Healthy HVAC Equals Healthy Indoor Air Quality

By Shelly Morrison 

Isn't your work productivity affected by temperature, lighting, air quality or any other environmental conditions? The answer is, it is. Not only it has a real impact on your indoor activities, but it also affects your health optimally. HVAC systems provide ventilation and maintain pressure relationships between spaces of both domestic and commercial environments promoting safe and sound health of an individual. Regarding this, your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equals balance your home or office atmosphere by filtering the warm or cold air as needed. 

Failing to check HVAC systems regularly can be costly.

There are many all-in-all air conditioning companies which you should call their professionals for your HVAC repair in San Antonio. They will do a survey initially to inspect if any dust, pollen, dirt or debris circulating your surroundings and also check the building to find any leaks, mold spore is affecting the system. Other than these, especially asthma patients or people who have allergy problems can face severe health disorders if the vehicular environment comfort is not ensured. You must keep in check your HVAC technology annually or twice a year to make sure about indoor air quality. 

When In A Year You Should Check Your HVAC?

Before your city hits the cold weather which approaches the San Antonio, Texas in the fall usually, call local HVAC contractors based in San Antonio who are trusted for heating, cooling and air conditioning services and can regulate your environment through working on following factors:

Factors That Contribute to Healthy HVAC System Performance

• Temperature control, 

• Oxygen replenishment, 

• Removal of moisture, 

• Locating odors, smoke, heat, dust, 

• Finding airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

To guarantee HVAC efficiency, there are multiple maintenance factors which contribute to healthy HVAC performance but in this time, master only these three factors and make your system runs properly.

1. System Size

System size plays an essential role in healthy HVAC performance. First, consider your home size and ask yourself if your system is too large or small for your home. In the case of too large, the system will waste its excessive power in starting up which can result in short cycling. Secondly, if the system is too short, it can also screw up your home or office HVAC conditions by not handling the load. The air conditioner or heater will take massive time to reach the thermostat's threshold. Both of the cases will end up wasting energy if the right size system is not installed. 

Contact HVAC professionals who can tell if you got poor system sizes and further diagnose whether or not your system fits the load requirement of your home.

2. Preventive Maintenance

Keep up regularly with preventive maintenance schedule to ensure if HVAC performance is doing well or whether it has the likelihood of failing. It is carried out when the equipment is working so that the professionals can then and there detect the downtime and improve on performance worthwhile. That's why you should have a preventive maintenance schedule similarly like a part of your health routine. Just like your body needs a regular health checkup by the doctor, your HVAC system also needs to get check its performance few times a year. Natural airing (ventilation) includes both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings as well in homes. 

Regular maintenance checkup involves testing the system's components and efficiency and fixing any problems encountered during the testing.

3. Indoor Air Quality

Air Quality Monitor

When a system is not cycled off, it leads to poor indoor air quality which makes your HVAC unit to perform even worse making it less energy efficient and consuming more power. Monitor your indoor air quality on a regular basis as it's the best way to promote healthy lifestyle for your family also making your HVAC system more efficient. 

You can also work it out a little by cleaning your indoor air handling units and outdoor compressors and removing the blockage. Check ducts for leaks, clean filters and more. This is a basic you can do to cause your system no-damage. If you fail at these checks, get mentally prepared for costly repairs.

There's another thing you can do which involves cleaning out the inside of your furnace. It will also help you with reducing your electric bills. If you're short of time and a workaholic, feel free to call experts who inspect the heat exchanger to verify there is no carbon monoxide leaking into your home or workplace.

At the end of the day, we advise you to tackle primary factors on your own and for the complex situations, you can call professionals for help to maintain your HVAC performance in a healthy way giving you more comfortable home and office with indoor quality environment.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy-HVAC-Equals-Healthy-Indoor-Air-Quality&id=10098276] Healthy HVAC Equals Healthy Indoor Air Quality

6 Ways to Save Energy During Spring

The weather is getting warmer; it's time to pull out the grill, call the pool cleaner back, and get those gardening tools out of the basement. It's spring! But spring also means it's time to look at how you can save the most energy and the most money. 

Many Ways to Save

A lot of people can tolerate cold weather better than hot weather, which means, as the weather gets warmer and warmer, it will become increasingly difficult to fight the impulse to turn on the air conditioning and leave it on for hours. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help keep your home cool without running up your energy bill.

Take it easy on the thermostat:

Set the temperature as high as you can while still being comfortable. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your bill will be. Keep the house warmer than usual when you are away, cool when you get home. Set "Away" and "Home" temperatures easily with a programmable thermostat.
 

Image: Wikipedia

Keep in mind: Your house will not cool any faster if you set the thermostat to a colder temperature than usual. In fact, this will likely result in unnecessary expense and excessive strain on the cooling system.

Make the most out of your windows:

Prevent heat from getting in through the windows by installing window coverings such as blinds (interior and/or exterior), awnings, high-reflective films, draperies, shades, insulated panels, and shutters. If you live in an area where it cools off at night, turn of your air conditioning and open your windows while you sleep. When you wake up, shut the windows and blinds to keep the cool air in, unless there's still a cool breeze. You can still get some good cool air into the house in the early morning before the sun starts hitting your house/yard.

Turn on those ceiling fans:

By using your ceiling fans in combination with air conditioning, you can actually set the thermostat four degrees higher but remember that fans cool people, not rooms. If you leave a room, turn off the fan. Turn on your bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath to remove the humidity and heat.

 

Drop the water temperature:

Your water heater uses 18 percent of your home's energy-use. Turn the temperature down to 120 degrees F.

Minimize appliance-use and artificial lighting:

Using the oven on hot days will make the house warmer and subsequently more difficult to cool. Stick to the stove, microwave, or grill outside. Minimize using a computer or TV, running the dishwasher, or using hot devices like hair dryers. Install efficient lighting that doesn't release much heat.

Seal leaks to keep the hot air out:

Seal cracks to keep warm out from leaking into the house. Add weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaky windows and doors.

 

Better for the Environment, Better for You

Ultimately, anything we can do to save energy and conserve natural resources will benefit all of us, both directly in terms of personal cost-savings and indirectly in preserving our world for the future. At Vosh, we are committed to doing our part for the greater good, which is why our car washers use less than three gallons of water for each wash. Additionally, we offer waterless car washes.


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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Ways-to-Save-Energy-During-Spring&id=9676317] 6 Ways to Save Energy During Spring.

In the Company of Men

Image: D.A. DeMers

To be honest, I was hesitant about writing this story. The thought of interviewing a person from a big energy company seemed odd, considering my scribbling is usually about ways to limit energy use. As a clean energy advocate, my rebel impulse has often been to fight the Power, and from all my preconceptions, a city's gas company seemed like the consummate example of, well, The Man.

Or perhaps The Woman.

Stop there, because when I met Marlynn Jannett, a pipe mapping designer I interviewed from Philadelphia Gas Works, my concerns were essentially set to rest.

Her story is one of guts and determination - the American dream exemplified, and a friendly face for the gas company. She's also my neighbor.

Ms. Janett began her career with Philadelphia Gas Works a couple decades ago. She was the first woman hired to work in field services for the company. Her current position involves creating CAD designs of gas pipes for "prudent mains" where the risk of breakage is possible, or in the worst case, has already occurred.

Image by osde8info via FlickrThe gas company is on a constant schedule to replace antiquated pipes, such as those made of cast iron, with newer materials like PVC that are less corrosive and more ductile. In a city as old as Philadelphia, upgrading such infrastructure can be extremely challenging, considering the maps provided are often outdated or nonexistent. Their efforts often include exploratory excavation measures such as drilling through cement foundations.

But the biggest initial challenge for Ms Janett's career was to break through the so called glass ceiling.

Her training came by way of a unique outreach program from the Private Industry Council developed to provide women with engineering skills needed to facilitate their advance into the industrial workforce - a workforce completely dominated by men.

"This all came to me a bit by accident," she said. "I was working in the billing department of a legal firm when I got laid off. Then I heard about the PIC program and thought 'why not?'"

Marlynn Janett

After showing an exceptional ability to master a variety of CAD software programs, she was visited by two engineers from PGW. A lengthy recruitment process ensued, until the company determined she possessed the necessary aptitude for the job. She out-competed several male candidates with her sharp skills and astute interviews, and planted herself firmly in a solid career.

"Some guys weren't too happy at the time, but they got used it," she acknowledged, when asked if she sensed resentment by her male counterparts.

Now, a master of her trade, she's moved well beyond the issues of those days. They were simply milestones of an evolving culture. The only concern she has presently at her job is "working in the middle of Frankford Ave, lifting a manhole cover, and trying not to get run over by a car."--D.A. DeMers.


A Clean Energy Plan with the Community.

PGW recently introduced a number of green energy programs that intersect with various sectors of Philadelphia's business and residential communities. Their EnergySense program is made up of several initiatives that strive to help the company’s residential, commercial and industrial customers conserve energy and save money. It's also expected to create as many as 1,000 new local jobs, reduce the region’s carbon dioxide emissions by 1.24 million tons - the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off Philadelphia’s streets - and support the Mayor's Office of Sustainability's Greenworks plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America.

Energy outreach at the NKCDC. Image: D.A DeMers

The plan involves connecting with a consortium of non-profit energy groups, neighborhood organizations, and city departments to provide initiatives such as the The Enhanced Low Income Retrofit Program, Residential Heating Equipment Rebates, Commercial and Industrial Retrofit Incentives, Commercial and Industrial Equipment Rebates, High Efficiency Construction Incentives, and Comprehensive Residential Incentives.

Over the next five years, the company plans to invest $60 million to generate over $110 million in net savings for all of PGW’s customers. Saving money while saving the planet? Sounds like a win-win solution for everybody.--D.A. DeMers.

More info regarding PGW's programs can be found at www.pgworks.com. Plans administered by the Mayor's Office of Sustainability can be found at www.phila.gov/green.

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Energy Smart Cities

Image via WikipediaThe EPA recently announced its third annual list of cities with the most amount of Energy Star certified buildings. The good news is that dramatic gains have been made in energy efficiency and savings as indicated in its press release below. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the greatest number of energy-efficient buildings that earned EPA’s Energy Star certification in 2010. The list of 25 cities is headed by Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Chicago; New York; Atlanta; Houston; Sacramento; Detroit; and Dallas-Fort Worth. The growth in Energy Star certified buildings across the country has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the energy use of nearly 1.3 million homes a year, protecting people’s health, while saving more than $1.9 billion.

"When it's more important than ever to cut energy costs and reduce pollution in our communities, organizations across America are making their buildings more efficient, raising the bar in energy efficiency and lowering the amount of carbon pollution and other emissions in the air we breathe," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Through their partnership with Energy Star, metropolitan areas across the U.S. are saving a combined $1.9 billion in energy costs every year while developing new ways to shrink energy bills and keep our air clean."

EPA debuted its list of cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2008. Los Angeles remains in first place for the third year; the District of Columbia and San Francisco hold second and third respectively for the second year; and Detroit and Sacramento are new to the top ten. New York City climbed five spots to claim fifth in the rankings and California boasts more cities on EPA’s list than any other state in the country with a total of five.

Surpassing the growth of the past several years, in 2010 more than 6,200 commercial buildings earned the Energy Star, an increase of nearly 60 percent compared to 2009. Since EPA awarded the first Energy Star to a building in 1999, more than 12,600 buildings across America have earned the Energy Star as of the end of 2010.

Image via Wikipedia

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide compared to similar buildings and be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect each year. Energy Star certified buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings. Fourteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.

More information on the top US cities in 2010 with Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov.

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Philadelphia Ranks 14th in Cities with Energy Star Rated Buildings
Up from 23rd in the year prior. Article via the City of Phila website.

Image via Wikipedia

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked Philadelphia 14th in its 2010 list of US cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings. Buildings that earn the EPA’s Energy Star certification perform in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency when compared to similar buildings nationwide. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy than other buildings and include buildings such as commercial offices and warehouses. This ranking further contributes to the City’s Greenwork's Philadelphia commitments to lower citywide building energy consumption by 10 percent by 2015. Philadelphia’s certification rate has risen to a 14th place ranking up from 23rd place ranking in 2009.


“I am thrilled that the City was named by the EPA as one of the top 25 U.S. cities with Energy Star certifications. For three years, the City Administration worked hard with stakeholders and governmental partners to encourage energy efficiency through Greenworks Philadelphia and our many groundbreaking initiatives and partnerships. I will continue to advocate for energy savings as part of our effort to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the United States,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  READ MORE

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Better Homes, Better Buildings, Better Communities
Sourced from the Department of Energy's weblog.

Martha Stewart created an empire by inviting Americans into her home to show how one small improvement could dramatically transform a room or how tweaking an old recipe could surprise your palette. Martha Stewart, however, is not an engineer – so why would she take a personal interest in BetterBuildings, a U.S. Department of Energy program to reduce energy waste in homes and businesses?

Image via Wikipedia

Stewart’s attendance at the BetterBuildings program launch in Bedford, NY earlier this year actually makes perfect sense. BetterBuildings programs are based on the same basic notion as Martha Stewart’s work - that a small change can make a huge difference in your home. Stewart and BetterBuildings share a common goal: improving quality of life. By saving energy, families can save money and live in more comfortable homes.

The 41 grant recipients of the BetterBuildings program were awarded a total of $508 million in federal funding to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and they're already passionately bringing about change in their communities. These projects are creating jobs, boosting local economies and helping consumers save money on their energy bills. By the end of March, almost all program recipients will be offering energy upgrades for homes and businesses throughout the country. For example, this week Clean Energy Works of Oregon is expanding their Portland pilot program to 17 communities throughout the state. Other programs scheduled to launch soon include Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Camden, NJ. The program is ramping up fast and soon all BetterBuildings communities will realize its benefits.

East coast rowhomes.

However, BetterBuildings is not simply about making buildings better – it’s about improving communities. The program’s mission is to create a self-sustaining market for building upgrades. BetterBuildings aims to ultimately save Americans approximately $50 million annually and create or retain 30,000 jobs. Reducing energy waste in buildings is an important element in creating a clean energy future as buildings currently consume 40% of all energy in the U.S. and are responsible for 38% of our carbon emissions. BetterBuildings strives to overcome barriers to improving building energy efficiency by improving financing, growing energy efficiency awareness and demand, increasing consumer confidence and supporting job growth.  READ MORE
 

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A New Beginning

Image by gilderic via Flickr

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand how to make a building more energy efficient. Perhaps a Nobel Prize winning physicist, yes. That's why when the folks at the Energy Coordinating Agency (the Philly green jobs training center) announced recently that US Energy Secretary Steven Chu would be dropping in for a visit, everyone in the local sustainability sphere was ecstatic.

The US Department of Energy, and specifically Dr. Chu's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office, EERE, has spawned several critical projects nationwide to assist homeowners and residents combat the alarming challenges of utility rate hikes and to fight continued adverse effects on the environment and depletion of our natural resources. In essence, it's the beginning of a substantial nationwide push to make our homes greener and cleaner energy systems.

Spearheading these projects in Philadelphia is the DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which seeks to help retrofit lower income households for energy efficiency - an issue that could impact on the mortgage crisis and economy in general as energy rates soar. Exxon Mobil, Dow Chemical, and a few other corporations are funding similar weatherization programs for the market sector. Many of them are being administrated by the ECA and the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.

Infrared camera image used to detect hot/cold air leakage

The Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook has the home energy auditor listed as one of the fastest growing careers in an otherwise sluggish economy, especially compared to other occupations in the home-building trades. Much funding is being invested in this field in both public and private sectors. Programs for energy auditors, renewable energy installers, building retrofit experts, and more are in place throughout the nation.

While many advanced environmentalists are allured by exciting new developments in green-building such as green-roofing, solar power, and other alternative energy sources, it should be noted that the key to moving toward a net-zero home and sustainable housing is in energy efficiency and "sealing the envelope of the home." And that all starts with the home energy audit.

An auditor tests appliances

Utilizing a vast array of specialized diagnostic tools and imagery equipment, energy auditors and analysts are able to detect issues such as heating and cooling loss through air leaks, reduced efficiency of existing heat appliances due to incomplete combustion in the furnace, and problems with proper disbursement of home distribution systems. They also are knowledgeable in efficiency ratings of various household appliances and possess an overall expert understanding of the physics of energy and airflow in buildings.

Once the audit is conducted, a crew of technicians and installers can go to work on making recommended adjustments, or homeowners can choose to do the work themselves. The DOE does offer do-it-yourself home energy calculators on its website, which are helpful, but having an audit done from a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional auditor is likely to give best results in terms of savings recouped as well as safety for the home. BPI auditors are trained to look for potential home environmental safety issues such as carbon monoxide threats, an important concern as the building envelope is tightened. In the WAP program, auditors are trained to check for lead safety levels.

Diagrams of traditional home energy distribution systems.

Below are some useful tips from Fresh Home on ways to save energy costs this summer while also giving a little back to Mother Nature:


ELECTRICITY: Between air conditioning, fans, and swamp coolers – all of these run on electricity.  In the summer months these appliances use up large quantities of energy, and later to money out of your pocket.  Consider using darkening window treatments in rooms that have a lot of heat gain in the summer.  These treatments will keep your home cooler, and will help you save electricity. If you own blinds or shutters, close them so they face towards the ceiling.  This will keep heat levels lower, and will help slow fading of your furniture upholstery and carpet.  When using air conditioning set it at the warmest temperature you can feel comfortable inside your home.  While some would think 80 degrees is warm – it’s a lot cooler than 103 outside your home!

WATER: If you have a lawn irrigation system, set the timer to water in early morning.  Grass that is not stressed from the day’s heat will absorb less water, and it will help it grow stronger. There are several green irrigation practices you can follow for watering your landscaping. Consider using drip or rain water collection systems to water your plants.  Inside your home, conserve water by taking short showers over long bathtub soaks. Another water saving tip,  install low flow shower heads and save money. These shower heads are especially good for renters, because they are removable and can go to your next home.

ENERGY AUDIT: Your local electricity provider offers energy audits of your home.  Schedule for a representative to visit your home and walk through tips for saving energy. Tips can range from changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to washing clothes in cold water in the laundry room.  Energy audits are usually a free service, and will help you learn about your home, and saving money.

SEAL OUT AIR: Make sure your attic in your home has ample insulation. You can save 20-25% off your energy bill, and your home will feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   Check windows and doors for air leaks around them.  Caulk around windows, and use weather stripping to help your home keep its cool temperatures. Think of the money you will save if the hot summer air isn’t trickling in!

ACTIVITIES: Want to really save money during the summer in your home? Get out of the house! Participate in activities outside of your home – movie theaters, shopping centers, libraries, etc…  For a few hours, it will help you forget about the heat, and your wallet can have a break too!


Unfortunately, many people know little about the home science of energy efficiency and the roll-out of this new industry, one that strives help people save money, increase the comfort of their homes, safety, and perhaps do some good for the planet as a result. Whether you're a weatherization professional, or simply a curious do-it-yourself homeowner, the aim of this blog is provide some clear information about this great new clean energy efficient frontier--D.A. DeMers

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