HVAC Cost Reality Check

       Probably the most common question I get in the heating and cooling business, is, how much does a air conditioner or furnace cost? Most folks are surprised at how expensive a new heating or cooling system can be. The reason for their surprise is most likely due to the fact that they have never had to purchase a new unit, or system in their life. People today are so mobile that every few years we move to a different city or home, and there is already a working HVAC system installed.
     I know that here in the Boise, Idaho area in the past 10 years we have had a phenomenal growth spurt in new housing, so there are many fairly new systems installed already. So, you have been in your home 15-20 years old, it is time to replace your HVAC system. You call around and arrange to have someone call on you, and evaluate your needs and give you a proposal for new equipment. That is when the shock comes! The cost! Most folks have no idea. Well, allow me to give you a reality check and bring you up to date.

     The most popular size of Air Conditioner here in the Treasure Valley, is a 2.5 ton unit. That is what most homes that are 1500-1700 square feet will need. That air conditioner will cost, installed, on average $2800.00 to $7000.00. The huge spread is determined by what EFFICIENCY you want to purchase. Efficiency ranges from a rating of 13-20 SEER, for most central air systems. (kind of like miles per gallon on a car). Back in the day you could only choose from one or two efficiency models from any dealer because that is all they had.
      On the furnace side, most people who have a 20 year old home most likely have a 80% efficiency furnace installed and today you can get a much more efficient 95% furnace installed in that same house size mentioned earlier, for $3000.00 to 6500.00. Now, I will mention that right now you can still replace your old furnace with a 80% efficient model just like you have, and they are less money, but it really is not a good idea. If your going to spend the money, why not upgrade to a more efficient model.

     Now, do the math. a complete system will cost between $6300.00 and $13,500.00. Now, here's what I want you to think about: Most people will spend $20,000-30,000. for a brand new car. They spend maybe an hour or two a day in their car traveling to work, shopping, etc. Most folks keep their automobile on average about 7-8 years.  When you purchase a new HVAC system, it is half the cost of a new car and you spend about 15 hours a day in you home, plus you won't be replacing it for 15 to 20 years. When you just look at the money side of the issue, which is the better investment, and which is going to give you the greatest return on your investment? For more good information read my blogs at www.hvaccomfortguyjerry.blogspot.com. or go to our website at www.greensheating.com.

Clean Air and Heart Health

      Seventy percent of U.S. households are affected by allergies or asthma. These folks are more susceptible to harmful particles and allergens from the air INSIDE their homes. In fact, up to 72 trillion allergens find their way into your home every day. Add to that, if these family members have heart issues, the problems caused by unclean air are compounded.

     The EPA states, that exposure to fine particles impairs breathing, and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Particles like dust, smoke and bacteria are often .3 microns in size or less. At that size allergens can get deep into your lungs because they aren't filtered well by your nose and throat.
    Many experts tell us that there is often more allergens and contaminants inside our homes then there are outside. Why is that? Well, today's homes are built better, tighter, and insulated better then in decades past. Now, this is a good thing, but it is also a bad thing, in the sense it traps particles, off gases, pet dander and the like inside our homes. We rely on a little one inch pleated filter in our furnace, or in some cases a four inch filter to clean our air. These filters are okay if you don't have health issues related to unclean air. What is the answer for those of us allergy sufferer's?

     According to the 2007 Consumer Digest report, Trane 'CleanEffects" whole home air cleaner is the highest rated professionally installed electrostatic precipatator on the market. "CleanEffects" has been shown to capture 99.98% of all airborne allergens, down to .1 microns in size. It will even capture influenza virus like the swine flu.

So, the irritants like hair, pollen, mold spores, skin flakes, bacteria, dust, tobacco and cooking smoke are scrubbed from the air.
     As published in the BioMed Central Journal, an independent publishing house committed to providing access to peer-reviewed biomedical research, and as accepted and presented at the Indoor Air conference, Trane "CleanEffects" has been shown to reduce triggers for allergies and asthma, and can be an important part of your overall allergy and asthma management plan." For more HVAC summer home tips read my blogs at hvaccomfortguyjerry@blogspot.com or see our website at www.greensheating.com.

Spring Clean Your Ductwork Now

As spring starts to roll around the country, people start thinking about spring cleaning. Yes, I know in some parts of the East and Southeast they just got hit with big snow storms, but trust me, spring like weather will soon be here. Usually spring cleaning includes cleaning floors, windows, cob webs, cleaning out closets and pantries. We even start cleaning up our yards and flower beds. We guys think about cleaning out the garage. But the area we overlook the most and should clean every five years or so is our DUCT WORK. We don't think about that because it is out of sight, out of mind. I am adding some pictures of some pretty bad duct work that is not all that uncommon.

I had my duct work cleaned a few weeks ago, and its only my wife and I that live in the house so I was quite surprised at how bad it was..

My advice is to get this done by a professional heating and cooling company or a company that specializes in duct work cleaning. The most thorough cleaning is called 'negative air' cleaning. It will vacuum and brush out everything thats not suppose to be in your duct work. Trust me, you do not want to be breathing air that has blown across that filth. Dirty ducts contain, microbes, dust mites, pet dander and just plain old dirt. Don't forget to have your clothes dryer vent cleaned. It is reported that about 3000 fires a year in the U.S.A are from clogged dryer vents. If you or your family suffer from allergies you know the importance of a clean home and the effort it takes to keep it clean. So be sure to include duct cleaning in your spring cleaning and enjoy the fresh air. This blog from @comfortguyjerry. For more information check our website at www.greensheating.com.

Allergies, Clean Air, & You

     You know the misery! The itchy eyes, the runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Even if you stay inside most of the time there seems little relief. In fact sometimes the symptoms of allergies get worse. Why is that?
     Well, it is reported that in the spring most allergy symptoms are caused by pollen or mold spores. In fact, up to 72 trillion allergens find their way into your home every day! Mold spores can irritate the respiratory system. Dander from pets can float in the air and be an irritant.

Then there are those pesky dust mites that lurk in bedding, upholstery and other soft material and generate irritating waste particles (poop) that become airborne. Of course DUST is the big culprit. Did you know that the average home generates about 40 pounds of dust per year in a 1500 square foot home. Yikes! If you live in the Treasure Valley of Idaho you know what I am talking about, don't you?
     The other factor in allergies and clean air is, homes built today are more airtight then ever, trapping more allergens indoors. So now 70% of U.S. households are affected by allergies or asthma.
Solution? Improve your indoor air quality by installing a 'whole-house' electronic air cleaner such as,

TRANE CleanEffects. As published in BioMed Central Journal, Trane CleanEffects has been shown to remove up to 99.98 percent of particles and allergens from the filtered air. It traps particles as small as .1 microns! That is 100 times smaller than a human hair. If will even capture influenza virus. comfortguyjerry has one in his home and my wife loves it. Check our website for more information at www.greensheating.com.

Is Your Home "Energy Ready" for summer?

     Are you ready for hot weather? I don't mean running out a buying a swimming pool or swim wear. This means making sure your air conditioning system is ready to deliver cool air on hot days. Most of the things are easy DIY things that wont cost you and arm and a leg.
     First: Change your filters in your heating/cooling system. You would think this would be a given but I have known folks that have not changed their filters in a couple of years! Change them at least twice a year and if you live in dusty or rural areas change them four times a year. Quick, easy, and cheap.
      Next, change your thermostat over to 'cool' and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not run, check your breakers. If it still does not come on, call your heating and cooling professional. If your system does turn on, make sure it putting out an adequate amount of cool air. Then, set your thermostat to your desired setting, or program it to perform at your comfort level. Setting it at 73 - 76 degrees in the summer will keep your cooling bills easier to swallow. But bottom line it is all about personal comfort.
     On the subject of thermostats.Now would be a good time to install a programmable thermostat if you do not have one. You can save up to $100 a year using a new programmable set-back thermostat.
     Now, if your air conditioner is 15 years old or older then you might think about replacing it with a higher efficiency model to save money and insure a trouble free summer for many years. The older our air conditioners get, they lose efficiency and even if you bought a high efficient model back in the day, it has lost a good measure of efficiency over time. The key is, DO IT NOW before it gets blazing hot in the summer because your heating and cooling professionals will be very busy when it gets hot. They will want to check your insulation and duct work in your hot attic, look at your windows, and other things to evaluate what system is going to be best for your home.  Also air conditioners never go out in the winter do they? They always go out in July or August here in the Treasure Valley of Idaho.
     Finally, don't be afraid to install ceiling fans in your home, especially if you have vaulted or high ceilings. I know they are not 'sheek' and decorators hate them and feel they don't go with your decor. But lets face it, we don't buy them because they are hip and fashion forward. We buy them because they move air, help conserve energy,  and keep us more comfortable at higher room temperatures.
@comfortguyjerry says all of these things will keep your home 'energy smart' for the summer. For more information check our website at www.greensheating.com.