Everyone wants to save money and as the environment becomes more of a concern it is in all of our common interest to make our homes more energy efficient. Heating and cooling costs are a large part of a homeowner’s budget, and you may be wondering how long it will take to recoup the money you invest to upgrade your home’s HVAC system and add features to make it more energy efficient. This is a valid concern. Adding energy saving features and appliances to your home is not cheap, but you will get a significant return on your investment once the upgrades pay for themselves.

Rising Energy Costs

One of the main reasons a homeowner may want to upgrade their home’s HVAC system and add energy efficient systems to their home is the rising cost of energy. According to the Statistics Canada website energy costs from October 2010 to October 2011 rose:

• Energy prices increased 11.7%
• Gasoline prices rose 18.2%
• Fuel oil prices increased 22.1%

These increases are reflected as an increase on your power bill. As fuel source prices increase, the cost of heating and cooling your home will also increase. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity costs vary by location. The states which have the highest energy costs include:

• Hawaiiat 25.12 cents per kWh
• Connecticutat 17.39 cents per kWh
• New Yorkat 16.31 cents per kWh

As you can see it would be beneficial to invest money today into making your home more energy efficient and see a cut in your fuel costs right away. You will also recoup your investment in time and experience even more savings once your upgrades pay for themselves.

Where Does Our Electricity Come From?

North America is supplied with power from several power grids that include most ofCanadaand the Northern and Midwestern United States. Although research is currently underway to find alternative sources of energy, fossil fuels remain the number one source for generating electricity. Coal comprises 45%, natural gas gives us 24%, and petroleum comprises 1% of the fuel used to generate electricity. Nuclear power and renewable energy sources make up the remaining 20%. Renewable energy sources include hydropower, biomass sources, wind power, geothermal power, and solar power.

Energy Saving Options for Homeowners

You can take advantage of renewable energy sources for your home. Although the initial investment may put you off, this investment will pay for itself in time and put money in your wallet. According to One Block Off the Grid these major renovations will save you the following amounts:

• Solar panels for water heating cost an average of $2,500 to install. It will take 8.8 years to recoup your money at a savings of $280 a year. Over 20 years you will have saved $5,800 in energy costs.
• Solar panels installed to heat your home cost an average of $13,000. In just 10.8 years they will pay for themselves and over 20 years you will have saved $60,000.
• A green roof, perfect for flat roofs, cost around $8,000 to install and will pay for themselves in a reduced amount of energy used to heat and cool your home in 10 years. You will save $800 per year and in 20 years an extra $18,000 will be in you wallet.
• For other types of roofs, a smart roof which uses energy saving shingles, reflective materials and metal roofing to retard heat transfer into your home, cost an average of $2,000 to install and will save you $300 per year. After 20 years you will have saved $6,000.
• Low emissive windows cut down on the heat coming into and out of your home. They cost an average of $700 a piece and will save you $300 a year. After 20 years low emissive windows will have saved you $6,000 a piece in energy costs.
• Thermal mass floors, such as tile which hold heat better than traditional flooring, cost an average of $3,000 to install throughout your home. Each year you will save $400 and after 20 years your savings grows to $8,000.
• Radiant floors have special heat producing tubes installed under your flooring and costs about $4,000. Each year you will save $550 and after 20 years you will save $11,000.

These major improvements and renovations can save you tens of thousands of dollars over a 20 year period. As soon as you install them you start to save each year. A savings you will see reflected on your energy bills right off.

Minor Home Improvements

A major improvement is a good idea if you plan to stay in your home for the long haul. These upgrades and improvements can be done by most homeowners saving you even more money on installation. There are some minor improvements you can make that will not break the bank and start to save you money right away.

• Low flow shower heads cut down on the amount of water you use. They pay for themselves in less than a year to the tune of a savings of $300 per year. In 20 years you will have saved $6,000.
• Programmable thermostats control when the heat and AC come on in your home. You can program them to make your home warmer or cooler before you get up in the morning or come home from work. On the average they cost $115 and give you a savings of $180 a year. Over 20 years you will save $3,600.
• Much of the wasted energy and cost come from leaks in your duct work. If you seal these leaks you can save $300 per year and $8,000 in 20 years.
• Add to your insulation in your walls and attic. This will cost around $750 and save you $300 a year. After 20 years your savings grows to $6,000.

Professional HVAC Improvements and Upgrades

To save even more money you might consider having a professional HVAC service install the following upgrades:

• A water retention system collects rainwater and gray water and recycles it for irrigation and use in your toilets. A large scale water retention system costs an average of $7,200 and will save you $215 per year. After 20 years you’ll save $4,320.
• Replacing your old furnace to a newer model will save you $300 a year on energy costs. A new furnace varies in price depending on the size of your home, but on the average it will cost you $1,145. Over 20 years you can save $6,000.
• Save on buying bottled water with a whole house filtration system. You can save $312 depending on how much water you’d normally buy and in 20 years your savings will be around $6,240. Whole house filtration systems run about $1,000 or install.
• A geothermal system can be used to heat or cool your home. It will either draw heat from the ground or disperse it into the ground to cool your home. Geothermal systems run around $30,000 and take 10 years to pay for themselves. You’ll save $3,000 a year and after 20 years your savings will be $30,000.

Upgrade Now and Save Money

You may not want to have all of the upgrades done to your home at once. Look at your utility costs and see where you are spending the most money. Then you can choose the upgrades and new systems to install. Although you will have to pay for them, you will experience a savings on your energy costs right away. Consult a professional HVAC expert for recommendations to save energy and money for your home.

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Your forced air furnace is one of the hardest working components in your HVAC system. It maintains the quality and health of the air your family breathes, keeping it clean and in good working condition is an important priority. Regular cleaning of your forced air furnace and ductwork will help to prevent the build up of dirt, dust and debris. These contaminants can hamper the performance of your HVAC system. Use these simple tips to keep your forced air furnace working at peak efficiency.

• First and foremost be sure the power supply to your unit is turned off. Also turn off the thermostat also before you start to clean your furnace.
• Clean and replace your furnace filter. This will keep your furnace running smoothly and reduce the buildup of dirt and dust. If you have a disposable filter, change it once a month. If you have a permanent filter, use a hose to gently rinse off the dirt and dust once a month.
• Next clean the interior part of the blower assembly. You can find it behind the front pane of your heating system. The power should automatically turn itself off when you remove the pane, but be sure the breaker is off before you begin.
• Vacuum the interior and the squirrel cage. Some furnaces have a removable squirrel cage; just unscrew it, to make cleaning easier.
• Vacuum the blower assembly and use clean dry rags to wipe off any excess dirt and dust.
• Return the front panel, turn the power back on to the unit, and check to see it works properly.

You can reduce the dust that enters your forced air filter furnace by regularly vacuuming all of the air intake vents in your home. Just this simple step will greatly reduce the amount of dust, dirt and debris that enter your furnace.

Other Options

Besides these tips, there are some more ways you can increase the efficiency of your heating system. Consider a natural gas furnace. It is the best option for the heating needs of Calgary homes. Calgary, Canada has long cold winters, and a natural gas furnace will provide plenty of comfortable warmth to keep your family comfortable. Here are some tips to keep your natural gas furnace working at its best.

• Regular tuning of your HVAC system will keep it working properly and extend the life of your heating system. Any damages or defects can be addressed and corrected during a tuning service. This will keep any small problems from becoming large and expensive ones.
• Proper lubrication is important. Your furnace will run better and last longer if it is properly oiled. The motor lubrication points and shaft bearings should be oiled on a regular basis. You can use light weight oil for the lubrication and  <a href=”http://www.westcan4u.com”>Forced Air Maintenance</a> of your home furnace. This oil can be purchased at most hardware stores.
• Continuous use of your heating system can cause dirt to build up on its burners. This can make your heating bill skyrocket and reduce its efficiency. A professional cleaning by an HVAC technician will keep your burners cleaned and adjusted, as well as improve the efficiency of your entire system.

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Your electric bill is one of the highest bills you face each month. Not only that but heating and cooling energy use is one of the largest contributors to the nation’s energy consumption. Purchasing a high efficiency heating and cooling system can help to reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your monthly electric bill. You also need to choose the right size of furnace based on the size of your home.

Many homeowners give no thought to their furnace until it is time to turn it on. Your home’s furnace is an important part of your home, but you may not think of it until the weather turns cold and you need it to keep us warm. If your furnace doesn’t come on when you need it, you and your family will not only be cold, but it can be detrimental to your health. An annual inspection of your heating system will ensure it is in good working order when you need it. This and choosing the best size furnace for your home will not only keep you comfortable, but help save you money on your electric bill.

You have your choice of many types of home furnaces, and knowing the basics will help you make the right choice for the size of your home’s needs.

• Gas and oil furnaces have ducts which vent the exhaust gasses out of your home. They rely on combustion to produce heat.
• Electric furnaces use heating strips to warm the air and circulate it through your home.
• Wood and coal furnaces are not generally used in modern homes, and in older homes have usually been replaced with electric, gas or oil units.
• Dual heating units use a mixture of gas and an electric heat pump, or both oil and electric to heat your home.
• Wall furnaces are convenient for apartment units or rental properties and our mounting on the wall.
• Floor units are portable and heat one room, but don’t produce enough heat to warm an entire house.

Almost all furnaces today are proven to be reliable, efficient and with similar warranties. An efficiency rating of 80% for your furnace is a big investment to save on your energy usage. But an 95% efficiency for your unit is more appealing. An addition to that, most of the home furnace manufacturers offer gas rebates when you purchase a 95% unit furnace. The stage of a furnace refers to the burner and gas valve function. If you have a single stage furnace it is more likely that all 100,000 BTUs come on all the time whether it is 50 degrees or 10 degrees. The 2 stage furnace gives you a gas saving solution which makes the burner and gas valve run at 60% capacity depending on the amount of heat needed. Both stages are available in 80% and 95% units.

Whichever <a href=”http://www.westcan4u.com”>home furnace</a> you’re going to purchase, it is important that you consider the size of the furnace and the size of your home. If you have a large home, you’ll need a large furnace to heat the space comfortably. If however your furnace is too large, you will end up paying too much for your heating costs. The best furnace is one that fits your needs and keeps your home comfortable without driving up your energy costs.

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Your air conditioning and furnace system needs to be working at peak performance to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Many people neglect to do regular maintenance on their HVAC systems and suffer from high energy costs, as well as finding it hard to maintain the comfort level in their homes. Not only will you be more comfortable and save money, but you’ll be leaving a smaller footprint on the environment by using less fuel, making your home more eco-friendly.

Fist Aid Maintenance Tips to Keep Your HVAC System Healthy

• Replace your filters. This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Dirty filters prevent the air from flowing easily and cost you more money in fuel costs. Dirty filters also make your unit work harder, and it will wear out quicker costing you thousands of dollars to replace. An inexpensive filter change each month will save you money in the long run. Replacing your filters each month will also help to cut down on the allergens in your home. This is an important consideration if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies.
• Have your system professionally cleaned annually. A professional <a href=http://www.westcan4u.com”>home furnace and air conditioner maintenance</a> schedule will keep your HVAC system protected against the build up of dust and debris. Dust and debris can cause a fire hazard and also makes your system work harder. Furnace and air conditioner technicians are professionals who are experienced in all types of HVAC systems. They will replace any worn parts and clean the ductwork in your home. They can also spot small problems before they become large expensive ones.
• Check your system’s ductwork for leaks. This is an easy step any homeowner can do. Use a thin piece of paper to check for leaks, or use smoke from incense to check for leaks. You will see the smoke coming from any leaks that may be present. If you find any leaks, use a heat resistant tape to seal the leaks along the joints and seams of the ducts.
• Remove any obstructions from the registers, vents and radiators. Don’t place furniture or curtains in front of radiators, vents or registers to block the heat and air flow. This step also helps to prevent mold and mildew buildup by keeping the air moving freely.
• Every two or three years have your ducts professionally cleaned. Sometimes dust, debris, mold and mildew build up in your ducts where you can’t see them or get to them. This will help keep the air flowing freely in your system, and make you more comfortable and healthy all during the year.
• A yearly HVAC tune up will address any problems your system may be experiencing and prevent problems in the future. It can even prolong the life of your system and save you money in the form of a well performing system.

• Have a programmable thermostat installed. You don’t need your home to be as cool or warm while you are away, and with a programmable thermostat you have more control over the amount of energy your HVAC system uses. This type of thermostat will also help to safeguard your home from electrical failures and fire hazards. You can set the thermostat to have your home the temperature you like it when you get home from work or school, and save money at the same time.

Almost half of your energy usage and cost goes into your heating and cooling system. It just makes sense to keep your HVAC system maintained. A well maintained system works better, lasts longer and saves you money. It also ensures that your family will be safe and comfortable no matter what the weather.

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3 Simple Ways How to Keep Our Home Warm During Winter

• One of the easiest ways is to dress warmly. Since our homes, office, cars and almost everywhere we go in the winter is heated; many people tend to forget to dress warmly. You can scoot out to your car quickly, flip on the heat and then run into your nice toasty office with just a light jacket on. But if you’re cold why not slip on a warm sweater or dress in layers? At home slip under a nice soft blanket while you watch the television, or add some extra layers you can take off if you get hot.
• Open up the drapes and let the sun shine in. Sun shine will heat up your rooms and add a bright cheery feel on a cold winter day. Sunlight contains an enormous amount of heat energy. Think about how on even a cold day the sun warms up your skin. The windows on the north side of your home are the warmest, so open up the blinds and let the sun warm up your home. After sunset close your blinds and drapes to retain the heat in your home.
• Make sure your house is weatherproofed. Check it for any holes, cracks or places cold air can enter. Use a high quality chalk to seal up any small holes or cracks, and add weather stripping especially around windows and doors. Use a sealing threshold addition on the bottom of your outside doors to block any airflow. Check your attic for adequate insulation before winter sets in so you’ll be ready for the cold weather.

These tips will help you stay warmer and use less energy, but there are times when you do have to turn on your home’s heating system. But if you follow these simple steps you will not have to set it as high and thereby save money and energy. One of the ways to save money in the long run is to have your heating and HVAC systems regularly checked by qualified HVAC technicians. During the inspection the technician will replace any worn parts and give your system a good cleaning. These steps will ensure that your heater will work and keep your and your family warm when you need it. To find out more about HVAC inspections and cleaning done by experienced and qualified technicians, visit www.westcan4u.com. We guarantee our work, and all of our technicians are licensed, bonded and receive continuing training.

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It is safe to say that many of us do not spend ample time concerned with our heating ducts. Practically invisible to our every day lives, the only run-in we may have with them is ducking down in the basement to avoid running into the exposed portions running along the ceiling. These sheet metal tubes, however, are an important working portion of our heating and air conditioning systems—and can have dramatic effects on our space and the working condition of our homes if they become clogged, dirty, or damp. Many of these negative impacts can be solved with the appropriate air duct cleaning. Calgary residents may not be aware of the increased efficiency and air quality that results from these cleaning procedures, but we’re here to explain the ins and outs of duct cleaning.

How do ducts get dirty?

Your air and heating systems run in a cycle—with a large tube that runs cool air from inside the house to your furnace, where the air is heated, then pushed back through another set of tubes into each room of your home. Because of the air filter that you find in your furnace, the tubes that carry the cool air tend to be a bit messier than those that transport the warmer air. Both types of ducts, however, have the capacity to become clogged or dirty. When this happens, there is a greater likelihood of this dirt and dust being redistributed through your home, dispersed in the air. This can potentially deteriorate the air quality throughout your home. Dirt and dust naturally collect in the home, caused by the shedding of skin and hair. It makes its way in from the outside, along with debris, and anyone with a pet will ultimately see a greater volume of particles. Humid climates also increase the likelihood of mold developing in homes, and in those air filtration systems. Keeping your air filtration systems clean is essential for increasing efficiency and improving air quality, and can be easily aided with furnace cleaning. Calgary homes can all benefit from this process.

How do you know your ducts need cleaned?

Thankfully, there are no real disadvantages to air duct cleaning in Calgary. Calgary residents may find that certain times necessitate the procedure more than others. A routine cleaning of your ducts will certainly not hurt, and you should always make sure to replace furnace air filters appropriately to keep your system running smoothly. Here are some particular times when having your ducts cleaned is even more important, however:

• You just moved in. As the saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If your home was just newly constructed, it may be good to have ducts cleaned just in case of dust and debris making their way into the ducts during the building process. If you’ve just recently bought and older home, there is no way of telling how many children’s toys, old receipts, or previous owner’s pet hair has lodged itself in those tubes. When you first move in is always a good idea to consider duct cleaning. Calgary homes may not be shabby, but you never know what’s happened where you can’t see.
• You find that the air flow doesn’t feel right. As explained previously, the air system works in a cycle. Air is sucked from the return ducts into the furnace then pushed out. If hot air is not flowing through the vents properly, it may not be receiving enough air on the other end because of a blockage. Always check furnace air filters first, but if after replacement the flow is still weak, then you should look into duct cleaning. Calgary residents could find that buildup in the return ducts is decreasing the efficiency of the heating system, and a cleaning will certainly be less expensive than the misguided belief that the furnace itself needs repaired or replaced.
• You find water in your ducts. Moisture buildup within ducts can lead to mold issues, which can have severe health effects for you and your family. If you find water in your air system, it may be beneficial to have them cleaned as a safety precaution. If you find actual mold in your ducts, it is even more important that you have them cleaned of the mold or replaced right away. Make sure the entire air system is properly cleaned, and furnace air filters replaced. For the sake of air quality, however, make sure that no large scale spraying of biocides is performed in your home.

Now you understand why duct cleaning is so important, and have a better idea of when you should have it performed in your home. The best tool you have for ensuring the efficiency of your heating system and the safety of your family is knowledge—so be sure to educate yourself as much as possible on the operation and hazards associated with this system. It may not solve all of your air problems, but there’s certainly no risk when it comes to air duct cleaning. Calgary residents can only expect to move forward.

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Regular furnace maintenance is one of the most important ways to keep you home’s heating and cooling systems working at peak efficiency. You may think you need a professional to come and clean your furnace, and you should have it done twice a year, but there are simple ways you the homeowner can keep your HVAC system clean and working properly. Accumulation of dust and debris in your duct work can build up and become a fire hazard, so use these tips to help keep your system clean and save you money. Check out these simple tips any homeowner can do to clean your furnace filter and heating system.

1. First go to your breaker box and turn off the power to your furnace. You never want to work on electrical appliances while they are just unplugged. Safety is your first concern and you don’t want a simple job turn into a trip to the ER or worse. If you have a gas or oil furnace, the fuel supply needs to be shut off and the pilot light extinguished.
2. Find your furnace’s maintenance service panel. You can find it using your system’s owner’s manual. It may open by hand, or you may need a screwdriver to unscrew the panel.
3. Locate the furnace filter; it’s the spongy object usually in a paper or metal frame. The filter is located between the air duct and the furnace; it is usually one inch or slightly more thick. Take an old toothbrush and clean the area where the filter sits after you remove it. This will help cut down on dust and debris and keep your furnace running smoothly.
4. If you have a reusable filter, take it out, rinse it out with a garden hose or in the shower, let it dry and replace it. If your filter is disposable be sure you have a new on one hand to pop in. You may want to write the size of your filter on the side of your furnace so you can get the right size when it is time to replace it.
5. Replace the cover and turn on your heater. Listen for any popping or cracking as this may signal an electrical problem. If you do hear any strange noises for a prolonged time, call a professional to come and check it out.

A clean filter and a clean furnace will save you money and keep your HVAC system working at its peak efficiency. Be sure to check the filter once a month and remove any blockage or debris, especially in the winter months when you use your furnace the most. This will not only keep your system working properly, but help avoid any respiratory and allergy issues your family can develop.

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Furnace Maintenance

Heating systems are usually trouble-free and easy to maintain. Efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance. No matter what type of furnace you have, there are several things you can do to keep your heating system in top condition. In this article, we will tell you how to service and troubleshoot your furnace, regardless of the type. Before we get to the troubleshooting, let’s start with some steps you can take before your furnace shuts down.

Cleaning a Furnace

Dirt is the biggest enemy of your furnace. It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace, so cleaning is the most important part of regular furnace maintenance. The three parts of the furnace should be cleaned: the filter system, the blower, and the motor.

The furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season and about once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, replace it with a new filter of the same type and size regardless of the length of time it has been used.

A disposable furnace filter consists of a fiber mesh in a cardboard frame. The size of the filter is printed on the edge of the frame. An arrow on the edge of the frame indicates the correct direction of airflow through the filter. Air flows from the return-air duct toward the blower, so the arrow on the filter should point away from the return-air duct and toward the blower.
Step 1: Look for metal panel on front of furnace below return-air duct, between duct and blower system. Panel may be marked filter, or it may form lid or front of boxlike projection on furnace housing.

Step 2: Slip panel off its holding hooks, or unscrew panel from box or furnace housing. On some heating units, filters are exposed; just slip filter up and out of U-shape tracks that hold it in place.

A permanent filter is usually sprayed with a special filter-coating chemical, available at hardware stores and home centers. Clean this type of filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are usually attached to the furnace housing. Here’s how to replace a filter:

Step 3: Inspect and replace or clean furnace filter, depending on type.

Step 4: Clean blower assembly, belts and pulleys to blower, and motor housing. Cleaning blower is critical if furnace has a squirrel-cage fan, because openings in this type of blower often become clogged with dirt. To clean blower, remove panel that covers filter to gain access to blower or panel on front of furnace. This panel may be slip-fit on hooks or held by series of retaining screws. Access to inside of blower is usually gained by sliding out fan unit, which is held on track by screws.

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In addition to regularly inspecting your furnace’s filter, brush and vacuum the heat exchanger surfaces every year, if recommended by your owner’s manual. Before the heating season, clean the blower blades and seal any air leaks in ducts with several wraps of duct tape.

Here’s how to change a replaceable filter:

1) Turn off the power to the unit.

2) Look for the door or panel that conceals the blower; sometimes this is marked “Filter.” Lift this door or panel off its holding hooks, or unscrew its retaining screws to remove it.

3) Standard filters are mounted next to or under the blower motor. Slide the filter out along its tracks. Check to see whether it is a disposable filter or intended to be cleaned and replaced—this information should be marked on the filter’s edge, along with directions for cleaning, if applicable. If it’s a disposable filter, its size will likely be printed on the frame’s edge. Make a note of it.

4) Buy a replacement, and slide it into place, noting that arrows stamped on the side indicate the proper direction of airflow; be sure you face these in the proper direction.

5) While you have the furnace open, vacuum out the area around the blower. If possible, slide out the fan unit, clean each fan blade with a toothbrush, and then vacuum with a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner.

6) Look for oil ports on the motor, normally located near the motor shaft. If the motor has these, apply two to three drops of non-detergent motor oil into each port (you may have to remove a cover plate to do this). Most contemporary motors don’t require lubrication, but motors with oil ports should be lubricated once a year.

7) Look for worn belts between the motor and pulleys. If you see any , see Furnace or Air Handler Squeal.

Source: HomeTips.com

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The other part of the furnace that is vital to clean is the blower and blower motor. As the blower and blower motor become contaminated with dust and debris, the blower motor begins to lose efficiency and have to work longer and harder. Eventually, the blower motor will burn out if there is too much contamination. In fact, many furnaces that have not been properly cleaned and maintained, will have to replace their blower motor long before the entire furnace needs replacement.

Most experts will agreee, you should have your forced air furnace and air ducts cleaned every year for safety and efficiency purposes, as well as extend the life of the appliance.

Source: Squidoo

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