How to pick an HVAC Contractor

For the last 30 years I have worked in Los Angeles as a contractor. Unfortunately, I've seen a lot of improper installations of heating and cooling systems and have heard a lot of horror stories. I want to save you the heartache!

How does a homeowner go about ensuring that they have a good experience with a heating and air conditioning contractor in Los Angeles? As I see it the most important factors to consider are:

• SAFETY - Competent and able to provide an excellent HVAC installation or repair.
• SAFETY - Trustworthy around your possessions and your family.
• SAFETY - Takes complete responsibility, should anything go wrong.

Referrals

There are several trustworthy sources for contractor referrals. Friends are probably the first people homeowners turn to when they realize that they have a need. You trust your friends to tell you the truth of their experience with a contractor.  Another great place for referrals are local Chamber of Commerce organizations. Professional networking groups have an advantage over friend referrals because these professionals rely on each other for business and therefore they protect their reputation. If you were to have a problem with a contractor who your found through a Chamber you could ask the Chamber to intercede should you run into problems down the road. I would also recommend these two review sites; Neighbor 2 Neighbor and Angieslist which actually care enough to make sure that the contractors they refer are properly licensed for their trades.

Check the License

A glowing referral may not give an accurate picture of the kind of contractor you are getting involved with. I suggest checking with the CSLB Contractors State Licensing Board to make sure that the HVAC installer or repair person you are considering is properly licensed, insured for liability, and insured for worker's compensation.

Make Sure They Have Insurance

Liability is a must. Worker's Compensation is expensive, some HVAC installers don't want to pay for it so they tell a lie to the CSLB. They say that they don't have any employees. But how do they lift a heavy air conditioner onto the roof all alone? There's no way! If the person installing your AC system or furnace is anyone other than the contractor them-self they are an employee and should be insured. If the service technician who comes to fix your air conditioner is not the owner of the company, he is an employee. He should be covered by workman's compensation. If he is not, the person who is being forced to take the risk is YOU, the homeowner.

California law is very clear regarding worker's compensation. I have met homeowners with terrible stories of their life savings being wiped out by an uninsured worker, so I am pretty passionate about this. Think about it, if someone is willing to put you at risk in this very obvious way, how else will they be cutting corners? Also if they don't care enough about their employee to insure them, what kind of technicians will be working for this company?

Technician Safety

You want to make sure that the people working on your heating and cooling system are certified by the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. Service Technicians and installers are dealing with controlled chemical substances, electricity, gas and water lines in your home. Any one of which can devastate your home if handled improperly.

HVAC and electrical skills are taught in California's prisons. I actively screen all of my employees with drug-tests and background checks. My technicians and installers are independently Safety-Sealed. The majority of my business is residential, owner occupied homes and I am not willing to take chances with regards to the safety and security of my customers. When I find a great employee I keep them on my team. Most of my guys have been with me 10 or more years.

Quality of Work

We provide a LOT of training for our team, it is an investment, and the return is worth it!  Factory training, night classes, workshops and frequent trips across the country to attend seminars with a national HVAC Contractors organization.  Each week we have an educational meeting featuring either field experts, manufacturer supplied instructors, or peer training. We focus on safety, codes, and best practices. Energy efficient heating and air conditioning technology is constantly changing and the breadth of knowledge needed to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment has never been greater than it is right now.

So there you have it. These are the important points to check when screening a heating and air conditioning contractor to work in your home. As always, if I can help in any way feel free to call 818-780-0701. I provide free over the phone advice to homeowners regarding their home comfort systems.

Kindest regards :-)
Dean

Are Leaves In My Air Conditioner Bad?

Winter in Los Angeles may mean temperatures of 80 degrees outside, but homeowners still have some common winter maintenance issues to contend with. Leaves and debris falling or being blown into your air conditioner are hard to avoid. The central fan of your condenser sucks in dust, dead leaves, grass and seed pods. That all becomes a wet mess inside your outdoor condenser that blocks airflow, strains the whole system and reduces the unit’s cooling ability. If left to fester dirt may become moldy or harden around the more fragile components of your air conditioning equipment. The result is a less efficient home cooling system, higher energy bills and a more wear and tear on your AC unit.

There are a number of solutions available. Some homeowners opt for a nice professionally made cover that slips easily over your AC condenser, protecting it from the elements. These covers are easily purchased online or you can buy one from any Los Angeles Air Conditioning Contractor who comes to your home to perform your maintenance on your HVAC system. The only downside of these vinyl condenser covers is that sometimes in Los Angeles we get an unseasonably hot day in the middle of winter and people turn on their central AC, forgetting that the unit is covered. Yikes! You can imagine the kind of strain this would cause to the fan motor.  

You may have a different type of central air conditioner than we show here—a heat pump system, for example, or a unit mounted horizontally in the attic. Regardless, each system will have a condenser outside and an evaporator inside. The outdoor condenser looks like this. Hopefully yours is way cleaner though!

Fins are fine metallic blades that surround the unit and those condenser fins have to be cleaned as part of your system maintenance. If the debris is fairly new it can be washed off with your garden hose. An important tip, if you are doing this yourself: Don't spray too hard. The fins are easily bent so keep the water pressure low. If you wait until the leaves become hardened and caked-on, a more advanced cleaning solution is necessary. I found an environmentally friendly chemical coil cleaner that works really well and doesn't pose a danger to four legged family members ;)

 

I am in the business of installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems. I strongly encourage  regularly scheduled professional maintenance because I have seen equipment last longer than you can imagine when properly maintained. In fact, just last week I serviced a central heating and cooling system that my company installed 30 years ago for a customer in Sherman Oaks. It was working so perfectly that I offered to warranty the unit myself for another 5 years. That's how strongly I believe in HVAC system maintenance including cleaning away those pesky leaves!

Tip: Call for service before the first heat wave, when Air Conditioning companies in Los Angeles become swamped with repair calls!

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Receives National 2014 Dealer Design Award From The ACHR News

AccuComfort™ Platinum ZV Air Conditioner honored in HVAC Residential Equipment category

Los Angeles, CA August 28, 2014) – American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has been recognized for excellence in product design in the 11th annual Dealer Design Awards sponsored by The Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News magazine — the leading trade magazine in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industries. American Standard’s AccuComfort™ Platinum ZV Air Conditioner was the Bronze recipient in the HVAC Residential Equipment category.

An independent panel of contractors judged the 92 Dealer Design Award entries. Winning submissions were featured in the July 21, 2014 issue of The ACHR News, which is distributed nationally to over 33,000 HVACR contractors, wholesalers and other industry professionals.

“We’re proud to provide our customers with American Standard products featuring the latest innovation and design functionalities,” said local American Standard dealer Dean Gilford, President of Kilowatt. “Variable speed technology in AccuComfort provides homeowners with remarkable comfort and value for their home.”  

The ACHR News’ Publisher Mike Murphy stated, "These awards give us a unique opportunity to recognize the outstanding research and development efforts that go into many of the products serving the HVACR industry."

A system that works smarter, the Platinum ZV Variable Speed Air Conditioner comes with AccuComfort technology that allows the system to consistently adjust to run at a more efficient speed to maintain homeowners’ personal level of comfort. Plus, with up to a 21.00 SEER rating, it is one of the most efficient multistage cooling units on the market.

Learn more about the Platinum ZV Variable Speed Air Conditioner by calling or visiting Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical at www.KilowattHVAC.com, 818-780-0701. For more information and further coverage on the award, visit www.achrnews.com.

How Long Should Air Conditioning Equipment Last?

The useful life of a Los Angeles air conditioning system is usually 10 to 15 years for the compressor in the outdoor unit. Heat pump compressors tend to fail earlier than air conditioner compressors because they are used year round. The typical life span of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years.

As your system begins to wear out, you will encounter refrigerant leaks and motor failures. Sometimes, the compressor in the outdoor unit will short out or the heat exchanger in a gas furnace will develop cracks. All of these are expensive repairs and it may prove more cost effective for you to replace your system rather than repair it.

You want to be sure that all the parts of your HVAC system work together properly. Replacing only the outdoor unit or the indoor unit of an HVAC system may appear to save money, but it could contribute to service problems later on.

A mismatched system may not deliver the energy efficiency or performance that you expect.

If an older part of the system—such as an outdoor unit of a heat pump, ductwork, piping or a furnace—is replaced, it’s important to match the new part as closely as possible to the existing system.

What is the Best Brand Of Air Conditioner?

"What is the best brand of air conditioning or heating equipment?" I get asked that question a lot.
In July 2014, readers of a national product testing and research magazine rated American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning's air conditioners and heat pumps as the most reliable brand among leading manufacturers.
I happen to be a Customer Care Dealer for American Standard which means that my company has passed American Standards rigorous standards for service and installations. The Customer Care designation also gives us access to better financing for our customers and deep discounts on equipment, not available to other dealers. These special savings are passed on to our customers.
It is exciting to share this research report with you. But it only supports what we already knew after installing thousands of HVAC systems throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. American Standard really does have the highest level of reliability and customer satisfaction.

EMERGENCY: Cooling Centers Open In Los Angeles County

Looks like it's going to be triple digit temperatures for the next several days. Everyone needs air conditioning in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this week.

Check on family and neighbors. Obviously don't leave anything living in a hot car. You wouldn't leave children or pets in the car anyway, would you?

If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest. 
• Reduce physical activity
• Wear a wide - brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose - fitting clothes when you are outdoors 
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins
• Set your air conditioner between 75 ° to 80 °
• If you don’t have air - conditioning take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty
• Avoid alcohol 
• Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun
•  Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst 

During times of unbearable heat Los Angeles County provides cooling centers. Air conditioned spots that people can go to and cool off. Click here for a list of COOLING CENTERS

Should I get the Extended Labor Warranty for Home Air Conditioning?

Installing central air conditioning in Los Angeles is an investment that pays back in increased home value and comfortable, healthy indoor air. But that value can quickly disapate if your system is not properly maintained.

Studio City air conditioning installers show perfect work

Quality name brand Air Conditioning equipment usually comes with a 10-12 year manufacturers warranty. But what Jay Leno says about cars holds true for AC equipment, "In the old days parts were expensive and labor was cheap. Now it's just the opposite: Labor's expensive and parts are affordable."

We offer an extended labor warranty with every air conditioning installation Kilowatt performs. Some homeowners want it some don't. I have seen it work out well in both instances. It's an investment. I recommend the labor warranty if you are going to keep your home.

Either way, whether you accept the labor warranty or not, homeowners should definitely sign up for a professional maintenance program. I am adamant with my customers that investing in maintenance is imperative. Regular documented maintenance is needed to preserve the manufacturers warranty on your air conditioning equipment. AC maintenance extends the life of your equipment and keeps the indoor air quality safe and healthy for you and your family.

How the Ban on Ozone-Depleting Refrigerants Effects You

What You Need To Know About New R-22 Freon Laws

This year, 2013, is the first year that there will not be enough R-22 refrigerant produced to meet residential demand. You and I both know that when supply tightens up prices rise. Freon is already expensive. So plan on prices rising this summer and over the coming years.

Ozone-depleting R-22 Refrigerant

But terms like R-22 are a little technical, let me explain; R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment, R-22 contributes to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming.

What is being done to keep us cool? 

As R-22 is phased out over the coming years manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. Many homeowners may be misinformed about how much longer R-22 will be available to service their central A/C systems and heat pumps. Homeowners need information about the transition  when deciding whether to purchase a new A/C system or heat pump, or when having an existing system repaired.

Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22. There is no EPA requirement for homeowners to change or convert R-22 units for use with a non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerant.

New refrigerants have been developed and many companies are using them to replace R-22 in existing systems. Such changes, called "retrofits," are allowed if the alternative has been found acceptable for that type of use.

Air Conditioning Contractor, Dean Gilford, provides training for his EPA certified service technicians

WARNING: Use a reputable Air Conditioning contractor

One important thing a homeowner can do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used, is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants. Technicians often call this certification "Section 608 certification," referring to the part of the Clean Air Act that requires minimizing releases of ozone-depleting chemicals from HVAC equipment.

A Reputable Air Conditioning Contractor will take the time to learn and train their service technicians how to properly retrofit an air conditioning system with ozone friendly refrigerant.

"We are seeing terrible disservices done to homeowners," says Dean Gilford, owner of Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. "Service techs pumping the less expensive newer refrigerant into a unit without taking the existing R-22 out first!"

There are steps that need to be taken and a specific way these retrofits need to be handled so extra training is required to be able to properly provide new safer refrigerant.

If your home is located in Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley there are technicians trained in the replacement of R-22 and they can be reached by calling 818-780-0701.

Wildlife Waystation Air Conditioning

The Wildlife WayStation is a national non-profit, holding rehabilitation, medical and problem solving refuge for native, wild and exotic animals located in the Angeles National Forest.

Sometimes things break at a non-profit organization like this and there is just no money to get it fixed. This was the case with the HVAC system.

The Wildlife Waystation offices and gift store had air conditioning installed when the offices were built. But over the years time and dust took their toll on the condensers, duct and freon lines. The air conditioning stopped working, and if you have ever been in those offices you know the situation was desperate. Most windows in the offices don't open so it can get extremely uncomfortable when the temperature rises.

Dean Gilford & Elizabeth Marquart at the Wildlife Waystation

Longtime friend and supporter of the Wildlife Waystation Elizabeth Marquart brought in her favorite Air Conditioning contractor Dean Gilford of Kilowatt Heating, Air & Electrical to donate his time and expertise. Within a couple of hours Dean had the AC working and the offices cool.

Dean fell in love with the Wildlife Waystation and will be returning with a case of filters to do maintenance on the HVAC package units.

Dean Gilford fixing the Air Conditioning at the Wildlife Waystation

How Important Is The Refridgerant Charge?

More than 30% of newly constructed houses and newly installed air conditioning systems in Los Angeles have the wrong refrigerant charge. Refrigerant is the compressed gas that cools the air in your home. It is commonly referred to as freon and comes labeled as 410A and R-22.

Many home owners find it hard to believe that their air conditioner is improperly charged especially since the air conditioning system is working.

Los Angeles home owners assume their AC system is working properly if it is blowing cold air. We think it should be blowing cold air at the lowest possible cost and wthout causing excessive wear and tear on your equipment.

An overcharged system will blow cold air but use more electricity. An undercharged system will blow cold air but use more electricity. Both situations lower the life expectancy of the air conditioning system. Not to the point it breaks tomorrow. A life expectancy of a properly installed central AC system is many years. Overcharging and undercharging shrink the number years the system will operate.

Central AC: Repair or Replace?

The heat wave that has hit Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer has had many homeowners calling AC repair companies to find out whether it still makes sense to repair their older central air conditioners or if replacement is a better option.

One 5 ton and two 3 ton American Standard 15 SEER super quiet units were installed at this 6,000 square foot home in Tarzanna.

After the unit reaches a certain age several factors can make it more sensible to replace the central AC rather than continually invest in costly repairs.

Repair or Replace Factors For Homeowners

Age of the Central AC and Heating Unit - Is your central Air conditioner older than 10 years? Depending on the brand and the quality of the installation 10 years can be the point at which equipment may start breaking down and requiring higher repair bills each season.

Higher Energy Bills in Summer - It won't come as a surprise to hear that your old Air conditioner is not much of an energy saver. By upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioner or heat pump system you can expect to save approximately 40% in energy costs.

R22 Refrigerant is Leaking - Refrigerant is a toxic substance controlled by the EPA. It's expensive and reoccurring leaks are an indication that major repairs are needed.

Cost of Repairs - In Los Angeles Air Conditioning repairs are not cheap! If the cost of repair is more than $750 you are 1/4 of the way to a replacement AC unit. Remember you don't always have to replace the entire system. You can replace the AC only.

Frequency of Repairs - Even when AC repair costs are minimal, say $150 per repair, if you are having your central AC several times per year it may be time to consider a replacement unit.
A good central air conditioning contractor will help you decide what is best for you and for your home. It's always a good idea to get 3 different prices for replacing your central air conditioning and many San Fernando Valley air conditioning contractor will give a free estimate.

Is your Old Central Air Conditioner Worth Fixing?

The heat wave that has hit Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer has had many homeowners calling AC repair companies to find out whether it still makes sense to repair their older central air conditioners or if replacement is a better option.

After the unit reaches a certain age several factors can make it more sensible to replace the central AC rather than continually invest in costly repairs.

Repair or Replace Factors For Homeowners

• Age of the Central AC and Heating Unit - Is your central Air conditioner older than 10 years? Depending on the brand and the quality of the installation 10 years can be the point at which equipment may start breaking down and requiring higher repair bills each season.
• Higher Energy Bills in Summer - It won't come as a surprise to hear that your old Air conditioner is not much of an energy saver. By upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioner or heat pump system you can expect to save approximately 40% in energy costs.
• R22 Refrigerant is Leaking - Refrigerant is a toxic substance controlled by the EPA. It's expensive and reoccurring leaks are an indication that major repairs are needed.
• Cost of Repairs - In Los Angeles, the San Fernando valley and Beverly Hills Air Conditioning repairs are not cheap! If the cost of repair is more than $750 you are 1/4 of the way to a replacement AC unit. Remember you don't always have to replace the entire system. You can replace the AC only.
• Frequency of Repairs - Even when AC repair costs are minimal, say $150 per repair, if you are having your central AC several times per year it may be time to consider a replacement unit.

A good central air conditioning contractor will help you decide what is best for you and for your home. It's always a good idea to get 3 different prices for replacing your central air conditioning and many San Fernando Valley air conditioning contractor will give a free estimate.

Proper Sizing of Central Air Conditioning

Whether you are looking to install a new central air conditioning unit or replacing a current unit, it is important to use the correct size unit. A that is too small will run continuously without adequately cooling the house, while a unit that is too big is overly costly and, due to frequent on/off cycles, can cause humidity problems.

Proper System Sizing 

In order to scientifically calculate the right central air conditioner size, you can perform a Residential Load Calculation. The sizing chart above is useful to help you determine your approximate central air conditioner size requirements.

Another way to size replacement air conditioners is to determine the system size that is currently in place. The manufacturers do not list the air conditioner size on the unit. The system capacity will be coded into the model number of the outdoor unit. For example, model CKL24-1 is a 2 ton unit.
Why? There are 12,000 Btu's per ton. The number 24 in the model number indicates the unit is 24,000 Btu's, divided by 12,000 Btu's per ton, equals 2 tons. 24,000 Btu's/12,000 Btu's per ton = 2 tons Use the following conversion information to determine your existing system size (use the system model number NOT the serial number) 18 = 1.5 tons 24 = 2 tons 30 = 2.5 tons 36 = 3 tons 42 = 3.5 tons 48 = 4 tons 60 = 5 tons.

When sizing air conditioners, be careful not to make the mistake of getting one that is too large. If the system you install is too large for the space, it will short cycle. In other words, the compressor will not run long enough to dehumidify the space and will limit your comfort. In addition, it will cycle on and off more frequently, increasing operating costs and reducing the system life.

Insulation Variables Variables such as your insulation, type and number of windows, number of stories, construction type, etc. will greatly affect the required Btu's per square for both heating and cooling. A general rule of thumb is that if your home is well insulated with newer style windows, you can select the smaller size system that falls within your total square footage.

If your home is two story it will place less of a load on the system in the downstairs area as the second floor acts as additional insulation. If your home is not well insulated, has older style windows, and/or a larger than average number of windows, you will want to select the larger system which falls within your square footage range. The less insulated and more windows within the environment, the more likely you will experience greater air and heat loss.

Proper air conditioner sizing is critical to optimize performance.

The HVAC Factor: Energy Recovery Ventilation

By Stephen J. Pargeter
Originally published in the August 2012 issue of Today’s Facility Manager

Studies have proven that outdoor air ventilation creates a healthful work environment. However, as these intake rates increase, so does the size, cost, and operating expense of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Facility managers (fms) are therefore caught between two powerful forces—the need to lower energy costs and the need to meet or exceed outdoor air ventilation regulations for occupant health and comfort.

During the ventilation process, large amounts of energy are wasted as HVAC systems replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air multiple times per day. The heating or cooling energy is continually lost in the exhaust air stream while new energy must be expended to condition entering outdoor air. Those who fail to capture wasted energy will continue to incur high energy costs.

To address this challenge, one option for fms is a site recovered energy technology such as energy recovery ventilation (ERV). Site recovered energy is any energy recovered on-site and reused to reduce the demand for more energy. Designed to operate with new or existing HVAC units, the ERV technology provides a means to cut energy costs without compromising outdoor air ventilation requirements.

While there are a number of air-to-air heat exchangers used in ERV, the most commonly used type in commercial and institutional buildings is a rotary heat exchanger (also known as an energy recovery wheel or enthalpy wheel). This wheel resolves the conflict between indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy conservation by recovering site energy normally wasted in exhaust air. It transfers energy by rotating between incoming (outdoor) and exhaust air streams to transfer heat and moisture from one air stream to the other, recycling up to 80% of this energy by preconditioning outdoor air for significantly reduced HVAC load and operating cost.

Rotary heat exchanger

Total energy saved depends on the wheel’s effectiveness and the difference in temperature and humidity between the two air streams. A bigger differential means larger energy savings.
For new and replacement projects, energy recovery costs are typically offset by lower first costs for an HVAC system. And significant reductions in fuel consumption provide healthy returns for the life of the HVAC system—instant to two-year paybacks in most North American climate zones. An energy recovery wheel may also be added to an existing HVAC system to improve efficiency.
HVAC systems with ERV improve control over humidity to minimize mold and mildew and reduce the risk of IAQ complaints and sick building syndrome, especially in humid climates. Meanwhile, many gas and electric utilities offer rebates for energy recovery to reduce peak demand and encourage energy conservation.

Organizations Using ERV
To meet new building codes, Dillard’s, a large apparel and home furnishings retailer, sought to increase outdoor air ventilation rates by a factor of three at its store in Palm Beach, FL. The two story building required approximately 50,000 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of outdoor air. Rather than add capacity to meet the increased load, management at Dillard’s installed rooftop units with integrated energy recovery wheels. By reducing the load by 160 tons, the retailer was able to choose units with that much less capacity. And by reducing peak demand by 215 kilowatts (kW), the company qualified for utility rebates that effectively paid for the wheels. The use of ERV is now standard for all Dillard’s stores.

Another example of this technology involves a major renovation at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) in Providence, RI. The engineering team there chose to install a dual temperature, two pipe HVAC system with energy recovery wheels to maintain control of humidity during the shoulder season. The improved efficiency has yielded an estimated savings of $28,000 per year.

Another ERV adopter is the Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, NY, a nursing home complex of 16 housing units, each with 12 bedrooms. Each of those units has a 13 ton HVAC system with an integrated energy recovery wheel that supplies 3,500 cfm of outside air. In addition to an estimated upfront combined savings of $20,208 from installing smaller packaged units, the facility hopes to recover an estimated ongoing savings of $23,168 based on local utility rates.

Evaluating ERV Systems
Fms who are interested in finding out about the potential of ERV can begin by looking for the following characteristics in a system. These include products that feature:

• rating and certification by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI);
• high humidity (not just heat) transfer capability;
• easy accessibility and cleaning; and
• performance modeling software.

Fms should also look for established providers of these systems. Most mainstream HVAC equipment manufacturers offer energy recovery wheel options for new or existing applications.
The energy demand posed by outdoor air ventilation requirements is a pressing issue among fms eager to save money while still providing clean, healthy buildings. Energy recovery wheels offer a way to cut energy costs and supply ample outdoor air ventilation while also garnering a high return on investment.

Pargeter is vice president, Product Engineering, at Airxchange, a Rockland, MA manufacturer of energy recovery wheels. He holds a BSc (Honors) degree in Production Engineering and Production Management and has served on the board of directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

Can You Handle the Heat? 10 Cool Tips

Everyone wants to stay cool when the temperatures are oppressive. People with certain medical conditions, like asthma, allergies, heart issues, the elderly and the very young can find themselves in distress when it gets too hot. Keeping as cool as possible in the summer heat can be a major factor in staying healthy as well as comfortable. We can't always be in places that have air conditioning installed. Sometimes we have use our heads to stay cool. Here are 10 good tips to staying healthy and comfortable in the hot weather coming this week.

1.  Stay damp, sweating helps keep you cool. Another way to stay cool is to spray yourself with a spray bottle filled with cold water. If you do that and sit in front of a fan, it has a cooling effect just like when you sweat.

2. Wear proper clothing. Wearing light colors reflects light where dark colors absorb. Lighter colors will keep you cooler. Light fabrics like cotton can breathe and help to keep you cool as well.

3. Turn off things that you don’t need that generate heat. Phone chargers don’t need to be plugged in if the phone is not charging. Unplug anything with a clock, not only does it use electricity when turned off, it also generates heat. Computers generate a lot of heat. Shut down your computer if you are not using it. Your microwave has a clock on it. That also generates heat. Dust busters or other small appliances sitting in a charger generate heat. If your coffee maker has a clock on it, that generates heat as well.

4. Stay downstairs if possible. A basement is always cooler than the rest of the house because heat rises. Normally a basement is about five to 10 degrees cooler than the other floors of a house.

5. Spicy food can make you feel cooler. Most countries where spicy food is a staple (Mexico, India, etc.) are countries with warmer climates. Eating spicy food and then producing sweat helps cool down your body. Don’t forget to stay hydrated when you are doing a lot of sweating. Dehydration can bring its own set of health problems

6. Soak your feet in a baby pool or bucket of water (don’t do it in the sun, if possible). If you are inside, a cat litter box or bucket filled with cold water has a drastic effect on your body. You can even put a chair next to your tub and soak your feet there. If you are able to have a baby pool outside, that works great too. Just having your feet wet will make your entire body feel more comfortable. This works for dogs too! Some dogs will actually lie down in the pool, where others will just stand in the cool water.

7. Freeze bottles full of water. You can use the frozen bottles (plastic bottles only) to hold behind your neck to cool you off. You can also drink them as they start to melt. Remember to put more bottles in the freezer as you are using them so you always have a supply of frozen bottles. Keep air circulating, draw the blinds. Fans will help cool you off. Even the little hand-held, battery operated fans can have a cooling feeling. There are some little fans that mist you with water, like item number one on this list, to help make you feel cooler.

8. Do exercise during the cooler hours. Exercising in the early morning or evening is much easier during the hotter months of the year. You will have more energy and be able to exercise longer if you are not as hot.

9. Eat cool foods instead of cooking. Salads, fresh fruit and cheese are great options for the summer. Keeping that oven turned off will go a long way to keeping your home cooler.Run the dishwasher and/or dryer during cooler hours of the day. Any appliances will give off heat, even the microwave. If you do need to run these appliances, again, try doing it at night when it is cooler. Or go out while the dishwasher is running, leaving the exhaust fan on in the kitchen, to remove the hot air.

10. That brings us to the last thing, which is to go somewhere cooler. If you have chores to do, do it when the day is at its hottest. Malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, banks and just about any other business will have air conditioning in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Leaving your home when it is at its hottest and going back when it is cooler seems like common sense, but you don’t always think clearly when it is so hot!

Stay Cool For Less This Summer

What you can do NOW to avoid costly air conditioning problems

There’s GOLD in them there air conditioning systems!

“Gold?” you ask. “Are there air conditioner thieves about?”
 

“Relax,” I say. “Settle down.” I’m not talking suburban pirates—no need to bolt your compressor to the ground or build bunkers around your ventilation ducts. I’m talking about the safe, shiny gold of savings.

The treasure in your AC system will leak out if you don’t lock it down—it’s up to you to guard it. Good property managers know how to mine the savings from their AC systems: regularly scheduled maintenance by qualified service technicians.

You’ve probably heard the old homeowner riddle:

When is SPENDING money also SAVING money?

When you spend it on AC maintenance!

Cars need oil changes, gardens need weeding, and AC systems need tune-ups. Now is the perfect time to schedule a preventive checkup—before summer hits. If your equipment hasn’t had regular maintenance, odds are you’ll be blowing a lot of hot air soon. 

Proper maintenance prevents problems and saves money.

Every AC repairman knows that the number one cause of cooling system failure is a lack of regular maintenance. And every manufacturer, utility company, and consumer protection group—even the Environmental Protection Association— recommends regular service of your HVAC system, no matter how old the system is.

Benefits of servicing your HVAC system:

• SAFETY – Inspection of electrical and chemical connections, exhaust systems, and drains which can become clogged with mold or algae.
• FEWER REPAIRS – A professional technician nips problems in the bud before they need costly repairs.
• SERVICE SAVINGS – If repairs are needed, most AC contractors offer a discount to their maintenance customers.
• WARRANTY PAYOUTS – Manufacturers currently offer 12-year warranties on their equipment, as long as regular maintenance has been performed.
• ENERGY SAVINGS – A dirty filter can increase energy costs by 50% and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.
• EXTENDED EQUIPMENT LIFE – Many properly maintained air conditioning systems run for 30 years or more.
• PRIORITY CUSTOMER STATUS – Most air conditioning contractors give priority to customers who commit to a maintenance program. When it's 110 degrees and the phones are ringing off the hook, maintenance customers are taken care of first.

There is no better way to protect your investment in heating and air conditioning than regular system maintenance.

Maintenance Checklist

What should you expect from your spring and fall checkups? An air conditioning service technician should take all of the following steps:

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system will keep you comfortable when you are home and save energy while you are away.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Operating motors with insufficient lubrication causes friction and uses more electricity.
• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A clogged drain can cause water damage in your house, affect indoor humidity levels, and cause mold to grow.
• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the equipment’s starting cycle to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
• Clean the evaporator and the condenser’s air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce a system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
• Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient.
• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15%.
• Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this.

Most responsible air conditioning companies use a checklist that they will be happy to show you.

If you protect your AC system, it will protect you. Schedule an air conditioner maintenance appointment before it’s too late!

How Air Conditioning Works

If you live in Los Angeles Air Conditioning is a MUST have. But did you ever wonder how your AC is cooling your home? What exactly does that box on the side of your house do? The above video explains in 1 minute what how air conditioning works.

Sustainable Living Workshop!

Want to find out more about sustainable living? 

DWP is funding these excellent FREE workshops and YOU are invited to attend.
When: Wednesday's 7-8:30pm 4/4, 4/11, 4/25, & 5/2 No Mtg. 4/18
Where: Sherman Oaks Galleria Community Room, 15301 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. 

Find out more by clicking here: Sustainable Living Workshop

Sustainable living isn't just about making big changes like adding rooftop solar panels to your home, changing out your old HVAC equipment for a new energy efficient heating and air conditioning, replacing windows, or putting in energy efficient lighting. You can make small and inexpensive changes in your lifestyle that will make a big difference to the size of your carbon footprint.


If you are interested in learning more about sustainable living this workshop is a great place for beginner and intermediate "Greenies". If you have advanced knowledge come! Share your experience.

How To Avoid Unnecessary AC Service Calls

Sure  you love your Los Angeles Air Conditioning service company, but here  are some helpful hints to assist you in avoiding unnecessary costs for  service and repairs of your heating and air conditioning equipment:

• Clean or change your filter frequently. We recommend checking it at least every four weeks in our climate.
• Do  not set your thermostat lower in the cooling mode than is comfortable.  The average resident is comfortable at a setting of 78 to 80 degrees.  For every degree that you lower your thermostat below 78 degrees, you  increase your electricity consumption by 2% to 5%.
• In  the summer, setting the fan to the "on" position will allow the indoor  fan to run continuously, thus providing continuous circulation of air  between cycles. This continuous circulation can allow many users to set their thermostat 1 or 2 degrees higher, while still remaining  comfortable.
• Use fans to circulate air and make you feel cooler at a higher temperature  setting. Be sure to turn the fan off when the room will be unoccupied.
• If  you have a routine schedule each day get a programmable  thermostat. It will save you money by offsetting the temperature in the  house when no one is home.
• Do  not turn off your air conditioner during the day when you are away. It is much more cost effective to raise the temperature to 82 or 83  degrees. This will use less energy and still allow for the air  conditioner to recover when you lower the thermostat to your desired comfort level when you return home in the evening.
• Keep all windows and doors closed.
• Close draperies on the sunny side of the house to block the sun’s summer rays.
• Verify that your attic space is well ventilated to decrease the heat build up. We recommend an attic fan, they really help!
• Wash  the outside coil of your air conditioner with a garden hose once a year  in order to keep it at top performance. Clean away debris, leaves and  shrubbery for free flow of air through the coil fins.
• Do  not close off more than 20% of the registers in the home. This can  cause high resistance in the ductwork system. The result may be  unnecessary heat build-up in the furnace in the winter. In the summer  the reduction in air-flow can cause icing up on the cooling coil, higher  humidity levels, and can lead to possible compressor damage.
• In the cooling season, don’t run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.
• Do  not place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a  wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from the equipment may cause the  air conditioning system to over-cool your house, thinking that it is  warmer than it actually is.
• Never store anything combustible near your gas furnace.
• If you have a gas furnace, make sure that flue connections and venting are always unobstructed.If you smell natural gas, call the local gas company at once.
• If you have a power outage or brown out, turn off your air conditioner immediately. This may save the components from damage.
• If  your system is 10 years or older, consider the benefits of replacing it  with a more efficient system that consumes less electricity.
• Have  your heating and cooling system serviced each season to keep it in  tip-top shape. You can avoid costly repairs and unnecessary down time when you need your system the most.

 Still need a technician? Your service call is worth the money!

When Is It Time To Replace Your AC?

According to Energy Star, there are certain telltale signs that indicate it's time to consider replacing you Los Angeles air conditioning equipment to improving the performance of your overall system. It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new, standard model.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

Your cooling or heating equipment my have become less efficient.

Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.

Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.

Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money while they're away or sleeping.

Your home has humidity problems.

Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your home has excessive dust.

Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy.

You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.