What is a Multi Split System for Air Conditioning and Why You Should Consider It



If you are looking for a way to cool multiple rooms in your home or office, you might want to consider a multi split system for air conditioning. A multi split system is a type of HVAC system that connects up to five indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing you to adjust the temperature and airflow according to your preference and needs.

A multi split system has many advantages over a traditional air conditioner or a single split system. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a multi split system for your cooling needs:

Energy efficiency: A multi split system uses an inverter technology that modulates the power supply frequency to control the compressor speed. This means that the system can adjust the cooling capacity according to the load, resulting in less energy waste and lower electricity bills.
Space saving: A multi split system requires only one outdoor unit, which can be installed in a convenient location outside your building. This saves you space and reduces the noise and visual impact of multiple outdoor units.

Flexibility: A multi split system allows you to choose from different types and sizes of indoor units, such as wall mounted, floor standing, duct connected, or ceiling mounted. You can also customize the layout and installation of the indoor units according to the room condition, location, and design preference.

Comfort: A multi split system provides individual control of room temperature settings, so you can enjoy optimal comfort in each room. You can also use different features and functions of the indoor units, such as sleep mode, timer, fan speed, and air purification.

If you are interested in installing a multi split system for your home or office, you can contact us today for a free consultation and quote. We are a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor that can provide you with quality products and services at affordable prices. We can help you choose the best multi split system for your cooling needs and budget.


How to Choose a High Energy Efficient Furnace for Your Home


If you are looking for a new furnace to keep your home warm and cozy during the cold winter months, you might want to consider a high energy efficient furnace. A high energy efficient furnace can save you money on your heating bills, reduce your environmental impact, and provide you with more comfort and convenience. But how do you know which furnace is right for your home? Here are some tips to help you choose a high energy efficient furnace.

What is a High Energy Efficient Furnace?
A high energy efficient furnace is a furnace that has an AFUE rating of 90% or higher, up to a maximum of 98.5% AFUE. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and it measures how much heat the furnace can produce from the fuel it consumes. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is.

For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% means that 95% of the fuel is converted into heat for your home, while only 5% is wasted as exhaust. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 80% means that 80% of the fuel is converted into heat, while 20% is wasted.

The Department of Energy requires all new furnaces to have a minimum AFUE rating of 78%, but some states and regions may have higher standards. You can find the AFUE rating of any furnace on a yellow Energy Guide sticker on the unit, or on the manufacturer’s website or brochure.

What are the Benefits of a High Energy Efficient Furnace?

A high energy efficient furnace can offer you several benefits, such as:

Lower heating bills: A high energy efficient furnace can use less fuel to heat your home, which means you can save money on your heating bills. According to Consumer Reports, replacing an old furnace with a new high efficiency model can offset volatile energy prices and save you up to 20% on your heating costs.
Reduced emissions: A high energy efficient furnace can produce less greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants than a less efficient model, which means you can reduce your environmental impact and help fight climate change.

Enhanced comfort: A high energy efficient furnace can provide more consistent and even heating throughout your home, which means you can enjoy more comfort and avoid cold spots or temperature fluctuations. Some high efficiency furnaces also have features like variable-speed blowers, modulating gas valves, or smart thermostats that can adjust the heat output and airflow according to your needs and preferences.
Quieter operation: A high energy efficient furnace can run more quietly than a less efficient model, which means you can enjoy more peace and quiet in your home. Some high efficiency furnaces have noise-reducing components like sealed combustion chambers, insulated cabinets, or sound-absorbing materials that can minimize the noise level.

How to Choose a High Energy Efficient Furnace?
When choosing a high energy efficient furnace for your home, there are several factors to consider, such as:

Fuel type: The most common fuel type for furnaces is natural gas, but you can also find furnaces that use propane, fuel oil, or electricity. The fuel type you choose may depend on the availability and cost of the fuel in your area, as well as your personal preference. Generally speaking, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and cheaper to operate than other types of furnaces, but they may also require more maintenance and safety precautions.

Size: The size of the furnace you need depends on the size and design of your home, as well as the climate and insulation level. A furnace that is too small may not be able to heat your home adequately, while a furnace that is too large may cycle on and off more frequently, wasting energy and causing wear and tear. To find the right size for your home, you should consult a reputable contractor who can perform a load calculation according to an industry standard like the Manual J HVAC residential load calculation from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

Features: The features of the furnace you choose may affect its efficiency, performance, and convenience. Some features to look for in a high efficiency furnace include:

A condensing unit: A condensing unit is a part of the furnace that captures and uses the heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be vented out. This can increase the efficiency of the furnace by up to 12%.

A two-stage or modulating gas valve: A two-stage or modulating gas valve is a part of the furnace that controls how much gas flows into the burner. A two-stage gas valve has two settings: low and high. A modulating gas valve has multiple settings that vary according to the heating demand. Both types of gas valves can adjust the heat output of the furnace more precisely and smoothly than a single-stage gas valve, which has only one setting: on or off. This can improve the comfort and efficiency of the furnace by reducing temperature swings and short cycling.

A variable-speed blower: A variable-speed blower is a part of the furnace that controls how fast the air moves through the ducts. A variable-speed blower can adjust its speed according to the heating demand and other factors like humidity and air quality. This can improve the comfort and efficiency of the furnace by delivering more even heating and better air circulation.

Brand: The brand of the furnace you choose may affect its quality, reliability, warranty, and customer service. There are many brands of furnaces available on the market, but some of them may have better reputations than others. You can research different brands online or ask for recommendations from friends or contractors who have experience with them. Some of the best-known brands of high efficiency furnaces include Carrier , Bryant , Lennox , Trane , Rheem , Goodman , American Standard , York , Ruud , Heil , Coleman , Tempstar , Payne , Armstrong , Ducane , Maytag , Frigidaire , Nordyne , Amana , Daikin , Luxaire , Comfortmaker , Day & Night , Arcoaire , Keeprite , Napoleon , ICP , Thermo Pride , Williamson-Thermoflo , Olsen-Airco , Crown Boiler Co., Utica Boilers , Dunkirk Boilers , Slant/Fin Boilers , Peerless Boilers , Weil-McLain Boilers , Burnham Boilers , New Yorker Boiler Company .

How Much Does a High Energy Efficient Furnace Cost?

The cost of a high energy efficient furnace depends on several factors, such as:

The fuel type
The size
The features
The brand
The installation
The location

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of installing a new gas furnace ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on these factors. However,the initial cost of buying and installing a high efficiency furnace may be offset by lower operating costs over time due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance needs.

Additionally, you may be eligible for rebates,tax credits,incentives,and financing options from various sources, such as:

The federal government
Your state government
Your local utility company
Your manufacturer or contractor
You can check out these websites for more information on available programs:

ENERGY STAR® 
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (DSIRE) 
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

Conclusion
A high energy efficient furnace can be a great investment for your home if you are looking for ways to save money,enjoy more comfort,and protect the environment. However,before you buy one,you should do some research and compare different options based on your needs,budget,and preferences.

You should also hire a professional contractor who can install your new furnace properly,safely,and efficiently,and provide you with ongoing service and support.

We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about high energy efficient furnaces and how to choose one for your home.

If you have any questions or comments about this topic or anything else related to heating and cooling, you can contact us anytime.

We are always happy to hear from you!

Entry Doors: Which Material to Go For?



Homeowners often overlook the entry doors of their homes to save on heating and air conditioning. However they should not be neglected! Along with providing security to your home, entry doors also offers a beautiful path way for entering inside.  Nevertheless, you must determine which type of entry door you want to opt for regarding insulation value.

Wooden entry doors

Wood is definitely the first choice that comes to mind when talking about entry doors. But wooden doors are mainly preferred in the high end localities because it is a bit pricey as compared to other two types of materials, fiber glass and steel. Wood is also better in terms of maintenance because unlike steel and fiberglass, wood is not prone to getting damaged due to dents and scratches. But just like other materials, wood doors also need refurbishing and re-staining at least once every year to protect it against warping and climate conditions. 

Fiberglass entry doors

The second material that can be used as an alternate for wood is the fiberglass, which often appears to be similar to the real wood. If you are someone who does not want to spend much on the maintenance of entry doors then fiberglass is the one for you. This material does not require heavy maintenance as compared to other materials, which proves to be a great benefit for the homeowners. Entry doors made with fiberglass are also more resistant to the weather conditions and can last up to several years without even a re-paint unlike wood doors. In addition to all these qualities, fiberglass entry doors are also sturdy and durable. Great for protecting your home from the intruders!

Steel entry doors

Third on our list are the steel doors, which are not only economical but also strong against the weather and intruders. Steel entry doors are perfect for those homeowners who wants to save big on their remodeling cost. But when it comes to longevity, steel doors tend to last for a shorter time period as compared to fiberglass and wooden doors. Also, steel requires the maximum maintenance because it is most likely to get dents and scratches relatively faster than others. So it’s better not to opt for steel doors if you reside in an area prone to rains and salty air.  


Energy Efficiency Audit

Professional energy efficiency audits can help a homeowner in a number of ways. It can help determine where you are losing energy and where you can save it. However, you can conduct your own simple energy efficiency audit as well but it won't be as thorough as a professional audit. A regular check can however, help ensure that everything is in order. If you're doing an energy efficiency audit, here are some things to keep in mind:


Locate Air Leaks 

You can save between five and thirty percent of energy by identifying and correcting air leaks. Leaks can be indoors, such as at the edge of the flooring or outdoors. Fixing air leaks makes the home comfortable as well. 

Monitor Insulation 

Insulation levels should be as required; otherwise it could lead to larger heat loss through the ceilings and walls. If your home is old, the insulation level may not be up to the standard, and considering today's energy prices, an inspection should be made. 

Check Lighting 

Efficient lighting can help reduce the energy bill considerably as it accounts for 10 percent of it. Inefficient bulbs should be replaced with LEDs, CFLs or energy saving incandescent which are more efficient. There are also incentives and rebates offered in the electric utility for purchasing energy efficient lamps. 

Heating and Cooling 

Your heating and cooling equipment should be checked annually or as recommended. Filters should be replaced once a month or as needed and you should make sure that there are no air leaks. If your heating and cooling unit is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. Newer systems are more energy efficient and can help reduce consumption considerably.

For a professional energy efficiency audit that helps determine how you can save more energy and reduce your bills, call today.