Whether you are purchasing a new Tucson air conditioner or want to maintain the system you currently have in your home, it is a good idea to understand how it works. Even if you don’t plan on doing any of the maintenance yourself – other than changing the filters –  you should still know enough about how your air conditioning system works to help you understand what an HVAC professional is talking about when you call him/her in to do maintenance or to solve a problem.

Your air conditioner is divided into three parts: the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator.

The Compressor

The compressor is part of the unit outside of your home. When the system’s refrigerant/coolant is sent to the compressor it arrives as a low-pressure gas.  As the name implies, this component “compresses” the refrigerant/coolant into a high-pressure gas. This results in the that molecules inside the gas being “packed” tighter causing the temperature of the gas to rise.

The Condenser

The condenser is also part of the unit outside your home. The condenser has a number of “fins” that act like the radiator in your car. When the hot, high-pressure gas from the compressor enters the condenser, the fins transfer the heat from the gas to the surrounding outside air. The cooled gas converts into a liquid. However, as it leaves through a small hole the pressure drops and the liquid becomes a gas again.

The Evaporator

The evaporator is the “inside” part of your air conditioner. This unit also has fins for heat transfer, except that in this case the heat is drawn from the surrounding air instead of being transferred to it. A fan in the unit blows air across these fins. The cooled air then travels through ductwork and into your home.

Questions? Contact Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating today.

(520)333-COOL

According to Energy Star, the American family pays nearly $1,000 a year on heating and cooling their homes; that figure is above other electrical costs! You don’t have to risk exposing your loved ones to brutal heat to save money. Take advantage of some money-saving tips and beat the summer heat.

• Help circulate cool air through the home by placing an oscillating fan in family rooms, like a living room or dining room.
• Keep the temperature at constant temperature and avoid dropping the thermostat too low. Lowering the temperature costs you money and won’t cool the home any faster.
• Raise the thermostat 2 to 3 degrees before you leave for work if no one will be home.
• Install a whole house fan system. Whole house fans pull the hot attic air out of the home and keeps the air circulating, giving your home a cooling effect. This move could chill your home by a few degrees.
• Replace old air conditioning units. If your window unit is a decade old, it needs to be replaced with an energy efficient unit. If your Tucson home has central AC, have the thermostat calibrated and the system charged yearly. These steps will keep the unit operating at top performance.
• Change the air conditioning filters regularly, once a month is suitable. Good air flow across the filter will cut down on cooling costs and stop allergens from floating around your home.
• Hang insulated curtains in your windows. Sheer curtains look nice but they don’t provide any barrier between you and the outdoor heat. Keep windows covered during hot afternoons.
• D0 a walk through of your home while the air is on. Check for leaks around windows and doors. One of the best ways to do this is have Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating a whole home energy audit performed to determine where the leaks and poorly insulated areas are at. Sometimes your energy dollars simply float out the window.

Call us today to schedule your $49 Whole House Energy Audit (520) 333-COOL(2665).

Who qualifies for these Tax Credits?

This bit of legislation, along with other tax issues, extends the 25C tax provision that originally expired in 2011. However, due to President Obama’s decision to sign this bill into law, these tax credits will now become retroactive. Tucson Residents who have had, or will have, new qualifying air conditioning and/or heating equipment installed in their home between January 1, 2012 and December 31 2013, will be able to claim this credit. The maximum allowable credit for a single family home is not to exceed $500, though qualified upgrades can be combined to reach that $500 maximum.

Equipment that qualifies
The tax credits apply to many categories of high efficiency HVAC (Air conditioning and Heating), water heating equipment, as well as some insulation, windows and doors. Some of these include:

• Furnaces and boilers operating on natural gas, oil or propane with a minimum AFUE of 95 are all qualifying equipment. ($150 credit)

• Advanced main circulating fan that utilizes no more than 2 percent of the home’s total annual energy consumption. ($50 credit)

• Air source heat pumps – split systems with a minimum HSPF of 8.5, EER of 12.5 and SEER of 15 ($300 credit), and package systems with a minimum HSPF of 8, EER of 12 and SEER of 14. ($300 credit)

• Gas, oil or propane-fueled water heater with a minimum energy factor (EF) of 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent. ($300 credit)

• Electric heat pump water heater with a minimum EF of 2.0. ($300 credit)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Federal tax credits or any other home comfort issues, Please Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating.

(520)333-COOL

Two-stage cooling

An air conditioner equipped with two-stage cooling uses a compressor that is able to run on two different operational levels. On the days when the Arizona heat is unbearable, the A/C compressor will operate on a high level to keep your home at optimum comfort levels. On days when the weather is milder or in the cooler evenings, however, the compressor will detect a temperature change and switch to a lower operating level to save energy.

What are the perks of Two-Stage Cooling?

Your current air conditioner probably utilizes a single-stage compressor, which is fine when the weather is excessively hot and uncomfortable. But as you know, the Tucson heat is not always unbearable. During times of more moderate weather, like now, you do not want your air conditioner running at a higher level than needed. Utilizing two levels of operation, a two-stage cooling compressor will be able to run efficiently and promote savings.

Most of the time, your air conditioner compressor will operate on low. On a lower level of operation, your cooling cycle will actually last longer. This will create an environment of consistent temperature and maximize comfort while minimizing your energy bill. Extra energy will only be utilized when the compressor can no longer keep up with the demands of extreme weather.

A two-stage compressor can also benefit you in other ways. For starters, you will notice that your new air conditioner will run more quietly. Two-stage compressors can also remove twice as much moisture from the air to keep your home properly dehumidified as well as cool.

For more expert advice on two-stage cooling and other matters related to home comfort, contact the professionals at Intelligent Design Air Conditioning & Heating. We are proud to serve Tucson and her surrounding areas.

Callus today (520)333-COOL

Tucson Water Heater Troubles

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water to your expected standards, there may be an issue with what is referred to as “standby” heat loss.

All water heaters give off heat through the sides and top of the tank – through the bottom for electric tanks. Once enough heat has been lost, the thermostat activates the water-heating source to reheat the stored water to a specified temperature. This wastes energy and decreases the quality of hot water you receive.

Standby heat loss occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, it is more easily identified during the Tucson winter season because the heat radiates from the tank more rapidly due to colder room temperatures. Pipes in certain areas of your home may become colder as well absorbing heat from hot water before the hot water reaches the showered, outlet or appliance.

The solution: insulating the water heater and accessible hot-water pipes. Doing so can curtail standby heat loss by up to 50 percent.  Water heater insulation is available in model-specific jackets, and insulation blankets are available that wrap around any tank model.

Follow these steps to get your Tucson Water Heater working:

•    Electric water heaters: Cover all parts of the tank, including the top, with a cutout for the controls panel(s).

•    Gas-heated tanks: Use blanket insulation to wrap around the tank, being cautious not to cover the top, or flue, and bottom, the combustion compartment.

•    Pipes: Use insulation wrap to cover the tank’s hot-water outlet pipe. Wrap all hot-water pipes throughout your home, such as under the kitchen sink and all bathroom sinks.

Water heater maintenance, such as flushing one gallon of water from the tank each month helps improve water heating, too. Sediment quickly accumulates in the tank, which hinders efficient water heating.  Of course, A tankless water heater can solve the problem of sediments accumulating and the need for insulation.

If your Tucson water heater tank is older than eight years, start researching for a replacement water-heating system so that you’ll be fully prepared when replacement time arrives — expected or not.

For more information about your water heater, contact Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating. We serve homeowners in Tucson, her surrounding areas and throughout southern Arizona.

Do you really know how your home is heated right now? Most people don’t even think about it. After all, they have a thermostat to control their home’s climate for optimal comfort. However, thanks to rising fuel costs, homeowners are becoming more aware of their heating and cooling systems and wondering how they can save money on their energy bill. If you find yourself in this category, good news, it is possible to lower your energy bills.

Besides inspecting your home for obvious leaks in energy – which can be accomplished with one of our Whole House Energy Audits – (weatherproofing and sealing cracks, etc.), you can invest in an energy efficient heating system. If your current system is old, odds are it is not running at maximum efficiency – particularly since the advancements in heating technology in the past few years. The most energy efficient heating systems can be found in: radiant heat, solar heat, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, forced air heating and even hydronic heating. You want to choose a system that you can not only operate easily but also saves you money on your heating bill. Here is a rundown of the different types of common heating systems:

1. Heat pumps – This is a traditional system that is energy efficient and can also serve double duty in the summer Tucson months as an air conditioner. Heat pumps use electricity but expend less energy than other electric appliances. This is because the pumps draw heat out of the air and its surroundings and transfer this heat into the home.

2. Forced air heating – Sometimes known as central heating, has a main chamber called the furnace which uses gas, electric, coal or oil to heat a metal compartment. Air is pushed through the compartment to heat it and then pushed by an electric fan through an air duct system and delivered to various rooms via vents and ducts in the ceiling. This method is less energy efficient than others simply because hot air rises and heat comes from the vents in the ceiling. Therefore, heat pushed through the vents does not always reach low enough to warm certain areas, causing drafts and cold spots – particularly in homes with vaulted ceilings.

3. Radiant heating systems – Perhaps the most efficient of all heating systems. Radiant heating comes from the floor, releasing warmth that rises to create a comfortable climate. Tubing circulating warm water or electric cables emitting heat is located beneath the floor. A bit pricy for installation, however, the payoff can be most beneficial. It is a clean way to heat your home and can reduce your energy bill by up to 40%.

Though tubing circulating warm water is the preferred method of radiant heat, a boiler is necessary as well. The boiler heats the water that circulates through the tubing or even through radiators located in baseboards.

Solar heating is another way to heat your home. Solar heating uses solar panels to harness the energy from the sun and translates it into heat for the home. Equipment and set-up can be pricey, but in the long run the pay off is considerable and is great for the environment.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling, consider the different types of heating systems to invest in. If you can afford it, choose radiant or solar heating systems as they provide the cleanest, most efficient way to heat your home.

Questions? Give Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating a call.

(520)333-COOL

Even though the price of fuel has gone down here in Tucson somewhat, don’t expect your heating bills to necessarily do the same! Though this may prompt you to think of some radical way to slash and save on your heating bill, concentrating on maximizing the energy efficiency of your home is the ideal solution. Believe it or not, this is the best way to realize overall savings – not only on your heating bill, but your entire electric bill once the Tucson summer hits and the air conditioner comes back on.

Whether you are building a new home here in Tucson, remodeling an old one, or just want to make do with what you have, there are a number of easy ways to increase energy efficiency. Why should you do this? Consider boosting your energy efficiency as a way of helping the environment. By increasing the energy efficiency of your home, you can seriously reduce your heating bills, thereby decreasing your reliance on fossil fuels for energy and reducing the overall size of your carbon footprint. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

1. Adjusting your thermostat is the first line of defense. When you are not at home, lower your thermostat a few degrees and then bump it back up when you are home. Invest in a programmable thermostat so you can program your temperature settings and not have to worry about constant adjustments.

2. Replace Older Heating Systems. Most heating systems are guaranteed to work for about 15 to 20 years although some are quite older. Of course, the older a heating system is the less efficient it will be. If you can afford it, replace your old heating unit with something more efficient that carries an Energy Star rating label which signifies over 90% efficiency. Installing a new unit outside the scope of your budget? Consider conducting some preventative maintenance on your old one to prolong its usefulness and increase efficiency:

• Check the air filters.
• Bleed trapped air from the lines.
• Check for soot and dust build-up and clean when necessary
• Check the air ducts for any holes and repair them.

Taking the above steps can help prevent a breakdown the will help with the efficiency of your heating system – though replacing your heating system should be a priority once more funds become available to you.

3. Repair or replace windows. Many windows in older homes may produce a draft around the window frame or sash. Replace old caulking and weather stripping around the frames. When possible, replacing the old windows with new energy-efficient windows that have a low U-value and a high R-value is highly recommended. These new windows will serve to insulate the home keeping the home temperatures in while not letting heat or cold air escape – as well as not allowing the outside temperatures to intrude inside the home.

4. Check your doors. Many doors allow heat to escape and cold temperatures to seep in. You might have to replace weather stripping and do some caulking around the door frames, much like you would do with the windows.

In review, slashing your heating bills in the winter can be possible by increasing the energy efficiency in your home. The basics of checking windows, doors, heating systems and your thermostat are just the first few lines of defense. To contact Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule your Whole Home Energy Audit call…

(520)333-COOL

• First, determine that your home has electricity. It may be that there was an unexpected power outage. Though this may seem silly, it is often overlooked at the onset of troubleshooting a problem.

• Check the thermostat setting. It may have been inadvertently set too low and needs adjustment, in which case the furnace should start up right away.

• Locate the furnace circuit breaker or fuse in the electric box to verify if it has been tripped and reset it.

• Locate the on/off switch to the furnace to make sure it is in the “on” position. If the unit is still not working, you may have a faulty thermostat.

• Investigate if the pilot light on your furnace is lit. Check the gas valve to make sure it is open. If you use liquid propane, check that there is fuel in the tank. Once the gas valve is on try re-igniting the furnace.

• If the furnace ignites but will not stay running, check the air filter. If the furnace doesn’t receive enough air flow, it can shut down. Replace the filter. If the problem persists, another possibility is that the gas burners may need cleaning or adjustment.

If the above furnace troubleshooting tips don’t solve the problem, give us a call at Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and Heating.

(520)333-COOL(4665)

As with anything you do, have a few professional, certified installers give you estimates. Ask each contractor about whether they also provide air-sealing services, and how much they would charge for that as well. Once you decide on a contractor, have the technician perform an Whole Home Energy Audit and assessment test that reveals the location of any leaks throughout your home. All leaks should be sealed before insulating your home.

Should you be checking for air leaks on your own, look in these likely locations:
• Windows/doors
• Chimney/fireplace
• Recessed lights
• Unfinished areas, such as behind cabinets and closets.

Once the leaks, if any, are located, seal them by adding caulking or weatherstripping. Choose the best insulation for where you need to add it. For example:

• Fiberglass is best for ducts in unconditional areas such as attics. It’s also ideal for areas of extreme temperatures.
• Loose-fill and blown-in is good for insulating walls and openings of new wall cavities especially in irregular shaped areas.

Other choices are:

• foam board made of polyisocyanurate for floors and ceilings.
• concrete block for insulating unfinished walls.

Insulation most commonly come in batts and rolls, which are easiest to use when placing in areas that need extra coverage.

Do you have questions regarding the insulation in your home? For more expert advice on insulation basics to help keep your home comfy and free from air leaks, or to schedule a Whole Home Energy Audit today contact us at Intelligent Design Air Conditioning and heating.

(520)333-COOL (2665)

• Conserve your hot water usage by not wasting it: Check for leaky faucets, shower heads and pipes. Even slow drips can add substantial costs to your water bill. Installing low-flow faucets and shower heads can save you up to 60 percent in water heating costs. Energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washing machines will reduce the biggest source of energy required to run them — the cost of heating water.

• Set your water heater to a lower temperature: For each 10 degrees that you dial it back, you’ll save up to 5 percent. While 140 degrees is recommended as a standard setting, most households operate more efficiently and safely at a setting of 120 degrees.

• Insulate your water heater: You’ll find water heater energy savings by simply wrapping your water heater with insulation. If you have an electric heater, you can purchase a jacket or blanket made specifically for this purpose and install it easily. If you have a gas heater, it’s best to have your contractor install the insulation.

• Install heat traps: After you’ve wrapped your water heater to hold in warmth, go ahead and install heat traps, too. They’re small valves or pipe loops that don’t allow hot water to flow backward from your water heater. If you’re considering a new water heater purchase, consider one that already has heat traps installed.

• Upgrade your unit: If your water heater is an older, less efficient model, or if it’s sprung a leak, it’s probably time to go ahead and replace it. If you haven’t shopped for one in quite some time, you may be pleasantly surprised at the water heater options available, such as demand, tankless and solar models.

Located in Tucson, Intelligent Design Air Conditioning & Heating serves Tucson, her surrounding areas, and southern Arizona. Please contact us to see how we can help you increase your water heater energy savings.

(520)333-COOL