Archive for Efficiency
Why Do I Need A Furnace Clean and Tune? Because It Will Get Cold Out There In MN.
Posted by: | CommentsThe question that gets asked this time of year is “Do I need a furnace or boiler tune and check?” The answer always is “Yes, Yes you do.” If your next question is “Why?”, I will tell you because “It gets cold out there”.
I could bore you with efficiency claims and statistic about extending the life of your furnace or boiler for so many years. These are both great reasons to have your furnace or boiler checked every year and cleaned every couple of years. However, I don’t think they are most important reasons.
The most important reasons are Safety and Comfort. If you think about it, they will both ultimately mean comfort. Please let me explain.
A tune and check for your furnace or boiler will look at a number of things like:
- Carbon Monoxide Test
- Flame Sensor Cleaning
- Heat Exchanger Check
- Gas Pressure
- Temp Heat Rise
All these items are designed to make sure your furnace works safely and effectively for the winter. This means that you will not be without heat due to mechanical or safety issues. In turn you will stay comfortable and secure in the knowledge that you do not need to worry about those cold nights ahead in Minnesota.
Now is the time to find out if your furnace or boiler has issues that may prevent it from keeping you and your family warm this winter. Finding out later may result in delays in getting your furnace back up and running and could result in higher costs. You could also be without heat for a couple of days if your service company can not get to you due to the large volume of service calls. Not something you want to do when it is 20 degrees below zero in January.
Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air is now offering a Furnace Tune and Check for $89.00. This is a savings of $40 off the normal price. You can schedule by calling us or scheduling online by clicking Clean and Tune Appt.
My Air Conditioner Is Running. Why Am I Still Hot and Sweaty?
Posted by: | CommentsYou just come home from work or you have been outside working away in the yard or playing at the park. You could have sworn that you had the air conditioner switched on, but it is hot, humid or both in your house. This is a very frustrating situation that can turn a good day into a not so good day.
The 3 big reasons for this situation are:
- Undersized Air Conditioner Condenser
- Over sized Air Conditioner Condenser
- Frozen Evaporator Coil or A Coil
If your air conditioner is running and you are getting warm air instead of cool air, you probably have a frozen evaporator coil. This coil sits in the duct work above your furnace. The coil becomes frozen when there isn’t enough freon or refrigerant in the system. A leak in the system is the most common cause of this problem. Having a licensed HVAC company check for a leak and fill your a/c system will solve this problem.
A bigger problem is when you are getting cool air and it is too hot or humid in the house. You then have two questions to answer.
- Does the air conditioner run all the time?
- Does the air conditioner run and then shut off after a short period of time?
If you answer yes to the first question, your a/c is probably undersized. This can result from remodeling and putting on additional square footage. Another reason is that too small of a central air unit was installed.
The problem you will have is that the only time it will stop running is when the outside cools down. This does not happen until much later in the day in the summer. Your utility bill will overheat just as much as you are.
If you answered yes to the second question, then your a/c is too big. You will usually feel this by the dampness that is in the air along with the cool in the air. The air conditioner is not running long enough for the humidity to be sucked out of the air. You will get cool, but it will not be a comfortable cool.
For a comfortable and cool summer, have your air conditioner checked by a licensed HVAC contractor like Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air. You will have the the comfort of mind that you are ready for a hot and humid summer in Minnesota.
Toilets and Showerheads Result in Big Savings in Your MN Home!
Posted by: | CommentsEverybody is looking to find ways to save money. Some ways of saving money can be painful and require sacrifice and big changes in lifestyle. I personally like the changes that require minimal effects in my life other than a bigger savings account.
Water is going to be a very valuable commodity in the future. Some people say it will be even more precious than oil or gold. If this happens, the price of water will go up significantly. Learning ways to conserve water will help the pocket book now and will increase in the future.
Below is a list of great ways to save water and thus save money. Feel good while thinking about the future.
- Low Flush Toilet – Conventional toilets use 3.5 to 5 gallons each flush. The new ultra low flow toilets only use 1.2 gallons per flush. The average person uses the toilet about 4 to 5 times per day. This means a low flow toilet has the potential to save a family of four more than 14 thousand gallons a of water per year.
- Low Flow Showerhead - A standard showerhead drops 4.5 gallons of water a minute. Low Flow or Energy Efficient Showerheads only release 2.5 gallons a minute. A quality low flow showerhead can save a family of four as much as 20 thousand gallons of water a year without a reduction of rinsing ability. This will also save hot water. Between 14% and 25% of your home energy use goes to heat water.
Below are 15 more ideas that combined will help you save a lot of water.
- When doing the dishes, fill one sink with soapy water and the other with rinsing water.
- Don’t plant grass in areas that are hard to water or do not retain water like a sloping area or along sidewalks and driveways.
- Keep drinking water in a jug in the fridge so that every drop of water goes down someone and not the sink.
- Check out your bill and water meter to gauge your water use.
- Collect your leftover water for watering plants.
- Shorten your watering time. Early morning is the best time to water grass.
- Adjust the lawn mower to a higher blade setting. This will help hold water. I believe it also makes the yard look better and hides any imperfections.
- Check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks. Call your plumber if leaks are found.
- Use the water from your fish tank to water your plants when you clean it out. The water is nutritious for the plants.
- In your toilet tank, put food coloring to see if it seeps in your toilet bowl. Replace inside parts if it is leaking.
- On driveways and other walking areas on your lawn, use porous materials. I keeps water in your yard and prevents runoff.
- Bathe you pets in a dry area in your yard.
- Install new water saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
- Aerate your lawn by punching holes in your lawn about six inches apart. Water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
- Know where your master shut off is and make sure it works. It will prevent a lot of damage and water loss if your pipes leak or break.
Contact Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air if you would like help with any of your plumbing problems or suggestions on water saving devices for your home. You can reach us either online or by phone.
Register to WIN a HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE SYSTEM & WATER HEATER
Posted by: | CommentsMinneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air is offering a Free Furnace Check and the chance to win a High Efficient Furnace System and Water Heater.
Most homeowners in the winter months want to keep warm and toasty with an average temperature of 68-72 degrees set on their thermostat. However in order to keep your furnace system running tip top, homeowners should real-ize that it is vitally important to have your furnace inspected and cleaned yearly by a professional. Did you know 1 in 6 furnaces and boilers that are 15 years old or older could have a crack in the heat exchanger? A crack in your systems Heat Exchanger could be leaking dangerous Carbon Monoxide gas. The reason this occurs is the combustion gasses that burn in a Furnace or Boiler to heat the air or water is a corrosive gas mixture that over time eats away at the metal heat exchanger. So please don’t run the risk of a crack in your system. Have it inspected and cleaned yearly.
Preventive Maintenance Is A Bargain.
There is angst aplenty on Wall Street these days. However, on your own street at least, one investment always pays off. A little money spent on preventive HVAC maintenance turns into a lot of money saved. An ounce of prevention pays hefty dividends.
That is due to preventive maintenance extends the life of your HVAC equipment and preempts potential break downs by detecting then fixing emerging issues before they become expensive repairs. Regular tune ups also ensure your system runs at peak efficiency.
For analogy, consider your car. Spending $30 to change the oil saves you from spending $3000 to replace a seized engine. Regular tune ups ensure optimal function. Neglected HVAC equipment eventually requires extensive repairs, and ultimately must be replaced prematurely.
Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air has been a family owned and operated company for almost 100 years. We are confident we can not only satisfy you home comfort needs, but even better give you the peace of mind knowing your heating system or plumbing needs were service by the best in the industry. For more information contact us at 612-228-9200 or online.
2011 Brings Good and Bad News For Funace and Boiler Replacements.
Posted by: | Comments2010 concluded the $1500 tax rebate for upgrading your furnace, boiler or air conditioner to a high efficient unit. The federal tax credit ends on December 31, 2010 and you had to have your hvac equipment installed by that date. That is the bad news.
The good news is that there is a 2011 Federal Tax Credit available. While it is not as good as the one that finished in 2010, it is still money in your pocket if you were not ready to replace your furnace, air conditioner or boiler until now.
Some of the details are listed below:
- The maximum amount an eligible homeowner may receive in tax credits for residential property will be reduced from $1500 to $500.
- All furnaces and boilers, whether natural gas, propane or oil, must have an AFUE of 95 or above to be eligible for the credit.
- The credit is not 30% of the total cost of the hvac equipment including install.
- $150 Tax Credit for natural gas, propane, oil furnace or boiler with minumum 95% AFUE
- $300 Tax Credit for split system air conditioner with minimum 16 SEER / 13 EER
- $300 Tax Credit for split system heat pump or min split system 15 SEER / 12.5 EER / 8.5 HSPF
As you can see, the Federal Tax Credit is not as attractive in 2011 as it was in 2010 and 2009. However, if you are looking to replace your lower efficient furnace, boiler or air conditioner, it may help cover the extra up front cost of the replacement while you save money on your monthly energy bills.
Contact Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air if you would like to learn more about the 2011 Federal Tax Credit or high efficient furnace, boiler and air conditioner. You can reach us by phone or schedule an appointment online.
Have You Upgraded Your Furnace or Boiler to High Efficient In MN Yet?
Posted by: | CommentsBy now you have probably heard about the $1500 Federal Tax Credit for upgrading your home heating and cooling equipment to high efficient units. However, do you know that you are running out of time to take advantage of the opportunity?
December 31, 2010 is the last day that you can take advantage of the tax credit to upgrade your furnace, boiler, water heater or air conditioner from a less efficient system to a high efficient system. The combination of the tax credit and money you will save in energy costs allow the quickest payback on your investment ever.
Below is a list of equipment and minimum efficiency required to qualify for the Federal Tax Credit.
- Natural Gas Furnace - 95% AFUE
- Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler - 90% AFUE
- Gas Water Heaters - 90% Thermal Efficiency
- Central Air Conditioners - 16 SEER 13 EER
Do not wait until the last minute to contact a HVAC contractor to have an estimate done to replace your old equipment. Most licensed contractors are 2 weeks out on installs. Be concerned about anybody who is not booked out that far on installs.
Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air offers free in home estimates to help you sort through all the options and answer any questions regarding equipment or comfort needs. You can schedule online or by phone.
Chimney Liner? Why Do I Need One For My Furnace Install in MN?
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever been told that you need a chimney liner installed when you are having a furnace or boiler installed in your St. Paul or Minneapolis home? Have you then asked yourself, “What is that and why?”.
A chimney liner is exactly what is sounds like. It is an aluminum or flexible material pipe that gets inserted down your brick chimney. A majority of older homes that are primarily located in Minneapolis or Saint Paul proper have their water heater, boiler, or furnace exhaust venting to a brick chimney. This is not the same chimney that you have for your fireplace or that Santa Claus climbs down.
Code requirements are that any chimney that does not have a metal liner needs to have one installed anytime that the venting to chimney is altered in any manner. This usually happens when you have a new water heater, furnace, or boiler replaced. The reason for the code requirement was that fumes could enter the home through the holes created in the mortar as the mortar cracked and fell out between the bricks.
At Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air, we have seen a lot of improper installations and outright deception regarding chimney liner installs. This is due to contractors not being licensed, being lazy or trying to save money on the install. Some of the installs that we have seen are:
- Furnace venting installed to chimney and not hooked up to liner.
- Furnace venting installed to chimney and no liner.
- Liner top installed but not all the way down.
- Improper size liner installed.
- No liner installed and not caught because no permit pulled.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, your furnace or boiler performance is only as good as the install. Having the proper size and installation of your chimney liner is critical to the long term life of your equipment. Make sure you ask about your chimney and the need to do a liner when you are looking at having your heating system replaced. Think twice about going with any HVAC contractor that does not know what you are talking about or says it is not important.
You can count on Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air to inform you of all the aspects of your furnace or boiler install and what is needed for your home. You can call us or schedule online.
Looking For A High Efficiency Boiler? Burnham Has An Alternative.
Posted by: | CommentsThe Energy Tax Credit is coming to an end on December 31, 2010. As a result a lot of home owners are looking to replace their lower efficiency boiler with a new higher efficiency boiler that will qualify for the $1500 tax credit.
For some home owners, a high efficiency boiler or furnace is not possible. That is due to the piping that needs to be done for the exhaust. Either the run is too long out the side of the home or too far to the roof. My home is an example of not being practical to replace a 80% furnace with a qualifying 92% efficient or higher furnace. The cost would be too high to make sense due to the demolition that would be necessary to run the venting.
There is good news for people who want an efficient heating system without tearing apart the house or bank account. This is a Burnham Series 3 boiler. The Burnham Series 3 boiler is a gas fired, natural draft, cast iron water boiler.
High efficiency boilers are made with an aluminum heat exchanger. The longest warranty on the heat exchanger is 12 years. The Burnham boiler has a limited lifetime warranty due to the cast iron material.
The Series 3 boiler is 84% efficient. With the optional IQ Outdoor Reset Card you can get 85% efficient which will allow you to get rebates from local utilities. I can bore you with how it works, and more then happy to do it if you call us for an appointment. However, the bottom line is that is saves you money by lower gas use and access to rebates. The bonus is that it is thousands less than a 92 to 95% boiler. This savings will be more than you will get back with the government rebate.
If you are looking for a higher efficiency option for your hot water heat home, the Burnham Series 3 boiler is a great option. Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air can help you lean about all the benefits. Click here to set up an appointment for a free in home estimate.
Time To Close The Windows Also Means Time To Check The Furnace.
Posted by: | CommentsToday we were reminded again how important it is to have your furnace checked before you close the windows for the season. 5 people were sent to the hospital when they were overcome by carbon monoxide at the apartment they live. The chimney that the heating unit was vented to was partially plugged. There also was no evidence of carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon Monoxide is a very deadly gas that usually affects people when they are sleeping. Dirty furnaces and boilers can result in carbon monoxide spilling into the house instead of up the chimney. Blockage of the venting out of your house can also cause carbon monoxide to leak into the house.
Smoke detectors are very important in your house in case of a fire. They suggest replacing the batteries every time you change the clocks back or forward for Daylight Savings Time. This is also a great time to check your carbon monoxide detector batteries or that it is working correctly.
Before you turn on your furnace or boiler for the season you should do the following:
- Furnace or Boiler Clean and Tune – This will include a check of your system for carbon monoxide leakage. This will also help keep the heating unit working efficiently.
- Check your Carbon Monoxide Detector – These do wear out after a period of time. Check your owners manual to see when they should be replaced.
- Check Water Heater Venting – This can become clogged causing the fumes to come back into the house. We check that when we do a clean and tune on a furnace.
Multiple carbon monoxide detectors are good in your home. Placement is key to make sure they detect the fumes as soon as possible. Most cities now require them in your home.
Being in your home can feel wonderful and provide you with protection. Make sure your home is not hurting you while it is providing you comfort..
Contact Minneapolis Saint Paul Plumbing Heating Air with any questions regarding your home safety and furnace or boiler clean and tunes to keep your heating unit working properly.