Furnace Installation Options

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Furnace   |   Tags: •

When it comes to the installation of a furnace there are several options that homeowners may wish to consider. Whether you are replacing your furnace because it is old and out of date or you are simply trying to improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills, here are a few options to consider when it comes to the actual installation. Before we get to that a few questions you may wish to ask include what type of furnace will be best for your home and what space limitations are there in your home? You may also find yourself asking which type of equipment will be the most efficient and save you the most amount of money.

Horizontal Versus Vertical Installation Options

Today homeowners have more choices than ever before when it comes to how a furnace can be installed. While the conventional method of installing a new furnace is in the upright position, there are instances where furnaces and air handlers can be installed horizontally. If the installation is to be vertical in nature than there are two options in this regard. A vertical installation can be done with an up flow or down flow arrangement. This simply makes reference to the direction of the air passing through the furnace or air handler.

Tight Location

With a horizontal installation the furnace or the air handler is arranged horizontally so that it can be placed in a tight location where a vertical installation is not advisable. This type of installation is often seen in basements, garages or attics. In other less common installations, a horizontal furnace can be installed in such a way that it is suspended from the ceiling on a platform. Talking with your HVAC professional is the best way to know for sure which installation option will be most suited to your specific needs.

Warm Air is Delivered From the Bottom

Keep in mind that a furnace that is installed in a basement or crawl space will most likely use an up-flow type of air movement as a way to maintain the highest levels of efficiency. This is simply due to the fact that hot air tends to rise. This is the most common type of arrangement in many homes today. With a down flow furnace cold air is pulled in from the top of the unit and warm air is delivered from the bottom of the unit. This is a less efficient type of furnace installation but is sometimes necessary due to limitations in space. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in furnace repair and installation in Burlington Washington serving the Skagit Valley.

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What Are The Various Furnace Stages?

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Furnace   |   Tags: •

In this short article we will revisit furnace efficiency as it relates to different types of furnace stages. It is a known fact that modern regulations require home appliances like furnaces to be energy-efficient. They are typically measured in terms of Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. This simply measures the minimum amount of fuel that is used when heating your home. Today’s modern furnaces require a minimum rating of 78% in terms of efficiency if the furnace is powered by oil. If it is a gas type furnace than it is required to have 99% efficiency.

Heat Loss Through Ducts and Leaks

These facts alone make it clear to see why replacing an older furnace can help you to save a significant amount of money on energy costs each and every month. As mentioned in a previous article in this series, this rating system does not take into account heat lost through ducts and other leaks. When a furnace is routinely maintained and inspected ducts are checked for leaks and efficiency. As a result a homeowner can save literally hundreds of dollars per year on heating costs.

Reduce The Amount of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Produced

Not only does reducing energy usage lower your monthly utility bill but it also helps to reduce the carbon footprint on the planet from an environmental standpoint. With a more efficient furnace operating in your home you can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced. Now we will look at the different stages available when it comes to a typical residential furnace. As discussed, older furnaces are usually single stage or single speed type heating units. This simply means that the only option is either on or off.

Constantly Cycling On and Off All Day

With a single stage furnace, the system must continually cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Conversely, newer modern and more advanced furnaces that are multistage or multispeed, maintain a more steady temperature control resulting in improved efficiency. This is simply due to the fact that a multispeed furnace is not constantly cycling on and off all day. More so than a multispeed furnace, a variable speed furnace combined with a variable speed blower and a thermostat that is computer-controlled can substantially improve efficiency while maintaining more stable interior temperatures.

Properly Maintained and Inspected

The newest and latest models of variable speed furnaces are not only great when it comes to efficiency, but they are also a good choice because they are quiet and incredibly dependable. When this type of furnace is properly maintained and inspected regularly, the end result can be a system that operates flawlessly for many years. Saving money while enjoying a comfortable interior environment all year long can be as easy as choosing the right type of furnace for your home or business. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for Burlington Washington and the Skagit Valley HVAC services that get results.

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Understanding Furnace Speeds

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Furnace   |   Tags: •

Today’s modern furnaces come with many features and options sometimes making it complicated for homeowners or consumers when purchasing this type of product. For example with regard to furnace speeds, the multispeed and variable speed furnace is widely available across the country. Here is a simple breakdown of two energy-efficient options that are available to consumers today when it comes to heating your home. As mentioned, the two main choices are either a variable speed furnace or a multispeed furnace.

Operates in Either The On or Off Position

The most basic furnace available usually operates in either the on or off position. This is determined by whether there is or is not a demand for heat. The on or off mode is also determined by the size of the furnace as well as the amount of space being heated. In most cases a single stage furnace is not very efficient. Conversely, a multispeed furnace offers two different settings allowing for greater efficiency. This type of furnace can be expected to run for up to 80% of the time on the low setting. Anytime there is added demand for heat, such as when temperatures dip below freezing, this style of furnace will switch into higher gear. This offers additional heating power and greater energy efficiency.

Multispeed or Two-Stage Furnace

There are two primary advantages when it comes to using a multispeed or two-stage furnace. This includes maintenance costs and fuel savings. Maintenance costs can be expected to be low while energy efficiency will help to lower utility expenses. Alternatively, there is something known as a variable speed furnace. The variable speed makes reference to the blower motor in the furnace itself. In essence, the blower will adjust its output speed in varying degrees based upon how much heat is needed. This type of furnace arrangement offers a more consistent output of heat and is generally considered to be highly efficient.

Variable Speed Furnace 

This type of furnace is also highly regarded because it delivers cleaner air and does so with less noise and improved electrical efficiency. With consistent heat production, the blower motor is able to use less electricity than other kinds of motors. A variable speed furnace is unique because it delivers precise heat output dependent upon how much heat is needed at any given time. This is far superior to a single stage or multistage variable speed furnace. A variable speed blower type furnace is a coveted type of system because of low noise levels and better air circulation. Air is also filtered more frequently as an added bonus resulting in cleaner healthier indoor air quality. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in Burlington Washington furnace repair and installation services serving all of Skagit Valley.

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What Is Furnace Efficiency?

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Furnace   |   Tags: •

One of the first steps in saving energy around your home especially when it comes to heating and cooling is to understand furnace energy efficiency ratings. Anytime you purchase a new furnace you should consider the furnace efficiency rating before making a final decision. In essence, the efficiency rating of a furnace helps you to decide how much it will cost you to heat your home on an annual basis. A higher rating indicates that a more substantial amount of heat is delivered for the amount of energy being used.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

In addition, it is vital to consider the cost of the fuel being used for energy. For example, electric furnaces are considered to be some of the most efficient available today. That said sometimes the cost of electricity does not allow for the economical use of an electric furnace. Furnace efficiency is typically measured as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. This is sometimes referred to as the AFUE rating. It indicates how much heat a furnace will produce with a given amount of energy usage.

Converts Into Heat That is Able to Warm Your Home

For an example, if a furnace is rated at 90% AFUE, then 10% of the energy being used is lost to inefficiency. The end result is that approximately 90% of the energy being used actually converts into heat that is able to warm your home. Keep in mind that this measurement does not take into account any potential heat loss that may occur through ductwork or leaks. As a general rule ducts in the attic or crawl space can lose close to 40% of heating efficiency if not properly installed or maintained.

If there is a Continuous Pilot Light You Can Expect Low Efficiency

As a note, the government requires that all modern furnaces have an AFUE rating clearly visible on the product. That said there are some older systems that do not have ratings, or the information has simply been removed over time. In older systems if there is a continuous pilot light you can expect low efficiency. Most experts in the industry recommend replacing systems that are more than 20 years old as a way to lower energy costs. As a rule condensing furnaces can be up to 10% higher in efficiency ratings. Talk with your expert HVAC professional in Skagit Valley to determine which system will suit your needs the best.

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The Different Kinds of Furnace Options to Consider

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Misc   |   Tags: •

Obviously there are many different kinds of furnaces available on the market today for the Skagit Valley. In fact, consumers have more choices than ever before when it comes to this rather essential home appliance. Here are just a few of the more obvious kinds of furnace options worth considering prior to making an actual purchase. For example, a programmable thermostat is always a good bet as a way to increase convenience and overall efficiency. This particular aspect of any furnace helps to save energy by reducing the amount of work the system must do while no one is at home.

Keep in mind that for each degree that you lower the thermostat over an eight-hour period, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 2% or more. A programmable thermostat helps to maintain a home at a lower temperature while you are away or while you are sleeping. Best of all, if you do not currently have a thermostat that is fully programmable, replacing an old outdated unit is easy and can be done by most homeowners as a do-it-yourself project. This is perhaps one of the least expensive ways to get the most efficiency out of your current furnace system.

Lower Energy Consumption

In addition, it is essential to determine whether you have a two-stage valve system. This is important because this aspect of your furnace will control the flow of fuel allowing the system to run on high when it is initially turned on. Once temperatures have stabilized, the system will automatically go to a lower flow to maintain a constant temperature. This helps to improve efficiency and ultimately will lower energy consumption over the short and long term. As a note, experts typically recommend a sealed-combustion type system when it comes to choosing a furnace. This helps to reduce the chances of carbon monoxide being released into your home and also adds to overall efficiency.

Equally important is to consider the AFUE rating of a furnace. Those who live in areas with particularly cold winters can be expected to recoup the higher cost of an ultra-high efficiency condensing-unit over the unit’s lifetime. For example, a unit that has a 90% AFUE makes more financial sense where temperatures are particularly cold. Conversely, a unit with an 80% AFUE would make more sense in areas of the country where temperatures are more moderate during the winter months. The best way to know for sure which AFUE rating is best is to have an HVAC professional or contractor calculate the actual fuel costs for each system.

Long-Term Warranty on Components

Finally, the warranty is very important when purchasing a furnace. Keep in mind that the warranty can vary quite substantially based on different manufacturers and even based upon the person or company doing the installation. Generally speaking, furnaces that are considered very high efficiency will be more expensive will have a longer and more substantial warranty than would be the case with the more basic model. When purchasing a furnace that is a condensing type, it is critical to have a long-term warranty on components such as the heat exchangers. These are just a few of the different kinds of furnace options available today that should be considered when making this type of important home purchase. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Skagit Valley furnace installation and services.

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Furnace Buying Guide for Skagit Valley

July 9, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Furnace   |   Tags: •

It is simply a fact of life that even the best or highest quality furnace will eventually require repair or replacement. And even though performing regular routine maintenance along with professional inspections can extend the life of a furnace, whenever it is time to buy a new furnace it is worth knowing some useful and very sensible purchasing tips. The first decision that must be made is whether to repair or to replace the heating unit in question. For example, installing a more energy-efficient system is not always the most valid reason to replace a furnace. This is especially true with an existing furnace that is still performing as expected.

More Than 20 Years Old

Typical guidelines offered by experts in the HVAC field recommend replacing a furnace for the following reasons. If the unit is more than 20 years old or if the system makes use of a pilot light as opposed to an electronic or hot surface type ignition system. In addition, if the unit is devoid of vent dampers or a draft fan then it should probably be replaced. As an added note, if your home has a coal-burning model that has been transformed into an oil or gas-burning unit, this would be a very good reason to opt for a new furnace installation.

Improve The Efficiency of Your Home

Another bit of great advice when it comes to replacing a household furnace is to first determine whether or not your home is indeed energy-efficient. The logic is simple in that why would anyone invest in an energy efficient furnace if the entirety of the home has poor efficiency overall. The good news is that it is easy to improve the efficiency of a home. This is done in most cases by simply adding insulation or sealing any leaks that are detected in windows and doors. This is important because it reduces the total heating requirements in the home. Ultimately you can actually purchase a smaller furnace when operating under this premise.

Here are some of the topics that we cover in this article series as they relate to buying your next furnace (click on the links below to learn more about each individual topic):

 1 – Different Kinds of Furnaces

 2- Furnace Efficiency

 3 – Furnace Speeds

 4 – Furnace Stages

 5 – Installation Options

 6 – Furnace Prices

 7 –Wrap-up

Uncommon Ways Of Keeping The Air In Your Home As Clean As Possible

May 30, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: HVAC Service

Today, more than ever before homeowners are concerned with the overall air quality in their homes. That said here are a few simple and easy ways to keep the air in your home is clean as possible. While everyone knows that it is important to change air filters regularly, here are some other ways of keeping your home clean that sometimes go overlooked. For example, adding a humidifier or dehumidifier to your home can actually help to stop the growth of mold and mildew.

Ensure That Mold and Mildew Do Not Grow Over Time

In many cases these systems can work in tandem with a regular HVAC system. Keeping the humidity level in your home below around 55% will help to ensure that mold and mildew do not grow over time. In homes where the air quality is poor and when there is mold and mildew growth, occupants can end up having dry skin, sore throats, allergies, itchy eyes and even bloody noses. Also important to note is that fungus can grow in damp environments such as in a basement or bathroom.

These Are Natural Filtration Systems

Checking for plumbing leaks is another great way to make sure that undesirable microscopic growth is not occurring someplace in your home. Another uncommon solution for keeping the air in your home as clean as possible is to add a generous amount of houseplants throughout the interior of your house. These are natural filtration systems that do wonders for indoor air quality. They remove toxins from the air and provide much-needed oxygen. This is one of the least expensive ways to improve the overall quality of air in your home. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about HVAC system maintenance and care located in Burlington, WA and serving all of Skagit County.

Summertime HVAC System Tips and Tricks

May 23, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: HVAC Service   |   Tags: •

Summer is a wonderful time of year especially for those who enjoy the great outdoors. That said coming home to a cool and comfortable home sometimes requires a little bit of proper maintenance, care and management when it comes to a residential HVAC system. Here are a few simple ways to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system. For example, it is best to make sure that your HVAC system is balanced. Balancing a system of this nature simply involves making adjustments with regard to what are known as volume control dampers as well as registers.

Only Requires Moving a Lever

While not all systems have these components, the ones that do would be best served by having a quick inspection and balancing performed. Registers are perhaps the easiest to deal with and only require moving a lever to make an adjustment. Registers simply control how much conditioned air is allowed to enter a particular room or space within your home. As a note, registers that are positioned the farthest from the main HVAC system should always be kept full open.

Call An Expert To Adjust Registers

Conversely, those that are located close to the central system can be adjusted to be partially closed or completely closed as necessary. While homeowners can do this on their own, it is sometimes best to call upon an expert to adjust registers. This is simply due to the fact that professional technicians will have unique and special instruments that can measure airflow and temperature more accurately. The end result is energy savings and lower utility bills.

Replace Any Items That Have Proven To Be Defective

In addition, most experts recommend establishing a preventative maintenance program for your valued HVAC system. This includes routine changing of air filters as well as inspections at least annually or bi-annually. Having the heat exchanger surfaces cleaned as well as refrigerant coils, condensers and evaporators checked will ultimately be worth it over the short and long-term. Leaks should be repaired and coils, ducts and piping as well as fitting should all be inspected regularly. Always replace any items that have proven to be defective. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about HVAC system care and maintenance in the Skagit Valley including Anacortes WA, Mount Vernon, Burlington and La Conner.