STOP FREON THEFT!

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) Police say thieves climbed up a ladder of a local business and ransacked the three air conditioning units on the roof for scrap and the very dangerous gas Freon, which can cause a person to be high and kill them in the same breath.

It may cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair each air conditioning units that were broken into by the suspects.

Joe Kessler, owner of McDonald Heating and Air, said along with the copper and aluminum parts inside, they also got away with a Freon fix.

'It can get you delusional, like sniffing gasoline or paint, any toxic fumes,' said Kessler.

Kessler told CBS13 the company is seeing a spike in calls where their customers air conditioning unit is mysteriously out of Freon.

'It does not look like any reason there should not be refrigerant in the unit. So, it is possible to assume someone took it out of there,' Kessler.

They took it out, only to breathe it in.

There are federal regulations for all new AC units to come with a cap that can only be unlocked by a technician.

However, any unit installed before last year does not have the same requirements, which leaves most of us a target for fiends and nothing short of a sobering repair bill.

'It is unfortunate because it is definitely hurting their bodies,' Kessler.

While the feds have only required these caps to protect from Freon thefts since last year, you can get one to protect your unit.

 

Source:

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/07/13/freon-thefts-on-the-rise-for-drug-use/

Time For A New System?

 

Find Out How Easy It Can Be With GE Capital...

HVAC Financing Options

Learn how the energy savings from buying new equipment makes it affordable to finance the replacement of your old system.

Like a home or automobile, buying a central heating and cooling system could be one the largest investments you will make. But with the right energy efficient choice, you could see considerable savings over the lifetime of the system, which can also help offset your initial investment.

Energy Savings Practically Pays for Financing

Using energy savings to finance your purchase is a smart way to pay for your investment. Our financing program provides flexible plans and payment options for the home comfort solution that suits and satisfies your needs and budget.

Fast, Simple, Smart

By financing the purchase and installation of your home comfort system, you'll be comfortable with low monthly payments and the following benefits:

• Simple application process

• Fast credit decisions

• Exclusive cardholder promotions

• Low minimum monthly payments*

• Convenient monthly online statements

• Manage and pay your bill online

Home Comfort Financing is available through participating York Dealers. Apply for York credit today to start enjoying a more comfortable home tomorrow!

_{*Subject to credit approval}

Saving Energy and Money

The total cost of heating and cooling the average U.S. home is about $2,000 and that price is rising. When you have got an energy efficient air conditioning or heating system, you do not have to be part of that statistic. That is why it pays to calculate how much energy a new home comfort system can save you.

Learn how the higher efficiencies of todays heating and cooling equipment translate into lower utility bills.

Understanding Energy Rating Systems

To help you make informed decisions about how to save energy, several rating systems have been developed.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the efficiency of central air conditioners or heat pump usage over a theoretical cooling season.

It's a simple ratio of the amount of cooling provided by the air conditioner, as measured in BTUs with the amount of energy the central system consumes, measured in watts/hr. So if you see a system rated at 16 SEER, that actually means it produces 16 BTUs per watt-hour.

But remember, a SEER number is theoretical. Your usage patterns, as well as proper equipment sizing and installation, will determine actual efficiency.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures a heat pumps energy efficiency over one heating season combined with its SEER value over one cooling season. The HSPF formula is slightly more complicated. But the HSPF rating uses BTU to calculate useful heating output (including electric heat) divided by the total electricity energy heat pump consumed (in watt/hr) during the heating season.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures average efficiency for furnaces, boilers and water heaters. This is a measure for a theoretical heating season, not including electricity.

For SEER, HSPF and AFUE, higher numbers indicate higher energy efficiency. These numbers are then used in two energy rating programs:

EnergyGuide label: Manufacturers of heating and cooling equipment are required to display the EnergyGuide label. This label estimates how much energy the equipment uses, compares energy use of similar products, and gives approximate annual operating costs. Your exact costs will depend on local utility rates and the type and source of your energy.

ENERGY STAR certification: ENERGY STAR is a voluntary energy awareness program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our high-efficiency systems are labeled ENERGY STAR to identify products that are at least 15% more efficient than standard products.

Get the Right Size to Save the Most Money

In most homes, the heating and cooling system is too big. Besides wasting energy, improper size can create uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and maintenance problems over time.

Improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. But properly sized ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can easily cut your annual energy bill by hundreds of dollars. Programmable thermostats, like the York Affinity Residential Communicating Control, can save you even more with improved energy savings, home comfort and peace of mind that your equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Ask us about high-efficiency residential products with the ENERGY STAR label.

3 Tips For A Spring HVAC Tune-Up To Save You Money This Summer

 

Winter has come and gone, spring is upon us and as you prepare to de-clutter your home, ridding your abode of excess, this would also be a great time to for a HVAC tune-up. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning all of which can take a beating during the changing of the seasons.

With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, we spoke with some HVAC repair professionals who were willing to offer homeowners some tips regarding getting their homes ready for warmer weather.

Filter Replacement, Clean Blades & Duct Inspection

This is an easy one, solvable by a quick trip to your local hardware store. Filters should be changed once a year or more, depending on use. If your filters are dirty and clogged, restricting the flow of air, a simple replacement will not only keep hot or cold air from being lost in the vents, but will also keep your unit from overworking and overheating, which could result in a hefty repair bill.

Also make sure to check your outdoor unit to make sure there is little to no build-up on your fans blades. Excess dirt or gunk and can down bog your exterior unit down, leaving it lumpish and prone to giving out during warm summer months. Make sure to also keep an eye on it in winter as frost or ice can have a similar effect.

Lastly, should you experience ventilation problems, checking your duct work would be an optimum place to begin. The same way a puncture wound in a hose would decrease water pressure, a crushed or disconnected air duct will decrease air flow, while overworking your unit and raising your electric bill.

Rely On Your Eyes And Ears

While the average homeowner does not possess the expertise of a long-time HVAC repair technician, the simple task of paying attention to what you see or hear can help clue you in if there is something wrong.

When your compressor kicks on are there any noticeably strange sounds? Does your unit sound like it is struggling to keep up with basic tasks? Are you paying attention to your thermostat and if it is a modern digital unit, do you have an understanding regarding how all aspects of it work? Taking care of what is in your control can keep bigger issues from arising. Make sure to do so as the seasons change.

Pay Attention To Refrigerant

While you might not fully understand how your units compressor works, some basic issues with the refrigeration system can be noticeable with the naked eye.

Most obvious would be a build up of dirt or dust on the coils, the condensation lines not functioning properly or coils and pipes freezing up, which is usually the culprit when running your A/C yet hot air blows out.

Remember, as a renter or homeowner, a vast knowledge of your HVAC system is not expected, but a basic understanding and some troubleshooting can not only help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler during summer, it can also keep your unit running smoothly, efficiently and can save you money in the long run.