Heat & Cool Efficiently in Skagit Valley

October 1, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Air Conditioner • Ductless • Furnace • HVAC Service   |   Tags: • • • •
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energy_star_skagitAs much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.

Contact Alpine Heat to ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent – costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.

Save About 6% on Your Fridge’s Bill by Keeping its Coils Clean

August 20, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Refrigeration   |   Tags:
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Do you have 15 minutes and a coil brush, shop vac and a dust mask?  Then let’s get to work and clean those coils!  It’s easy to do and will save you money!  Keeping those coils clean can also help your refrigerator run more efficient.  When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge. So if your refrigerator runs, but is not cold enough, get those coils clean!

Cleaning of the coils is needed more often if you have pets that shed or if the area where the refrigerator is located is particularly dusty, such as a garage

Step 1:  Disconnect the electrical power

Step 2: Remove the toe grill (some fridge’s have the coils on the back – if yours does, just pull out from wall.)

Step 3: Clean the condenser coils.  Push a coil brush into the condenser coils under the refrigerator. The coil brush knocks the dust off of the condenser coils.  Vacuum the area to pick up the dust.

Step 4: Reinstall the toe grill.

Now it’s time to go outside and enjoy the beautiful Skagit Valley!

Furnace Buying Guide Wrap-up

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

We at Alpine Heating & Cooling hope that you have enjoyed this informative series of articles that have discussed a wide range of topics related to purchasing a home furnace system. One thing that homeowners can take away from this series is that even the highest quality furnace will eventually require repair or replacement. That said a highly efficient and well-made furnace should be expected to last for well over a few decades or longer. This is especially true when routine regular maintenance and inspections are performed.

HVAC Professionals

Homeowners should always consider investing in an annual service plan as a way to protect their investment in a home furnace. Deciding whether or not to repair or replace an existing unit is often best determined by working with an experienced and knowledgeable team of HVAC professionals. As mentioned in the beginning of the series, older systems of the more than 20 years old or units that are still using a pilot light should, generally speaking, be replaced as soon as possible.

Leaking Heat in All Directions

In addition, we also talked about the fact that your home should be energy-efficient to begin with long before buying and installing an energy efficient furnace. It makes little sense to spend money on a highly efficient heating system for your home when your house is leaking heat in all directions. The first place to begin when considering the installation of a new furnace is to improve the efficiency of your home by adding insulation and sealing any leaks that are detected in doors or windows.

Modern Furnaces are an Excellent Investment

Not surprisingly, these simple remedies can actually help to protect your new furnace from undue wear and tear. When a home is properly sealed and highly efficient, it simply means that the furnace will not have to work as hard. This means less repairs and less maintenance over the long term. With so much to offer in today’s modern furnaces, they are indeed an excellent investment for those wishing to save money and protect the environment. Talk with the friendly staff at Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about furnace installation services with a proven track record in the Skagit Valley serving Anacortes WA, Burlington WA, Mount Vernon WA, Sedro-Woolley WA.

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Understanding Furnace Prices

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

Today, more than ever before consumers are looking for ways to save money around the home. The good news is that a properly selected furnace can actually save a considerable amount of money on utilities each and every year. Furnace prices play an important role in helping consumers to enjoy the greatest amount of savings on the initial purchase as well as on annual energy costs. There are several factors that can affect the overall price of a modern heating system. This includes everything from energy efficiency to the length of the warranty and the type of modulating valve technology as well as number of stages.

Balancing Price and Value in The Right Way

When it comes to anything these days whether it’s a furnace or any other consumer product, there is always a trade-off between price and value. Paying a fair price simply means balancing price and value in the right way. Efficiency features as well as reliability ratings can also have a direct impact on price. Those who are contractors can obviously expect to save money because they are eligible for a contractor’s rate. Conversely, homeowners can expect to pay retail unless they are able to find a good sale on a furnace.

Produce a Given Amount of Heat

Perhaps most important of all when it comes to purchasing a furnace is in determining the overall efficiency rating. The AFUE rating determines the furnace’s efficiency. As discussed in other articles in this series, the rating of a furnace determines how much energy it will use to produce a given amount of heat. Generally speaking, the more efficient a furnace is the more expensive it will be. While it is possible to find lower quality furnaces for easily less than $500, there are more expensive models that will literally pay for themselves over the life of the furnace in terms of yearly energy savings.

Make a More Informed Decision

Finally, the expense of installation can also have an impact on what a furnace ultimately costs when all expenses are included. Talking with your HVAC professional is the best way to know for sure what type of installation will suit your needs the best. When installation costs are combined with efficiency costs and other factors, consumers can make a more informed decision on which type of furnace will be most cost-effective for their home installation. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about furnace installation services in Burlington Washington with service to the Skagit Valley AND with a proven track record.

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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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