How Much Does Air Conditioning Ducting Cost?

"Some rooms are working and some aren't."

There is a proper use for this kind of duct. But this isn't it.

Wondering how much air conditioning ductwork costs? It could cost you your whole system if it is not installed properly. After twenty five years of repairing, installing and inspecting heating and air conditioning systems I have seen some crazy installations that have ruined the energy efficiency of perfectly good air conditioning equipment.

"My air conditioning is not blowing."

Mold can cause lasting health problems

The best thing to do when your air conditioner is not working is to call a licensed and insured air conditioning contractor. They should be certified by the EPA. They will know the correct duct to use for different applications and how to install it correctly. Improperly installed ducting is an energy waster at best. Badly installed ducting can allow toxic mold into your home or stress your HVAC equipment enough to cause mechanical failure.

Don't trust your HVAC ducting repair or installation to an unlicensed handyman or your friend who has a tool-belt. Your air conditioning system is an valuable investment for your home. Properly installed ducting is an investment in the indoor air quality of your home and the health and safety of your family.

Installed by a friend :-(

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

         If your A/C is more than 10 years old, it more than likely contains R-22.  The Federal government is in the process of eliminating this refrigerant, which is harmful to the environment.  As a result, it means that your A/C will eventually be OBSOLETE!    

new energy efficient 410A air conditioner

              Any future air conditioner service or repair on your current air conditioner with R-22 will become increasingly expensive and difficult with each passing year.  That’s one reason why the government is helping homeowners replace their old, outdated air conditioner with new, high-efficiency systems.  As an individual who has been in the HVAC industry for many years, I can tell you that there is likely NO better time to invest in a new A/C.  Here’s why:

1. When you replace your old A/C with R-22, you will get a new, highly efficient air conditioner that could REDUCE your utility bills by 20-35%!

Think of your air conditioner like an athlete.  At some point, an athlete hits a peak and can no longer compete at a high level.  The same thing can be said about your A/C.  After about 10 years, it likely doesn’t run as efficiently.  That means you’re wasting energy and paying higher utility costs!  Over time, you could be wasting thousands of dollars!  Today’s air conditioners have benefited from scientific breakthroughs and are far more efficient!  A high-efficiency A/C (with R-410A refrigerant) could reduce your utility bill by 20-35%! 

2. A new A/C will likely NEVER be less expensive!

Today’s steel prices are rising higher and higher, and as a result, the cost of air conditioners, furnaces, and all other HVAC equipment is rising.  There’s talk that these costs could continue to rise in the next few years.  If you have a 10+ year old A/C with R-22, it’s probably better to replace it now, rather than a few years from now.  Who knows what the price will be then?

3. You can benefit from the big, environmental BAILOUT!

To help homeowners, like yourself, who have A/C’s with R-22 make the transition, the federal government may grant you up to $1,500 in tax credits when you install a new, high-efficiency air conditioner in your home!

            If you choose to have your old, outdated A/C replaced, and you allow Kilowatt to install your new, high-efficiency system, you can benefit even more!!!!  Here’s how….

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

            As you know, the banking industry has tightened its lending… even homeowners with good credit are having challenges.  Knowing that, I scoured the market for lenders that are willing to provide my clients with some incredible financing options… minus all that red tape. 

         

        For example, you could have a brand new, high-efficiency A/C installed (with R-410A refrigerant) now, and when your final investment comes due, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your investment, over time, might be LESS than what you were OVERPAYING the utility company, because your old, outdated air conditioner was that INEFFICIENT!  It was guzzling energy and your money!  So, it would be as if your new A/C paid for itself!

Home Air Conditioner Stopped Blowing

If your air conditioner stops working and has no air flow the problem may be a frozen coil. 


What should you do if you’re air conditioner freezes?
1  Turn the air conditioning off at the thermostat.
2  Check your filter. If the filter is filthy, throw it away and proceed to Step #4.
3  If not, you’ve probably got an issue that is going to require a trained AC professional. 
4  Switch the Fan to the “On” position at the thermostat (leave the air conditioner turned to “Off”).  This will help move more air across the frozen coil so it will thaw faster.
5  Now you can head to the store to get another filter. 
6  When you get back home, visually inspect the outdoor copper lines and the indoor coil for ice.  It can take a couple of hours for all that ice to thaw, so you may need to give it a little more time.
7  Put the new filter in, and turn the AC back on.
8  Keep a close eye on the system.  If ice reappears, turn the air conditioner off and call a professional.  If the system doesn’t start to cool the house down, turn the AC off and call your air conditioning repairman.

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.

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!

Los Angeles Takes The Heat!

Triple Digit Temperatures Hit Southern California

Numerous heat advisories have been issued for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer. With temperatures reaching triple digits residents are asked to look out for elderly neighbors, vulnerable to Heat Illness.

With the downturn in the economy still affecting property owners many L.A. homeowners have let the maintenance on their HVAC systems lapse. This can lead to system failure, and during this scorching hot weather with high levels of humidity a broken AC system can cause serious health problems.

Local Heating and Air Conditioning Company, Kilowatt, is offering special savings to help Los Angeles residents survive the heat.

Kilowatt is offering numerous ways for Los Angeles homeowners to save on new or replacement Air Conditioning systems installed including 0% financing, Energy Star rebates and government incentives worth hundreds of dollars, government tax credits, manufacturers incentives and energy savings. All told Los Angeles residents can save thousands of dollars installing energy efficient equipment. Dean Gilford is a reputable licenced Los Angeles air conditioning contractor who is committed to helping local property owners understand all the different savings available to them.
"Helping people install the right equipment for the best possible price is a passion for me," explains Dean. "My customers have saved thousands of dollars with the terrific energy efficient equipment available now."

Kilowatt is located in the heart of Sherman Oaks and for 22 years has been providing A+ rated guaranteed air conditioning service to Los Angeles residents, helping neighbors stay cool in triple digit weather! Below are some important tips for staying safe and healthy during the heat wave.

How to Combat Heat Stress

Adequate hydration is the most important step to combating heat stress. When the heat index is high, stay properly hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink; if you are thirsty you may already have lost 2% of your body's water. The onset of heat exhaustion can begin after losing 3% of the body's water and heat stroke occurs once 8% is lost.

WARNING SIGN: If you are not urinating regularly or have dark urine, you may be dehydrated and at risk for heat illnesses!

Rest in a cool environment. Take fluids and salty foods or an electrolyte solution such as sports drinks.

Los Angeles Opens Emergency Cooling Centers

To provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will open cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. A list of the location and times of operation of the 55 cooling stations in Los AngelesCounty can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

The Department of Public Health recommends several ways to manage the heat:

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often. Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during peak heat hours such as a mall, park, or library.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day

Always use a licensed and insured Air Conditioning Contractor in Los Angeles.

A Million Thanks

We are pleased to announce that Kilowatt Electric, Heating and Air Conditioning in Sherman Oaks is an official drop-off location for A Million Thanks. If you want to write a note of appreciation to a wounded veteran or an active duty soldier, Kilowatt will make sure it gets into the right hands.

A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers. www.amillionthanks.org

Kilowatt's location is easy to get to right on Sepulveda at the 101 Freeway.

Please spread the word!