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4 AC Energy Savings Tips for Summer

4 AC Energy Savings Tips for Summer

Summer AC Energy Savings Tips

In the Brazos Valley, the summers are sunny, hot, and humid. And we love it! But since summers are hot and humid we also enjoy coming in out of the heat to refreshing air conditioning and an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. The cooling season is an excellent time for homeowners to tweak a few things and save money on their energy bill. Here are some quick AC Energy Saving tips:

  1. Make sure your AC works efficiently by keeping it clean and well maintained.
    1. Do not underestimate the value of changing your air filter often—at least every three months and more if needed. The dust you collect in the air filter will not collect on electrical components, clog your ductwork or create dust bunnies under the bed.
    2. Make sure vents and registers are not covered by furniture to ensure adequate airflow. Not only will this create hot spots, but will also make the air conditioner work harder.
    3. Check the outdoor compressor unit. You don’t need to know how it works, but it helps if you understand that its primary function is to cool the refrigerant. The enemy of your AC system is anything that interferes with cooling those gases, such as grass, leaves, or debris. Make sure nothing is collecting inside the unit to interfere with the fan or inside the unit to restrict airflow. Clean the dirt that builds up between the fins occasionally with a garden hose, but never with a power washer, since it might damage the fins.
    4. Schedule an AC maintenance visit with your HVAC professional. A technician will complete an inspection of the components that work together to cool your home, clean condenser coils, and check refrigerant levels. This visit often catches small problems before they become large problems.
  2. Control your AC strategically with an upgraded thermostat. If you have an analog thermostat (a dial instead of an electronic screen), installing a programmable or smart thermostat is a good move toward efficiency and comfort. Both will let you schedule your AC use for cost savings and comfort. How does it work?
    1. Set it and forget it. Determine the comfort level preferred by your family and set the temperature during normal waking hours. Avoid changing the temperature during the day.
    2. Determine a warmer, comfortable sleeping temperature and set the thermostat for your family’s sleep cycle. You will experience measurable and significant savings by decreasing demand over an 8-hour period.
    3. If your home is vacant during work hours, reduce energy use in the same manner.
    4. Before everyone wakes up in the morning, schedule a 30-minute cooling period. Do the same at the end of the workday.
  3. Install and use ceiling fans to maximize comfort. Moving air feels cooler; that is the basis for the winter wind chill factor. Moving air allows you to raise the AC by 4o before you feel the difference if you so desired. Change the direction of your ceiling fans by season; counterclockwise for the AC and clockwise for heating.
  4. The ideal humidity in a home is between 30 and 50%. Higher humidity has adverse effects, including stimulating mold and mildew growth, making surfaces sticky and a stale odor or stuffy feel to the air. If the AC functions fine but the humidity level in your home seems high, the HVAC system might need some assistance from a portable dehumidifier.

Comfort will drive efficiency. Efficiency will drive cost. These tips will help you make your family more comfortable without increasing energy use.

Want more info on how you can reduce your utility bills with AC Energy Savings Tips?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and how to reduce your energy utility bills with AC energy savings, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

4 AC Energy Savings Tips for Summer

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HVAC Duct Cleaning To Remove Allergens

HVAC Duct Cleaning

HVAC Duct Cleaning: Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

That saying, “out of sight, out of mind” is certainly true in most situations. You do not see the inside of your HVAC ductwork, so you most likely have not considered how much dust has built up or the consequences of dirty air ducts.

Air passes over the dust multiple times per day and into your home, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Air quality is very important to the health of occupants.

Dirty air ducts are extremely harmful to the electrical and mechanical components of the HVAC system.

However, there are steps you can take to keep your air ducts cleaned.

  1. Change your Air Filter on Schedule. The front line of defense against dust, dander, and pollen is the air filter. The air filter is made of thin paper and fiber material that allows the free flow of air. The filter is placed so as to trap particles before they reach vulnerable equipment. Eventually, the air filter is clogged, restricts airflow, and makes the blower work harder, so make sure you change the filter at least every three months.
  2. Keep Vent Registers Open. Ducts generally terminate in floors with a louvered register. The louvers are designed to direct the air as desired, not to close or restrict airflow. It is also important not to place furniture or accessories over the louvered register. Closing the louvers or covering the register makes the duct a dead end. Dust blows into the vent with no exit, trapping particles in greater volume than normal. The air filter works when the air is moving, so avoid trapping dust by keeping vents open.
  3. Clean What You See. Dust is kept moving while the air is circulating. As soon as air movement slows, gravity takes over and particles begin to settle. Regular cleaning will remove dust, pet hair, and pollen from the air before it can settle in the ductwork. Cleaning products are readily available that use static electricity to attract, trap and remove particles. Mopping hard surfaces and vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture is extremely helpful; the dirt that is in the vacuum cleaner bag was in the air and potentially would end up in air ducts.
  4. Add an Air Purifier. If your HVAC system needs a boost, consider a small, portable air purifier. These attractive units generally have a multi-stage filtration system, trapping larger, than smaller particles, before an activated charcoal filter removes gaseous odors. Often the filters can be cleaned and reused; good maintenance will keep them running for years. Air purifiers are also ideal for bedrooms—keeping air cleaner in a space you spend 1/3 of your life. Do some research and find an air purifier that fits your needs.
  5. Have You had HVAC Duct Cleaning by a Professional? If you clean regularly, change air filters every three months and keep registers open, dust will still accumulate in your air ducts. At Mullinix, our technicians are trained and properly equipped to clean your return and supply ducts and make sure your entire system is clean and functioning properly. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Interested in HVAC Duct Cleaning?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our HVAC Duct Cleaning services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Duct Cleaning information page.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

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Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season

Preparing Your AC for Hurricane Season Tips for Homeowners

Over the past two decades, the ferocity of Gulf Coast hurricanes has had devastating results on coastal cities and hurricane planning is common at the municipal, utility, corporate, and business levels. Prudent homeowners are also making customized preparations for the next tropical storm or hurricane. R. M. Mullinix is offering several tips to help you make your home safer and put you on the road to recovery.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: General Home Preparation

  • Will you shelter in place or evacuate? It probably depends upon the intensity of the storm. Explore the recommended evacuation route(s) should the time come. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your destination and methods of communicating your plans.
  • Prepare an emergency survival kit that contains bottled water, food that needs little prep, and toilet paper for one week to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season.
  • Trim trees of deadwood and limbs that are too close to the house to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season.
  • Store supplies for shuttering windows and bracing doors against strong winds.

Whether you decide to ride out the storm or evacuate to safety, here are some tips for preparing your HVAC system for a hurricane or tropical storm and minimize damage during recovery.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: Before the Storm Event

  1. Prepare your compressor unit for the coming storm.
    1. If you live in a low-lying area, consider elevating the compressor unit—the AC component you find in your yard. Many municipal building codes now require new AC compressors and fuel-powered generators to be raised out of the potential for damage due to high water. Hurricane Harvey damaged an estimated 130,000 outside compressor units (estimated that over 130,000 outside AC compressor units were damaged in 2017). Anticipate damage from high water and protect your compressor unit?
    2. Strap your compressor unit down to prevent it from becoming a projectile! Straps are available at local home improvement stores and are inexpensive solutions to secure the unit in high winds. Also, purchase a tarp or customized covering for the compressor unit to keep debris from the hollow interior of the compressor.
  2. Cooldown before the storm.

Anticipate a power outage to happen during the storm and for a period afterward. Lower the thermostat on your HVAC system several degrees before the storm arrives. If you have not shuttered windows, keep them closed and doors shut tight. The goal is to make the home comfortable for as long as possible, since the power may be out for several days.

  1. Secure lawn and patio belongings.

Intense storms record sustained winds that approach 100 mph and gusts much higher. Patio furniture and lawn décor are potential projectiles and need to be secured or stored in a safe place. Clear leaves and limbs that are too close to the compressor unit—they might be blown inside. If you have window AC units, remove them and close the window tightly.

Last Minute Preparation

  1. Turn the AC off.

If you evacuate, turn off power at your service panel before you leave. If you shelter in place, consider taking the same precaution to protect your home’s electronics and appliances from damaging power surges from lightning and electrical shorts in the utility lines. Always turn the AC off after you cover the compressor unit since it requires a lot of air to pass over the cooling coils. Also, heavy rains often cause localized flash flooding. Water and electricity create extreme hazards from electric shock to people and pets that come in contact with the two together.

If you shelter in place, refrain from watching the storm. Stay away from windows and doors. Find an interior space and wait for the storm out. Trying to move during the storm is very hazardous and should only happen when a new threat requires you to seek further shelter.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: After the Storm

  1. Take it slow.

Once the storm has subsided it is tempting to turn the power back on to “see if everything works.” Before you take that step, take some time to make a visual inspection of the whole house. Remember to check for both wind and water damage, inside and out.

  1. Inspect for downed power lines. DO NOT GO NEAR A DOWNED POWER LINE. Call your electric utility company for repairs.
  2. Inspect your compressor unit. Remove the cover before you turn the AC system on. Check the hollow interior of the unit for leaves and debris that might have blown inside. Remove this debris while the power is off since the fan can start unexpectedly at any time after the unit has power.
  3. Inspect the electrical and coolant lines that run from the unit to the house for damage.
  4. Inspect the inside components for water damage. If there is any indication of high water, even if it has subsided, call your HVAC technician before you turn the AC on. If something does not look right, call a technician before you restore power to the AC.
  5. For insurance purposes, take lots of photos of storm damage.
  1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up ASAP

Your system may look fine and function properly, but after a hurricane, we recommend a service call to get a professional opinion. We can catch a minor problem before it becomes a major problem. Anticipate a high volume of calls, so schedule an appointment and be patient.

Want more info on how to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or how to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season

 

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9 Tips for Saving for Your AC System This Summer

9 Tips for Saving for Your AC System This Summer

9 AC System Tips for Energy Savings This Summer

Your family is relying upon the air conditioner for comfort from the intense summer heat. The average home in Texas spends $420 per month on utilities and during the summer, cooling costs account for about 50% of the home energy budget. Since we are all interested in shaving whatever we can off that number, here are some tips requiring a minimal effort that will help you save on your summer cooling bill.

  1. Give Mullinix a call for a thorough AC System tune-up to clean the system and make sure it runs efficiently all summer long. Your technician will replace your air filter, check key AC components and fix small concerns that could lead to bigger problems if not detected. Dirty and clogged filters block airflow and reduce overall efficiency. Routine preventative maintenance on your HVAC is crucial to maximizing the lifespan of your AC unit.
  2. Replace your analog thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat. If you still have the “dial on the wall,” you will be delighted by the 15 to 20% cost savings available to you on energy bills. If you have a programmable thermostat and have not programmed it, what are you waiting for?Program your family’s schedule into the thermostat, pushing the temperature up a few degrees during sleep cycles and while your family is away. A smart thermostat gives you the added convenience of a phone app to program thermostat settings.
  3. If your AC system is not extremely efficient or it leaves “hot spots” in your home, consider installing a ductless, mini-split AC unit for improved comfort for your family. A ductless AC system is a cost-effective method to add cooling comfort to rooms your family uses often, like a bedroom, kitchen, or family room. Installation is relatively simple since it does not tie into the central AC system, often accomplished in one day.
  4. Use every resource available, including fans. During an extended period of heat, turn your HVAC fan from Automatic to On. This continuously circulates the air and equalizes the temperature throughout the house. Ceiling fans will also circulate the air during a normal cooling day/night, cooling a room by about 40. Also, moving air feels good!
  5. Check your home for sufficient insulation and weatherproofing. Hot air and cold air always seek to find equilibrium, moving through every crack and opening. This movement of air costs money, so sealing spaces around windows, doors and other openings saves money. Caulk and weather-stripping are inexpensive.The hottest space inside the confines of the house is the attic; it requires 10” to 12” of insulating material. Sealing holes and insulating the attic space will increase comfort and improve efficiency.
  6. Glass has very little insulation value, so keep your blinds and drapes closed during the heat of the day. Solar energy coming into your home competes directly with your AC system. Window treatments are more than decoration; they can be energy savers. Reducing sunlight entering the home during daytime heat with drapes and blinds will reduce solar heat gain by 45%.
  7. It is summertime, so cook outdoors frequently for pleasure and energy savings. Cooking in the oven or on the stovetop generates a lot of heat, straining the AC system. You have awesome grilling & smoking skills, and you want people to remember that. (If not, you need the practice.) Cooking outside uses less energy and keeps your home cooler.
  8. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with efficient LED bulbs is a move that will provide more light, use less energy, and keep your home cooler. Incandescent bulbs can reach a temperature of 3350F, while LED bulbs are a cool 870 Incandescent bulbs are mini furnaces, so change them out.
  9. Placing an appliance that creates heat next to your thermostat will give an artificially warm reading to the thermostat and run the AC System more often and longer than normal. It makes sense to keep electronics and appliances at least four feet from the thermostat.

Want a more efficient AC System?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or AC System efficiency, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

9 Tips for Saving for Your AC System This Summer

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HVAC Ventilation for Garages

HVAC Ventilation for Garages

HVAC Ventilation Options for Your Garage

This summer is a good time to consider adding ventilation to your garage. More ventilation will improve air quality since attached garage air is finding its way into your home. Summertime heat often makes your garage a less than ideal place to visit.

Few residential garages are insulated, so they tend to be very hot and humid. Not only is the air hot, but quite often it has a myriad of smells and odors. Quite often it is the storage area for lawn equipment; the lawnmower smells of the last mowing, while fertilizers, weed killers and insecticide add their odors. Pool chemicals, paint, and adhesives are off-gassing in the corner. The cars parked inside add carbon monoxide and other fumes associated with the manufacturing of plastics and rubber.

The garage is perhaps the most contaminated space in your home. We might grow accustomed to the smells of car exhaust and insecticide, but many of the smells mentioned are actually mild to serious environmental emissions, called volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are known to cause cancer.

Ventilation Options for Garages

Installing garage ventilation can be fairly simple, similar to adding a kitchen or bathroom. Each home is different, so you have many options.

  • A roof vent with a fan is a good option for garages with unfinished ceilings or direct garage attic openings. These fans will move as much as 1200 cubic feet per minute—replacing the air in most garages every three minutes.
  • A wall vent, installed high on an exterior wall, is also an option to consider, moving similar amounts of air. The exterior will be shuttered.
  • A garage vent can be customized with features such as a motion sensor, thermostat, or timer. The fan should run several minutes to up to two hours to remove the polluted air. A thermostat will run the fan when a certain temperature is reached, while a motion sensor automatically triggers the fan as a car enters the garage.

HVAC Ventilation for Garages Special Consideration

If your garage houses a gas water heater or the HVAC system air handler, consult with your HVAC contractor before installing an exhaust fan. While fans are relatively small, they can change the air pressure in the garage, interfering with the HVAC system. It could also cause the gas exhaust to be pulled back into the garage from the water heater stack.

Want more information about HVAC Ventilation for Garages?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or HVAC Ventilation for Garages for Homeowners, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

HVAC Ventilation for Garages

 

 

 

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Ductless Mini-split Air Conditioners FAQs

Ductless Mini-splits

I have questions about ductless mini-split air conditioners!

Can you tell me more about ductless mini-split AC systems?

Air conditioning technologies for home use began in many places at once in about 1959. As the technology reached Japan, bulky, noisy air conditioning did not make sense for a large number of small homes with thin walls packed into tight spaces. Engineers successfully engineered AC units for small spaces that made little noise, and the technology took off in Asia and Europe.

Mini-split systems did not find a market in the US until about 1995. Today, ductless systems account for approximately 10% of the HVAC market in many states. They are very efficient, cost-effective, and are a low-impact AC solution for applications such as single room additions, attics, or basement renovations.

Is Ductless Mini-splits really as quiet as advertised?

Central AC systems are known for having noisy outdoor condenser units, powerful blower motors that circulate air through the entire house, and banging or popping noise after a circulation cycle. Window AC units are also very noisy, combining the condenser and the blower motor together in the same room being serviced.

In contrast, the mini-split system operates a variable speed blower on the indoor unit which is almost silent. The outdoor unit runs whisper-soft, with an average of 32 decibels, between the sound of rustling leaves and a quiet library. Mini-splits are very quiet!

Is Ductless Mini-splits hard to maintain?

For the longevity of your system, you will need to maintain your ductless system for peak performance. But since the system is smaller and there are no ducts in a ductless system, there is less to do than with a central air conditioning system. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Keep it clean. Dust the inside unit with a damp rag as you would any other appliance. Make sure vents are free from blockages.
  2. Spray the outside condenser unit with a hose twice annually to keep it free from dirt build-up. Make sure the unit is powered down as you spray.
  3. Give the unit space. It needs plenty of room to operate, so make sure the indoor unit has at least four feet of surrounding space in each direction.
  4. Replace the filter as per the manufacturer’s instruction. Since the unit is small, clogged filters will quickly restrict airflow.
  5. Call a pro as needed for routine maintenance (just as you would for a central air conditioning unit). A technician will check refrigerant levels, electrical components, and system efficiency.

What is the “life expectancy” of a Ductless Mini-split system?

The key to any system is maintenance, but a mini-split ductless system average service life exceeds the service life of alternative solutions. The typical window AC unit lasts about 10 years, while a central HVAC system has a life span of 15 to 20 years. Expect your ductless system, with fewer components, to last more than 20 years.

I feel the Ductless Mini-split units are boxy and unattractive?

No, you are thinking of a window AC unit! The indoor components of a ductless system are sleek, low profile, inconspicuous units, usually attached high on a wall so as not to take up space. Often you have a choice of stylish housings to fit with most existing decors.

Want more information about Ductless AC Systems?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Ductless AC Systems Solutions for Homeowners, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Ductless Mini-splits

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Ductless AC Systems: 3 Solutions for Homeowners

Ductless AC Systems: 3 Solutions for Homeowners

Benefits of Ductless AC Systems

Beating the summer heat requires air conditioning in the heart of Texas. Most homes have a central HVAC system that requires maintenance and eventual replacement. During your conversation about installing a new AC or replacing your current unit, ask your air conditioning professional about a ductless heating and cooling system.

A ductless unit is not the normal fit, but in certain applications, it might improve cooling and offer a cost-effective solution for an otherwise impossible situation. Let’s review the top three solutions a ductless AC system has to offer.

Ductless AC Systems As a Retrofit

If you are rehabbing a home that is not already equipped with central AC, a ductless air conditioner might be a solution. Installing ducts as a retrofit can be extremely expensive; they require a demo and cause delays. Unlike central systems, ductless systems are attached to exterior walls with ease. Your installer can help you with placement to maximize space, and correctly size the units for your space. A ductless system can also be a budget saver for renovating a home without central HVAC.

Cooling Specific Spaces with Ductless AC Systems

A conventional central air system should cool every space equally, but the real-life application does not always follow the design plans. Perhaps your home already has central HVAC, but honestly, the upstairs bedrooms are still uncomfortable. Consider installing ductless AC units rather than increasing the number or size of ducts to those rooms.

The central AC system cools downstairs adequately, while the ductless units add cooling performance directly where it is needed without altering the entire system.

Extreme Cost Measure of Ductless AC Systems

Running central air conditioning for the entire home can get expensive, especially in July and August. If you are replacing an existing central HVAC, ductless AC units might be a solution to reduce cooling costs.

Central AC will remain the “norm,” but since ductless units are extremely energy efficient, a series of these units spaced properly in living areas could save on the cost of both installation and operation. Your HVAC technician can help you decide whether this technology will fit your needs.

Want more information about Ductless AC Systems?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Ductless AC Systems Solutions for Homeowners, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Ductless AC Systems: 3 Solutions for Homeowners

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Commercial HVAC System: 4 Strategies to Save Energy

Commercial HVAC System

4 Strategies to Increase Energy Savings with Your Commercial HVAC System

You just received a preliminary notice that Corporate is preparing a “green initiative” and you are hoping to get in front of this. You are looking for answers and solutions that demonstrate fine attention to detail, but you are starting from scratch. Well, here are four suggestions to help you formulate a Commercial HVAC System plan.

First, understand that for multi-family housing, commercial retail, office space, or industrial facilities, “green energy” that helps the environment will help produce “green” for your bottom line. Unless your producing energy on a large scale, “going green” means saving energy and therefore saving money.

Saving energy leads to producing less energy and results in less greenhouse gas emissions. Steps toward environmental-friendly energy savings are a smart goal for business-wise property owners and managers.

Does that necessitate replacing the entire Commercial HVAC System with a costly new system? In many cases, no. Completing these four steps will help you determine how prepared your facilities are to capitalize on a green energy program. The time you invest in understanding building systems will be worth the effort.

Commercial HVAC System Step ONE

Inspect your entire HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Perhaps you have a facility maintenance person that knows your systems well; his/her assistance will be invaluable. Identify every system component, determine its age and working order.

Is there a preventative maintenance plan already in place? Visually inspect components, including ductwork—as much as is visible. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), faulty or leaking ducts account for as much as 30% of energy loss in HVAC systems. Duct repair might be a manageable fix with immediate cost savings.

Commercial HVAC System Step TWO

How will you know if you are saving energy if you do not know the energy use in the past? Connect with the EPA for a free, simple tool that will “benchmark” the energy and water usage in commercial buildings.

The process includes some data entry, as the tool measures the past performance of the HVAC system by looking at utility bills. With a benchmark in place, steps you take resulting in energy savings will be clear and measurable. https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark

Commercial HVAC System Step THREE

After completing the EPA benchmark, install the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager. While the benchmark tool compiles past performance, The Portfolio Manager is an online tool that can measure and track ongoing energy and water consumption, as well as GHG emissions.

These tools can be used to monitor one building or a whole portfolio of buildings, all in a secure online environment. Forty percent of commercial building space in the U.S., including 35% of the Fortune 500® are already benchmarking in Portfolio Manager.

Commercial HVAC System Step FOUR

Schedule regular inspections and preventative maintenance call with a qualified HVAC specialist. The One Key to equipment longevity, great indoor air quality, and cost savings—both from maintaining expensive systems and lowering energy bills—is preventative maintenance.

Keeping filters and ducts clean, making timely repairs, and assessing equipment performance prevent unnecessary system failures that can interrupt building use. PM calls are usually quick and easy, but the impact on system performance will lengthen the service life of Commercial HVAC System components.

A qualified HVAC specialist can assist with a plan to replace system components as needed or a plan to upgrade the entire system.

These four tips can save a lot of time, expense, and inconvenience. Knowing the Commercial HVAC System is performing well and keeping a safe, comfortable work environment will bring peace of mind. Perhaps Corporate has further plans for a “green initiate”, but you will be a step ahead when you have covered the basics.

Want more information about Commercial HVAC System Energy Savings?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Commercial HVAC System

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6 Steps to Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC Systems

Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC

Six Steps to Energy Saving in Your Commercial Building

As a business owner or property manager, one of the wisest moves to boost your bottom line is to improve your Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC System and trim waste. One of the largest monthly bills for your building is the electric bill. Therefore, an important budget saver is exploring ways to reduce energy consumption building-wide.

Reducing your electric bill is not only a wise budget move but also helps the environment by reducing the carbon footprint—a wise move for the future. Explore your building and determine whether these 6 tips will save energy and reduce costs in your commercial property.

Evaluate the lighting system throughout the building.

If the lighting in your commercial building has not to be inspected in several years, start there. Reflect on how many lights are needed to illuminate each room properly. Do you have the latest and most efficient lights available? Now consider some measures to reduce the use of electricity with every light. Upgrading lighting will lead to very effective cost savings over a short period of time.

  1. Upgrade light bulbs. If you still use fluorescent bulbs, new high-efficiency LED bulbs use at least 60% less energy and produce better, brighter light. In addition, new LED bulbs last 50,000 to 100,000 hours, compared to about 10,000 hours for fluorescent bulbs.LED bulbs also reduce maintenance costs, as the bulbs need to be changed less frequently. The cost savings will multiply if you are using incandescent bulbs. Often electric utility companies have financial incentives to help offset the cost of bulb replacement. Check into it.
  2. Another cost-saving measure is to install motion-sensing switches, especially in rooms that are not in constant use, such as closets, restrooms, conference rooms, and break rooms.Sensors detect movement to ensure lights will be on when needed and turn off when the room is vacant. Over time, motion detecting lights will save up to 80% of electricity for those rooms.

Update and Maintain an Energy-Efficient Commercial HVAC System

Schedule an annual preventative maintenance service for HVAC systems to ensure they operate at peak capacity. Dirty and poorly maintained systems work harder and cost more. A clean system will also give occupants cleaner air, comfortable work, and an Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC system.

Avoid the Office Thermostat Wars

When many people work together, and since each person is different, someone is always too hot or too cold. Changing the thermostat often increases the cost of heating and cooling the building, while a fairly constant temperature saves energy and is comfortable for most people.

A simple choice is to install energy-efficient programmable thermostats throughout the building. The thermostat can be programmed to reduce heating and AC costs when the building is not in use and maintain the appropriate temp for a work environment.

Encourage employees who are too hot to bring a small fan for their workspace and employees who are too cold to bring a sweater. Make sure to minimize heating and AC to unused spaces.

Use the Power Management Settings on Office Equipment

Unused electronics, including computers, printers, and chargers are still using electricity even when not in use. Make sure clients and users have power-saving settings activated on electronics for the most energy-efficient office available. If you see screensavers on inactive monitors and computers, or operating lights on printers, the setting is incorrect.

While the power management setting is simple to activate, it may take some vigilance to maintain the cost savings because the controls can be reset or overridden by individual users. A reminder for IT professionals to check the settings on a regular basis may help ensure energy savings over the long term.

Update Data Storage

Recent technological advancements in cloud hosting of data encourage some property managers to investigate whether onsite server rooms are necessary or not. A dedicated space for energy-gobbling server equipment with upgraded cooling is quite expensive.

Offsite cloud storage might be advantageous for your building. Even if you are not prepared to make such a dramatic change, consult your IT manager for Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC options, such as improved air-flow management.

Conduct An Energy Audit for a better Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC System

Your commercial electrical contractor can inspect your building with you to uncover these energy-saving opportunities and more. Each office has unique features and needs, so the best approach is to complete an energy audit together.

A customized plan will give you the optimal energy use plan, lowering energy bills and reducing your environmental impact. An electrical contractor can also educate you about financial incentives for energy reduction measures.

Want more information about an Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC

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HVAC System Purchase Tips

HVAC System

Taking the Guesswork Out of an HVAC System Purchase

Whether you are purchasing a new house or replacing an existing house, making decisions concerning an HVAC system is huge. The HVAC system affects your health, safety, and comforts 24/7/365, so getting it right is supremely important. However, this is not a decision you make frequently, so let’s look at some essential considerations.

What should I look for in an HVAC Contractor?

With so many contractors to choose from, making a decision can be confusing. Choosing someone you can trust and work with over the years is a primary concern.

Your installation contractor will know more about your system than any other firm, so make it someone you will feel comfortable calling for service and repair. Make sure your contractor is:

Quality. Start with licensed contractors, with certified technicians, authorized by the manufacturer of the system. As an authorized vendor for the system, the contractor will understand manufacturer warranties and guarantees.

Recognized. Is the contractor affiliated with national organizations, such as Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)? Such organizations have rating systems to help clients make decisions.

Dependable and Responsive. Look for reviews on websites and in printed material. Are existing clients pleased with service calls and response times? Referrals will reveal the quality of workmanship and professionalism you can expect from the contractor.

What type of HVAC system do I need?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This system circulates, cleans, and conditions the air for your comfort and safety. Each system is custom-designed for space, with several component parts. Who designs a new HVAC system?

The HVAC contractor will use several criteria to design a unique system for your home; criteria include square footage, number of rooms, windows, and doors, the local climate, and occupant needs. Let’s look at the 4 most common HVAC system choices.

One of the most common systems is a split system, with the AC condenser unit outside and the furnace/blower unit inside. Insulated coolant lines connect the two components. The same blower services the AC and furnace.

A packaged framework places both components outdoors and is a very efficient HVAC system, especially for smaller spaces. Both cool air and hot air are produced outside and a duct connects the unit with the home. These systems maximize indoor spaces, as all components are outside.

Variable-speed units can be split or packaged. The advanced system requires very sensitive thermostats and increases or decreases the blower speed as needed. The blower adjusts from 30% to 100% capacity, depending upon need. Typically, blowers run longer at reduced capacity and save energy.

A heat pump system does exactly what its name implies—it is always moving heat from one area to another. In the summer, it removes heat from the inside to the outside and in the winter it moves heat from the outside to the inside.

The major drawback of a heat pump system is that in extreme winters, there is not enough heat to bring into the house. In many settings, heat pump systems require an emergency heat backup system.

How do I determine HVAC system size?

Your system will be “sized” in tons—for example, your HVAC contractor may call for a 3 ½ ton unit. The contractor will determine the need and design a system a little larger than the actual need. Why? If the system is too small, it will run all of the time and can be maxed out with extreme temperature spikes.

If the system is too large, it will not run as frequently as needed, then work hard trying to catch up. Both too small and too large will shorten the lifespan of the system, so like Goldilocks, you need a system that is “just right.”

What about my ductwork?

Part of your HVAC system design is the network of ducts extending to every area of the house. For new homes, the ducts will be sized and placed strategically for efficiency and comfort. For existing homes, the ductwork should be inspected, cleaned, and repaired as needed. A new system design will take duct size into consideration.

Taking care of your ducts is a very important home maintenance task that keeps your air clean and your system working efficiently.  Duct problems to know about include:

  • Improperly sized ducts
  • Ducts that leak valuable conditioned air into walls, attics, or crawlspaces
  • Ducts with excessively long runs
  • Obstructions in the ductwork

Any of these issues may result in poor airflow.

Which thermostat is right for me?

The thermostat is a combination of a thermometer and a switch. It turns the system on or off according to the temperature. Old thermostat models had a dial face and adjusting the temperature required turning the dial. New model thermostats are programmable and may come with a smartphone app that allows you to adjust room temperature on the fly.

Programing your thermostat allows you to determine the ideal temperature throughout the day. Do you like to sleep in a cooler room? Lower the temp and program it to warm the house 30 minutes before the alarm goes off.

Do you need the house quite as warm or cool while everyone is away? Save some money and still have the ideal temperature when the family makes their way home. Smart thermostats will even allow you to adjust the temp for unexpected needs.

Which filter should I use?

There are so many filter choices to choose from, so here is Filter 101. Standard filters are made of paper but come with different size openings. The smaller the opening the more particles they catch. Change your paper filter at least every 3 months. Homes with several pets will need more frequent filter changes.

You can find filters that are washable, allowing multi-use from the same filter. Your HVAC contractor will also have several options for special needs, such as family members with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

HEPA filters and electrostatic filters remove even finer particles from the air and ultraviolet light in the ducts will eliminate microorganisms from the circulating air.

Must I replace the whole HVAC system at once?

Owning a home requires maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement for your HVAC system. Life expectancy for your system is approximately fifteen years; every year following is borrowed time.

However, one component may need to be replaced before the whole system needs to be replaced, so here is something to remember.

Ideally, each component in your system should come from the same manufacturer to ensure they all work seamlessly. A cross-product system may not work as efficiently as you anticipate. Your HVAC professional will be able to answer questions concerning compatibility.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or HVAC systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.HVAC System