The importance of a matched HVAC system...

Radio and TV ads for online dating services stress the importance of finding people you are compatible with - finding the right match, so to speak.  If the right match is important with people, then it is critical with HVAC equipment.  People are flexible; machines are not.

The existing indoor coil is used between 1/3 and 1/2 of the time when air conditioners are replaced.  The tolerances in older, less efficient air conditioners were loose enough that they could be hooked up to an old coil and blow cold air.  You didn't get your promised efficiency, but you did get cold air.

Due to government regulations, today's air conditioners are 30% more efficient than last year's.  Today's air conditioners are highly efficient.  To get the maximum efficiency from your system, is important to provide them with the right match indoors.

A matched system helps ensure you receive:

1. design efficiency
2. stable, reliable operation
3. proper humidity control
4. equipment longevity

If you have any other questions about matched HVAC systems, call us at 918.610.7300!

Is My HVAC Equipment Worth Fixing?

Yes, we can repair any problem with your heating system in most cases.  But is that really what you want?

Usually repairs make sense, but sometimes they do not.  How do you know when it’s not worth fixing?  For each person, the answer is different.  In this blog article, we will give you the information you need to make an intelligent decision, to determine when you are at risk of throwing good money after bad.

As heating systems age, their performance declines.  They have a harder time keeping up with heating demand.  Efficiency falls.

As parts age and wear, breakdowns increase in frequency.  It becomes increasingly likely that you will be faced with the hassle and inconvenience of a repair during the coldest time of the year (when equipment is running the hardest), when service companies are backlogged.

According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, many gas furnaces and boilers installed before 1990 were no more than 50% to 60% efficient when new (remember, efficiency declines as equipment ages).  If you own one of these furnaces, half your fuel bill may be for waste heat that’s vented up the flue!    By contrast, today’s modern high efficiency furnaces and boilers convert more than 90% of your gas into heat for your home.

If your equipment has a few years on it and you are facing a repair of several hundred dollars, it may be time to consider replacing it.  Remember, Not only can you apply the money you would spend on the repair towards the new system, but you save the expense of more repairs this year or the next. 

A rule of thumb is to multiply your repair bill times the age of the furnace.  If the result is 3,000 or more, replace it.  If it is less than 2,000, repair it.  If it’s in between, repair it if you plan on moving within the next couple of years.  If not, consider replacing.  With a ten year old heat pump or a fifteen year old furnace, you will need to replace it in a few years anyway.  Today’s repair may be little more than money down the drain.  It can make more sense to spend money on a new system instead of more repairs.

How Can I Save The Most Money Today?

With convenient financing programs, you can finance the entire cost of a new heating and air conditioning system.  Payments are low and may be entirely offset by your utility bill savings from a modern, new, more efficient system.  Plus, you will not have the nasty surprise of more unexpected repairs.  Your out-of-pocket costs are usually less when you replace your equipment and finance it.

Will Comfort Improve?

Yes.  Newer, more efficient heating systems usually result in dramatic improvements in the comfort of your home.  Of course, it may be necessary to replace old, worn, leaky duct systems to ensure you get the most from your system.

Why Won't My Home Get Comfortable?

Many homeowners think that the key to comfort is to get a bigger, more powerful system.  Wrong!  More often than not, heating and air conditioning systems are oversized to begin with.  When an air conditioner is too large, it can actually make comfort worse.

Comfort in the home can be affected by many things.  The most common culprit is the air distribution or duct system, but comfort is also affected by air cleanliness, humidity, insulation, and even the room registers.

According to the American Comfort Survey™ only 40% of homes are comfortable in all rooms at the same time.

Fans for residential heating and air conditioning systems are rated for 0.50” of external static pressure (resistance).  Some filters eat up 0.35” or more, resulting in a series of comfort and air quality problems.

A southwestern utility study of new homes found that nearly all had improper refrigerant levels with the worst having only 62% of the correct amount.

A southwestern utility found that the average home has duct leakage of 25%.  A northeastern utility found 51% of homes studied needed duct repairs, resulting in a 20% to 23% leakage reduction.  A southeastern utility documented that duct repair saves homeowners an average of 17% on utilities.   A western states utility found savings of 17% for cooling and 12% for heating.

How Can I Fix My Comfort Problems?

The first step is to correctly identify what’s wrong.  The frequency of obvious problems occurring can be amazing.  When a western utility hired an engineering firm to investigate customer complaints of high energy bills among certain heat pump owners, they found that one home in three had disconnected ducts!  Another common problem is improper refrigerant charge and refrigerant leaks.  It’s not unusual to find filters with too much pressure drop, return air systems that are too small, the wrong fan setting, thermostats out of calibration, and insulation problems.  Sometimes the problems are obvious to an alert technician and simple to correct, yet sometimes a more extensive diagnostic procedure is required, as in cases where the entire air distribution system is out of balance.  In all cases, the first step to a solution is an investigation and diagnosis.

Will a New System Fix My Problems?

A new comfort system is not always a silver bullet.  If it is sized wrong, installed incorrectly or if the duct system is ignored, the problems may even get worse.  However, consumer research studies have shown that owners of new systems are far more likely to be satisfied with their comfort system.  Consumers who paid a little more to invest in a better system, from a better contractor were much more likely than to report higher satisfaction levels.   A thorough upgrade of your heating and air conditioning system by a good, quality contractor should solve the problems.   One by the low bidder may not.

Once Solved, How Do I Keep Them Solved?

Modern heating and air conditioning systems are very reliable, considering their duty cycle.  They will run for years without maintenance, but not without a price.  To maintain comfort levels and operating efficiencies, the system must be serviced annually.  The energy savings alone will pay for the cost of the service.  With heating and air conditioning systems, maintenance is truly free.

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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