Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Star Boilers

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

ENERGY STAR qualified boilers have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% or greater. AFUE is the measure of heating equipment efficiency. They achieve greater efficiency with features, including:

• electronic ignition, which eliminates the need to have the pilot light burning all the time
• new combustion technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel
• sealed combustion that uses outside air to fuel the burner, reducing drafts and improving safety

How efficient are ENERGY STAR qualified boilers?

ENERGY STAR qualified boilers (gas or oil) use about 10% less energy than a standard boiler. They have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or greater. ENERGY STAR qualified boilers achieve greater efficiency with improved features, including:

• electric ignition, which eliminates the need to have the pilot light burning all the time
• new combustion technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel
• sealed combustion that uses outside air to fuel the burner, reducing draft and improving safety

Is there a tax credit for electric furnaces or boilers?

There was only a tax credit for gas, propane, or oil furnaces and hot water boilers (but it expired Dec 31, 2011).

I have base board water heat (boiler) in my home.  Would it be beneficial to use a programmable thermostat?

Hot-water radiator systems generally do take longer to heat up once they are turned down. However if you are out of the house more than about 6 hours a day, then you will likely benefit from turning down your thermostat when you’re away from the house or asleep. A programmable thermostat would also allow you to turn the temperature back up 1 hour before you get home, so the system is warmed up. Contact your local HVAC contractor to find out whether a programmable thermostat is available for your particular system and what they recommend...

Of course, also consider improving the “envelope” of your home – adequate insulation and proper air sealing in walls, attic, etc., to keep the warm air in longer and save energy.

 

Is there a tax credit for indirect water heaters?

Indirect water heaters were not mentioned in the tax credit law, so they were not eligible for a tax credit. The only water heaters that were eligible for a tax credit are electric heat pump water heaters, gas, propane, or oil water heaters, or solar water heaters.

Indirect water heaters use your furnace or boiler to heat the water in its storage tank.

 

Are there advantages to using a contractor to do ENERGY STAR Home Sealing for me?

Yes. A contractor will have advanced testing tools and products to help them find hidden leaks and seal them up quickly. Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, in some cases you may need to call in a contractor for certain parts of the job (e.g., if you have old electrical wiring, roof damage, attic ventilation issues, or if you need to address recessed can lights in the attic floor). A professional can also perform a combustion safety test after air sealing to make sure your furnace, boiler, or water heater are venting properly after sealing.

 

Source

Maintaince Tips for Your Trane

You wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without changing the oil. The same logic holds true for your home comfort system. Regular preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. Pre-season maintenance is also important. It can help to avoid a system failure in severe hot or cold weather when you need it most, and it can also keep your energy bill from getting out of control.

When Should I Do Maintenance?

The old adage is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Below you’ll find our Preventative Maintenance Checklist, which is our proven method to keep your system in the pink and your home in constant comfort.

• For a system that heats and cools: perform maintenance in the spring and fall.
• For cooling only: perform maintenance at least once a year, before the cooling season.
• For heating only: perform maintenance at least once a year, before the heating season.

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Many dealers provide priority service for their customers who have an annual maintenance or service agreement. Bi-annual preventative maintenance will ensure that your system runs as efficiently as possible. Your local dealer will perform the following tasks, depending on the unit:

Outdoor Units

• Inspect unit for proper refrigerant level and adjust if necessary
• Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet
• Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings—remove obstructions as necessary
• Inspect coil and cabinet—clean as needed
• Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage—on older models lubricate as needed
• Inspect control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.
• Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage

Indoor Units

• Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)
• On older models, lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed
• Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary
• Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed
• Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces
• Inspect burner assembly—clean and adjust as needed
• Inspect ignition system and safety controls—clean and adjust as needed
• Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements
• Inspect flue system—check for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.
• Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections
• Clean or replace air filters
• Inspect conditioned airflow system (ductwork)—check for leaks

While Your System Is Operating

• Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities
• Listen for abnormal noise
• Search for source of unusual odors
• Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge
• Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature
• Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature
• Measure high and low side system pressures
• Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure—make adjustments as needed
• Measure temperature rise and adjust airflow as needed
• Check vent system for proper operation
• Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
• Monitor system operation per manufacturer's specifications
• Provide system operation report and recommend repairs or replacement as necessary

NOTE: Trane recommends all maintenance and service work be performed by a professional air conditioning and heating dealer that holds the appropriate credentials to install and service air conditioning and heating equipment.

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Trane?

Trane systems are designed to provide optimal efficiency and comfort. Now it’s time to do the same to your home. Here are some things you can do around the house to optimize the operation of your system, as well as the comfort inside your home.

Cooling

• Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.
• Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging vents.
• When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun's heat.
• During moderate weather, don't use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
• Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
• Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
• In the cooling season, don't run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.
• Don't place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.

Heating

• Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from windows and doors.
• Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.
• People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree or two when expecting a large group of guests.

Insulation

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation should be specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values). R-30 (10") is recommended for ceilings, and R-11 (3-1/2”) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In colder climates, consider additional insulation.
• Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and air conditioning system's worst enemy—it could account for 15% to 30% of air conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can sneak into the home and plug them with caulking, weather-stripping or plastic. Also, weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows.
• Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40% to 50% with double-glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) and low-e glass.
• Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows even if single-glazed windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer of still air will cut heat transfer considerably.
• Install storm doors at all entrances to your house.
• Keep all windows and doors closed.
• Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter.
• Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers, which can be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in winter. The air in your home won't be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting.

Source

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold and Indoor Air Quality

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
   
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
   
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
   
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
   
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
   
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
   
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
   
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
   
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Source

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal Heat Pumps)

How efficient is a GSHP?

The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.
     
Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?
Yes. A GSHP can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on your indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.

How long will my GSHP system last?
GSHPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.

How noisy is the GSHP unit?
GSHPs are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside of the home. GSHPs have no noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities, on or near the patio.

How safe are GSHPs?
GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

How will I save money with a GSHP? GSHPs save money, both in operating costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be recouped in as little as three years. There is a positive cash flow, since the energy savings usually exceeds payment on the system.

Will my existing ductwork function with this system?
Yes, in most cases. Your dealer or installer will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.

Will an underground loop affect my lawn or landscape?
No. Research has shown that loops have no adverse effects on grass, trees, or shrubs. Most horizontal installations require trenches about six inches wide. Temporary bare areas can be restored with grass seed or sod. Vertical loops require little space and do not damage lawns significantly.

My yard contains many shade trees. Will this affect ground temperature and my ability to use it as an energy source?
Not at all. The system is installed deep enough that it utilizes constant ground temperature.

Do soil freezing conditions create any problems? Not if a system is properly designed and installed. The three to four foot depths allow the sun to melt the frozen soil during the summer. Adequate length per ton capacity prevents objectionable soil movement.



Source