Evenflow Mechanical: 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

FROM THE EVENFLOW FAMILY TO YOURS......

WISHING YOU THE BEST NEW YEAR EVER!

Winter Weather Tips: PART I

Set the Thermostat Properly
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 68 degrees for winter heating. When heating, your operating costs increase 3 percent to 8 percent for each degree your thermostat is raised.

Tune-Up Heating System Annually
Energy costs has increased up to 60 percent or more this year. One way you can minimize this increased expense is by having annual service done to your heating system. Studies show that homeowners having annual service to their systems spend an average of 30 dollars less each month because of increased efficiency. Lack of regular maintenance is also the number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repairs.

Keep the Air Filter Clean
The easiest way to ensure your system operated efficiently is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter on your furnace. Ask your service technician next time he is out at your home to show you where your air filter is located and which type of air filter to use. If you have allergies, you should look at a pleated allergy filter or a media or electronic style air cleaner.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

From all of us at Evenflow Mechanical, we want to wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons!

With all of the cold weather we have been getting, we would like to encourage you to be careful out on the roads.

If you are kicking yourself because you didn't get your furnace or heating unit checked before it got too cold, it's not too late! Evenflow is still offering you a chance to have it serviced, and for a limited time we are offering our twice a year maintenance contract at a special price! So don't delay and sign up for our maintenance contract or schedule a call today.

Christmas Tree Safety - PT II

Keep an eye on extension cords, as they can occasionally overheat. Just touch-test the cord. If it is hot, unplug it.

Do not use tacks, nails or screws to hang lights, which can pierce the cable and become electrified. Use insulated hooks instead.

When running extension cords along the ground, make sure to elevate plugs and connectors with a brick to keep snow, water and debris out of the connections.

Tape down any ground-level extensions cords to prevent people from tripping over them.

Check to make sure lights have been rated by a testing laboratory. You can see a list of federally recognized labs on the Occupational Safety & Health Administrations website.

Not all lights are rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights often have thinner insulation, which can become cracked and damaged when exposed to the elements outdoors. So make sure the ones you string up on the house belong out there.

Do not leave Christmas lights running when you go to bed at night or when you leave the house.

When you put your lights back into storage after the holidays, make sure to put them in a well-sealed container to prevent possible water damage and to block hungry rodents looking to turn the cords into lunch. My final advice? Be careful with ladders.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Christmas Tree Safety - PT I

A house lit up with Christmas lights is a beautiful sight to behold. But stringing lights across your roof and around your home can be a real safety hazard if you are not careful. So before you flip the switch to dazzle friends and family with your spectacular light show, take a few moments to run through a quick safety checklist.

Before you string up a single strand of lights, carefully check them for cracked cords, frayed ends or loose connections.

The combination of shorts in electrical lights and a tinder-dry tree can be deadly. There are 250 Christmas tree fires and 14 related deaths each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. So keep your tree well-watered. Not only will it stay fresh and green, but it might also keep your house from burning down.

Modern lights have fused plugs, preventing sparks in case of a short circuit. Ditch old strands of lights that do not have fuses and get a set of newer, safer lights.

If bulbs have burned out, replace them right away, but make sure you use the correct wattage bulbs.

Water and debris can get into outdoor sockets, so make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to reduce the risk of shorts and shocks.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

Believe it or not, the weather will cool down before you know it and you will want your heating system to be working properly. Regularly scheduled maintenance by a professional is essential for keeping your system in top operating condition.

Filters should be checked monthly, especially in times of high usage. Dirty filters can result in your system running inefficiently and raising your energy costs. Dirt and dust trapped in your system can also lead to expensive repairs if allowed to build up over time. Use the best quality filters for the best results.

Check your ductwork for cracks or loose seams where your heated air can escape. Seal all seams and connections with metal-backed or duct sealant (mastic) tape. You can then wrap ductwork with insulation to keep your ducts leak-free. Speaking of insulation, having the proper wall and ceiling insulation in your home can result in energy savings in both summer and winter. Both the U.S. Department of Energy and APS provide guidelines for proper insulation in specific geographic regions.

Check your condenser as well. First remove any grass, weeds or vines that may have grown up around your condenser, obstructing air flow. Also remove any leaves or other debris. Using a dry, soft brush, clean the exterior of the condenser to remove accumulated dirt. If you are reaching the fins, use care when brushing away dirt. Fins are lightweight and easily damaged. Do not use your hose, as the dirt can turn to mud packed between the fins.

The concrete pad on which your condenser rests should be level. You can check this by setting a carpenters level front to back and side to side on top of the condenser. If you need to level your pad, you can pry it up slightly and fill underneath with a little gravel. These easy, common-sense measures will keep your home and your wallet comfortable this fall.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

DO YOU KNOW DUCTLESS? PART II

OUR 'Q&A' TO EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THIS HIGH EFFICIENCY INNOVATION

Q: How long have ductless systems been around?
Q: How much does a ductless system cost?
Q: What incentives are available for ductless systems?
Q: How long will a ductless system last?
Q: What kind of maintenance does a ductless system require?
Q: How do I know what size of system my house needs?
Q: What is a Master Installer?

Q: How long have ductless systems been around?

Ductless heating and cooling systems were developed in Japan in the 1970s and have since become a preferred heating and cooling system throughout Asia and much of Europe. In the United States ductless systems have been used in commercial applications for over 20 years.

Q: How much does a ductless system cost?

The average cost of an installed ductless systems with a single indoor heating/cooling zone is between $3,000 and $5,000. Additional heating zones and greater heating capacities will increase the cost of the system. Other factors that will affect the cost of an installed system include manufacturer and model, refrigerant line-set length, difficulty of installation, and contractor rates.

Q: What incentives are available for ductless systems?

Utility Rebates: most utilities in the Northwest are offering their customers cash rebates as high as $1,500 when they upgrade their existing electric resistance heating system to a ductless system. Interest-free financing may also be available. Check with your local utility for details.

Federal Tax Credits - Additional incentives: May be available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified energy-efficient residential ductless systems. In 2012, the Federal Tax Credit was removed. For the most recent information, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#c3

Montana - Additional Incentives: the state of Montanas Energy Conservation Installation Credit provides a tax credit for 25% of the cost of a ductless system with a maximum credit of $500 per individual; up to $1,000 for a married couple filing jointly. http://revenue.mt.gov/forindividuals/ind_tax_incentives/energy_related_tax_relief.mcpx

Oregon - Additional Incentives: the Oregon Department of Energy has a tax credit available through the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) program. The credit is valued at $50 per half-ton of rated capacity, with a maximum credit of 25% of the system cost, or $400, whichever is less. www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/RES/tax/HVAC-HP-AC.shtml

Additional Resources: a database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can be found at: http://dsireusa.org/

Q: How long will a ductless system last?

With proper maintenance and care a ductless systems should perform for over 20 years. Many of the systems installed during the 1980s are still functioning well today.

Q: What kind of maintenance does a ductless system require?

Ductless systems require basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases maintenance is limited to keeping filters and coils clean. These tasks can easily be performed by the home owner.

Q: How do I know what sized system my house needs?

Ductless systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of a homes individual zones. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing as one indoor unit can provide between .75 and 2.5 tons of heating/cooling depending on its BTU capacity rating. Some common capacities for indoor units are 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, and 30k BTU. Outdoor units are sized to meet the combined load of all heating/cooling zones. More than one outdoor unit may be necessary for multi-zone systems.

Q: What is a Master Installer?

A Master Installer has proven experience with ductless systems and provides thorough customer support. These installers have successfully completed Quality Assurance Inspections, a high level of technical installation training, and agreed to rigorous series of best practices. A ductless system installed by a Master Installer will include attention to equipment performance, appearance and thorough customer education.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

DO YOU KNOW DUCTLESS? PART I

OUR 'Q&A' TO EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THIS HIGH EFFICIENCY INNOVATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a ductless heating and cooling system?
Q: Do I still need my old heaters?
Q: How does a ductless system work?
Q: How is the system controlled?
Q: What are appropriate applications for a ductless system?
Q: Are ductless systems efficient?

Q: What is a ductless heating and cooling system?

A ductless heating and cooling system is a highly efficient zonal heating and cooling system that does not require the use of air ducts. Ductless systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, called 'heads', linked by a dedicated refrigerant line. Indoor heads are typically mounted high on a wall or ceiling covering a 3 inch hole where the refrigerant line passes through from the outside unit, which is mounted at the base of the house. Each indoor head corresponds with a heating and cooling zone that can be controlled independently.

Q: Do I still need my old heaters?

While a ductless system can be used as a primary heat source, homeowners are encouraged to keep their existing electric heating units as a supplement the Ductless system in case of extreme weather conditions or in hard to reach extremities of the home.

Q: How does a ductless system work?

Ductless systems are reversible, 2-way heat pumps that use electricity to transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding refrigerant. Using a refrigerant vapor compression cycle, like a common household refrigerator, ductless systems collect heat from outside the house and deliver it inside on the heating cycle, and vice versa on the cooling cycle. Ductless systems use variable speed compressors with 'inverter technology' (AC to DC) in order to continuously match the heating/cooling load, avoiding the on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems that is commonly associated with uncomfortable temperature variations and high energy consumption.

Ductless Systems consist of several parts:

- An outdoor unit that contains a condensing coil, an inverter-driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil.

- An indoor unit that contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air into throughout the heating zone.

- A refrigerant line-set that is made of insulated copper tubing and is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain.

- A remote control that can be used to set the desired temperature and program in night-time settings.

Q: How is the system controlled?

The system is controlled via remote control that changes temperature as well as mode of operation. Wall mounted controls are also available.

Q: What are appropriate applications for a ductless system?

Replacing an existing zonal heating system: Ductless systems are ideal for replacing or supplementing inefficient electric baseboard, wall or ceiling units, woodstoves and other space heaters such as propane or kerosene. A cost effective electric heat conversion in a small house might consist of single system serving the main area of the house, while leaving existing electric baseboards in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Room additions: A ductless system can also be implemented when a room is added onto a house or an attic is converted to living space. Rather than extending the homes existing ductwork or pipes, or adding electric resistance heaters, the ductless system can provide efficient heating and cooling.

New construction: New home designs can be adapted to take advantage of a ductless systems many benefits. One or more systems might be installed in various 'zones' of the house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.

Q: Are ductless systems efficient?

Yes! Ductless systems operate using 25% to 50% less energy than electric resistance and forced air systems. Three key factors account for the high efficiency of a ductless system:

1. Ductless systems allow the user to control each heating/cooling zone independently, eliminating the costly over-heating and cooling common to central air systems. Why pay to heat or cool rooms that are not currently occupied?

2. While central air systems lose as much as 30% efficiency through air leaks and conduction in the ductwork, ductless systems distribute air directly to each zone, resulting in 25% greater efficiency. Ductless systems use inverter-driven, variable speed compressors that allow the system to maintain constant indoor temperatures by running continuously at higher or lower speeds. Thus, the system can ramp-up or down without great losses in operating efficiency, avoiding the energy intensive on/off cycling common in electric resistance and forced air systems.

3. Modern ductless systems have ultra-high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) between 16 and 22, and Heating Seasonal Performance Factors (HSPF) between 8.5 and 11.

Look for Part II - DO YOU KNOW DUCTLESS?

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Introducing the STAR Lineup of Ductless Air-Conditioning and Heating Units

A breakthrough in pure comfort

We offer more ENERGY STAR systems than ever.

ENERGY STAR Systems incorporate eco-comfort technology, dual and triple-allergen filtration, and whisper-quiet operation.

New technology revolutionizes the heat pump.

Space-saving design means easy and unobtrusive installation.

We offer more ENERGY STAR systems than ever, and we're the industry leader.

We have Energy Star rated systems with dramatic increases all the way up to 26 SEER. .

Our units incorporate eco-comfort technology, dual and triple-allergen filtration, and are whisper-quiet.

Eco-comfort technology makes these systems smarter in how they use energy and minimizes their impact on the environment. Plus, there are many advanced features like the i-see Sensor, that automatically detects room temperature differences and adjusts for greater comfort. Mitsubishi Electric's advanced multi-stage filtration systems dramatically reduce allergens and help eliminate odors. Our indoor units operate with sound levels starting as low as 19dB(A), quieter than a human whisper.

Mitsubishi Electric offers the most technologically advanced heat pump systems in the world.

Unlike older, inefficient heat pumps, there is no cold air delivery with Mitsubishi Electric's Cooling & Heating systems. The Hot Start^TM system doesn't activate the fan until the desired temperature is reached, so it never blows cold air. Select models use Hyper-Heating INVERTER (H2i) technology that operates effectively down to -13 degrees F. These models give true year-round comfort from a single system.