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.

Keeping Indoor Air Quality At Its Best Year-Round

May 16, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: HVAC Service   |   Tags:

Most people would agree that the quality of the indoor air that we breathe has a direct impact on short and long-term health. That is why it is so important to take the time to consider these simple and important tips on how to improve the indoor air quality within your home. For example, something as simple as vacuuming and dusting regularly can greatly improve overall air quality. This helps to eliminate pet hair, dirt, debris and dust.

HVAC Air Vents Are Fully Open

It is best to also clean all overhead light fixtures as well as ceiling fan blades. Even cleaning behind furniture and under beds as well as other similar places throughout your home will eliminate dust and dirt and can also ultimately serve to improve air quality. As an added note, always make sure that all HVAC air vents are fully open to keep airflow movement continuing throughout your home. This is another easy way to make sure that the air quality in your home is always maintained at its best.

Proper Movement Of Air

It should also go without saying that air ducts throughout your home should be cleaned regularly. Most experts recommend having ducts cleaned at least once every five years while others recommend having it done every two years. The air ducts in your home are absolutely essential to the proper movement of air throughout the house. They move heated or cooled air to where it is most needed. However, as air moves through the duct system it can easily pick up pollen, mold, dust, dirt and even bacteria or viruses.

Professional Duct Cleaning

When these items are sent airborne throughout your home, you ultimately end up inhaling them causing health related issues. As debris builds up in ducts in your home the situation can only get worse over time. A professional duct cleaning service has the right tools and the right equipment as well as experienced and knowledgeable technicians who are able to professionally clean ducting in the most efficient way possible. Keep in mind that just because you can’t see inside the ducts in your home doesn’t mean that there is not a problem.

Cleanliness Of The Ducts

Finally, if you are unsure of the cleanliness of the ducts in your HVAC system it may be worth taking a quick look. All that is usually required is a screwdriver to unhinge an air vent. Once this is done simply use a flashlight to determine the overall cleanliness of the ducts in your HVAC system. If this is not something that you prefer to do it may be best to just have a professional take a look. A small investment in duct cleaning can pay for itself many times over by improved health and more efficient HVAC system operation. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for HVAC services in Mount Vernon, WA and the Skagit Valley.

Smart Ways of Saving Money On Air Conditioning This Summer

May 16, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: Air Conditioner
HVAC_Skagit

While many homes in the Pacific Northwest do not have air conditioning, some newer homes include this option as a way to enjoy a comfortable living space year-round. Summertime is a time of year when it can get hot and sticky even in Washington State. That is why it is important to consider some great money-saving tips when it comes to home air conditioning. For example, something as simple as turning off your HVAC system at night while you sleep can save a considerable amount of money.

Simply Turn The System Off While You Sleep

Keep in mind that the evening air is naturally cooler and that is why it is a good idea to simply turn the system off while you sleep. Opening windows and allowing the breeze to enter is free and can actually serve to improve indoor air quality. Another great way to save money on air-conditioning this summer is to make full use of thermostats and timers. The modern thermostats make it easy to keep your system operating as efficiently as possible.

Windows That Are Sun-Facing

In addition, make full use of shade around your home. Something as simple as planting foliage, trees and other types of natural cover can keep your house cooler during the summer. Along the same lines, it is a good idea to make full use of curtains, blinds and drapes as well as awnings in order to keep your home cool. This is especially true of windows that are sun-facing. When choosing blinds or curtains for your home choose light colored products that will only serve to improve reflectivity and keep your home cool. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in Burlington Washington HVAC system maintenance and care.

Great Ways To Save Money On Your Energy Bill This Summer

April 30, 2018   |   Author: Alpine Heat   |   No comments   |   Categories: HVAC Service   |   Tags: •
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Spring has arrived and summer is not far off. It is worth considering some simple yet highly effective ways of saving money on your monthly energy bill as it relates to your HVAC system. For example, a very simple and often overlooked strategy that can greatly improve the efficiency of an HVAC system is to simply install an inexpensive programmable thermostat. One of the biggest benefits of using a programmable thermostat is that your HVAC system can be controlled even when you’re not at home.

Exact Temperatures Can Be Programmed

A thermostat that is easily programmable can be designed to operate an HVAC system around your schedule. Exact temperatures can be programmed for specific times of the day, greatly reducing the amount of energy that is used when you’re not home. In addition, ceiling fans are another inexpensive way of greatly improving overall energy efficiency around a home. Home Depot in Burlington and Lowes in Mount Vernon sell attractive and multi-functional ceiling fans at a very reasonable price.

Ceiling Fans

Because heat rises expect the heat in your home to accumulate around the ceiling. This is especially true when talking about a home that has more than one floor. One of the best ways to evacuate hot air out of your home is to make use of the airflow that is provided by a ceiling fan. In lieu of using a ceiling fan a regular standing fan can produce similar results. Good air circulation provides for better temperature control and takes a lot of stress off of a typical residential HVAC system. Never underestimate the benefits of installing ceiling fans throughout your entire home.

Vents and Returns

Finally, make sure that all vents and returns related to your HVAC system are always open and clean. Obstructions and the blockage of vents and returns simply mean that a system has worked harder than is necessary. Lowering your energy bill on a monthly basis especially during the summer months means more money in your pocket for you and your family. With so much to gain from a few easy tips, now is the best time to take full advantage of maximizing the efficiency of your HVAC system. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about HVAC system care and maintenance in the Skagit Valley!