Way to Stay Cool this Summer

So the intense heat of the summer will be here before we know it. What you should know is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your home cool this summer. There are many ways to stay cool and yet cut your cooling bill nearly in half. All it takes is a few changes to your HVAC system and to your daily routine and you should be set.

IDEA NO. 1 – Install a programmable thermostat. Doing this will allow you to preset different temperatures for different times of the day. Set the AC to be off while you are gone and program it to kick on just before you get home. Your home will stay cool for you while you’re there and save you money by not running all the time. A programmable thermostat only costs about $30-$50 and should cut nearly 20% off your cooling bill.

IDEA NO. 2 – Take advantage of the natural cool times of the day. Usually in the early mornings and late evenings the temperature will drop. As soon as the tempertature drops at night, open the windows and use a window fan to bring the cool air into the house. As soon as the temperature starts to rise in the morning, shut the windows and shades and keep the doors closed. This should trap the cool temperatures inside.

IDEA NO. 3 – Install sunlocking shades or curtains. As much as 20% of summer heat enters your home from sunlight entering through windows. It’s the greenhouse effect. To prevent this “solar gain,” put up shades, blinds or darkening curtains. If you do, it should cut 20% off your cooling bill.

IDEA NO. 4 – Cook outdoors. Any appliance that generates heat, adds to your cooling bill. An oven, when baking, can raise the room temperature 10 degrees. If you can, invest in a great outdoor cooking unit where you can do most of your cooking during the summer. And any baking or anything that requires an oven, save for cooler hours of the day. It will cut 2 to 5% off your cooling bill.

Get the HVAC Service You Need

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The heating ontractors offering such services are required to have proper knowledge and professional certification. They should possess the skills of function, repair, maintenance, and design for heating equipments. Before hiring any organization or contractor, it is good to check for references. The Heating contractor Oakland is known to provide proper care, corrective action and prevention to your heating system.

You need to be aware of the scammers in the HVAC industry. It is essential to hire a contractor having a good reputation, and is properly licensed, bonded and insured. To have a great lifespan for their HVAC system, you need to service them regularly. The HVAC contractors have a tremendous capability to serve you from the start to finish i.e. from installation of brand new heating device to the emergency heating repair. Some contractors also offer you with their free trials. One of the prominent features of their service is to replace your old and inefficient machine with a new and highly efficient one.

How Important is Your HVAC?

Residents of New York are only too familiar with the extremes in the weather condition. The weather can be very cold at times and very hot at other times. The need for air conditioners and heaters or furnaces is therefore very basic. Residential air conditioning and heating can no longer be regarded as mere luxuries. Without heating in very cold weather or air conditioning in very hot weather, people can fall very seriously ill. Immediate home heating and air conditioner repair is needed when these equipment break down. Residents should therefore recognize the importance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) repair service contractors in New York.

Because air conditioner repair and heating repair are of equal importance, it is recommended that residents choose one of the reputable full service heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) repair service contractors in New York. This means not having to negotiate with separate heating and air conditioning service contractors. Aside from minimizing efforts and cutting down on time spent on such dealings, this could also result in lower costs. The client could very well negotiate for package discounts from the service provider.

Options for Home Heating Systems

Selecting the right type of home heating system can be confusing. Here is a basic overview of the most common home heating systems.

Traditional furnaces

A furnace that is used for Home Heating system purpose draws the air from the home into a system of ductwork. Here the air is heated and regulated to the living rooms. Some furnaces also use blowers to circulate the heated air. The air that is to be circulated is drawn through a filter to get rid of dust particles. The furnace may be fuelled by different types of fuel like gas, coal, oil, electricity and wood. The gas and oil furnaces use a power light to heat the heat exchange unit which in turn heats the air that is to be circulated. Heating strips or elements are used by the electrical furnaces to heat the air. A coal or a wood furnace constitutes of a fire box, where the fuel is burnt and a heat exchanger which warms up the air that is to be circulated. The temperature inside the house is controlled by the thermostat that is usually positioned at eye level on a wall.

Steam Radiant Heating System

Steam Radiators are is an old concept and not very much in use today but they have their own advantages. They have cast iron radiators that radiate heat with steam. The steam system may have one or two pipes. In a single pipe system the water and heat flow in the same pipe but the direction of flow is opposite. In a double pipe system separate pipes are used for the flow of water and heat. These heaters are very efficient and they warm spaces quite quickly.

Electric Heat Pump

Heat pumps shuffle heat from one place to the other. They can also be used a air conditioners during warm weather. A typical heat pump extracts arm air from the surroundings like the outdoor air, underground water, surface water or the earth. This air is then heated by the pump if necessary as is regulated into the house. The thermostat of an electric heater is much like that of a furnace but it also has controls for air- conditioning.

Energy Star and Heating

You have surely seen the Energy Star logo on appliance stickers. It's a familiar logo now, but if you asked what it means the common answer is, "The unit will use less energy." But this appliance rating really applies to much more than just the amount of energy produced.

The Energy Star rating was created through a cooperative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of energy. The goals of the program include:

That's a lot of end goals represented by a little label. Heating and cooling systems that earn this rating will be cheaper to operate and kinder to the environment. Did you know that statistics show that approximately half of all the energy used in a house is the result of running a furnace or air conditioner?When you heat and cool more efficiently you are actually lowering a major household expense.

Proper Installation is Half the Energy Battle

Of course, when you buy an HVAC system or home heating and air conditioning unit,you will need to make sure it is properly installed. The Energy Star folks not only developed an energy rating. They also created the Quality Installation guidelines. You need a professional installer who is familiar with and can follow the Quality Installation guidelines to insure your unit works as intended.

But even those who have an older system can benefit. The professional heating and air conditioning technician can often apply many of the Energy Star maintenance and performance improving techniques to older systems too. Your home will feel more comfortable because your unit is working more efficiently. This is true for HVAC systems installed in businesses too.

What Heating System Should You Choose?

Heating your home can be a costly and grueling task. With gas prices on the rise this winter, many people are beginning to fear the worst; a cold home. Inefficient heating systems like electric radiant heat, and small electric space heaters that run continuously can often cause your electric bill to sky rocket and be unsafe if you have small children or elderly in your household. There is a better way to heat your home this winter.

Halogen heaters are the most efficient heating systems that are available this winter. If you are looking for a way to successfully warm up your household, without draining your back account, while keeping your family safe, then halogen heaters have the heating method for you. Choosing a halogen heater means that you are ready to add serious augmentation to your already existing heating system, and to save a bundle of money. A halogen heating system unit is portable, like the conventional electric space heaters, but far more efficient. The halogen heater oscillates heat, keeping your room warm and fighting off nasty drafts caused by winter's chill or leaky doors and windows. Although your halogen heating system may cost slightly more than a radiant portable unit, it will save you money on your monthly heating bill.

Safety is always an issue in any household. Space heaters are notorious for causing electrical fires, burn accidents and will leave you constantly worrying about the potential of such dangerous happenings. Having a halogen portable unit for assisting in heating your home, will offer you piece of mind as far as safety goes. Most halogen units come equipped with protective covering that will prevent your children and pets from harming themselves. The halogen heaters also have an automatic shut off, which will guarantee that your home is safe from the threat of a fire caused by your heating unit.

Lower Your Winter Heating Bill

With Winter fast approaching, it is important to be thinking about your heating bill. The Energy Information Administration has reported that in the 2010 winter season the average heating fuel costs should be $928. Never fear, there are tips to that you can do to lower your heating bill.

First thing you should do is light a candle. You do this so that you can see if there is any air getting out via doors, light sockets, and windows. What you do is hold the candle near these things and see if the flame moves in the horizontal. If so, consider getting a barrier. For example if you notice there is air coming out of the bottom of your door, you can buy a snake, also known as draft stopper, which is about ten dollars per snake.

For windows, grab a cover. You can get these for about ten to twenty dollars per window. A smart thing to do is to leave the cover on at night. This way you can keep the cold air out and keep your house cozy at night. During the day, it is a good idea to take the covers off. This way the light rays can heat up the house.

Another good tool to have to keep your heating bills in check is a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to program your settings to have a lower temperature when you leave and an increased temperature when you are home.

Another helpful tip is to watch your water heater. For example, you may not notice a change from your water heater going down to 115 from 130, but you will notice it in your bill.

One thing, that is really easy is to do is check your heating unit. Make sure that there is nothing on or leaning or draped over the heat pump. A good idea is to clean it via your water hose so that it is clear of dirt, grime, leaves and twigs. This way you can ensure that your heater will be in proper working order for the winter to come.

Winter Heating Checklist

Keeping your family warm during the cold winter months is easy when your HVAC system is working properly. In order to make sure your HVAC system is working correctly, you need to perform an inspection of the unit. The average homeowner should be able to perform routine maintenance to their furnace, but a professional HVAC service technician will need to perform a tune up and inspection. Keeping up with routine maintenance and having a professional inspect your HVAC unit will ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money and keeping your family safe and warm.

Before the winter sets in and you turn on the heat for the first time, maintenance and inspections should be done. Depending on your type of HVAC system, whether it be heat pump, oil or natural gas, there are specific things you should look for, beginning with the fuel source.

Check for leaks in the pipes. If you have an oil HVAC unit, look for any signs of leaking oil. Obviously, with a gas unit, this will be a little more difficult. An easy way to check for a gas leak is to use a dish soap solution and check for bubbles. Or you can purchase a gas detector from your local hardware store. An HVAC service technician will have a gas detector and will check when they come to inspect your furnace. If you have an electrical unit, check the wiring to make sure it is in tact and not frayed in any way, and be sure the connections are not corroded.

Next, check the ventilation system. Proper ventilation is extremely important. Without it, dangerous carbon monoxide can get into your home. An improperly vented HVAC system can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death. Make sure the vent pipes and the vent to the chimney connection are not cracked or broken in any way. And it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your ventilation system to monitor leakage throughout the winter.

Service for Your Heating Systems

Your heating and air system should always be well maintained and up kept no matter if it is your home, commercial space, or any other space that is being heated. There are many routine maintenance items that you should always keep up to date to ensure your heating is not only running efficiently, but also to keep your system in great working order to avoid repairs. You should always keep a professional's contact information around in case your heating system does need repairing and take advantage of fast, any-time service. There are many upgrades to look into for your heating system to ensure you are running at optimal levels as well.

One service that is popular is people have their old thermostats replaced with accurate digital thermostats. Having your heating system thoroughly checked while this is done is a good idea as well, so that if you need a new part, or some repairs, or maybe even a complete replacement of your system, you can hire a professional heating service company do take care of all your needs. Getting stuck without heat is something no family wants to deal with during the winter season. Another good reason to be sure you use a professional company is that they can make sure your duct work is completely in tact, meaning no warm air is leaking anywhere. This will save money on your electric bill and will also keep your home at a more constant temperature that is comfortable.

Ensuring your heating system is working properly has benefits that are both financial, and beneficial to your overall health and living. Financially, keeping your heating system up to date and in good working order will save you money on future repairs and will of course keep your electric bill as low as possible. Something that is not financially based is that having a constant, comfortable temperature in your home or commercial space will keep you and your loved ones or employees happier from day to day.

Winter Heating Checklist

Keeping your family warm during the cold winter months is easy when your HVAC system is working properly. In order to make sure your HVAC system is working correctly, you need to perform an inspection of the unit. The average homeowner should be able to perform routine maintenance to their furnace, but a professional HVAC service technician will need to perform a tune up and inspection. Keeping up with routine maintenance and having a professional inspect your HVAC unit will ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money and keeping your family safe and warm.

Before the winter sets in and you turn on the heat for the first time, maintenance and inspections should be done. Depending on your type of HVAC system, whether it be heat pump, oil or natural gas, there are specific things you should look for, beginning with the fuel source.

Check for leaks in the pipes. If you have an oil HVAC unit, look for any signs of leaking oil. Obviously, with a gas unit, this will be a little more difficult. An easy way to check for a gas leak is to use a dish soap solution and check for bubbles. Or you can purchase a gas detector from your local hardware store. An HVAC service technician will have a gas detector and will check when they come to inspect your furnace. If you have an electrical unit, check the wiring to make sure it is in tact and not frayed in any way, and be sure the connections are not corroded.

Next, check the ventilation system. Proper ventilation is extremely important. Without it, dangerous carbon monoxide can get into your home. An improperly vented HVAC system can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death. Make sure the vent pipes and the vent to the chimney connection are not cracked or broken in any way. And it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your ventilation system to monitor leakage throughout the winter.

Preventative Measures for Your HVAC System

One of the most essential things you can to keep your HVAC system operating efficiently is to make sure it is regularly maintained and inspected. Some of the tasks associated with maintaining a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit can be done by the average homeowner. Even those who have know prior knowledge of the upkeep of HVAC systems can perform general maintenance on their furnace and air conditioner.

The most common task you can do to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is change the furnace filter on a regular basis. Air filters for your HVAC unit can be purchased at hardware stores, big-box retailers, department stores or even in most grocery stores. Furnace filters are relatively inexpensive. The cheapest brands can sell for as little as $1.00, while better filters with HEPA technology can be more than ten times as much. The air filter is very important to the overall efficiency of the HVAC system. It removes dust, hair and pet dander from the air flowing throughout your home. More expensive air filters also have the ability to remove even the most miniscule allergen particles from the air circulating throughout your home. The air you breath inside your home should be free of these contaminates. Air filters promote better health and, when changed regularly, keep your HVAC system pumping air at a consistent speed. Most air filters should be changed every 30-60 days, depending on the strength and brand of the filter.

Another way you can ensure your HVAC system is running at maximum efficiency is by removing dirt and dust from the blower. You can use a shop vacuum or a regular household vacuum to clean debris from around the blower, motor and flue. When dirt and dust build up inside the housing of the furnace, it can cause the motor to run extra hard and seize up. Keeping the blower area clean will allow your HVAC system to run longer and more efficiently. Vacuuming should be done once or twice a year.

Considerations for Your HVAC Service Choice

Summer is the time of the year where you really want to make sure your room temperatures at the office or at home can surpass the heat wave outside. To make sure that everything in your centralized air conditioning systems are smoothly running throughout the summer, your units need to be checked on a regular basis by a New York air conditioning repair and maintenance service provider.

There are plenty of services available nowadays. Nevertheless, always remember that you deserve only the finest; so you must choose the best service dealer to take care of your conditioning systems.

There are three aspects to consider when choosing what repair and maintenance services you should give your systems to. These factors are:

1. COMPANY CREDIBILITY - Selecting a repair and maintenance service HVAC accredited contractor is ideal. Other than that, make sure you go with a company that has years of experience.

2. SERVICE QUALITY - It's always smart to get a total service HVAC contractor. Your air repair and maintenance service contractor should be capable to offer you repairs, replacements, or maintenance of your air conditioning units. The contractor must have modern day facilities and equipment to perform their services.

3. REASONABLE PRICING - This is a very important aspect. You need to go for a contractor that gives high quality services at a realistic price. You certainly don't want to spend a lot on a specialist that can't even get the job done, or pay a contractor a smaller service fee but find yourself needing their services frequently!

Besides from these three things, there are of course lots of other considerations. As a golden rule, doing your fair share of investigation on a contractor prior to going into a transaction with them can always keep you on the safe side and allow you to make the most wise choice in picking which specialist to trust.

HVAC Services are Insurance for Your HVAC System

Instead of performing regular commercial HVAC service maintenance on their systems, many building managers tend to put off inspections and maintenance until something goes wrong. Being proactive about industrial air conditioning service and maintenance can save on costly repairs later on in the life of the system. Not only can regular HVAC inspection and maintenance relieve the costs of small issues which have turned into expensive problems, it can also help save a significant amount of money by ensuring that the HVAC system is performing as efficiently as possible. Since HVAC energy consumption often reaches up to forty percent of the energy use for an entire building, it's always in your best interest to keep it well maintained to achieve maximum energy efficiency.

The most common reason given for not getting regular commercial HVAC service inspections is simply not having enough money to invest in it. Although simply not having industrial air conditioning service performed regularly can save a bit of money initially, in the long run it will end up causing more severe issues with the HVAC system which can lead to a costly replacement.

A commercial HVAC installation is one of the major investments made when a building is built. Just as cars are big investments needing regular maintenance in the form of tire rotations, oil changes, and general inspections, commercial HVAC service is necessary as well. A major difference between these two investments is that most people are familiar with the maintenance that is required for cars, whereas many people invest in a commercial HVAC installation without learning about how to maintain the system. If you want this investment to last for the full expected duration of it's life, it's in your best interest to learn a bit about what needs to be done to the system and when.

Regular Maintenance on HVAC

The most important thing a homeowner can do to ensure their HVAC system is working efficiently is to make sure they are keeping up with the required regular maintenance. The homeowner can perform most maintenance tasks, while some require professional inspection by a professional HVAC service technician.

The average homeowner can clean parts of the HVAC unit themselves. A shop-vac can be used to vacuum the buildup of dirt and dust that is acquired around the blower wheel, motor and flue. Keeping these areas clean will result in better airflow and keep the HVAC system operating at optimal energy efficiency. Furthermore, an excess of dirt and dust can cause the motor to seize up, which is a very expensive problem to have. Regular vacuuming of these areas will help prolong the life of the blower unit.

On the top of the list of easy maintenance tasks is changing the furnace filter. You can find furnace filters in department stores or hardware stores is the heating and cooling equipment section. Furnace filters are easy to replace and takes less than a minute to do. However, this task is the one that is overlooked the most. A clean air filter ensures proper airflow through the entire HVAC system. These filters trap excess dirt and debris and prevent it from flowing through the ductwork and into your home. After a month or two of heavy use, the furnace filters will become loaded with these trapped particles and it will become difficult for air to flow freely through it. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to blow air through and run longer in order to reach the desired temperature set by the thermostat. Simply changing the air filter will keep your HVAC unit running optimally and the air in your home free from dust, dirt and allergens.

HVAC Service for Energy Efficiency

Heating and cooling the home is a highly important part of what most people are looking for in their homes. This is because the modern home is a place where you are allowed to be able to have complete control over the way that it feels at all times. You can keep the air cool throughout the summer as well as maintain heat throughout the winter. Making all of this possible is the HVAC unit. This modern marvel has allowed the home to be kept at a constant temperature through the use of an air control unit installed in the wall of the home.

The problem is that many HVAC units have not been serviced properly. This can cause major problems in the operation of the unit. Not only will it not run efficiently. It can make it impossible for you to be able to get the hot or cold air that you are looking for in your home. This is why whether you are looking for better heating or air conditioning, it is a good idea to make sure you are getting the right service for your system even if it means you will have to get duct work.

Servicing the heating for your home

Getting the right amount of heat for your home is not always easy to do. This is because not all homes are sealed the way that they should be. Of course, if the furnace in your HVAC unit is not working properly, that will cause your home to have heating issues as well. This is why it is important to get your HVAC serviced before the winter. This way they will be able to make sure the pilot is lit or that the elements are cleaned and you are ready for a good heating experience.

Servicing the air conditioning for your home

Often the biggest challenge to air conditioning in the home is in the evaporator. This is because a dirty evaporator or coils can cause the system to work inefficiently. Once again, a service call at the beginning of the season will allow you to enjoy cooler air throughout the summer. You will also be able to make sure that your system is running smoother so that you will not have to worry about your energy bill being through the roof even if you are living in New York where heating is always a challenge.

Lighting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light - How it Works

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I recently bought a 100 year old Victorian with a gas furnace that looks like it was installed in the 80s. I don't know if it works. I've sent out a request to have the gas turned on, and frankly, I'm a little concerned...

The gas company would like to make an appointment to turn the pilot light on. Meanwhile, I've started doing a little research on pilot lights and how they work. I learned that my old heater is ignited by a pilot flame as opposed to electronic ignition - a modern alternative.

Hopefully they are able to light it and that will be that - I guess I need an HVAC contractor to give me a little more information on the furnace in the meantime and have it inspected. The pilot light evidentally works together with the thermocouple to turn on the gas. The thermocouple open the main gas valve after sensing if the pilot is hot enough.

Once the gas valve is open, gas is then constantly supplied to the pilot and as required for the gas burners (as called for by the thermostat). If the pilot goes out, then the thermocouple gets cold and produces no electric signal to open the gas valve's solenoid and the gas valve shuts off the gas supply to the pilot and burners.

This information seems simple enough, but I will probably leave it to a professional New York HVAC contractor before blowing up my house...

Cheap Ways to Stay Warm this Winter

I found these cheap ways to save money this winter online looking through some blogs on http://www.getrichslowly.org. I added a few of my own ideas as well for you to save some cash during cold new york winter:

• Let in some light. Open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Close them in the evening to add a bit more insulation. This provides just enough mid-day warmth that we don’t need the heater. My grandma used to sew insulated drapes for the winter with magnets on the edges to keep the heat in.
  
• Use rugs on bare floors. We have hardwood floors above a poorly-insulated basement. These floors are cold in the morning and the late afternoon. An area rug does a fine job of keeping my feet warmer.
  
• Block drafts. This is best done with weather-stripping or other forms of insulation, but even a blanket in front of a door helps.
  
• Use space heaters. A portable radiator-type oil heater uses a lot of power, but not nearly as much as a furnace. I still recommend having central heat - but the space heaters will keep you warmer in the rooms you inhabit while your central heat can be set lower.
  
• Bundle up. Keep your thermostat cooler and dress warm. Your body will begin to adjust to the cold weather this way too.
  
• Install a programmable thermostat. You can set yours low for night time and times when you're away from the home.
• Use an electric blanket. There’s no need to heat the entire house when you’re asleep. There’s no need to even heat the bedroom. An electric blanket is cheaper and cozier. (A blanket with dual-controls is best.)
• Change the furnace filter. A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder, decreasing its efficiency, increasing heating costs. We change the furnace filter at the start of the season, and once every month or two thereafter.
• Close unused rooms. Do not heat them. This winter, we closed off our guest room and shut the heater vent. That room is now separate from the rest of the house. It stays cold, but there’s no reason to keep it warm.
• Use vent Covers for rooms that are overheated or you don't use. I found them for about 2 for $3.00 but they will save you a lot more on energy costs. However, don't close off more than 10% of your registers apparently because it is hard on the furnace if too many heat registers are closed.
• Buy Storm Doors. They will save oodles of cash.
  
• Consider entering your house through a mudroom or garage rather than the front door - the front door typically blows cold air into your central living space, cooling down your house considerably.
  

These steps can reduce your heating costs immediately. In the long term, your best bet is to make sure your home is properly insulated. You should also check that your heat source is efficient, and that you’re not losing heat in unintended locations.

Insulating your water heater is another good way to save money.

For a detailed analysis of how your home can be heated most efficiently, set up an appointment for an energy audit. Many large cities have free programs for assessing home energy use.

Some 'Energy Star' Appliances May Not Be That Green

The Government Accountability Office concluded that the Energy Star program is susceptible to fraud and abuse, after investigators received certification for 15 phony appliances, including a gasoline-powered alarm clock.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Government Accountability Office concluded that the Energy Star program is susceptible to fraud and abuse, after investigators received certification for 15 phony appliances, including a gasoline-powered alarm clock.

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April 14, 2010

At tax time, many consumers are cashing in on tax credits and rebates that come from making their homes more energy-efficient. One key tactic: Buy an appliance approved by the government's Energy Star program. But there is evidence that products with the Energy Star seal don't always live up to their billing.

"We find that not all of the products are as efficient as they claim to be," says Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman, deputy home editor for Consumer Reports.

The tax benefits are aimed at encouraging homeowners to replace outdated and energy-hungry furnaces and appliances. But Kuperszmid-Lehrman tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that not all of the newer models skimp on power consumption.

"We found, particularly, problems with refrigerators," she says of tests Consumer Reports conducted on certified products.

The magazine reported that two of the refrigerators it tested used about 50 percent more energy than the numbers on their labels. Another pair used 39 percent more and 33 percent more.

Part of the problem, Kuperszmid-Lehrman says, is that the Energy Star program is self-certifying — meaning the government doesn't independently confirm the data it gets from manufacturers.

There are some serious problems ... because you do have manufacturers self-certifying — and you don't have anyone checking on them.

- Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman, deputy home editor for Consumer Reports

"They're the ones that say, 'Yes, my product is energy-efficient,' " she says. "And for the most part, that's working very well, but there are some serious problems with that, because you do have manufacturers self-certifying — and you don't have anyone checking on them."

In a recent test by the Government Accountability Office, the agency submitted 20 completely bogus products for Energy Star certification. Of the 20 applications, 15 were approved — including one for a gasoline-powered alarm clock.

"One of the things that I found very disturbing about the report, in addition to the bogus products that got the Energy Star" certification, says Kuperszmid-Lehrman, "was how quickly they got the Energy Star — how quickly those products became listed on the Department of Energy's Web site.

"So that if a consumer was looking for a product, they would think that that product was more efficient."

The Department of Energy has said it will soon change the system to include third-party verification.

Kuperszmid-Lehrman says that's a good start — but she also thinks the Energy Star testing system needs to be retooled.

"Many of the tests themselves are woefully out of date, and they don't necessarily replicate the experience that the consumer's going to have in the home," she says.

Still, Kuperszmid-Lehrman doesn't think that people shopping for energy efficiency — and a tax break —- should ignore the Energy Star program altogether.

"I think it's a good relative rating," she says. "But there are instances like I've mentioned with refrigerators, with freezers, that the numbers are not quite what they seem to be."

Article taken from: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125912545&ps=rs

Federal Energy Star Rebate Program

The federal government is providing money for states to give homeowner rebates to those who purchase new, energy efficient appliances. Check your New York State Website for details. The $300 million program is funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and provides rebates on purchases of qualifying Energy Star appliances. Individual states determine the dollar amount of each rebate, and designate which Energy Star products qualify for rebates, based on the following Department of Energy list of recommended appliances: refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, furnaces, boilers, central and room A/C units, heat pumps, and water heaters. For more information and to see when rebates will be valid in your state, visit the Department of Energy website, and search: Rebates for Energy Star Appliances.

What is HVAC?

If you are not fully immersed in the HVAC or mechanical industry you may not know what the acronym HVAC stands for. If someone does ask you about your HVAC system they are asking about the heating, ventilation, and air condition installation that controls the environment in your building or home.

HVAC systems are used to maintain a comfortable environment in a building or home. They help to regulate the temperature, air flow, and heat transfer through a structure. What many people do not know is that the HVAC system is not only in place for comfort and convenience but it also important to people’s health. Once an HVAC system has been installed, properly maintained, and regulated it will help prevent keep a home or building from growing mold and other malignant organisms that can get out of hand if left unchecked.

The HVAC system is especially indispensible in buildings such as museums or antique stores. Both museums and antique stores have older items that need constant maintenance and preservation, which can be helped by the installation of an HVAC system.

If your home or building does not have an HVAC system, it might be time to start thinking about getting one installed. HVAC specialists in New York can help you find a system that fits your dwelling. It must be size- appropriate to give the correct level and comfort of a controlled environment. Deciding size of the system is actually one of the more difficult tasks to accomplish since a system that is too big or small for a building will work inefficiently and create an uncomfortable climate. Contact and HVAC contractor today and get the satisfaction that comes with a well-maintained environment for all occupants.