Oversizing: The #1 Mistake in Air Conditioning Design

In HVAC, bigger is not necessarily better.  It is the most common mistake we see in air conditioning design.  Compared to a correctly sized system, an over-sized system cools poorly, costs more to operate, is noisy, and has a shorter lifespan.

Design occurs in the field

HVAC systems are not designed in the factory.  They are designed by HVAC contractors.  Each system is unique to the home it will be servicing.  We account for your home's design, layout, the type of construction, its orientation tot he sun, shade, our local weather, and (most importantly) your lifestyle.  How you plan on using your air conditioner has a big impact on the design.

After we collect the necessary information, we will perform a load calculation (a highly specialized set of engineering calculations).  Sometimes, we make the calculations on the spot.  Other times, we return to the office to use special design software.  When we perform the calculations in the field, it is not unusual for us to double check them in the office.

You will be unhappy with a HVAC system, no matter how reliable and well-made, if other components of the design are wrong (i.e. poor field fabrications, sloppy installation, etc).

The impact on comfort

When an air conditioner is over-sized, it powers on, runs for a few minutes, lowers the air temperature at the thermostat to the setting, and stops.  A few minutes later, the air temperature rises, and the system powers back on.  This is called short-cycling and is indicative of an over-sized system.

The impact on accoustics

The HVAC system and duct system should be designed together.  If the system is sized larger than the duct system, the volume of air pushed through the ducts raises air velocity, creating what feels like a windstorm in your home.  Noisy grilles, registers, and diffusers indicate over-sized equipment or under-sized ducting.

The impact on efficiency

Short-cycling is not efficient.  It takes a lot more energy to start a motor than to keep one operating.  With your air conditioner, you start three motors: the compressor, the condenser fan motor, and the indoor fan motor.  In addition, you are operating larger, more expensive motors than you need.

Think of a properly sized HVAC system as a fuel-efficient car rolling down the highway.  The over-sized system, by contract, is like a 1960's muscle car in stop-and-go traffic.

The impact on equipment longevity

Short-cycling causes your equipment to wear out sooner.  Just like an old car with lots of highway miles has a longer life than one used for city driving, a correctly sizes air conditioning unit will outlast an over-sized unit.

A continually running air conditioner does not guarantee that it is sized correctly.  Over-sizing covers up other problems.  For example, if your system is over-sized and has a refrigerant leak, it may not be readily apparent until the compressor fails.

If your air conditioner starts and stops regularly on very hot days, it's probably over-sized.  Call Elite and have us perform a load calculation for your home.  Call us today!  918.610.7300

Green Building in Oklahoma

Elite Service Co. is the Tulsa area leading expert on Green Building and energy efficient home construction.

We are an Energy Star Home Building rater, LEED for homes verifier, and a NAHB Green Building verifier.

Elite can perform Load Calculations & duct designs, duct leakage testing, blower door testing, Thermal Imaging, and Air Balancing on your home. We have the tools and instruments to be able to design the entire enviromental comfort system for your home to insure the highest quiality of living

We will work with your builder to insure your home meets all regulations.

NAHB™ Green Building Verifier

The National Home Builders Association certification provides independent, third-party verification that your home meets the highest green building and performance standards.  The NHBA Green Building Standards have been approved by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). All certified projects receive a NAHB GREEN certificate. This certificate  is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that your home is environmentally responsible, energy efficient and a healthier place to live.

There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning NAHB Green certification.

GREEN-certified Homes:

· Provides lower operating costs & increase value.

· Help reduce waste sent to landfills.

· Conserve energy and water.

· Healthier, safer living environment for occupants.

· Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

· Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives across the State.

Demonstrates an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility

ENERGY STAR™ Home Rater

Home energy raters provide energy-efficiency strategies and tests for existing and new residential and commercial construction.  As a home energy rater we play an integral part in the ENERGY STAR process.  We offer two major types of services:

1. Assistance in reviewing current construction practices and recommended improvements that will result in ENERGY STAR compliance.

2. Conducting Home Energy Rating System (HERS) ratings.

LEED™ for Homes Verifier

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures develop by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council).  All certified projects receive a LEED certificate, which is a nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible energy-wise and a healthy place to live and work.

There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning LEED certification.

LEED-certified buildings:

· Creates less waste.

· Uses less energy, water, and natural resources.

· Safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more durable

· Reduces exposure to mold, mildew, and other indoor toxins.

· Reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

· Lowers operating costs and increases asset value.

· Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.

Demonstrates an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility

Call Elite today for more information on Green Building in Oklahoma!  918.610.7300

Beat The Heat

Beat the heat by preparing your air conditioner for warm weather.

            Warm temperatures are around the corner – and it’s important to make sure your home is ready.  Being prepared can save you money.

            “Proper care of cooling equipment can keep your unit running efficiently, which saves money and helps avoid costly repairs,” said Joel Kinsch, President of Elite Service Company Heating and Air Conditioning.  “Cooling and heating equipment use more energy than any other appliance.  This inevitable shows up every month on the energy bill, but it’s important to remember that energy costs can be controlled.”

            Consumers’ play a vital role in making sure their cooling equipment for warm weather is to schedule an annual maintenance check up to make sure your unit is running efficiently.  “One of the most effective steps consumers can take to help ensure they’ll get the efficiency they paid for is to contact an experienced, reputable air-conditioning contractor to check their system’s refrigerant charge and operating safety controls,” said Kinsch.

            Although a qualified service technician should handle major maintenance, owners can also help keep the equipment running smoothly.  Operating a dirty unit can cause unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the unit.  You can take the following simple steps to ensure your system is running properly:

• Trim brush and shrubbery near outdoor units to prevent airflow obstruction

• Remove grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from the outdoor coil

• Replace indoor unit’s filter monthly

• Reduce clutter in your attic to maintain proper ventilation and reduce the system’s cooling load

“A few minor steps are a small price to pay for high efficiency, which means lower energy bills and improved total comfort,” Kinsch said.

            If you’re in the market for a new cooling unit, consider purchasing a high efficiency model.  They can help reduce your energy costs as well as conserve our natural resources.

            When selecting an air conditioner or heat pump, pay close attention to the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).  This is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment.  The high the SEER, the less your unit will cost to operate.  The minimum SEER rating is 10.  Some units can have a SEER rating higher than 19.

            Zoning can drastically lower your heating costs.  With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used.  You won’t have to heat or cool the whole house just to make one room comfortable.  Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, which are heated or cooled based on your needs.  Zoning is efficient, easy to install, and flexible enough for any home.

            Programmable or setback thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption.  These thermostats deliver maximum comfort, efficiency, and energy savings.  Setback thermostats are used to achieve the temperatures you want throughout your home.  For example, if you’re going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating an empty house.  If you have setback thermostats, you can program them to have your living areas comfortable when you arrive home.

Benefits of Dehumidifiers

Summer in the south isn't always pleasant.  With high humidity levels, keeping your home cool while trying to conserve energy can be a challenge.  According to the EPA, the ideal humidity level for your home is 40% - 50%.  Any lower, and you will have problems with static and dry, itchy skin.  Too high, and you may be subjecting your home to insect infiltration and peeling paint.

Is your home’s air stuffy?  Do you have problems with mold and mildew?  Do you notice condensation on your windows, walls, or air conditioning vents?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might benefit from a whole house dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, making it difficult for mold to grow and dust mites to reproduce.  They can also help reduce your asthma symptoms.  Reducing the humidity in your home will help control the insect population in  your home as well.  Keeping your home’s air in the 40% - 50% humidity range will also help prevent rot in your home’s structure. 

Honeywell carries humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help you keep your home within the optimal humidity range year round.  Their products attach directly to your home’s ductwork, treating the air at the source. 

Call Elite for an estimate on a dehumidifier today!  918.610.7300

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Benefits of Planned Maintenance

Did you know your heating and cooling equipment accounts for approximately half of your household energy costs throughout the year? The heavy activity of your system also leads to a lot of wear and tear. This makes it important to have your equipment inspected regularly so that fine-tuning can take place. HVAC maintenance plans are excellent for addressing these needs through pre-scheduled service.

What Is Planned Maintenance?

Much like a car, a house requires routine attention and maintenance to its HVAC components to assure long life and provide you with peace of mind.  You can protect your system, extend its life, and save money on your energy bills with a regular maintenance schedule.  With a preventive maintenance checkup or a one-time service, we provide not only maintenance for your heating and cooling equipment, but also assurance your system is functioning properly.  By not properly maintaining your HVAC equipment, you are robbing yourself of benefits, including:

• Improved energy efficiency levels
• Lower utility costs
• Better home comfort control
• Stronger circulation of air
• Early identification of worn or broken parts
• Reduction in seasonal repair needs
• Extension of system life
• Access to the latest information about trends in HVAC technology
• Assistance in planning for the eventual replacement of system components
• Help with home performance and indoor air quality questions
• Savings on repairs, equipment and additional services

A Planned Maintenance Agreement Includes:

• 2 maintenance service visits (one fall, one spring)
•  Basic Checklist
•  Inspect filter & replace if necessary (Pleated filters, Space-Guard filters & Humidifier pads are extra)
• Inspect, clean & recalibrate the thermostat
• Inspect all safety controls & check for visual defects
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Inspect, clean & adjust the fan blower & blower components
• Check all electrical connections on unit
• Check fan motor amperage against rating
• Check static pressure
• Spring Checklist
• Clean condenser coil
• Chemically treat drain pan and drain lines for sludge build-up and clean/flush condensate drain lines
• Inspect evaporator for restrictions and condition (does not include cleaning)
• Check starting capabilities
• Inspect capacitor
• Check compressor amperage against rating
• Check system for proper refrigerant charge
• Check temperature drop at evaporator coil
• Cycle system for proper operation
• Fall Checklist
• Check all electrical wiring for loose connections & damaged insulation
• Inspect flue for restrictions
• Inspect for cracks in heat exchanger
• Clean Burners
• Check safety controls for proper operation
• Check and adjust gas pressure
• Inspect heat strips & check amperage rating
• Measure temperature rise
• Test for Carbon Monoxide
• Cycle system for proper operation
• 10% discount on any repair
• Priority service scheduling
• Itemized list of service

Why do I need a service twice a year?

Service is needed before the start of each cooling and heating season.  Different maintenance procedures are performed for your cooling system than for your heating system.  Because your comfort system works so hard during the year, a number of components need adjustment, calibration, lubrication, and cleaning each year.  Your system will still work for a time without the maintenance, but not as efficiently.

Routine maintenance will prevent potential problems from becoming major malfunctions with the system that could result in replacement of key system components.  Without maintenance it is not a question of, “Will my equipment fail?” but rather, “When will my equipment fail?”   With a Planned Maintenance Agreement from Elite Service Co, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your equipment is being maintained and is running in peak condition.

 

For more information about our Planned Maintenance Agreements, call Libbie at 918.610.7300!

Energy Audits

For existing homes, energy audits can locate energy leaks, allowing you to identify and correct problem areas. We can help you keep your conditioned air inside and at an appropriate temperature while helping you save money. We realize that is today’s economy, everyone is becoming more energy and financially conscious. Elite can work with you for the design choices that are most cost-effective for you.

Walk-Through Energy Audit

The best way to determine how to cut your energy costs is to audit your home’s current energy use. A walk-through assessment is the easiest and least expensive means of identifying and evaluating energy use in your home. An energy audit’s purpose is to identify places n the home where energy is being wasted and prioritize the projects needed to fix them. The end result is intended to reduce the amount of energy the home needs to operate and keep occupants comfortable. While the word “audit” may sound ominous, a home energy audit is just the first step in the process of lowering energy bills by making a home more efficient.

If you own the home, there is a clearly defined benefit for your efforts. Many have found that conducting a walk-though energy audit results in significant benefits not only in occupant comfort, but with new ways to save energy by identifying energy problems. You’ll start saving money on your energy bills as soon as you identify and fix energy wasters.

Advanced Energy Audits

Advanced energy audits go on step further. We use sophisticated software to model your home and analyze how it uses energy. The software helps identify deficiencies in your home’s thermal envelope and makes recommendations on how to correct them. In addition it produces reports on current energy usage along with expected energy usage based on improvements done to the home.

An Advanced Energy Audit includes:

Duct Blaster Leakage Testing – Combines a small fan and a pressure gauge to pressurize a house’s duct system and accurately measure air leakage of the ductwork. This test will show how much of the conditioned air in the duct system is being lost to the outside and increasing the cost of operation.

Blower Door Testing – A diagnostic tool designed to measure the airtightness of buildings and to help locate air leakage sites. A blower door consists of a calibrated fan for measuring an airflow rate, and a pressure=sensing device to measure the air pressure created by the fan flow. The combination of pressure and fan-flow measurements is used to determine the building airtightness. Knowing the airtightness of a building is useful when trying to increase energy conservation or decrease indoor air pollution.

Infrared Thermal Imaging – A thermal imaging camera can show you exactly where your energy dollars are being wasted. At the same time, we will give you suggestions on how to reduce the amount of leakage in your home.

For more information, or to schedule an energy audit, call Elite Service at 918.610.7300.

Whole House Energy Efficiency

At Elite Service, we take a whole house approach to heating and air conditioning.  By using a whole house approach, we are able to assess the efficiency of the home's entire envelope rather than just the HVAC system.  By doing this, we can find areas of energy leakage in your home.  This allows us to properly size your equipment for maximum efficiency and energy reduction instead of installing a larger system that will simply cover up existing problems, resulting in higher energy bills.  

There are many ways your home can lose energy:

• Hot air coming in the windows makes the new HVAC system work harder to cool the house in summer.
• Heat loss through an un-insulated attic makes it work harder to heat the home in winter. 
• Gaps in the aging ductwork make the system work harder all year round.

However, that efficiency will not be as high as it could be unless you fix leaky windows, increase attic insulation, and make repairs to aging ductwork. 

How Does a Whole House Approach Benefit Me?

The whole house systems approach is important for many reasons:

• Knowing about and being able to correct the energy wasters in your home's envelope help to create a home that is comfortable year round.
• Higher efficiency means less energy usage, which saves money by lowering utility bills.
• With lower energy use, the home is drawing on less non-renewable resources, thus reducing your carbon footprint.
• Sealing areas of air infiltration and installing a more efficient HVAC system will dramatically lower the dust and allergens in your home, creating a healthier living environment for your family.

How the Whole House Approach Works

Each home is a unique combination of factors which influence the efficiency of the entire home. When taking a whole house approach, it is important to consider these factors in making decisions to increase your home's efficiency levels. The important factors include the home site, its orientation and the local climate. It also involves the home's current appliances, electronics, insulation levels, air sealing, lighting, HVAC systems, water heating and openings in the home's envelope.

Making a home more efficient involves making incremental changes while keeping the budget in mind. Here is a sample plan for improving your home's efficiency:

• You will need to address openings in the home's building envelope. Check your windows and doors for leaks. Use caulk and weatherstripping to close those gaps. Also check your home's exterior for places where pipes and wires enter the house. Make sure those have adequate insulation and covering.
• Check for problems with your HVAC ductwork. Older ducts can have gaps in the seams. They may have loose joints or not fit the vent openings properly.  They may be completely detached from the system.   
• Check the level of insulation you have in the attic, exterior walls and crawl space. If the insulation isn't at recommended levels, add more.
• Make sure to have the HVAC system checked and tuned once a year. This helps it work at a more efficient level.
•  As your old incandescent light bulbs burn out, replace them with more efficient compact fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs.
• Ceiling fans help the home feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Select Energy Star-rated fans for the most energy efficiency.
• Choose a double-pane window with a low-E value made from wood or vinyl-covered wood.
• As the water heater nears its end of life, replace the older unit with a higher efficiency model. Energy Star rated ones are best.
• As old appliances die off one by one, replace them with Energy Star-rated options.
• Upgrade your HVAC system. Over the past couple of decades, manufacturers have made incremental improvements to the efficiency levels of furnaces, heat pumps and other HVAC equipment. 

The list may seem overwhelming, but that's where Elite comes in.  If you are thinking of making energy improvements to your home, consider having one of Elite perform an energy audit for you.  One of our certified energy auditors will evaluate your home and provide you with a consultation based on his findings, taking all of the guesswork out of the process.  After the consultation, you will be provided with a report that will give you suggestions for energy improvements.  

For more information on improving your home's energy efficiency, contact Elite at 918.610.7300.