R-410A refrigerant, which is known to be environmentally-friendly. As far as humidity goes, this ac is among the best. It’s actually able to remove some 3.4 pints of moisture from the air. But, it lacks the ability to use the dehumidifier separately from the ac, so you need to run them both at once.

Its estimated annual cost goes up to $105.41 for three months. It received its certification from both ENERGY STAR and AHAM. Also, it’s UL listed. This translates into the fact that it has passed public safety standards. Its energy-efficiency ratio goes up to 9.8.

#4. The Frigidaire FFTA1233Q1

The Frigidaire through the wall unit costs approximately $620, and it received an 8.68/10. It too was designed for medium rooms, which means it brings some 12 000 BTUs to the table that can cool down a 550 square foot room easily enough. In a humid climate, it removes up to 3.3 pints of moisture from the air in the space of an hour.

Its energy-efficiency rate is high – 9.8, it costs a little over $100 to keep it running for three months, and it received its certification from ENERGY STAR. It has an auto-restart function which allows it to turn itself back on after a power shortage. It’s quite small and only weighs 72 pounds. Another great pro for the Frigidaire is that its filter is made of antibacterial mesh and is very easy to clean.

#3. The Friedrich Uni-Fit US12D10B

We have now reached the best three through-the-wall air conditioners of 2016. Third place goes to the Friedrich Uni-Fit US12D10B. It retails for about $690, and it received an 8.68/10.

For its cooling abilities, users and reviewers awarded it 8.1/10. It packs some 11 500 cooling BTUs, enough to cool down a 550 square foot room. This means it’s perfect for people living in apartments. Its humidity removal feature is quite impressive as well, the unit being able to remove 3.8 pints per hour. But, again, just like with other units, you can only run the dehumidifier along with the cooling mode.

For efficiency, it received a whopping 10/10 and for ease of use – 6.3/10. It also has a great design which users loved because it has six-way directional air louvers while most units have only four.

#2. The Keystone KSTAT12-1B

It retails at $635, and it was awarded an 8.73/10. It’s worthy of the silver medal mostly because of its energy saving features. Its energy-efficiency ratio climbs to a satisfying 9.8, as it will cost you approximately $105 to run it 8 hours a day for three months. The unit is ENERGY STAR approved, and it made it onto UL’s list as a public-safe appliance.

It also has quite a few features that will prove highly convenient for the every-day user. It has a remote control which will give you more freedom in operating it and an auto-restart function in case there’s a power-outage, and you forget to turn it back on or you are not at home when it happens. Apart from that, it also has and energy-saver mode, a sleep mode, and a programmable timer.

#1. The Kenmore 70151

The Kenmore 70151 takes home the gold medal for being the best through the wall air conditioner with heat of 2016. It costs $500, and users say you will love it. It’s very effective when installed in large rooms of up to 900 square feet, seeing as it has 15 000 cooling BTUs. Its maximum air flow of 362 cubic feet per minute makes it the most powerful unit on the list. However, take into consideration that, if you have a small room that needs ac, you might be better off with a slightly less powerful unit. The Kenmore might freeze up the space.

It has energy-efficiency ratio of 10.7, the highest on the list as well. The average cost of running this beautiful appliance for three months 8 hours a day is just $121. It has a remote control that manages all its features, a programmable timer, and a very sensitive sleep-mode. Another great thing about it is that it has a fan-only option. This means you can create a breeze without turning on the compressor. You will truly appreciate this feature at nighttime, in the spring, and autumn.

Installing a through the wall air conditioner

After you have decided which of the above 9 through the wall air conditioner systems is best for you, you need to install it. You have two options – calling in a specialist or doing it yourself. In case you have picked the latter, here are the quick steps you need to follow.

Select the location of the ac
Locate the wall studs by lightly rapping on the wall and lightly mark them in pencil
Clear the selected area of molding, drywall, and insulation
Relocate the ac’s dimensions or sleeve into the inside of the outside wall
Create the hole that will fit the actual unit
Build the necessary support
Fabricate the header which will be top of the opening framework
Add the studs
Finish the unit’s frame
Install all the electrical outlets you believe the ac will need while the wall is still open
Carefully reconstruct the wall
Install the actual ac unit
Caulk around it very carefully, as this is the layer that will keep water out
Install the molding and secure it with finish nails

Here are the top 9 through the wall air conditioner systems of 2016. Before deciding which one to purchase, make sure you carefully read all the details regarding it. As shown above, the shopping choice very much depends on the requirements of the room you’re planning on putting it in. Even so, you can’t really go wrong if you thoroughly read our guide!

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10 Amazing Decorative Floor Vent Covers to Keep Your House Stylish

Vent covers can be a real eyesore. We are entirely dependent on vents themselves because our houses need to be ventilated as well as possible. They can be air conditioning vents, heating vents, and even bathroom vents. We need them to ensure the air inside the house is fresh all year long. But what do we do about the vent covers? They can truly ruin a beautiful indoor design and create an unpleasant sight for both home owners and their guests. Fortunately, the answer to that question is a simple one, and it comes in the shape of decorative floor vent covers. And just to make sure you are covered not only on vents but ideas as well, here are 10 amazing floor vent covers which you can use as inspiration.

#1. Corinthian floor vent covers

This strikingly beautiful design was thusly named because it shared elements and takes after the Corinthian order. This was one of the orders the Greek used to decorate their famous columns, along with the Doric and Ionic. It’s the most ornate out of the three and, also, the most elegant. It means it’s perfect if your house is elegantly designed and painted in warm browns and soft ivories.

It’s best that you choose a metallic floor vent cover if you have your heart set on this model, because brass, for example, looks much better than wood or plastic. As far as colors go, the best fitting ones would be white, black, brown, silver, and a gracefulOuse oil-rubbed bronze. You can also ask for it to be sand-papered to some extent, so as to give it an antiquated look.

#2. The industrial vent cover

It’s not exactly industrial, but its design has been stylized so as to look it. It’s also very glamorous in a retro kind of way since the vent holes are straight and perfectly aligned on the horizontal. This would be ideal for a bachelor’s pad, a man cave, a bar or restaurant, and even high-class shops.

Another great thing about this model is that, if you’re not a big fan of the metal, you can also get it in wood. Make sure to place it near an antique armoire, a vintage wooden entertainment unit or a wooden cabinet. In this way, it will completely blend in with the rest of the room. As far as the flooring goes, this particular design is best matched with wooden floors, if you want to have the floor vent cover made out of wood. You can use it on any other type of flooring if you’re going for the metallic cover.

#3. ‘Natural’ design floor vent cover

Here is an unusual pattern that is trying to recreate a bit of the natural surroundings. This particular example was made to include vine leaves, but you can have it custom made according to your personal wishes. One great inspiration idea can come from the area you live in. For example, if your house is situated in a somewhat mountainous region, you can go for pine needles. If you have a lot of oaks around your house, then maybe oak-leaf is the pattern for you. You can also try flowers, albeit some that can easily be stylized, such as daisies or daffodils.

#4. The Victorian design floor vent cover

This particular design is somewhat of an all time favorite. Partly because the Victorian era inspired it, a charming one as far as design, pattern, and architecture goes, and partly because it fits almost any house with any type of interior design. From high-end mansions with marble floors to lofts with cozy plush carpets, the metallic Victorian era floor cover vent is one the best options for your venting needs.

You can opt between two designs. Either you go for the traditional, historically-accurate design, for a touch of authenticity and actual history in your home, or you can personalize it if you feel it’s a bit too outdated for your tastes.

#5. The ‘stonewall’ design floor vent cover

As far as floor registers go, this model was designed with classic stone walls in mind. This layout is as ancient as mankind. You can see it displayed everywhere, from Ancient Rome to the Mayans and the Trojans. The fact that it still hasn’t gone out of style says quite a lot about this pattern. What’s even more beautiful about it is that it’s so simple, yet so powerful. It will add a touch of class to any room you might decide to put it in.

Again, going metallic is the best option here, but you can have it sandblasted, to actually make it look antiquated.

#6. The Renaissance floor vent cover

Another style which you can draw inspiration from is the Renaissance one. It traditionally emphasizes on proportion, symmetry, and geometry. This is why you will see mirrored patterns, composed of both curb and straight lines. It’s perfect for a traditional style house, with an artsy vibe. The fabulous thing about it is that it has crossed the line into modernism as well, and you can see it spread all around the city, no matter where you live. It saw a very conscious revival during the 1800s, which means you can still see buildings built or adorned in a Renaissance style today.

If you’re interested in adding a touch of well-stylized and geometrical elegance to your home, then this is the style for you. Try choosing metallic vent covers, colored in black or deep shades of cold browns, for an authentic patina.

#7. The ‘luxurious’ decorative vent cover

It’s imperative to remember two things when going for this particular model. First of all, you need to have an in-door design up to par. Adding such a high profile floor vent cover to a minimalist apartment will make it look somewhat out of place. Also, it’s a design meant for houses with personality and age. Younger designs are better fitted for some other covers.

The second thing you must pay attention to is the material you choose. This is a model that works very well in wood, as opposed to metal, plastic or cardboard. The reason is that a metallic one will be too much for any home, a plastic one runs the risk of looking fake, and a cardboard one may be difficult to manufacture or support its weight. Here is a beautiful example from which you can always draw inspiration for your house.

#8. The contemporary design floor vent cover

In case you are not such a big fan of the classic designs, such as Victorian, retro or Renaissance, you can also opt for a contemporary or minimalist design. You can choose from a range of existing models, or you can ask your selected manufacturer to customize one for you.

As an example, here is a beautiful black metallic piece. Its pattern is composed of simple straight lines, dotted here and there with circles and squares. As simple as it is, it’s also very effective. Pair it with a monochrome striking shower curtain, if you need to place it in the bathroom or a carpet that follows the same minimalist design. It’s important to keep the colors dark and cold, as a multicolored floor vent cover in this design might look too ludic.

#9. The ‘fun’ floor vent cover design

All the models and designs we’ve presented so far are predefined. This means you can choose the shape, size, color, and material, but not the grilling in itself. However, should that not suit yours and your house’s personality, you can always go for the custom made, fun covers. You can come up with your own model such as these fun monkeys drinking martinis or you can ask the manufacturer to design something for you.

This is an amazing way to truly personalize your house. Instead of adding the same floor vent covers in every room, you can actually choose specific ones. For example, you can go for butterflies for the baby room, soap bubbles for the bathroom, cupcakes for the kitchen and clouds for the bedroom. The possibilities really are endless.

#10. The ‘business’ design floor vent cover

This last idea is meant for offices and businesses in general. It’s simple but amazingly efficient at personalizing the working space and truly making it revolve around a unified idea. When you have your own business, be it an office or a restaurant, for example, you want to display you logo as often as you possibly can. On the front door, above the entrance, on napkins, tablecloths, and walls. But details should never be overlooked.

Here is where floor vent covers come in. Choose metallic ones and have your logo inserted into them, as you can see here. It also adds a touch of class to the entire interior design, while making your business look serious and well-established. Once again, attention to detail pays off.

As you can see from all the amazingly creative ideas we’ve brought forward, floor vent covers don’t have to be dull and classic anymore. From Renaissance models to animals and vine leaves, this essential part of your house can now be reshaped and revamped to suit all needs and tastes.

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Smart Homes Provide a Look into the Future

Remember the times when you used to worry about leaving the stove, coffee machine, lights, or thermostat on? That is definitely a thing of the past, thanks to the amazing leaps smart home technology has made in the past decades. The improvements have transformed this idea from a bunch of difficult-to-use pieces of equipment to a very user-friendly network and set-up of devices, which will allow us to control everything house-related remotely, while making the space itself look like something the Jetsons would feel familiar in.

Flat design style modern vector illustration concept of smart house technology system with centralized control of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, security locks and video surveillance, energy savings and efficiency. Isolated on white background.

What Is a Smart House?

A smart house is considered one that has a network which links together all the home appliances, for people to be able to control via phone, tablet, laptop, remote control, iPad, or voice. You give the command and the house reacts, without you having to actually flip a switch, touch a button, or even be there. Most apps on the market today in the smart homes realm refer to home security, lighting, thermostat regulations, and entertainment.

The idea of a smart home design is not new at all. The very first remote controls were invented back in the late 1800s, right after electricity was introduced and technology began to speed up. This invited appliances into homes, after servants became sparse. Developments to early designs continued all through the 20th century, but mostly in the shape of private projects, which used to be showcased at specialized fairs. The systems were difficult to handle for a common person who didn’t have a working knowledge of electronics or informatics, and, apart from that investments in the business were low.

The 1990s coined the term “domotics”, by putting together the Latin domus, which means house and informatics. Even so, the main public still didn’t take much interest in it, mostly because it cost so much to install it. However, the extreme advancement of technology, which, in a single 20 year span, took us from cassette answering machines to smartphones (developed in such a way that they pretty much make all other devices pointless), meant a revival of the smart home plan as well. Studies show that in 2013 alone, 1.5 million home automations were installed in the US and that, by 2017, as much as 8 million will be in use around the country.

The idea of smart homes is growing so much and so fast that a new term was introduced – “the Internet of things”, which refers to all the objects and products connected via a network.

Smart Home Systems and Appliances

The companies that provide smart home technology, such as HGTV Smart Home, Apple, Rogers for monitoring and management systems, or Samsung, have created protocols for smart homes communication and they’ve made deals based on that with the best electronic manufacturers. Their joined efforts have led to smart homes products, such as:

Cameras, which are used for monitoring both the inside and outside of your house, even at nighttime and which you can control and watch remotely.
Thermostats smart enough to be controlled and adjusted from anywhere, as long as your phone has a signal.
LED lights, for which you can adjust the brightness and color from both inside your house, without actually touching them and from the outside, remotely.
Motion sensors, to let you know when there’s movement around the house and which are able to tell the difference between strangers and pets in the house.
Smart tech appliances, which can be turned on and off from wherever you are.
Doors and smart locks, including inside the house and for the garage, which lock automatically once everyone has left the house and which open immediately as your smartphone approaches.
Alarms that send messages to your phones so that you are immediately notified if there is a problem or a breach at home.

All of these electronics, devices, and apps are available in stores or online for purchasing as well as at your local depot. However, before buying you should check and see what type of technology goes with what product. Normally, the ones using the same technology should go together even if they were made by different manufacturers. Different technologies, however, might mean that you have to create a ‘bridge’ between the appliances in order for them to work properly.

Another thing you should be aware of when installing them or wiring your house for the smart technology is the fact that you will require help. This means that making your home ‘smart’ cannot be a DIY project. Studies show that 60 percent of the people that have installed a home automation system have hired outside help, because the systems themselves need a lot of patience and technical skills and knowledge from the installer.

How Much Do Smart Home Systems Cost?

As far as price goes, it depends on how smart you actually want it to be, because you can invest in it as much as you want and make it as smart as you want. Therefore, reviews show that prices range from $10,000 to $250,000. Starting low, a smart lighting system, depending on the producer, might only cost you a few hundred dollars. Going up and adding appliances, thermostats and smart cameras will take you to some tens of thousands of dollars. And, finally, what really make these systems pricy are the home entertainment, cinema, Blu-Ray, or theater elements. On average, they tend to raise the prices by 50 percent.

Also, the cost is influenced by the level of sophistication that is brought to each appliance. For example, there are some appliances that have incredibly developed solutions, such as smart trash cans, that actually keep track of what you’ve thrown away, make groceries lists for replacements and send them to your phone, refrigerators that create recipes for you based on what you currently have in there or washing machines that text you when they finished their cycles. Evidently, these will cost more than, let’s say, trash cans that only let you know when it’s time to empty them.

Benefits of Smart Homes

Although it might cost fairly much now, smart homes do have many benefits, part of which will also win back your investment over time.

Lighting paths for nighttime walks around the house, like to the bathroom, to the kitchen or to the children’s room in real time;
Automatically unlocking doors when you approach;
Feeding the pets even when you are away, with your preset amount of food and on a schedule;
Creating personalized mood lights for any occasion;
Turning on the coffee maker and the toaster before you even get out of bed in the morning;
Programming the television, so that the little ones cannot abuse it or risk watching shows and movies that are not suited for children;
Warming the house before you get home. At the same time, warming the bathroom before you take a shower or warming the bedroom before you get out of bed so that everything is perfect even before you start your day;
Saving a lot on electricity, because all the lights will automatically turn off when you leave a room or when you leave the house.
Making life very easy for people living alone, people who are sick or for the elderly. Smart homes can notify them when it’s time to eat, sleep, wake up, take their medicine, honor their doctor’s appointments, turn off the water so that it doesn’t overflow and the oven when it has been left on.

Smart Homes of the Future

If all this seems quite extraordinary, it’s actually nothing compared to what the future has in store for us as far as smart homes ideas are considered. Specialists are starting to predict that, in the future, smart homes will be able to differentiate between family members, talk to them and adapt to each one according to their fingerprints, body temperature, and the rhythm of the heart. This means that the house will know what your needs are and give you what you require without you even uttering a word.

In the future, as you walk around the house and you’re wearing a small bracelet that controls everything, including the furniture, your house will know to adjust the lighting in each room, the temperature, and play your favorite music. The kitchen will provide what you need by heating up your food as you like it, making your favorite coffee, and the entertainment center will automatically display your favorite movie selection. The prices for both electronics and the service will go down and many of the items will be found on sale.

Smart homes are definitely here to stay. We’ve seen them in movies, such as Back to the Future and Iron Man and we’ve always admired the technology and ease with which one lives in such a house. Now, as technology progresses more and more, it seems as though smart homes are one smartphone touch away.

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Funniest Cat Commercial Ever

Cats and Air Conditioning

HVAC Future Trends

Future Trends for HVAC Industry
By Betty Stephens

HVAC technology is constantly changing due to new discoveries and influences outside the industry. As recently as this century, central, indoor climate control was available to only a privileged few. Today, even central air-conditioning in homes is common in the U.S. Improvements occurred through a number of factors such as technical, market changes, energy and environmental concerns, and political decisions. Changes continue to occur and they benefit of our customers and are our part of our future.
Environment:
The environment has possibly had more influence on HVAC technology than has energy. The environment will continue to impact the industry into the foreseeable future.
Policies regarding climate change have also directly impacted our industry. As we design and operate more energy-efficient equipment and systems, we use less energy, energy that, in many cases, comes from burning CO2-producing fossil fuels.
The environment will continue to impact the industry. The industry has proven that it can respond in a timely way. As new environmentally friendly products are developed, those products are also more energy efficient. Adopting new technologies and supporting research will help our industry meet the challenges of the future.
User-Friendly Controls
While smart, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats promise significantly increased energy efficiency, the real draw for homeowners seems to be how easy the interfaces are to operate. Take the Nest Learning thermostat, for example. It is programmed by the user to remember his preferred temperature settings. If the user prefers the thermostat to kick in a faster, warmer temperature, on cold, wintery mornings, the Nest thermostat will store that information and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat also monitors temperature with humidity and activity sensors, and it can determine regional climate by the user punching in their zip code
Wireless-controlled thermostats present HVAC data in a language that contemporary consumers understand. Homeowners are accustomed to easily digestible, visual representations of information and data. The reporting tools that smart systems include take the mystery and obscurity out of an industry that has been thriving on overall complacency from its customers.

DEVap Air Conditioning
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the DEVap (desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner) in 2011 and estimates that it reduces air conditioning energy usage by 40-90 percent. So far, DEVap is found primarily in commercial buildings, and the technology is so new that it’s difficult to find for residential use. But, given how promising the innovation seems, and how cost-effective it has already proven to be, and is anticipated great gains in the future.
Zero Energy Buildings
Zero-energy buildings that produce energy instead of just using large quantities will gain traction with companies that target eco-friendly employees and consumers. Many businesses are already headed in this direction with geothermal heating and cooling, solar-powered systems, and white roofing. If HVAC manufacturers can work to design structures that are both energy efficient and comfortable for their residents, we’re sure to see some fresh companies take on the challenge.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
A popular trend in Eastern markets, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is the future of the HVAC industry. Though US market have yet to reach the demand experienced abroad, VRF systems are establishing their place as in-demand items for housing and commercial cooling needs. Simple and elegant in design, VRF systems connect an outside condensing unit to several fan coil units throughout the building. Each coil and evaporator in the system can be controlled individually to reduce waste from over-allocated resources. The shift will stimulate job growth and overall economic development throughout the HVAC sector that will continue well into the coming years.
Career Trends
Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide. This trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career Choice. The rate of change in our industry will be exponential. Some changes will be caused by improvements in technology whereas others will be the result of influences outside our immediate control. As engineers, we have an obligation to be proactive in encouraging changes that are of benefit to the society we serve. This in turn will have direct benefit to our industry and to each of us individually.

In Summary
Building Management Systems and air-conditioning controls systems will develop to become:

• Intelligent self-learning systems that measure the performance characteristics for the building and its systems for different ambient and occupancy conditions and using thermal modelling technology are able to operate the buildings systems to provide the require conditions whilst minimizing energy consumption and plant wear and tear.

• Self-checking systems that are able to eliminate the fly by wire problems that many systems suffer from, which the head end computer is thinking one thing is happening however in the field the actuality is very different.

• Self-diagnosing systems that are able to determine fault conditions analyses the cause and report or even rectify the condition, systems that are able to recognize fault situations that are resulting in excess energy consumption or unacceptable equipment wear and report.

• Systems with seamless remote access, diagnosis and control functionality.

• Systems with the flexibility to take advantage of wireless technology and the onboard intelligence that is already starting to be installed in items of central plant

Phase-out of 134a for cars

Phase-out of R134A Refrigerant for Cars
By Betty Stephens

Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a pair of decisions that begin a changeover of the refrigerants that do the cooling in car air conditioners. Over the next few years, it will be out with the old (HFC-134a) and in with the new (HFO-1234yf). Cars will be cooled with less global warming.
Both chemicals are hydro fluorocarbons, but the 134a in a car today is a “super greenhouse gas” with 1,430 times the global warming kick, pound for pound, of carbon dioxide. The new refrigerant, 1234yf, has just 4 times the global warming potency of CO2 and cuts the climate damage from car air conditioning by more than 300-fold. Changing over to 1234yf is a big step forward, because car air conditioning is one of the biggest, leakiest, and fastest growing uses of HFCs worldwide. And if HFC growth is left unchecked, these chemicals are responsible for a major share of future climate change.
1234yf Alternative
The other new alternative to R134A is HFO-1234YF, which has similar properties to R134A but meets the new European global warming standards. Refrigerant HFO-1234YF has a global warming potential rating as well as an ozone depletion rating, and as of yet, the HCO-1234YF is the only refrigerant that meets both EPA and European standards. HFO-1234YF is also a Class 2 flammable gas although slightly less flammable than the R152A.
Other Class 2 refrigerants found on the market, but not recommended for automotive use include R1143A, R142B and R143A. In February, after a long review, EPA approved 1234yf as an acceptable alternative for use in new cars. That action was supported by DuPont and Honeywell (who are ready to make the chemical), by most domestic and import automakers, and by NRDC. Two other compounds have also been approved, but car makers appear to favor 1234yf because it requires the smallest design changes to the air conditioning equipment.
Reaction among the car makers appears mostly positive. General Motors started using 1234yf in some 2013 models. Many other car companies are quietly making arrangements with chemical suppliers.
Car makers actually have incentives to act quickly, because switching refrigerants earns them significant credit towards meeting the global warming standards set under the Obama administration’s landmark Clean Car Peace Treaty. Those standards, applicable to 2012-2016 model cars, cover four greenhouse gases – CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and HFCs. Switching from 134a to 1234yf yields twice as much credit towards the “CO2-equivalent grams per mile” standard as merely cutting leakage of 134a.

Replacement Windows

Replacement Windows-Air Infiltration
By Betty Stephens

Air infiltration refers to air leakage through unsealed joints in a structure and around the windows. The Air Leakage (AL) rating pertains to leakage through the window assembly itself. Air infiltration can also occur around the frame of the window due to poor installation or poor maintenance of existing window systems. Make sure windows are properly installed and maintained (caulking and weather-stripping). Cold glass can create uncomfortable drafts as air next to the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This is not a result of air leaking through or around the window assembly but from a convective loop created when next to a window is cooled and drops to the floor. This air movement can be avoided by installing high-performance windows.
Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. It is indicated by an air leakage rating (AL) expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly. At this time, the AL is optional among NFRC ratings. For code compliance purposes, however, air infiltration is often tested in accordance with the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS), which produces similar results to the NFRC air leakage rating. Select windows with an AL of 0.30 or less (units are cfm/sq ft)
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) reports that any residential window that achieves a rating below 0.30 cfm/Sq.Ft meets the requirements for their gold rating. This is the best rating they offer. This is also the minimum air infiltration rating for the energy star program. This minimum rating may be reduced with the 2015 energy star program.
How do you know if there is Leakage?
The two recommended options in determining if a window, door or skylight will allow in too much air:
• Look for an AAMA certification label on the window to determine that the product has been designed to meet air infiltration standards.
• Determine if the product has been tested and authorized for AAMA certification by researching the product in the AAMA Certified Products Directory. Contact the manufacturer of your specific product to request test data.

Note: Certification programs offer enhanced quality that is not built into the basic testing process. Certification quality control measures include two unannounced manufacturer plant inspections by a third-party validator.

Replacing Windows
There are many factors to consider when choosing a replacement window, including visual appeal, style of operation, affordability, and last but not least is performance.

1. Structural Integrity
Structural integrity is the ability of a structure or a component to withstand a designed service load, resisting structural failure due to fracture, deformation, or fatigue… Structural integrity is the quality of an item to hold together under a load, including its own weight, resisting breakage or bending. It assures that the construction will perform its designed function, during reasonable use, for as long as the designed life of the structure. Items are constructed with structural integrity to ensure that catastrophic failure does not occur, which can result in injuries, severe damage, death, or monetary losses.
2. Thermal Performance
Thermal performance of a building refers primarily to how well a building is insulated from the external weather conditions in order to achieve a comfortable temperature internally. This means keeping the internal temperature higher than the external temperature or lower than the external temperature (not a common occurrence in Ireland). The comfortable range of room temperature is 19-22 degrees C.
There are a number of factors that determine the thermal performance of a building. The best known factor is the insulation value of the materials used in the fabric of the building (i.e. floors, walls, roof). This value is known to most of us as the U-Value of the material. The lower the U-Value the better. If the U-Value of a material reached 0 it would prevent any energy (heat) from being lost.
Other Factors
Other factors that influence the thermal performance of a building are air-tightness, cold-bridging, junction details and how the materials are brought together or fitted on site. If a high performing material is poorly fitted its effectiveness can be dramatically reduced. One result of poorly installed insulation is “thermal looping”. A thermal loop is a movement of air driven by warm air rising at one end of the loop, and cool air descending at the other end, creating a constantly moving loop of air.
U- Values are a true reflection of the thermal performance, only when the insulation is fitted correctly. No matter how thick the insulation is or how good the material is, if it isn’t fitted correctly and an air gap is formed then the performance of the structure is drastically affected. Heat flows from a high temperature point to a cold temperature point, and will find the path of least resistance. In a traditional masonry structure where an air gap occurs between the insulation and the cold masonry/block surface, air can circulate from the warm side of the insulation to the cold side. The heat is pouring out at this point.
The Best Windows from Consumer Reports’ Tests
New windows can make your home quieter, more attractive, and less drafty, and they don’t need painting. But replacing your windows is expensive, and there are lots of decisions to make before you swipe your credit card. Here’s what you need to know plus some window picks from the experts at Consumer Report:
The best windows from tests
In our tests of wooden, vinyl and fiberglass double-hung and casement windows we found 12 that performed well enough to recommend including four that we named CR Best Buys. Here is the top model of each type we tested.
• Wood double-hung: Andersen 400 Series, $310 per window
• Vinyl double-hung: Simonton Pro-Finish Contractor, $260
• Fiberglass double-hung: Integrity from Marvin Ultrex, $450
• Wood casement: Andersen 400 Series, $400
• Vinyl casement: American Craftsman by Andersen 70 Series, $260, sold at Home Depot
For more choices see our full window Ratings and recommendations and read our recent reports, “How to choose replacement windows” and “When to repair and when to replace your windows.

Drop-In Refrigerants

Drop-in Refrigerants Replace R22, that Mix w/ R22
By Betty Stephens

R22 Drop In Replacement

R22 is the most common refrigerant in residential and light commercial A/C applications. It has been phased out due to damage that it does to the ozone layer, so availability is limited to existing stockpiles and refrigerant recovered from decommissioned machines. The sale of new equipment containing R22 drop in replacement has been stopped. However, units R22 compatible to existing system components are shipped “dry”, and then can be charged with R22 when installed. But that still leaves a lot of equipment stranded that is not yet at end of life. Some market players are saying that drop-in replacements are safe and effective. Others are saying no, that the equipment all needs to be replaced with new gear designed around R410a, a higher pressure refrigerant.
Drop-in refrigerants can’t be mixed with R22. Others say it can. There must be a complete flush and replacement which means major service, not just a top-up. Some suggest that using nitrogen to ensure this happens. Despite that effort, there are plenty of situations where the lines are concealed and the evaporator coil is hard to get to. Those parts would need to be replaced with R410a but could be retained with a drop-in replacement.
Alternative Drop-In Refrigerants

Recycled R22 is still available, and able to be used for the repair of existing systems. There are also 2 alternate ‘drop in’ refrigerants that are being promoted as direct replacements for R22. These are both HFC based refrigerants with zero Ozone Depleting Potential manufactured by DuPont.

The manufacturer’s summarized data on these refrigerants are as follows:
1. DuPont TM ISCEON® MO29 (R422D) is an easy to use, non-ozone depleting HFC refrigerant blend of R125, R134a and R600a.
• It is used to replace R22 in a wide variety of high, medium and low temperature refrigeration applications as well as air conditioning and water chiller systems. It has also been used in new equipment and selected ‘flooded’ applications.
• It is a close match to R22 in terms of capacity and efficiency in most systems, but with a significantly lower discharge temperature which may prolong life of the compressor. It is compatible with traditional and new lubricants, providing easy, quick, cost effective retrofits and can be topped up during service without removing the entire refrigerant charge. As it is a blend it should always be removed from the cylinder as a liquid when charging a system.

2. ISCEON® MO59 (R417A) is an easy to use, non-ozone depleting HFC retrofit
Refrigerant blend of R125, R134a and R600.
• It is typically used to replace R22 in direct expansion stationary air conditioning and medium temperature refrigeration systems.
• It has a significantly lower discharge temperature than R22, which may prolong the life of the compressor. In most systems ISCEON® MO59 provides the required cooling capacity and has shown energy savings. However, some systems may experience reduced capacity.
• It is compatible with traditional and new lubricants, providing easy, quick, cost effective retrofits and can be topped up during service without removing the entire refrigerant charge.
• As it a blend it should always be removed from the cylinder as a liquid when charging the system.

Some Considerations

It is reported on several web sites that refrigerant leaks are common after replacing R22 with either of the above ‘drop INS. R22 tends to swell the elastomeric seals in the system, a characteristic not experienced with either R417A or R422D. It is recommended that all elastomeric seals which come into contact with the refrigerant be changed during the refrigerant replacement process. As recycled R22 will be available until the end of 2014, there is no legislative need to change to the ‘drop in’
alternatives at present, unless the Ozone Depleting Potential of R22 is of concern to individuals or companies. After this ‘drop in’ alternates will have to be used.

Major Manufacturers Opinions

Toshiba: Not tested any replacement refrigerants. Some research has been done on R417A and it was found to give a 6–10% drop in performance and a 15 –25% increase in power consumption. It is also recommended that the mineral oil be replaced with poly oil. At present they have no plans to carry out any further investigations or tests. The use of these replacement refrigerants will be at the discretion of the contractor.

Sanyo: Recommend R417A for ALL Sanyo R22 systems including VRF – ‘straight forward drop in’ Several Sanyo systems were charged with R417A at installation more than 10 years ago with no noticeable effect on performance.

Mitsubishi Electric: The official guide line is not to use them. They will reduce the efficiency and shorten the compressor life as the units are not designed on the ‘drop in’ refrigerants. The client will have to take the risk on using them.

Fujitsu: Fujitsu has never done any tests with ‘drop in’ refrigerants, therefore cannot comment on the life expectancy or efficiency of the system if alternate refrigerant is used.
R410a Refrigerant

If you are faced with issue of the changeover, R410a may be a refrigerant you are considering. R410a is very different from R22 and so there are various issues associated with the changeover, namely the much higher discharge pressure. The first rule of thumb is that there is no “drop-in” replacement for any refrigerant currently being used. Each substitute refrigerant used will require some design changes in the refrigeration system. An R22 system cannot be charged with R410a since the components were not rated for the higher pressures associated with it.

There are several reasons why R410a is being considered as a suitable replacement for R22:
• High cooling capacity: equipment designed for R410a has been shown to have up to a 40% higher cooling capacity compared to R22.
• Easy servicing: While R410a is a blend, it behaves more like a pure refrigerant and therefore it can be re-charged into the system repeatedly without danger of inconsistent mixing.
• Safe: R410a has an A1 ASHRAE safety classification.