Category: Heating

Why your heating bill is too high

As cooler weather approaches, you will eventually have to turn the heat on. While it is obvious that your heating bill will be higher in the Fall and Winter, sometimes it seems too high. Learn which factors can contribute to raising your bill, and some tips you can follow to prevent an outrageous monthly cost.

What are the main factors that contribute to high heating bills?

Change in seasons
The most obvious factor is the change in season. When it’s cold out, we want our home’s to be inviting and warm. Some people will end up dialing their thermostats too high temperatures to rapidly heat the home. If the change is too drastic, your furnace will work even harder, which will consume more energy.

Laundry machine
Surprisingly, another factor is your laundry machine. When it’s cold out, we wear extra layers and blankets. Naturally, our laundry room will be a bit busier, since it will require more washing. You might not realize it, but you probably will end up doing more laundry in the winter. This also contributes to higher utility bills.

Your home is poorly insulated
If you live in an older home, or if it doesn’t have proper insulation, you could be losing a lot of heat through leaks. This could be the main reason why your home never gets to the desired temperature you set on your thermostat, especially if you have it always running.

Your furnace isn’t functioning properly
If you’ve decided that none of the above are possible reasons, then it could, unfortunately, come down to the efficiency of your furnace. Old and outdated furnaces lose their power after quite some time, and if you don’t have regular maintenance on your furnace, its lifespan could be much shorter.

How to keep your heating bill low
Lowering your heating bill is much simpler than you’d expect. Here are the steps you can take to reduce the overall energy consumption in your home.

Lower your temperature
This sounds counterproductive in the cold, but in all reality, you will likely not notice a drop in a few degrees. Yet, the minor adjustment could save up to 10% of your heating cost.

Use a programmable thermostat
Regular thermostats cycle at every hour of the day, which means it can run when you’re asleep or not home. This is not very efficient. Programmable thermostats, however, can be set to your daily routines. If you’re not home, you can adjust it so your heater isn’t running and wasting energy. This can reduce the cost of your heating bill significantly.

Wear more layers
You can stay cozy and warm but bundling up indoors. While you have your thermostat set to a lower temperature, doing more laundry won’t have as much as a consequence on your bill. Find a cozy sweatshirt, or cuddle with your favorite blanket. These are great ways to keep yourself warm in your home, while still having a comfortable room temperature.

Have your furnace inspected
If you are actively implementing these steps, and are finding no solace, then it might be time to have your furnace inspected. You should have your furnace looked at yearly to ensure everything is in working condition. A professional HVAC company can do a quick checkup to make sure everything is functioning as it should.

Why Now Is the Time to Have Your Furnace Looked At

No one wants to think about the cold days of winter, however, you should always have your furnace prepared before the season begins. A fully working furnace is imperative to surviving the harsh temperatures of winter, and it is best to ensure it is in working order sooner than later. Here are three reasons why you should have your furnace inspected right now.

Completing maintenance on your furnace before the weather gets too cold can give you peace of mind because knowing your furnace is in the best shape will alleviate any stress if there is an issue during the cold months ahead. A furnace that operates at its best performance is crucial to surviving the winter, as it can be incredibly difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature without it.

When your furnace sits and collects dust in the warmer months, it can get grimy and dirty. This makes it so it doesn’t perform as well as it should be, and it can end up using more energy than intended. Not only will this end up costing you more money for utility bills, but it can also lead to serious problems down the road. Getting preemptive inspections and cleaning will ensure that your furnace is in running condition, saving you more money and having a lesser impact on the environment.

Inspecting and repairing a furnace before it is running will make it prepared to handle the cold before it gets too late. Early maintenance will ensure all of the mechanical parts and lubrication are proper, which in turn will allow a smooth airflow. Regularly scheduled maintenance will extend the lifespan of your furnace, so you won’t ever have to worry about major repairs shortly.

A Comprehensive Guide to Variable Frequency Drives

Variable frequency drives (VFD) are used in appliances and compressors of all sizes. They can help make electrical motors more efficient. They work by managing the frequency and the voltage so that they use energy in the most efficient manner possible. They are being used more and more as the development of the technologies has made the drives smaller and improved their performance. Here are some things to know about variable frequency drives.

AC Motor
Usually the motor for a variable frequency drive is a three phase induction. This is because such motors are generally the most economical. Less commonly used are wound rotors, permanent magnets, and synchronous motors.

Controller
A VFD has a controller that runs because of three sub-systems. Those sub-systems are the converter, the DC capacitor, and the inverter assembly. The converter stage is where the AC voltage is converted to DC voltage. The DC capacitor assembly and the inverter assembly work in tandem to initiate the three phase voltage. In 1983, the insulated gate bipolar transistor made it so that a VFD cost less and improved its amperage ratings.

Operating
VFDs have an extensive operator interface. It can start and stop the motor, as well as adjust the speed. There are types that allow for reversing the motor and even switching from manual control to automatic. VFDs are operated by either a computer network, digital controls, or the operator interface controls on the unit.

Drive Operations
A VFD will have three options for driver operations. Single quadrant operations are most common, and involve using constant or variable torque. Two-quadrant loads are needed when the torque alters its polarity but the speed is constant. For the highest performance, a four-quadrant load can handle speeds and torques that change direction and force.

Types of Variable Frequency Drives

Controlled Source Inverter
A controlled source inverter (CSI) works by using a SCR converter to convert all the incoming power to DC. CSI have a large internal inductor so that they can work efficiently and properly to handle the incoming power load. The advantages of this type of VFR are that the circuitry is relatively simple, they are very reliable, and they are capable of regeneration. Some of the drawbacks are that it relies on that large conductor, which is expensive, and that it is not compatible with multi-motor applications.

Voltage Source Inverter
Voltage Source Inverters (VSI) are similar to CSI in that the prime function is the covert power to DC by using a SCR converter section. However, VSI drives cannot regulate current, which the CSI drive can do. The VSI can create an adjustable frequency output for motors.

Pulse Width Modulation
The pulse width modulation (PWM) design is the most common drive controller. It can work with the largest variety of motors, and is very reliable. It is the most sold by manufacturers as well, so there are many brands from which to choose. As opposed the the VSI and CSI drives, PWM converts AC voltage to DC voltage. It does this by using an inverter section that also has gate bipolar transistor that are insulated. This creates a near-sine wave output. These drives are a low cost upfront, are compatible with multiple motors, and can operate through a power loss. The only issues are that it cannot regenerate, and can break down because of the switching transistors.

Benefits of Variable Frequency Drives
VFDs come with a host of benefits. For one, they are very energy efficient, in particular with regards to centrifugal load service. Estimates show that well over 60% of all used electrical energy is consumed by power motors. VFDs and other efficient technologies help to reduce that energy footprint.

Performance Control
VFDs allow you to regulate the amount of power a motor delivers. With fixed speed drive, a motor might be delivering more power than is needed. To have better process control, VFDs will regulate that power and only use as much energy as is required.

Now you know about the different types and benefits of using VFDs. Make sure to choose the right one for the job you have to do.

If you want your HVAC system to run more efficiently, the experts at Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call 763-533-3070.

Xergy Currently Developing Greener HVAC Systems

Bamdad Bahar is the founder of Xergy. Xergy is a Seaford startup that is working to find a way to make greener HVAC systems for homes and businesses. Their goal is to find a way to convert the membrane technology used in fuel cells for climate control purposes. As a result, modern HVAC systems will be more environmentally friendly. Says Bahar of the project, “There are literally hundreds of applications for this membrane technology in everything from electronics to industrial to medical. But right now refrigeration and air conditioning is our main focus.” But what does this technology entail? How is it different from traditional HVAC technology? And how is Xergy currently developing greener HVAC systems to use on a larger, nationwide scale? Continue reading “Xergy Currently Developing Greener HVAC Systems”

Higher Energy Bills Expected With Longer Winter ’16-’17 Season

Americans living from the east coast to the central plains should prepare for a long winter this year. Information released by ACCUWeather and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate we will have the coldest winter in years. By contrast, the southern portion of the country can expect a warmer and drier winter for 2016-2017. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects temperatures to be much colder than last winter. With the temperatures expected to be the lowest since 2010, HVAC contractors are making sure people’s heating systems are ready. Whether you use gas, electricity, or oil, higher energy bills expected with longer winter weather are still hard on your checkbook. But just exactly how much can you expect to pay?

Higher Energy Bills Expected with Longer Winter

Temperature Differences

The NOAA expects temperatures that are 17% lower than last year in the midwest and northeast regions. In addition, the South can expect temperatures to be up to 18% colder. The West, however, will likely see temperatures 2% warmer on average than last winter. Says ACCUWeather meteorologist Evan Duffey, “This warmth will come to an end in January, which could be a big month for HVAC contractors as the jet stream changes and cold air spills into the eastern two-thirds of the nation. This even includes Florida, where we are concerned for a freeze this year, which is a very rare event for the Florida Peninsula.”

Higher Energy Costs

With the longer, colder winter expected this year, households and business spaces heated by natural gas are expected to reach $10.37 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). That’s 11% higher than last winter, and the highest gas prices since the 2010-2011 winter season. In addition, homeowners using heating oil to heat their homes can expect to spend an average of 38% more this winter than last year. Electric heating will also increase by an average of 5% this winter.

Be Prepared

Don’t let the winter chill sneak up on you this year. Prepare your home and business for the colder weather now. Corporate Mechanical can help winterize your HVAC system. Call us today and ask about an inspection and winter HVAC services. With higher energy bills expected with longer winter weather this year, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor. Call today!

More Ways to Prepare a Building for Winter Weather

People are usually well-versed in ways to winterize their homes, but can sometime neglect to apply the same treatment to their commercial buildings. Understanding the precautions necessary to winterize your commercial property is important to maintaining the operations of your business.

Maintenance for the Building

  • Make sure that gutters have been cleared of any objects, including leafs or other organic material. This ensures proper draining during the cold months.
  • Make sure that nothing is blocking your drains. If moisture is not draining properly in the winter, it could cause significant damage. Inspect and roof flashing penetrations or building envelopes as well, and seal them to prevent water from flowing into the building.
  • Inspect gutters to make sure they are properly attached to the building
  • Make sure any accumulated debris is removed from basement and foundation drains, especially the storm drains in the parking lot.
  • Trim any nearby trees or large shrubs to reduce the amount of leaves or branches that could enter the drains
  • Service your heating equipment early. This will ensure that nothing breaks down when it is being used constantly during the winter.
  • Test all carbon monoxide detectors
  • Discourage the use of space heaters, but in cases where they are permitted, make sure they have a UL label

Removing Ice and Snow

A representative for a Denver roofing company offers the following pieces of advice:

  • Make sure you already have the proper tools before winter. This includes shovels, salt and other material to melt the ice, and anything else necessary to facilitate the removal of snow in your area.
  • Review any contracts you have with the maintenance crew if you have hired one. This will reduce the amount of unanticipated bills later in the winter, and ensure you receive the service you desire.
  • Make sure your exterior lighting works. This makes it much easier to remove ice and snow during the evening when the building is closed for business.
  • Start any parking lot repair before winter begins, especially pot holes and curb damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

A spokesperson for Asbestos Abatement in Denver offers the following:

  • Make sure any irrigation system is turned off. This will keep water inside the pipes from freezing.
  • Make sure any wall or attic pipes are sealed to prevent airflow near the opening.
  • Consider a temperature alarm in any high risk areas, and add extra insulation near pipes in your attic or basement
  • If possible, let a sink drip if it happens to be in an extremely cold area (only if the water cannot be drained or turned off).
  • Make sure all your windows and doors have the proper sealant, especially if they are in an unheated area of your property.

How we can fix air conditioning less cooling

Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way. On her way she met a copy.

The copy warned the Little Blind Text, that where it came from it would have been rewritten a thousand times and everything that was left from its origin would be the word “and” and the Little Blind Text should turn around and return to its own, safe country.

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions!

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen.

She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way.

When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane.

Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way. On her way she met a copy.

The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen.

She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way.

When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane.

Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way. On her way she met a copy.

Many desktop publishing packages

No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful.

Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure.

To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it?

But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante.

On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain.

A paradisematic country

The copy warned the Little Blind Text, that where it came from it would have been rewritten a thousand times and everything that was left from its origin would be the word “and” and the Little Blind Text should turn around and return to its own, safe country.

But nothing the copy said could convince her and so it didn’t take long until a few insidious Copy Writers ambushed her, made her drunk with Longe and Parole and dragged her into their agency, where they abused her for their projects again and again. And if she hasn’t been rewritten, then they are still using her.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.

It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.

The copy warned the Little Blind Text, that where it came from it would have been rewritten a thousand times and everything that was left from its origin would be the word “and” and the Little Blind Text should turn around and return to its own, safe country.

But nothing the copy said could convince her and so it didn’t take long until a few insidious Copy Writers ambushed her, made her drunk with Longe and Parole and dragged her into their agency, where they abused her for their projects again and again. And if she hasn’t been rewritten, then they are still using her.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.

It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.