Believe These Energy Efficiency Myths? Top 5 Busted

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Myth BustersMore and more people are trying to reduce their carbon footprints, improving the environment for future generations.  As trusted southeast Michigan heating, cooling, and plumbing professionals, we know that many homeowners have heard and read little pieces of “advice” here and there that they believe to be fact.  Some of these energy efficiency “tips” are actually energy efficiency myths, and will end up costing you more in energy costs!

Energy Efficiency Myths

Most of the energy efficiency myths we will talk about below relate to leaving appliances, lights, and electronics on, rather than turning them off when not in use.  You may be surprised to learn that what you have been doing is all wrong!

Energy is saved by using screen savers on your computer

picture of sunflower in monitor isolated on white backgroundMyth!  While it doesn’t actually cost you more if you do use one, a screen saver does nothing to save energy.  A screen uses the same amount of energy whether it is left on a website or spreadsheet, or with the screensaver on.  If you need to leave your computer for a few minutes, just turn it off – that’s the only real way you will save energy.

 

Leaving the lights on saves more energy than turning them on and off. 

wall mounted light switch turned up to the on positionAgain, this is a myth!  While this piece of advice applied mostly to fluorescent tube lighting, even with the energy-saving light bulbs available today it is more energy efficient to turn the lights off when you leave a room.  Get into the habit, and it will save you a bundle.  Industrial or commercial businesses may want to consider lighting that works through motion detection to eliminate the need for turning lights on and off.

Cooling a room costs less when you leave the ceiling fan on

silver and wood ceiling fan with a light on a white ceilingThis is a big myth – ceiling fans only cool the people who are in a room by circulating the air around, the actual room temperature doesn’t change at all.  If a room is not occupied and you leave the ceiling fan on, it is a total – and costly – waste of energy.  Air conditioning is the only “true” way to lower the temperature in a room.  However, you don’t want to run your air conditioning unless you need it either, because it uses energy!

It costs more in energy to heat a cold building or space

Boiler Installation by Haley MechanicalThink it’s better to leave a boiler on overnight, so that the building doesn’t get as cold, and thus takes less time to heat up?  False!  The fact is a boiler works equally as hard whether maintaining a temperature or warming up to the desired temperature, so when you don’t actually need it, flip the switch to off.

 

You waste energy and “wear out” light bulbs and computers by repeatedly switching on and off

Picture of a pc on & off switchNot true!  While older computers were more susceptible to damage caused by everyday wear and tear, today’s modern computers are tougher and more durable.  If you are forgetful, utilize the ‘sleep’ and ‘hibernate’ power saving modes to avoid wasting energy.  Turning lights on and off has no impact on their lifespan, as they are designed for this type of use.  The takeaway?  Turn lights and computers off when you’re not using them.

Maybe some of these myths got started by people who are simply just too lazy to turn things off, or perhaps at some point they were believed to be true.  Regardless, there is no advantage energy-wise to leaving electronics, lights, boilers, or ceiling fans on when not in use!

Have questions about saving energy?  At Haley Mechanical, our goal is to help Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and other homeowners in the southeast Michigan area save money on energy.  Call us today for all of your heating, cooling, and electrical needs!

Furnace Have a Cracked Heat Exchanger? The Risks are Real

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Cracked Heat ExchangerAs trusted southeast Michigan heating professionals, one of the most difficult problems we have to address with a homeowner is when a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger.  It may seem like no big deal, but it is in fact a very big deal.  Because repairing a heat exchanger is impossible, it usually makes better sense to simply replace the heat exchanger or the entire system.

The fact is you may not even be aware that you have cracks or holes in your heat exchanger unless your heating system is maintained on a regular basis.  When will you know it?  Either when your system fails, or worse – there is the potential for carbon monoxide to begin building in your home.

Here’s some information Ann Arbor, Dexter, and other residents of SE Michigan will be interested to learn about heat exchangers:

Your furnace heat exchanger essentially helps separate flames and hot gases from the forced air that passes over it, thereby preventing a possible fire or spread of gases.  Once the combustion gasses are produced by the burners in a gas furnace, the heat exchanger is the first place these gasses go.  It is a chamber of sorts, made up of a series of ribbons or tubes inside your furnace.  Once the gases are routed into the heat exchanger, they eventually exit through the exhaust system or flue.

Ultimately, the heat exchanger heats up because of the hot gases that pass through it; once the blower is turned on, the forced air which passes over it is warmed before coming into your home.

The Real Risk of a Damaged or Cracked Heat Exchanger

Propane and natural gas do burn very clean, however carbon monoxide or CO may be produced in small amounts during the combustion process.  As you are aware, CO has no taste, color, or odor which is why it is often referred to as the “deadly killer.”  This is why it is essential that homeowners who heat with fuel have a carbon monoxide detector in their homes!

The small amount of CO produced during the combustion process is harmless, but when your heat exchanger is cracked or has holes or areas that are rusted out, carbon monoxide can actually be spread through your home when the air passes over your heat exchanger.  This is why it’s important to have your heating system inspected on an annual basis, so that cracks, holes or other issues which may put your family at risk can be detected early on.

Call Haley Mechanical today if you suspect you may have a cracked heat exchanger, or it’s time to have your heating system inspected.  We want to keep southeast Michigan homeowners warm and comfortable – and safe!

Should You Turn to the Internet to Order HVAC Parts?

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Online ShoppingThese days on the Web, there are many things you can find and purchase online cheaper than you can locally. Buying HVAC equipment isn’t one of them. To get the right parts for your system and make sure you are getting quality parts, you want to hire a certified HVAC expert.

A certified HVAC expert will be qualified and knowledgeable to work on your HVAC system as well as knowing what parts and equipment to use. If something goes wrong, you need a company that can stand behind the work and repair or replace whatever it takes to solve the problem. A contractor can’t do that if they use parts they aren’t familiar with or don’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

With the proliferation of online ‘deals’ some people are turning to the Internet to buy HVAC equipment, but in the end, is it really a bargain? If you buy the wrong part, you may be stuck with something you don’t need and still need the HVAC system fixed. The bigger problem lies in the warranty. A certified HVAC expert will guarantee their work is free of defects. This means they are also standing behind the parts. For that reason, most HVAC contractors won’t honor a warranty on a part they don’t supply or aren’t Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or equivalent.

Your heating and cooling systems are not only critical to your and your family’s comfort; it is a potentially dangerous system if it is not operating as it should. A system with faulty parts is not going to operate efficiently. Best case is a defective system that will cost you money in wasted energy and expensive maintenance down the road.

Not only should you look for a certified HVAC expert, look for a well established business with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. You want a business whose reputation precedes them as that means most business comes from word of mouth referrals from satisfied clients. They know what parts are needed and where to get them for the best price.

Don’t try to buy your HVAC equipment yourself online. Contact a qualified HVAC service company and get the right stuff.

Desire a Greener Home? Seven Plumbing Features You Won’t Want to Miss

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Picture of plumbing toolsAs trusted service providers to homeowners in Ann Arbor, Canton, Plymouth and surrounding areas of air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems, we understand that having a “green” home not only contributes to a safe environment for future generations, it also helps you save money.  Did you know there are many things you can do throughout your home to save on water usage, thus saving on how much you spend for water each month?

 

Here are seven plumbing features you won’t want to be without:

Aerators.  Want to reduce the amount of water you use in the kitchen or bathroom, without sacrificing water pressure?  Aerators allow the water and air in a faucet to mix.  This means that you can still enjoy an invigorating shower without using gallons of water.  Look for them at your local plumbing or home improvement store.

High efficiency washing machine.  Washing machines use a ton of water; in fact, regular washing machines may use 25 to 30 gallons per load!  A high-efficiency washing machine not only cuts water usage by up to 35%, it will also reduce energy use by about 20%.  Good reasons to consider a high-efficiency model.

Faucets.  Think of all the water that runs right down the drain while you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.  WaterSense faucets reduce the volume of water by as much as 30% or more, however you won’t experience a noticeable drop in pressure.

Toilets – essential, but the biggest source of water waste in your home.  Did you know that toilets manufactured before 1992 typically use about 3 1/2 to 5 gallons of water per flush?  This is huge!  To use less water, consider replacing your old toilet with a dual-flush or high-efficiency model.

A high efficiency dishwasher can save you as much as 1,300 gallons of water over its lifetime.  That’s right – dishwashers installed before 1994 will generally use 10 gallons or more each time you run it.

Consider a tankless water heater.  Your water heater accounts for as much as 25% of your home’s total energy usage. By replacing your conventional water heater with an tankless model, you can slash up to 30% off your energy bill each month.

Low-flow showerhead.  Regular showerheads or those that are older can use water at a rate of 5.5 gallons per minute!  A low-flow showerhead reduces the usage to 2.5 gallons per minute or less, meaning you can cut back on water usage for showering purposes by as much as 60%.  Imagine the savings if you have a large family!

Considering that a showerhead can run at a rate of more than 5 gallons per minute and that older toilets can require 5 gallons for every flush, it’s easy to see how you could actually use hundreds of gallons each day – and it’s costing you while using valuable natural resources.  Keep the above tips in mind, and enjoy a “green” home that costs you less!

At Haley Mechanical, we want to help you make your entire home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.  Southeast Michigan homeowners feel free to contact us for more tips on saving energy – and money.

Air Conditioner on the Blink? Five Possibilities to Consider

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Picture of a vintage thermometerAs trusted southeast Michigan air conditioning experts, we know how frustrating it can be when the weather gets warm, you need the a/c, and it won’t work.  It won’t be long before you will be needing to cool your indoor spaces, and there are very limited reasons why a system fails to work as expected when summer arrives.  Basically, problems arise when either your air conditioner is not properly installed, it is not maintained as often as it should be, or is poorly serviced.

According to the federal Department of Energy, there are five problems with air conditioning systems that seem to be fairly common; here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Inadequate maintenance.  Taking care of something as simple as cleaning the air conditioning coils and changing the filter as necessary can make a huge difference.  When the system is dirty and clogged, it can result in a fan or compressor that fails prematurely because the system has to work too hard.

Refrigerant leaks.  Manufacturers specify the recommended refrigerant charge for their air conditioners; when you can match your refrigerant charge to the manufacturers recommendation, it will operate effectively.  Leaks not only make your system work harder, they harm the environment.  You may think all you need to do is add more refrigerant, but this is not the way to handle the issue.  Call a trained SE Michigan air conditioning technician to repair the leak.  Your technician will test to ensure the leak is repaired, then use the specified amount of refrigerant to charge your system.

Drainage issues.  Humidity can cause problems, so check to ensure the condensate drain isn’t clogged and is draining as it should.  It’s also important that window conditioners are level for proper drainage.

Electric control failure.  Terminals and wires that are corroded can cause your cooling system to fail, so set up a service call to have your technician check out the electrical contacts and connections. In addition, a system that is too big for your home will cycle on and off more frequently than a properly sized system, which can wear out fan controls and even the compressor.

Sensor problems.  Have a window air conditioner?  On this type of system, a thermostat sensor in located behind the control panel, and is responsible for keeping the room comfortable.  Your a/c may cycle on and off too often if the sensor becomes knocked out of position; it should be located near the evaporative coil, but not touching it.  You can adjust this yourself by carefully bending the wire that holds the sensor in place.

Recently, Consumer Reports conducted a survey of more than 40,000 readers who purchased a central air conditioning system. Those that required the most frequent repairs included York, Amana, and Goodman.  As an authorized Lennox dealer, we know that the system you choose can make a substantial difference in the problems (and expense) you will face down the road!

Keep the tips above in mind if you face problems with your air conditioning system this summer – and give us a call should you encounter a problem you can’t handle yourself.  As reputable southeast Michigan air conditioning professionals, your comfort is our business.

Contact us today!

What Southeast Michigan Homeowners Should Know About Air Sealing and Energy Efficiency

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Air pollution - dirty smoke comming out of a chimneyWhat is the single most important factor for southeast Michigan homeowners to enjoy reduced heating and cooling costs?  Air sealing!  As trusted Ann Arbor HVAC contractors, we know that energy costs are one of the highest costs homeowners face today; however, by air sealing your home you can substantially reduce the amount you pay for energy each month.

Not only can you save money, sealing up any air leaks in your home will improve home comfort as well.  When air leaks around windows, doors, through the attic and other areas, it means loss of conditioned air – and uncomfortable rooms.  So, how can you detect and repair air leaks in your home, thereby reducing energy costs and enjoying a more comfortable home this spring and summer?

  • Perform a visual inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home, including:
  • Areas where the foundation and siding or brick meet, or where siding and the chimney meet
  • Around outdoor faucets and corners of your home
  • Window and doors
  • Attic hatches
  • Window and wall-mounted air conditioners
  • Around electrical outlets
  • Fireplace dampers
  • Where clothes dryer vents pass through wall or floor
  • Around holes where phone lines or cable enter your home

If you find air leaks, take measures to seal them up.  Caulking and weather stripping are commonly used to block air leakage around windows and doors.

You can also perform a pressurization test to check for air leaks, but be sure all gas burning appliances are turned off.  Close all of your windows, exterior doors, and fireplace flues, then turn on all stove vents, bathroom fans, or a large window fan designed to take air out of the room.  Light a stick of incense and place it near any areas where you suspect leaks; if the smoke is sucked out of the room, blows in, or wavers, it is a sign there is an air leak at the location.

Foam sealant and gaskets are good for sealing air leaks around baseboards, an behind switch plates and outlets.  Close your fireplace damper when not in use, and use sheet metal, furnace cement caulk or other fire-resistant materials to seal around furnaces, chimneys, and gas-fired water heater vents.

Need more guidance on detecting or eliminating air leaks in your SE Michigan home?  Call the professionals at Haley Mechanical today!

5 Secret Tips that Might Save You From Buying a New Water-Heater!

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Water Heater Not Working Efficiently? 5 Tips That Could Prevent Replacement

Picture of State water-heaters by Haley MechanicalIf you’re a Ann Arbor area homeowner who feels it may be time to replace your water heater, there are a few things you can do that may improve its performance before you shell out your hard-earned money.  Maybe it seems that it’s taking the water longer than usual to heat up, or you’ve had an unwelcome surprise when the shower water suddenly turns cold.

Before you replace, give the following 5 tactics a try:

  1. Perform a quick maintenance check.  It could be something as simple as a pilot light or burner not working.  Make sure your thermostat is functioning properly, and considering flushing out the system.  Sediment that settles in the tank could not only damage it, but interfere with performance.
  2. Seal up any drafts.  When your water heater is located in an unheated space such as a basement, the cold drafts can make it harder for your water heater to do its job.  Seal around window frames and other sources of cold air with caulking or weather stripping.
  3. Consider an insulating blanket.  A water heater that’s warm to the touch is not as energy efficient as it could be.  There are insulating blankets which are specifically designed for water heaters – but be sure to follow instructions carefully, particularly if your water heater is fired by gas or oil.
  4. Inspect the dip tube.  Dip tubes, especially those in a water heater that’s older, can break or crack.  This tube is what allows cold water to enter at the bottom of your water heater’s tank while the water at the top remains hot.  A crack or break could be letting cold water in, which means what should be hot water is only warm.
  5. Insulate your pipes.  When water pipes are not insulated, they are cold – which means the water running from your water heater to your shower, sink, dishwasher, etc. could be cooling before it reaches its destination.  Install pre-split foam pipe insulation tubes on the water pipes that connect to the tank.  At a minimum, insulate the first six feet of both the cold and hot water pipes.

Try the tips above, and you may be surprised to find that you won’t have to replace your water heater after all!

At Haley Mechanical, our job is to keep southeast Michigan homeowners’ homes running smoothly, whether you have problems with your water heater, air conditioner, or other equipment.  Live in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Ypsilanti or surrounding communities and have questions about your water heater?  Give us a call today.

Should Southeast Michigan Homeowners Get an A/C Tune-up? In Most Cases, Yes – Here’s Why

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pieces of ice in hand close up over black backgroundAn air conditioning system is one of those things many southeast Michigan homeowners give very little thought to; as long as it’s working, you tend to forget about it.  Think of other equipment such as your car.  Most people wouldn’t dream of driving their vehicles without regular oil changes and other maintenance services, so why should you ignore your a/c system?

As trusted heating and cooling professionals for homeowners in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and nearby communities, we recommend you get your air conditioning system tuned up now, before it comes time to actually use it.  Here’s why:

Throughout the year, your system accumulates dust, dirt, and other debris, which means it won’t run as efficiently.  Ultimately, this costs you more in terms of energy, and your home won’t feel as comfortable.

Your air conditioner works to remove heat from the indoors, and carry it outdoors.  The coils perform the function of transferring heat from the inside to the outside, and if they are dirty or have a build up of dust particles, it costs you more in electricity simply because your system has to work harder.

If you don’t take our advice and get your air conditioner tuned up before the hot summer months arrive, you may have problems during the hottest part of the year.  Repairs or a total breakdown will cost you far more than having your system tuned up now!

By taking action now, you can enjoy a comfortable home this summer and a system that runs efficiently, costing you less.  You can also put worries of system failure or a breakdown aside.

What should you expect your southeast Michigan air conditioning technician to do while performing a tune-up?

  • Clean filters as necessary
  • Inspect, tighten and test all electrical connections
  • Remove debris from and clean condenser coil
  • Inspect duct work for leaks, holes and other sources of energy loss
  • Clean condenser of debris
  • Inspect service valves, electrical system for potential exposed wiring, and disconnect box for proper installation and rating
  • Inspect bearing for wear and lubricate
  • Monitor compressor for proper volt draw, amperage, and wiring connections
  • Fan motor volts/amp monitoring
  • Inspection of fan blade
  • Inspect contactors for pitted or burned contacts and test
  • Check condensate drain and treat with anti-algae

Many companies claim to perform a tune-up, but how do you know if technicians are providing a real tune-up?  Take a look at the tune-up record and invoice, looking for such things as whether the technician recorded the pressure drop across the evaporator coil, and if static pressures of air flow were recorded.  Is there a section on the invoice for the technician to record sub-cooling and superheat measurements?  These can all be “tell-tale” signs that your technician failed to do a thorough job in tuning up your air conditioning system.

At Haley Mechanical, we highly recommend an a/c tune-up to our customers.  Keep your home comfortable this summer, enjoy energy savings, and peace of mind knowing your system will perform its best.  Call us to schedule your tune-up today!

Fiscal Cliff Deal Ends in a Nice Little Benefit for Michigan Homeowners in the Form of Restored Energy Tax Credits

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Chalk drawing - Cash backHomeowners in Ann Arbor and surrounding southeast Michigan areas will be glad to know that the fiscal cliff deal actually means a nice little “bonus” for those looking to install high-efficiency HVAC equipment in your home, or replace an older system.  At the end of 2011, the 25C energy tax credits came to an end; thanks to the fiscal cliff deal, the tax credits are once again back on, both for heating and a/c equipment and water heating systems.  There are even tax credits available if you want to take it a step further and upgrade your home’s structure!  Which materials and equipment qualify for the credits?  You’ll find the general guidelines that should be followed in order to qualify below.

Most importantly, any equipment you purchase should meet specific criteria in order to qualify; this criteria is based upon upgrades that lead to higher efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and money savings for homeowners.  The guidelines are as follows:

  • ŸAir-source heat pumps with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of 15 and an HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) of 8.5 qualify for a tax credit of $300.
  • ŸCentral air conditioning systems with a SEER of 16 and an EER of 13 qualify for $300.
  • ŸPropane, natural gas, or oil water heaters which meet an EF (energy factor) of 0.82 qualify for $300 tax credit.
  • ŸHeat-pump water heaters having an energy factor of 2.0 qualify for $300.
  • ŸAdvanced main air circulating fans which consume 2% or less of the total energy use of your furnace qualifies for $50.
  • ŸBoilers and furnaces with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of 95% qualify for a $150 tax credit.
  • ŸRoofing, windows, insulation, exterior doors and other materials that improve your home’s energy performance may qualify for a tax credit; amounts vary.

Other stipulations which may determine whether you qualify for energy tax credits include:

  • ŸHVAC equipment installation should be performed within a time period ranging from January 1, 2012 and prior to December 31, 2013.
  • ŸThe limit on tax credits you can claim is $500; however any combination of materials and/or equipment may be used to reach the limit.
  • Tax credits apply to upgrades made to primary residences only.  Vacation or secondary residences do not qualify.

At Haley Mechanical, we are always looking for ways to help our customers save money!  Considering an HVAC upgrade for installation before the 2013 deadline?  Let us help with your new upgrade, or determine whether an upgrade performed in 2012 qualifies for energy tax credits.  Contact us today!

Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

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Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide DetectorCarbon monoxide (CO) is called “the silent killer.” It is an
odorless, colorless gas that’s a by-product of gas combustion. CO can
cause illness or death before you’re aware of its presence.
Fortunately, with good ventilation and well maintained, properly
adjusted gas and wood burning appliances, the chances are good you will
have little to fear from carbon monoxide.

Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect appliance maintenance, which can
be fatal. According to the U.S. EPA’s James Raub, CO may cause more
than half of all fatal poisonings. “Fatal cases,” claimed Raub in the
journal, Toxicology, “Also are grossly under-reported or misdiagnosed
by medical professionals.”

Where CO Comes From

To start, background levels of carbon monoxide are always
present in the atmosphere. Some occurs naturally from volcanic activity
and forest fires. Automobile and industrial emissions also contribute
to background levels.

In the home, carbon monoxide can come from tobacco smoke,
unvented gas space heaters and appliances, and automobile, lawn mower,
generator, and other small engine exhaust that enters the home. You can
minimize these risks by avoiding the indoor use of unvented appliances,
by leaving your garage open when your car is running (and by not
leaving the engine on while the car is in the garage), by starting and
stopping small gas engines outside of the garage, and by locating gas
generators outside away from doors, windows, or vents. Carbon monoxide
can also occur in the home when a gas appliance’s flue is improperly
sized, becomes disconnected, or the flue becomes partially restricted.
A bird nest in the wrong place, for example, may become deadly. Flues
should be checked at the start of each heating season.

Another potential source of carbon monoxide is your home’s
furnace. Heat sections should be checked each fall to ensure the heat
exchanger is leak free. Additionally, properly adjusted burners not
only mean more efficient operation, but less risk of carbon monoxide
resulting from incomplete combustion.

Back drafting

Back drafting occurs when the pressure inside the house is
less than the pressure outside the house and the exhaust from natural
drafting gas appliances is sucked back into the house. Backdrafting is
more of an issue today than the past due to tighter construction
standards. A bathroom fan may be enough to create negative pressure in
a tightly sealed house.

Back drafting can also result from leaking return air duct
work, wood burning fireplaces (a fire can pull several hundred cubic
feet of air out of the house each minute, causing appliances to
backdraft), high wind conditions that result in high pressure on the
windward side of the house and low pressure on the downwind side, and
so on.

You can minimize the potential for back drafting by installing
modern, energy efficient gas furnaces, wood stoves, and water heaters
that feature sealed combustion systems. Sealed combustion appliances
draw outside air for combustion and exhaust combustion by-products
outdoors. Since indoor air is not used for combustion, back drafting is
not a concern.

Another option is power vented furnaces or water heaters.
These products use indoor air for combustion, but use a fan to exhaust
combustion by-products outside.

Everyone Recommends Annual Heating System Maintenance

There’s a reason virtually every utility, consumer group,
government agency, and consumer publication recommends annual heating
system maintenance. Good maintenance can save the lives of you and your
family. A heating professional should check for leaks in the heat
exchanger, adjust the burners, clean and check the venting system, and
more.

A heating system combustion safety inspection and tune-up is
virtually free. The adjustments that ensure you receive a clean burn
also save energy. Over the course of the heating season, the energy
savings can easily exceed the cost of the tune-up.

An efficient, well-maintained heating system is also an
environmentally friendly system. Since you save money on utilities,
tune-ups are like buying carbon credits from yourself.

There are many good reasons for getting a tune-up now and none
for waiting. Delaying only delays the energy savings. Call us today.