Energy Efficient Hospital HVAC Design Solutions

When it comes to increasing efficiencies and saving money, one of the smartest moves you can make is to retrofit your old Florida hospital with an energy efficient HVAC system. Redesigning and updating your existing HVAC architecture to a more energy efficient, “green minded” alternative will not only improve your hospital’s air quality but is like money in the bank.

The healthcare industry spends over $65 billion on energy each year. Florida hospitals are waking up to the fact that they can do something about reducing costs and preventing greenhouse gas emissions.

Florida hospitals can increase earnings by reducing energy costs by only 5%-one of the easiest sources for cost reducing measures is through HVAC green technology solutions.

HVAC Green Technology Solutions

What can you do to reduce your Florida hospital’s energy usage, while enhancing revenues? One important step is to examine your current HVAC system and consider going green. HVAC green technology solutions will significantly cut costs, reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality throughout your facility. What HVAC services and green solutions will work for you? Consider implementing some of these newest technologies:

Alternative dehumidification systems
Chilled beam cooling
Air filtration and cleaning systems
On-site renewable and co-generation power sources

Choosing an HVAC Services Company for Your Hospital

From new construction to retrofitting your existing HVAC design, you should choose an industry expert in green HVAC technology. Florida hospitals know that Hill York has the leading team of HVAC design specialists and technicians. Seasoned experts with experience in green HVAC technology installations, they are easily the best choice for HVAC design and services in Florida.

Hill York takes a holistic approach to HVAC design, considering all aspects of your hospital. Also, we are the only MSCA Green Star certified mechanical contractor recognized by USGBC in Florida so you know you are working with a specialist.

We respond to all emergency calls 24/7, staff only specially certified technicians and have been a Florida favorite for over 74 years! Don’t take our word for it, read what our clients have to say.

Hill York is the only MSCA Green Star Certified mechanical contractor recognized by USGBC in Florida Provides Energy Efficient HVAC. We offers full-service air conditioning and energy solutions including Energy Management, Design/Build, Facility Management. For more visit http://www.hillyork.com

Author: Sophie Kaye
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

HVAC systems can either run up the energy bill or help improve efficiencies. It’s all in the HVAC design and installation that will determine whether your system is friend or foe.

Understanding how your commercial HVAC system works is critical to deciding if it’s time to update and replace the system. Commercial establishments that improve energy efficiencies by as little as 5% can boost revenue exponentially.

So let’s crawl into your HVAC system and see how it works:

Your system design is based on the floor plan layout, allowing for ductwork and ventilation to hit every area
Duct registers and air flow vents are strategically placed in each room for optimal air flow
Air is pulled from the outside environment and is filtered through the ERV/HRVs, which essentially disinfects and cleans the air
The air blows through evaporator coils which removes humidity and cools the temperature
The blower and wheel propel the air through the HVAC

Energy Saving HVAC Systems and HVAC Units

While understanding how your commercial HVAC Unit works may help you decide whether to revise and update it, determining which energy saving HVAC unit is right for you is also critical.

Property administrators should understand the important factors that contribute to a quality HVAC unit:

The system or unit must be properly sized and designed to accommodate your specific building
Systems have sealed supply ductwork for efficient and proper energy flow
Balanced air flow between supply and return system
Filled with proper refrigerant, plus an efficiently working burner operation and draft

HVAC Contractors and Maintenance Plans

How can you determine which HVAC contractor to hire when you have a specific maintenance plan and specially designed system? While many HVAC contractors say they specialize in commercial HVAC, most don’t understand the complexities and specifics required on a larger, commercial scale. When it comes to your system HVAC, trust only the leading commercial HVAC contractor.

Hill York is the only MSCA Green Star Certified mechanical contractor recognized by USGBC in Florida Provides Commercial HVAC Systems. We offers full-service air conditioning and energy solutions including Energy Management, Design/Build, Facility Management. For more visit http://www.hillyork.com

Author: Sophie Kaye
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
PCB stencil online quote

Let’s talk about 30-40% of your electricity bill. That’s how much it costs the average homeowner or commercial building owner to provide proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC). A good HVAC system is the key to maintaining a comfortable, healthy and interior environment. Through the years, I have been asked by many owners for a strategy to reduce their cost of energy and HVAC. They don’t want to sacrifice the interior environmental conditions, but they do want a point-by-point plan to follow. The interesting thing that often happens is that energy bills are lowered substantially and the HVAC system performance is improved. This is a standard function of any mechanical engineer specializing in energy and HVAC.

The information on this page will help homeowners, building owners and building operators make informed decisions about existing HVAC systems or future upgrades.

• Load Reduction
• HVAC Systems
• Control Systems
• Operation and Maintenance

Load Reduction

The first step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is load reduction. This step normally consists of a long range plan which itemizes the actions to be taken based on best return on investment. Reducing your building load allows the existing HVAC system to operate more efficiently. If a new system or systems are being considered, it will be more cost effective to design for the reduced load as opposed to the existing load. A few common load reduction strategies include:

• Tighten the building shell and add additional insulation. Adding insulation in existing buildings may not be achievable in some instances, so more consideration should be aimed at the exterior shell, especially windows and doors.
• Installing energy-efficient windows. This is a big item on some buildings that still have single pane windows. The installation of double pane windows with a thermal break is a great return on investment. Make sure they are ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Tinting or Low-E coatings will even be better.
• Upgrading lighting systems. The average commercial building has a lighting density of 2-3 watts per square foot which maintains proper lighting levels. This is a significant part of the HVAC load and almost any efforts in this direction will lower the cooling requirement for the building. Accent lighting (sometimes called architectural lighting) are not always energy efficient and should not be considered if you want to reduce energy and HVAC costs. Energy-efficient lighting systems emit less heat into conditioned space than older incandescent technology. If you have a return air plenum instead of return air ductwork, consider light troffers so that some of the heat from the lights is returned to the HVAC system instead of going into the occupied area.
• Selecting efficient equipment and electronic devices that have a power saver option will reduce the sensible heat gain in the space. Items to consider include copy machines, kitchen equipment, computers and refrigerators.
• Control ventilation by having your outside air balanced. Most building owners have drawings of the original HVAC system installation. Have the drawings reviewed by a mechanical engineer to confirm your outside air flow rates conform to the latest code requirements. If no drawings are available, your mechanical engineer should still be able to make recommendations for improvement.

Addressing these items is your first step to reducing energy and HVAC costs.

HVAC Systems

The second step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is knowing your system. Your HVAC system is critical to your interior environment, but it also represents a large component of your utility expenses. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss every system, a few recommendations can be addressed. Every HVAC system component has increased in efficiency over the years. If your system is more than 13 years old, it’s time to begin planning for an upgrade to new equipment. Well maintained residential systems have a life expectancy of about 15 years or so but seem to fail at the worse times. Have a replacement plan ready for the day your equipment fails.

Commercial systems vary, but if your building is using packaged equipment or split systems, the same lifetime can be expected. For larger commercial systems and industrial applications, the HVAC system may be more complex and require an individual analysis by a mechanical engineer. As I said, HVAC systems vary and no one-size-fits-all analysis works for larger systems. What all these systems have in common is they are normally fueled by electricity. Electricity cost money, so any efforts in the direction of increased efficiency is a plus.

HVAC System Tips:

• Find a qualified consultant you trust. If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system. If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance and a good mechanical engineer for specific guidance. I do not recommend using a mechanical engineer employed by the HVAC Company; find a third party engineer for unbiased information.
• Verify your HVAC system load. Home owners should use ACCA’s Manual J calculation method and all others should have a load conducted by a mechanical engineer. Commercial buildings have more requirements related to code conformance, minimum ventilation rates, etc and are individual to each building.
• Load reduction-Read the information above.
• Select equipment sized for your load. NEVER OVERSIZE! More-is-better does not apply for HVAC systems. It will cost more to purchase the equipment as well as operate it. Get the load and the equipment selection right the first time.
• Purchase high efficiency or Energy Star equipment. Many of the new systems include variable speed drives for fans and compressors. Over the years of ownership this will be paid back many times over. Compare standard efficiency equipment to high efficiency equipment in terms of initial cost and life cycle costs. Any good HVAC company or mechanical engineer can obtain this information.
• Consider some form of energy recovery for any air exhausted from the building and use it to condition the incoming fresh air. This is air you have paid to condition, so extracting some of the energy before exhausting it should be a priority.
• For large commercial buildings, consider conditioning the outside air with a dedicated outside air unit. This will eliminate any problems related to humidity control in most instances. It will also increase occupant comfort and allow for further downsizing of equipment.
• Commercial buildings should consider economizers on their equipment. Most current codes require economizers on equipment over 15 tons in size. Often available at a low incremental cost, these units draw in fresh air from the outside when the temperature (sometimes humidity) outside is lower than the temperature inside.
• Home owners and small commercial building owners should install programmable thermostats. Commercial building owners should install a Direct Digital Control (DDC) system. The investment in either of these will pay back more than the cost in a small amount of time. Read more below.

Control Systems

The third step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is controlling your system.

• Programmable Thermostats-The age of digital controls has made saving energy easy. One of the best investments for the homeowner or small commercial building owner is a programmable thermostat. These are simple to use and incorporate strategies based on time scheduling. Most manufacturers offer 7 day programs and setback/setup programs which will turn the HVAC system on and off to compliment your schedule and desired indoor temperature. This is a great way to ensure HVAC systems are used only when necessary.
• DDC Systems-For the large commercial building, I consider this as a must have system. Installation costs have steadily decreased and the performance reliability has steadily increased. They can be integrated into any system and expanded as required. Some of the more popular features of these systems are optimized start/stop of the HVAC system, multiple zone control, multiple temperature sensor locations and ventilation control. The best part of these systems is their ability to be scaled up to the largest of commercial applications. This means you can install a simple system and add more controls later to incorporate your whole HVAC system. Again, the payback is short and well worth the investment.

Operation and Maintenance

The fourth and last step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is operation and maintenance. The most efficient HVAC systems are well maintained. Ensure reliability, efficiency and a long life for your HVAC system by following these tips.

• Find a qualified consultant you trust. If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system. If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance. Make sure you record and document all servicing with dates, times and names of the servicing person.
• Home owners should always get a seasonal tune up. The operation of your system will vary with the seasons of the year.
• Replace your air filters regularly. Don’t use anything less then a MERV 5 filter to assure dust and fibers are removed. Clean filters will save fan energy.
• Coil Cleaning-This is always a big item overlooked by residential and commercial building owners. Condenser coils collect dirt and debris on their surfaces because they are outside. This makes the compressor work harder and results in a higher refrigerant temperature in your refrigeration system. Evaporator and heating coils collect dust and fibers that circulate inside your home or building. Clean them at least once a year

Summary

Energy and HVAC optimization will reduce your electricity costs. A little time getting to know your system and familiarizing yourself with improvement strategies will save money and increase the life of your equipment.

Visit my site for more information on Energy and HVAC optimization.

I am a professional engineer with over 30 years of design experience relating to plumbing and mechanical systems. The articles I write are the result of many successful commercial and residential installations.

Author: Patrick Propst
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

Is Attending HVAC Schools Really Necessary?

Absolutely!

It is a known fact that employers prefer to hire individuals who have received job-related training before entering the industry.

Attending HVAC schools will provide you with the training you need to help you be more appealing to employers.

In addition, enrolling in an accredited HVAC program will also offer you additional benefits that will help you compete in the workplace. These benefits include:

• The chance to learn essential job-related skills.
• The opportunity to receive hands-on training.
• The opportunity to learn from instructors who work in the industry.
• The chance to learn skills that will increase your job security.

What Will I Learn in HVAC School?

An accredited HVAC program will offer classes that teach students about the following topics:

• Construction Safety: Learn about the rules and regulations surrounding building construction.
• Blueprint Reading: Develop the skills necessary to read blueprints make the calculations necessary to complete the job.
• Energy Usage: Discover how to incorporate energy saving practices into your work.
• Business Management: Learn how to manage the different aspects of larger construction projects.

Some HVAC programs may also offer special courses, such as computer drafting, environmental design, and building inspection. Sometimes, these special courses may require students to have additional on-the-job experience before enrolling.

How Long Will It Take Me to Complete Training?

The time required to graduate from HVAC school varies depending upon the school you choose.

Some schools offer HVAC course programs lasting only a few weeks, while others can take several months to complete all the classes.

Your individual schedule will also play a role in determining how fast you complete your HVAC program.

A full-time student will likely complete training faster than a part-time student.

What Jobs Will I Qualify for After Attending HVAC Schools?

HVAC School training will put you on the fast-track to gaining access to the HVAC industry.

After graduation, you will become a competitive candidate for almost all high-paying, entry-level positions this industry has to offer.

With your diploma, you can qualify for jobs like

• HVAC service technician
• Entry-level installer
• Installation assistant
• Sheet metal worker

You will be responsible for installing or maintaining the heating and cooling systems that control the temperature, humidity, and air quality of both residential and commercial buildings. How Much Does It Cost to Attend HVAC Schools?

The cost of enrolling in an accredited HVAC program will vary depending upon the school.

The good news is that most technical schools offer financial assistance to those students who cannot afford to pay the total cost of their training out-of-pocket.

Regardless, receiving training from HVAC school will allow you to demand higher wages in the workplace.

So no matter the cost, you can rest assured that your training will pay for itself in no time!

Attending a HVAC training school is a great way to receive HVAC training.

If you live in Maryland – specifically the areas of Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Silver Spring, or Dundalk – North American Trade Schools is a great choice for receiving the proper training.

Author: Arsham Mirshah
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB Assembly

Is Attending HVAC Schools Really Necessary?

Absolutely!

It is a known fact that employers prefer to hire individuals who have received job-related training before entering the industry.

Attending HVAC schools will provide you with the training you need to help you be more appealing to employers.

In addition, enrolling in an accredited HVAC program will also offer you additional benefits that will help you compete in the workplace. These benefits include:

• The chance to learn essential job-related skills.
• The opportunity to receive hands-on training.
• The opportunity to learn from instructors who work in the industry.
• The chance to learn skills that will increase your job security.

What Will I Learn in HVAC School?

An accredited HVAC program will offer classes that teach students about the following topics:

• Construction Safety: Learn about the rules and regulations surrounding building construction.
• Blueprint Reading: Develop the skills necessary to read blueprints make the calculations necessary to complete the job.
• Energy Usage: Discover how to incorporate energy saving practices into your work.
• Business Management: Learn how to manage the different aspects of larger construction projects.

Some HVAC programs may also offer special courses, such as computer drafting, environmental design, and building inspection. Sometimes, these special courses may require students to have additional on-the-job experience before enrolling.

How Long Will It Take Me to Complete Training?

The time required to graduate from HVAC school varies depending upon the school you choose.

Some schools offer HVAC course programs lasting only a few weeks, while others can take several months to complete all the classes.

Your individual schedule will also play a role in determining how fast you complete your HVAC program.

A full-time student will likely complete training faster than a part-time student.

What Jobs Will I Qualify for After Attending HVAC Schools?

HVAC School training will put you on the fast-track to gaining access to the HVAC industry.

After graduation, you will become a competitive candidate for almost all high-paying, entry-level positions this industry has to offer.

With your diploma, you can qualify for jobs like

• HVAC service technician
• Entry-level installer
• Installation assistant
• Sheet metal worker

You will be responsible for installing or maintaining the heating and cooling systems that control the temperature, humidity, and air quality of both residential and commercial buildings. How Much Does It Cost to Attend HVAC Schools?

The cost of enrolling in an accredited HVAC program will vary depending upon the school.

The good news is that most technical schools offer financial assistance to those students who cannot afford to pay the total cost of their training out-of-pocket.

Regardless, receiving training from HVAC school will allow you to demand higher wages in the workplace.

So no matter the cost, you can rest assured that your training will pay for itself in no time!

Attending a HVAC training school is a great way to receive HVAC training.

If you live in Maryland – specifically the areas of Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Silver Spring, or Dundalk – North American Trade Schools is a great choice for receiving the proper training.

Author: Arsham Mirshah
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker

Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to the normal everyday function of your business. By making sure there is proper and regular maintenance performed on your HVAC unit, you can dramatically improve the efficiency and save on your energy costs. Regular maintenance will also help you to avoid and expensive repairs and replacements. The following regular maintenance steps that your HVAC contractor can do for you will help you extend the life of your HVAC system.

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the most cost effective steps that you can do to help lower your energy costs is to change your air filters regularly. Your HVAC filters help to keep dust, dirt and allergens out of the air circulating throughout your building. By changing these filters regularly or having your HVAC contractor do it for you, you can help to keep your HVAC system running cleaner and more efficiently.

Check Your Fan Regularly

During the normal operation of your HVAC unit, the fan that circulates the air throughout your building can become loose due to the cumulative effects of vibration. Whenever you change your filters or have them changed for you, your HVAC contractor will make sure to check your fan to be sure that it is working properly.

Have Your Fan Blades Cleaned Regularly

Your HVAC contractor should also check the vacuum and blower area of your HVAC unit. They will be able to properly clean the fan blades and remove any build up of dust, dirt or other debris that may be causing extra strain on your HVAC unit’s motor. Proper and regular cleaning can help to keep your fan balanced and maintain efficiency for your HVAC system.

Have Your Blower Motor Oiled Regularly

Your HVAC contractor can keep your fan motor oiled and running smoothly if it requires it. Depending on the HVAC blower motor, it may be sealed and may not require regular oiling. Your HVAC contractor can help you determine whether your blower motor requires this.

By having a professional HVAC contractor take care of your HVAC unit for you, you will be able to lower your energy costs, extend the life of your system and lower your maintenance costs. Waiting until something is broken down is not only more stressful but more costly than regular maintenance from your HVAC service provider. By making sure you are having professional and regular maintenance on your HVAC system, you will be sure to have one less thing to stress over when it comes to running all of the many operations that your business or organization requires. At a minimum, be sure that you have an HVAC maintenance service inspect your HVAC unit. If your facility has a combination heating and cooling unit, be sure to have it checked at least every quarter.

Chiller Systems Service, Inc. is the #1 choice for industrial, institutional and commercial HVAC, heating, ventilation and air conditioning services in the Denver area. We serve any installation, repair and maintenance needs. Chiller Systems Service can be contacted for your commercial, industrial or institutional Denver HVAC contractor needs at (303) 275-6250 or you can visit our website at http://www.chillersystemsservice.com/.

Author: Scott Tracy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Lowest price PCB Prototype

HVAC is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that is combined into one unit. These HVAC units prove to be helpful in maintaining a proper environment and temperature both in offices and houses. Among all the types of HVAC systems the central HVAC system is considered as the best because of the convenience of functioning and also the reduction in the noise.

The HVAC units have evolved with time and in today’s date they have developed to meet the modernization of houses and offices. However, the only problem associated with these systems is the cost. To provide a solution for managing the cost the HVAC manufacturers have made some cost-effective solutions by considering energy consumption.

Let’s have a look at the different parts of HVAC system.

Fans and blowers, which are important for the circulation of fresh air into the different constructed units of the HVAC system. The fans and blowers are either mounted on the outer walls or above the ceilings and at times they might be used in part of the duct framework.

The HVAC controllers and chillers are different types of HVAC units, which find much use in industrial areas. The HVAC chiller systems function with the help of water, oils, refrigeration and other fluids. On the other hand the HVAC controllers take control of monitoring the internal environment of the building.

When choosing an HVAC system for your house or office, it is important that you look into all the features that the unit provides. Make sure that the dealer from whom you are buying the product offers you on site support during technical difficulties and also offers installation of the system. Buying the HVAC products in wholesale would get you the best deal. It is important that you look for the best quality at the best prices available.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit HVAC Wholesale Products and HVAC Product Vendors

Author: Ajeet Khurana
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly

Choosing a HVAC college program
When choosing a HVAC college program, the first thing that you must ascertain is that the college you have selected is an accredited one. This is an extremely important factor, since it means that the training imparted will be at par with the standards specified by HVAC organizations. The most prominent accrediting agencies for HVAC programs are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration, HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence and Research, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Select a college that has at least one accreditation.

Smaller class sizes are also important, which means you will get personalized attention from the instructors. A good HVAC college will also have an on-campus science lab with professional-grade tools. Visit the campus and get a feel of the place, the classroom, the facilities and talk to the faculty, if possible. Also find out whether they allow any flexibility in scheduling classes for working students, and how you should go about procuring financial aid, if required.

HVAC Colleges
These are just a few of the many HVAC training centers that you will find all over the United States: New England Institute of Technology in Palm Beach, Ferris State University in Michigan, Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the Refrigeration School in Phoenix, Arizona, Brownson Technical School in Anaheim, California, the Northwest HVAC Training Center in Spokane, Washington, and the National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America in Maryland.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to enroll for a HVAC training program, along with sound math and science skills. College programs usually last from two to four years, and depending on the type of course you select, you will be awarded a certificate, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in HVAC.

You will also find a number of community colleges and vocational or technical schools where you can sign up for short-term programs, which last for six months to two years. If you do not have the time to attend college fulltime, you can still get your HVAC training, thanks to online courses. Do make sure that the college is an accredited one.

Once you have successfully completed the HVAC course, the next step is searching for available HVAC jobs in your area. Your college will have campus interviews or will help you with leads for suitable openings in the industry. HVAC employers include HVAC manufacturers, HVAC service companies, HVAC contractors, property management companies, mechanical engineering firms, HVAC wholesale suppliers, building owners and many more.

Good luck with your HVAC career!

John Murphy represents Blue Bell Marketing, a website design company based in the Philadelphia area. When you start looking for your first job in the HVAC industry, begin your search with HVACJobsReport.com. HVAC Jobs Report is a community based job website that services the HVAC and Refrigeration industry. Members can use this website to search for new jobs or apply to new job postings.

Author: John T Murphy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Lowest Price Prototype PCB Assembly

Regular mechanical maintenance of HVAC systems is the best way for homeowners to save money on their bills over the long run. While repairs might seem expensive at first, the payoffs later on are numerous.

Today’s HVAC technicians have received comprehensive vocational training at technical schools or colleges featuring class work specifically geared to refrigeration, heating, cooling, and mechanical maintenance careers. Often, these trade schools instruct students in the latest HVAC technologies, which include sophisticated pumping and cooling system repair, and techniques for upgrading chlorofluorocarbon-reliant (CFC) coolant systems with environmentally friendly materials.

Why is regular HVAC mechanical maintenance important?

Most homeowners do not notice that an HVAC system is malfunctioning or performing poorly until the system shuts down. This is an unfortunate way to approach HVAC maintenance. Small malfunctions or errors in an HVAC system’s operation early on can lead to inefficiencies in heating and cooling. Ultimately, these inefficiencies result in wasted energy and high gas and electric bills. If you have noticed dramatic jumps in your utility bills, think about when your HVAC system was last serviced before shrugging the high bill totals off as symptoms of inflation.

Efficiency loss in an HVAC system is gradual, but pernicious. The purpose of regular maintenance is to keep small systemic leaks, cracks, gaps, or slowdowns in check so that homeowners have the best, most energy-efficient, continuously performing HVAC systems possible. In vocational school, HVAC and mechanical maintenance engineers are trained to perform thorough inspections, to test systems in a proactive fashion, and to accurately and rapidly diagnose system malfunctions.

HVAC and mechanical maintenance technicians are also adept at determining when a heating or cooling system must be replaced entirely. Upfront, the cost of replacing an HVAC system can seem prohibitively expensive. However, the newer a system is, the more likely it is to employ highly energy-efficient technology, saving you money on your heating and cooling bills over a long period of time.

What can I do to save money on my heating and cooling bills?

Homeowners can take several steps to ensure their HVAC systems run efficiently between maintenance periods. Here are a few tips:

• In hot weather, do not run your air conditioner continuously on the coldest setting. Turning the A/C up just a few degrees can prolong the life of your HVAC system.
• Make sure that you have adequate amounts of refrigerant in your HVAC system before hot weather arrives. A HVAC repair person or mechanical maintenance engineer can assess your coolant levels. If your system is cooled by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have the cooling mechanism replaced with a greener technology.
• Install ceiling and central room fans during hot weather. These fans will enhance the efficiency of your air conditioner, allowing it to perform better while conserving energy.
• Prior to the arrival of cool weather, have your heating ducts cleaned — and have your heating filter replaced regularly thereafter. Clogged or dirty ducts or filters can hamper the efficiency of your HVAC system during cold weather.
• Have your furnace inspected before the cold season arrives. Furnaces that aren’t working properly can contribute to wasted energy, inefficient system performance, CO2 leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even home fires.
• Insulate your home from cold weather so the heater doesn’t need to work as hard. Insulating your windows with plastic wrap or weatherproofing strips helps. You can also insulate your home by sealing cracks in windows and doors.
• Turn down the heat, even when you’re home. You can save major money on your gas or electric bill by turning the thermostat down a few degrees and wearing a sweater.

Regular mechanical maintenance of HVAC systems, combined with homeowner initiative and attention to energy conservation result in greener, more efficient home heating and cooling.

The Refrigeration School, Inc. is a vocational HVAC and mechanical maintenance school located in Phoenix, AZ. The school provides technician training that prepares the graduates of tomorrow to work on the latest HVAC technologies. For more information, visit RSI online at refrigerationschool.com.

Author: Jane Muder
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin Guest Blogger

Does your HVAC system operate as efficiently as it could? Is your HVAC system compliant with health, safety and environmental regulations? Do you face continual maintenance issues with your HVAC system? In other words: is your HVAC system in good shape, or is it costing you a bundle for no good reason?

With any facility assessment, one of the first areas to check out is the HVAC. You need to determine how much time you have left on the system’s lifecycle. If your HVAC system is extremely old, it could be sucking up energy and wasting your money. It could also be causing indoor air quality issues that lead to problems like Sick Building Syndrome. Or, your old HVAC could be racking up big maintenance bills. If so, then you need to know what’s wrong so you can fix it.

Energy use is a good starting point because the opportunity for cost savings is significant. Lighting tops the list of the potential savings, but HVAC runs a close second. Did you know high-tech HVAC systems could save 30 percent to 40 percent on energy costs? That’s nothing to sneeze at. The return on investment on HVAC upgrades ranges from one to five years, depending on the system’s level of use. That’s well worth the money, considering HVAC systems can last 10 or more years, depending on usage and climate conditions.

Interestingly, the design of an HVAC system has major impacts on productivity and energy savings. If you don’t have good controls on your HVAC, then you are wasting tons of money. It could be that you are simultaneously heating and cooling different parts of the building at the same time. That’s counterproductive and puts a lot of strain on the HVAC.

According to the California Energy Commission, an HVAC system should be properly sized to provide correct air flow, and meet room-by-room calculated heating and cooling loads. It should also be installed so that the static air pressure drop across the handler is within manufacturer and design specifications to have the capacity to meet the calculated loads.

Beyond the proper design and installation, experts encourage regular HVAC maintenance to ensure the best operation. Air filters should be changed each month, for example, and HVACs also need to be properly charged with refrigerant and have proper burner operation and draft.

If you do not have an HVAC maintenance crew on site, be sure to contract with a local air conditioning maintenance company to do regular check ups. This will extend the life of your HVAC and save money on heating and cooling costs.

This article is brought to you by Jon Levine for Capitol Supply, Inc. Capitol Supply offers over 1 million products for commercial, consumer, government and GSA offices from office products, school supplies, cleaning supplies, Georgia Pacific products, consumer electronics; dorm, home and office furniture; hardware supply, car parts, HVAC and government, commercial or consumer appliances.

Author: Jon Levine
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger