Carrier Air Conditioning - Is It Right For You?

Air conditioners are a must for anyone living in a warm climate. As soon as the temperatures start rising, the air conditioning better be in condition or else tempers may flair. To be prepared for the warm seasons, make sure you have your air conditioning checked by a profession and make sure you have a good air conditioning unit. Sadly, these units do not last forever and will need replacement. When it comes to replacement, you may wonder which brand is best to purchase and who to select for installation.

There are several brands on the market--Carrier, Lennox, Trane, etc. Each have their good and bad selling points, as any product has. When selecting an air conditioner, it's important to read reviews and see what others are saying.

Let's say you select Carrier as the unit you want to purchase. Begin reading reviews about Carrier and see how well the unit works, especially the model you are considering, and research what people say about the product. You will find useful information all around you if you search.

Carrier units work great for some people and don't get the job done for others. Observe what the person is writing about and look for specifics. Note when a person is speaking about their desires and needs and when they are being more objective and talking about the unit. Some may complain that a Carrier unit is too cold, but you may enjoy that part of the unit. So, observe what is being said and make sure it's not a personal complaint, but a true complaint about the system.

As many have reported, the main problem with any unit, whether it's Carrier or not, is that bad installation will make a good unit become a horrible unit. It depends on who installs the unit and how good of a job they perform. So, it is equally important to search and read reviews of installation companies and make sure that your Carrier unit is installed properly. You can purchase the best unit on the market and have it installed incorrect, and be out of luck. It all depends on the installation.

It's time to begin your search. Ask your friends and family members what units they have at their house or apartment and start from there. Or select a brand like Carrier and begin searching through their models and begin reading reviews to see if they are a quality brand.

By Thom Michaels

Investing In A Home Heater: Why Purchasing it Over the Internet Might Cost You

If you’re planning on buying a furnace, shopping on the web might appear to be a wise idea. However, before you do, here are several main reasons why an internet purchase could end up costing you.

The majority of building contractors won't install heaters purchased via the internet.

Simply because they can't be sure the equipment’s condition, a contractor will be unable to warranty an installation. This, and the fact that they typically don’t make much profit from installs, makes many contractors not wanting to install any online purchases.

A handful of contractors decided they are willing to install HVAC equipment bought online, and may do it with an overpriced rate to make up for some of the lost profits. Consequently you may wind up paying more for the entire project than you saved from purchasing online.  Because an wrongly installed furnace could have dangerous outcomes, you must never make an attempt to install one yourself unless you have the correct training and experience to do this.

You could potentially choose the wrong size furnace.

When purchasing a furnace, it's important to determine what size is best for your house. Professional contractors conduct a load calculation to find out which size is going to be most efficient. You can try to undertake this calculation on your own, but because an improperly-sized furnace will cost you more on your power bill as well as pose health threats for your family, you ought to still consult an expert to double-check your work.

The equipment may be damaged.

The majority of HVAC equipment available online doesn't include a warranty. This means that regardless if your equipment is damaged when it arrives, you may not obtain return or refund.

The equipment could possibly be stolen. A number of the low-cost products online are now being sold by criminals who purchased the gear with stolen credit card numbers. Scammers will buy expensive brand-new equipment, and then sell it immediately online with an extremely low cost. Should you choose to decide on purchasing a furnace online, ensure it is from a respected merchant.

For additional info on the many benefits of investing in a furnace from your local, certified expert, contact Sandium Heating and Air conditioning.

Furnace Buying Tips

The furnace is the most important appliance in your home- just ask anyone who is without a working furnace during the dead of winter. So how do you go about choosing the right furnace? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• The specs of the furnace must meet your needs exactly. If it is to small it will not heat your home effectively, and too large will run too frequently- thus raising your utility bill, wearing down parts to quickly, and creating a temperature in the home that is uncomfortable. Not to mention if your air ducts are designed for a smaller furnace than the one you purchased, the flow of the air would be loud throughout the house and cause excessive wear on the ductwork.

• Choose a well-known and trusted contractor to purchase from and install your furnace. Some companies may try to sell a unit that is more than what you need just to make an extra profit. You want someone with experience that will come out to your home and evaluate what you really need. 

• Consider energy efficiency.  Check out the furnace's annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. This is a % that will tell you how efficiently it uses energy. This number is common among gas furnaces.

• Think about the various options that are available on furnaces, make a list of wants and needs. You may want to consider getting variable speed blowers on your furnace so that the air moves through your home slowly. This will create less noise at times when not as much heat is neede. It also results in fewer problems with keeping the temperature at a comfortable level inside your home. Variable heat outputs and air filtration devices are also features you should look into.

• Most often it will actually save you money to replace your furnace earlier rather than later. Old furnaces do not operate at the level of energy efficiency that those made today do, so you might want to consider replacing an old furnace simply because of its age.

If you're unsure whether you should repair a furnace or if replacing it is the better option, call in a trusted technician to evaluate the  furnace. It could be as simple as changing out a filter or if a main component has gone out then you will need to replace it.

Pros and Cons of a Ductless Mini Split

"What is a duct-less mini split system?" is a question that the folks in the air conditioning and cooling industry commonly hear. These particular air conditioning systems historically weren't largely popularized although in a few instances, they were necessary to cool places which are not easy to reach. Despite the fact that there are plenty of advantages to a ductless mini split, you can also find several things you ought to look out for and contemplate before you decide to pay for one. Here we will examine some of the possible down sides to ductless mini splits to make sure you will be aware what you're committing to prior to running out to the store and getting one.

To begin with, numerous people do not like the appearance of these units. Rather than one eye sore, you essentially get two, since there is one unit outside the house, and one on the inside. Although most people usually are not bothered by them since they are usually out of the way or in hard to reach areas. 

Secondly, a ductless mini split can be expensive. The unit itself typically runs from about one thousand to twelve hundred dollars, but then you also have to consider installation, which may be pricey. Yet it is less costly that buying a central air conditioning system and having it installed. Though they may be not be the most costly option, they might not be the most affordable, if cost is your only concern.

Lastly, if you are pondering  reselling your property and haven't decided whether to invest in central air conditioning or a ductless mini split, it is important to recognize that a lot of people within the market to purchase a home are trying to find central air conditioning. Although the actual difference inside the output could not be that far off, the stereotype is the fact that central air will be the greatest, so the choice to set up a mini split may have an effect on your resale worth. It may also be hard to find installation specialists and repair individuals merely because central heating and air conditioning units are more popular.

Getting a ductless mini split can typically be a challenging decision simply because there are numerous benefits and drawbacks to weigh before making such a big purchase, but make certain you search at both sides before investing so you know what you're getting yourself into.

Carrier Air Filters

Carrier is one of the most well knowned companies and a trusted name in providing HVAC systems. In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the basics of air conditioning and since then Carrier company had been a world leader in manufacturing air conditioners and heating systems. They manufacture a wide range of cooling and heating systems and their various parts. If you are purchasing an air filter Carrier would definitely be a good choice. They manufacture filters in all sizes and different materials.

If you reside in a area with little pollution then you can purchase a disposable panel filter. They need to be replaced every 30 days and is very efficient in trapping larger sized particles like dust, ash, sand and other debris. If you want a higher level of protection against pollution  a electrostatic pleated filter which would ensure maximum protection would be a better choice. This AC filter effectively prevents harmful microbes, smokes and pet danders and will provide you with cleaner air. It is perhaps the best way to remove pollutants which are as small as 0.01 microns.

The Carrier filters have high MERV rating and they will enhance the air quality of your home. They are easy to replace and are designed to give improved performance. They also keep your heating and cooling system working efficiently. They are durable and consume low energy. Another advantage is that they only need to be replaced every 2 to 3 months.

Getting Your Furnace Ready for the Winter Weather

November is here, the cold weather season is upon us. In fact many of us are already dealing with snow and freezing temperatures. This is the season that many people love. I mean who doesn't long for the brisk chill of a cool November day? Cold weather, cuddling by the fire, hot chocolate..  That said- winter has a way of sneaking up on us.  As a result, it's imparitive to take quick action to ensure that your home is a warm, comfortable living space during what could be a very cold winter.

Neglecting your hvac system can lead to disastrous results. If you aren't careful your living room could turn into the Arctic Circle. The cold weather, as much as we love it, belongs outside. You look forward to the wondrous benefits of winter: hot cocoa, crackling fire in the  fireplace and family gatherings. Well, in order to enjoy these traditional winter activities you should make sure that your heating system is serviced and running properly.

If you have a older, outdated heating system whether it has performed wonderfully or questionably, have it inspected soon. Even if it worked without a problem during  past winters, there may be hard-to-detect problems, the result of wear and tear from years and years of use.. If you're hesitant to spend money on a heating system evaluation, consider it an investment in your peace of mind. Having a factory-trained HVAC technician perform a system evaluation can lead to more energy efficiency and lower heating bills over the next few years. Maintaining your heating system will not only bring a financial savings on your heating bills, but also help you avoid  future repairs that may have been prevented if caught when they were minor issues.

It's important to schedule regular servicing to guarantee uninterrupted cold-weather operation. In addition to having a seasonal check-up performed by a certified HVAC technician, there are additional steps homeowners can take to increase the efficiency of their heating systems. Change the air filter's at the beginning of every heating season and check it every few weeks tthrough the winter. Also, inspect the heat exchanger for holes or cracks and make certain there are no carbon monoxide leaks.

Keep your eyes open for red flags. If your house isn't being heated evenly you should figure out why, and if you are also having humidity problems, your system could be malfunctioning.

If your furnace appears to be on it's last leg it may be smarter to invest in a energy efficient model than to be dumping money into a sinking ship. Remember, it's an investment. So do your research.

In the event that you need to purchase a new furnace, take a deep breath and contact your local HVAC company. They can solve your heating problems well in advance of winter's cold weather. This is why it is important to take preventive measures as opposed to waiting until the last possible moment to take action, or worse, putting it off completely.

Remember, don't rely solely on your judgment to diagnose heating problems call your local heating professional. With his expert service and your own regular maintenance checks you and your family will enjoy a safe, warm home all winter long!

How to Save Energy During the Winter Months

Energy saving tips for the winter season will help to keep more money in your wallet and save energy during the cold season. Most techniques below are cheap and pretty easy to implement. Other methods require energy upgrade investments from your local HVAC company that will pay off over time in energy savings.

To manage your heating bill, turn the thermostat down when you are not home, when you go to bed at night or when you have a house full of guests. Before winter hits , make sure that your thermostats are functioning properly. Set the temperature at the most 68 degrees. With a programmable thermostat you can schedule when you would like to have your heating on.

If you are able replace single pane windows with double-pane windows.  If you can't replace your windows you can reduce drafts by attaching a clear plastic film or heavy-duty, plastic clear sheet on your windows.

Heavy curtains or blinds will help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Weatherstripping is another simple step in keeping the warmth inside the house. Besides weatherstripping your windows you should weatherize your pipes, vents, doors and water heaters.

The attic and basement are usually where you will find air leaks. Evaluate whether your attic is sufficiently insulated. If it has the insulation of less than R-30 (11" for fiber glass, 8" for cellulose), it needs to be enhanced. You should also check if you need to add the insulation to your basement and your crawl space. Call your local HVAC company to have your insulation performance checked. 

Have all your heating equipment checked by a professional contractor. It is a wise decision to replace older equipment with an energy-efficient model.

Warm air travels up and builds up near the ceiling. Switch your ceiling fan to run in a clockwise direction to dispense the air and move warm air around the room.

If you tend to stay in one room of the house for most of the day, you might consider a space heater for that room only. Close the vents in the rooms you are not using. You could also invest in a new zoned heating thermostat so that you could set the temperature for each room idividually. 

Clean air filters in your heating system to increase energy efficiency and airflow. These filters need to be checked once a month, and replaced when dirty- it may be monthly or every other month.

19% of an average electricity bill comes from water heating. You can lower the bill by using less hot water, turn down the thermostat, insulate your water heater, or investing in an energy-efficient model. When installing the insulation make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations or hire a licensed contractor.

By following these winter energy saving tips you can keep your home more comfortable during winter, save money and help the environment too.

What Does a Heat Recovery Ventilator Do?

For those who have bought a house, are purchasing a house, or if you're renovating your home you may very well be familiar with the topic of a heat recovery ventilator or HRV. Brand new houses typically come with one, however older properties usually do not  have them unless the climate control system was modernized. Rather simply, an HRV works to preserve heat while eliminating stale indoor air.


Back before the ever increasing rise in energy costs began, heat retention would not have been needed in the same capacity as it is today. Now we've got air tight doors and windows, each crack is filled with caulk and our walls are insulated much better than at any time before. All this works fantastic to assist in decreasing our heating bills, but it can be a nightmare for indoor air air pollution. We may be comfortable, but our health can be at stake with allergens and micro organism increasing.

Although some steps could be taken such as electrostatic air filters, they decrease the amounts of airborne contaminants, but do absolutely nothing for the gases for example carbon monoxide or excess moisture. This is where a heat recovery ventilator  will come into play. The most effective approach to keep the indoor air pure is always to remove the polluted air and substitute it with new, dry air. This needs a system with two supporters, 1 to push bad air out and an additional to drag the nice air in. A heat recovery ventilator will do this and more. Not merely does the air get cycled through for cleanliness,  it also goes through a high temperature exchange core which heats the outdoor air before it circulates indoors. 

Up to 85% of the heat from the inside air can be moved to the air being brought in from the outside, which is much more cost effective than opening windows. Filters are used to capture dust, pollen along with other air substances from entering with the fresh air. An HRV can be very useful in the summer months as well but they are most helpful in the winter months.

Interested in learning more? Contact your local HVAC company. 

6 Ways to Reduce Your Winter Heating Bills

It has been another difficult year economically but now it's time to gear up for the holidays and plan for next year. We spend a lot to heat our home, now it's time to come up with a plan to reduce those heating bills. I know you don't like throwing your money away. A family spends approximately $2000 a year for winter heating, this amount can be even more if you do not take care of little things that can increase efficiency of your heating system.

Insulating

The first step you should take is making sure your home is properly insulated.  Proper insulation will keep your indoors warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are various forms of insulation like spray foam, fiberglass, rigid foam and cellulose and many others. Once your home is properly insulated your winters will be more comfortable and you will be saving money on the cost on heating for those cold days.

Plugging Air Leaks

Whether your home is new or old, before winter hits you should check every window and door for air leaks. A leaky home will allow cool air to get inside and warm air to go outside and that will increase your heating bills. Your HVAC system will have to overwork to keep your home warm which will mean more fuel and maintenance expenses for you.

Here are a few tips to check and fix the air leaks in your home.

1) Check out the weather stripping around the windows and doors

2) If your insulation has leaks then use the insulation tape to seal them.

3) If there are rooms in your home that you do not use frequently, make sure to apply sheeting to the doors leading to them.

4) Install vent blocks in the rooms your don't use.

5) Seal all the cracks in the walls.

6) Try to prevent constant running in and out of the house (remember your parents constantly reminding you to stop running in and out of the house when you were a kid?). Everytime you open the door you are letting in cold air and letting out warm air. 

These are some simple tips that can greatly reduce winter heating costs. You should also call your HVAC company to come in and do a routine winter servicing of your heating system and make sure that there are no leaks in your duct work. Don't forget that lowering your thermostat by even 1 degree will save you money over the long term. 

How to Test Your Heating & AC Ducts for Leakages

Developing a home that's energy-efficient has numerous benefits. It'll lower your carbon footprint, therefore making your house more eco-friendly. It'll make your house more energy-efficient, therefore costing you less every single month in your energy bill. There are many areas within your home that you should pay attention to in order to find air leaks that wreak havoc on efficiency and your wallet. Certainly one of the individual areas is the air conditioning (heating, ventilating, and ac) unit's ductwork. Even when your house is new, but particularly if it's old, air leaks can exist through the system.

Checking and repairing any air conditioning leaks within the ductwork is crucial to keeping the system, as well as your home, efficient. A lot of the ductwork inside a house send either heated or cooled air in to the different spaces of the house. Usually, there's one large duct that functions as the return to the heating/cooling unit itself. Each one of these ductwork should be correctly sealed from air leaks to be able to function correctly and effectively. Many houses, however, frequently have significant problems like shredded insulation, damaged duct junctions, even holes chewed with the insulation and ductwork by rats and/or rodents.

Air conditioning ductwork are pressurized, so leaks which exist could be far worse and much more pricey than other air leaks around your home. The quantity of air that escapes via a leak inside a duct is magnified due to that pressurization.

Being able to access all your ductwork could possibly be the trickiest part, although fixing the leaks could be relatively easy. Leaks many times can be seen with just a flashlight. You may also make use of the "wet hands" technique - turn the air conditioning unit on therefore the ductwork become pressurized and ready: a wet hand may lead you directly to the leak. If you have trouble finding the leaks yourself then I suggest calling a qualified HVAC specialist to come out check the ducts for you. If you were able to find the leaks yourself then continue on with how to repair the leaks.

Hardware stores carry various kinds of sealing kits for ductwork. Prior to going towards the store, though, you will need to have the ability to tell the sales representative assisting you what material your ductwork are, and just how they're suspended to be able to find the appropriate repair package.

Duct tape can be used for  a lot of things, however this is somewhere the title states everything! Easily repair rips or tears in ductwork with duct tape. Take this into account when you use duct tape - it doesn't adhere well to dusty surfaces. When the surface where your leak is provides extensive dust (also it most likely will), then you've two options:

1. Clean off the dust (much more difficult than you think)

2. Wrap the duct tape around and round the section in which the leak is and just hide the dust - much simpler than the first option!

If while you are checking the ductwork you see the insulation appears thin, it is simple to add more to the surface of the existing insulation.

Caulk works effectively to seal the air leaks that are commonly found at the junctions between ducts and the registers where the air is pushed out into your home.

Heating Alternatives to Reduce Winter Heating Costs

With the winter season upon us, most people are researching ways to help lower their heating bills. There are many ways to do this, and they can be as simple as a few quick do-it-yourself home improvements or a call to your local HVAC company.

The three most effective and simple steps can be completed in as little as a few hours. 

1. Lower the temperature on your thermostat. 3 to 5 degrees may not feel like much but can make quite a difference in terms of saving money over a period of time, and if you start to get a little chilly add an extra layer of clothing before turning up the thermostat. 

2. Space heaters are fairly inexpensive and can be very energy efficient if you do some research. Heating the 1 or 2 rooms you use the most instead of your whole house can save money on heating bills, and is often recommended by government departments. 

3.  Winterizing your home by adding window seals where needed or using caulk to stop leaks is a simple and effective way to ensure your heating system is not working in vain. If you don't already have them you may want to consider  double-paned windows, although you may need to call a professional to have him install them for warranty purposes.

While the above tips will increase efficiency and lower bills, sometimes it is necessary to discuss some steps that include a larger investment. They are long- term solutions that  will pay off by lowering your heating bills. Here are four heating alternatives to look into.

Natural Gas Conversion: While a natural gas heating solution is a financial investment to install it does have other advantages, such as its ability to be used to run appliances, fuel a fireplace and heat water. However since natural gas is provided by local utility companies it may not be available in all areas so be sure to call your local supplier.

Ground (Geothermal) Heat Pump Systems: Geothermal Heat Pumps have become quite popular as an alternative way to heat residences and businesses alike. They work by relying on the relatively constant temperature of the earth 3-5 feet below the surface. While the upfront costs can be daunting, it is possible to recoup your investment in as little as five years, and to reduce your energy consumption by 44-72% according to the EPA.

Solar Heating Systems: Solar power is economical, renewable, and environmentally friendly, making it appealing to many consumers. While the initial costs can seem to be staggering the long term benefits are worth the work, as the Department of Energy estimates that a properly designed and installed solar system can provide 40-80% of a home's heating needs.

Wood or Pellet Burning Stoves: Wood burning stoves have become more efficient and operate much safer than they did five to ten years ago, and with the increase cost of gas and oil have also been able to provide an economical solution for many homeowners.  The Environmental Protection Agency states that they are one of the "cleanest-burning heating appliances available today" and exempts them from smoke-emission testing requirements.

Heating and Air Conditioning Duct Maintenance

Your HVAC ductwork is the series of tubes that carry treated air through out the building. If you are thinking about installing a brand new central air or heat pump inside your residence, you should make certain the ductwork that could carry your new higher efficiency air conditioner is up to par with the system. As the air flows by means of these ducts, any leaks or issues will ruin the impact in the whole system. You may believe that the system itself isn't working as it should- when it is really the duct-work that is causing the problems.

When installing or diagnosing a system for HVAC repairs, a good technician will inspect all of the ducts. First off he is looking to determine if the existing duct system will match the new air handler that was installed. This will also show if there are any leaks or other challenges. Lastly, ducts need to be insulated and routed inside a certain way to maintain safety. This approach is known in the industry as: checking for ductwork integrity.

The typical residential HVAC system has some leakage. So it is possible that you may get the same cost savings in just repairing the ducts as you would in investing in a new HE system. If 20% of the air is leaking, then your HVAC unit will need to function harder. This results in larger bills and possible furnace repairs. So it is important to ask the HVAC tech to check the integrity on the ducts. They will not mind- it is what they are trained to do.

To sustain the efficiency of this well sealed ductwork, your local Sandium HVAC company will install insulation around it. The insulation also serves to safeguard the inside of your property from the temperature variations brought on by hot or cool air flowing. At these temperature change points moisture tends to accumulate. As water saturated air below the dew point gets in contact with warm beams, then it'll sweat. This ruins the ducts and may trigger mold and mildew difficulties. To counteract this be sure there is a vapor barrier between the treated air and the outside air.

To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled technicians to check your duct work please visit Sandium.Com or call (408) 894-9072

How Much Can You Save With a High Efficiency Furnace?

We’re getting into the coldest days of the year now, and a lot of homeowners are being faced with an important decision: my 20 year old furnace is dead, what kind of furnace should I buy? Should I get the cheaper model or the more expensive one that has the higher efficiency rating? Is two stage operation or a variable speed fan worth the extra cost?

A good place to start is to figure out your current heating costs. If you use natural gas, what other natural gas appliances do you have? If you’re only other natural gas appliance is a hot water tank, this will typically consume $200-$300 in gas every year. A gas stove will typically consume less than $50 in gas a year. The rest should be used by your furnace.

Another method to determine the energy costs of your heating is ask for your month by month energy costs for the last year (or more) from your utility company. The difference between your gas costs in the winter and the summer provides a good estimate of your heating costs.

Next, you must estimate what percentage you will save with a high efficiency (90% efficient) or ultra high efficiency (95% efficient) model versus a now minimum standard 80% efficient model. This involves subtracting the lower efficiency rating from the high efficiency rating and dividing the result by the higher efficiency rating. The result is: A 95% furnace should use about 16% less energy than an 80% efficient model and a 90% efficient model should use about 11% less energy.

Finally, you can multiply your annual heating costs by the savings percentage to estimate how many years it will take to earn your investment back. People with lower heating costs (smaller houses, warmer climates) might find a furnace that costs $1000 extra will only save them $40 a year, and people with higher heating costs might find it can save them $300 a year.

Other issues are deciding whether to pay more for two stage operation or a variable speed fan. If you run your fan continuously in the summer for a mild cooling effect, a variable speed fan will pay for itself in a few years in energy savings. Otherwise, these are luxury items that will make your home more comfortable for a cost.

To schedule an appointment to discuss new furnaces for your home or work place please visit Sandium.Com

Article courtesy of Improvement Web

Heating Our Homes

Heating our homes today can be an expensive endeavor. Finding ways to cut your heating bill can mean an enormous savings in fuel cost. Sometimes an initial investment may be required such as a new boiler or furnace. Sometimes simple maintenance can cut costs.

Doing everything possible to save fuel today is the green thing to do. Our fuel supply is a limited commodity and until we develop sustainable types of replenish-able alternative energy sources, we should all be doing what we can to conserve.

When older homes are in question, the main heat loss is usually through the drafty wooden windows and doors. Replacing these with energy efficient new models with thermally insulated glass and sashes, can save as much as twenty five percent of your heating bill.

Adding insulation to your attic space is another easy way to gain some savings. Most of the heat from your house will eventually end up in the attic. The longer you can keep it in the room your using the better.

Crawl spaces are often neglected when insulating. Mostly because they're usually very hard to access. It's worth the extra push to crawl in there and add some insulation. Your efforts will be rewarded both by fuel savings and a more comfortable room above to live in.

Having your heating system cleaned annually is another good way to keep saving money. A clean system runs very efficiently and also will have fewer breakdowns. This can keep you from ending up in the cold waiting for a service company that may not always be readily available.

Having a service company in the wings waiting is something every homeowner should make a point of. Do not wait until the middle of a blizzard to find someone after your broken down and freezing. Losing your heat in extreme cold can cause frozen pipes to explode the plumbing and you can also lose the entire heating system. Great cost will need to be expended to repair the damage from frozen pipes.

If you have an older heating system in your home, it's highly recommended you investigate the new high tech computerized boilers and furnaces available today. Efficiency capabilities have increased dramatically in recent years and some new equipment can end up paying for itself relatively quickly not to mention the boost to the comfort level in your home.

Federal Tax incentives are available for high end high efficiency gas and oil apparatus that meat certain rating requirements. This added together with fuel savings will allow the average homeowner to afford the upgrade.

Finding the right people to work on our home heating apparatus again should be tackled well before the heating season. This gives us time to find someone that comforts us by showing they know what they're doing. Nothings worse then finding out your heating contractor is unreliable right when you need them.

Heating Our Homes is so very important and so very costly that it is always on our minds in the winter months. Thinking about them in the summer months will benefit us a lot more.

Visit Sandium.Com to schedule an appt to have your heating system evaluated or to have an energy audit done. 

Article courtesy of InfoBarrel.

Carrier is Keeping History Cool

Each year, millions of people from around the world flock to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to gaze in wonder and amazement at 1,300 square meters of frescoes that adorn the cathedral ceiling. Originally painted by Michelangelo in the 1500s, the frescoes were restored in the early 1990s to showcase their vibrant original colors. The restoration also brought an influx of visitors, which exposed the masterpieces to damaging heat, moisture, dirt and dust. That’s when the experts at Carrier arrived with a masterpiece of their own.

Fearing that they may eventually be forced to close the Sistine Chapel to the public to protect its ceiling, the Vatican turned to a global team of Carrier engineers from France, Italy and the United States. The task they faced was a daunting one: create a reliable solution capable of controlling air and humidity and maintaining a consistent environment for the chapel’s interior, all while creating minimal noise and remaining invisible to observers.

After five years of work, including special computer simulations to analyze building loads, internal air circulation patterns and control system performance throughout the chapel, Carrier delivered on the Sistine Chapel project’s exacting specifications.

The innovative system was unveiled in 1993 at a special ceremony attended by Pope John Paul II, who stated, “You have, we might say, become co-workers with the painters in making present their vision of God’s glorious deeds.”

Carrier’s solution was glorious in its own right, employing 92 electronic sensors that monitor the air and communicate through 15 miles of virtually invisible wiring. A Carrier water chiller two floors below attaches to diffusers located beneath the chapel’s six south windows to blow low-velocity air over the painting’s surface for protection.

Custom algorithms allow the system to adjust seamlessly to various conditions and maintain a consistent temperature of 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) and 55 percent humidity – ideal conditions for preserving the 500-year-old frescoes. Sound-absorbing material and vibration dampers reduce noise so the chapel can be used for religious services while the Carrier system quietly preserves the breathtakingly delicate Renaissance paintings on its ceiling.

For centuries, people have been captivated by the beauty and intricacy of the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Using strokes of brilliance that Michelangelo himself would no doubt have admired, Carrier has helped ensure that they’ll continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

To learn more about Carrier's home HVAC products please visit Sandium.Com

CARRIER’S INVENTION OF MODERN AIR CONDITIONING CELEBRATES 110 YEARS OF MAKING THE WORLD A COOL PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

July 17, 2012

FARMINGTON, Conn., US

What started as an invention to control humidity in a New York printing plant in 1902 has forever changed the way people around the world live, work and play. July 17th marks the 110th anniversary of the invention of modern air conditioning by Dr. Willis H. Carrier, inventor and founder of Carrier, the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions and a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

On July 17, 1902, Carrier, a young research engineer just a year out of Cornell University, finalized the design to stabilize the humidity in the air so the dimensions of the paper at the Sackett & Wilhelms Lithography and Printing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y., would remain constant throughout the printing process. Since then this innovation has been applied to everything from malls to manufacturing facilities, buses to businesses and houses to hospitals – all looking to establish a comfortable environment.

“In the early 1900s, air conditioning was primarily an industrial application that enabled countless industries to thrive with candy-making companies, textile mills and theaters some of the most enthusiastic early adopters,” said Geraud Darnis, president & CEO, UTC Climate, Controls & Security. “Over the years, Carrier’s innovations looked to make possible what was previously impossible. Today our focus remains true to our heritage as we continually push the envelope to create energy efficient, environmentally responsible products for both commercial and residential applications in all areas of the world.”

A leading engineer of his day, Carrier filed more than 80 patents over the course of his career. To celebrate the 110th milestone, the company launched a new website,www.WillisCarrier.com, in April dedicated to its rich history, and containing little-known vignettes about Willis Carrier’s life and work. In June, the company released its newly commissioned 144-page, hardcover book, called Weathermakers to the World, now available on Amazon.com, which chronicles the entrepreneurial spirit of Willis Carrier and the robust history of modern air conditioning.

“At 25 years old, Willis Carrier's foresight forever changed the world and paved the way for more than a century of once-impossible innovations,” Darnis said. “His genius created an entire industry essential to global productivity and personal comfort.”

To view Carrier’s history website, visit www.WillisCarrier.com. To order a copy of the Weathermakers to the World book, visit amazon.com.

About Carrier
Carrier is the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

If you would like to learn more about Carrier's innovative products for heating and air conditioning please visit Sandium.Com

Greenspeed Fact or Fiction

The Infinity® 20 heat pump with Greenspeed intelligence offers ultra-high efficiency heating and cooling in one product, and it helps reduce your utility bills year round.


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Carrier Sustainability

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Carrier Lead Sponsor of Urban Green's First Annual EBIE Awards

CARRIER LEAD SPONSOR OF URBAN GREEN’S FIRST ANNUAL EBIE AWARDS

June 28, 2012

FARMINGTON, Conn., US

Carrier, the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is pleased to be the lead sponsor for Urban Green Council’s EBie Awards™, a new juried awards competition to select and highlight best practices in greening existing buildings. The event will be held at the Hard Rock Café Live Theatre in New York City with winners revealed live from the 18 finalists. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“Carrier and United Technologies have a long tradition of innovative technologies for improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Our city, our country, our world will not meet our sustainability goals without addressing the existing built environment,” said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer at UTC Climate, Controls & Security, who also serves as co-vice chair of Urban Green Council Board of Directors. “We love the EBies because they do just that – they show us what can be done in our largest opportunity area.”

Carrier is the only company in the world to be a founding member of the U.S., Argentina, China, India, Singapore and France Green Building Councils. In fact, Carrier was instrumental in launching the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC) in 1993 and was the first company in the world to join the organization. Since 2008, Carrier representatives have served on the Board of Urban Green Council, one of the largest chapters of USGBC.

The EBies are a program of Urban Green Council, which aims to lead the advancement of sustainability in urban buildings through education, advocacy and research. The EBie awards program was started this year to recognize significant increased environmental performance in existing buildings (hence the EBies), among building operators, facilities managers, owners, engineers, retro-commissioning agents and other professionals who conceived and implemented the work. Focus areas include energy, water, operations, lighting and landscaping as well as effective energy use education.

“The goal of the EBies is to do for existing building retrofits what the Oscars did for film,” says Russell Unger, executive director, Urban Green Council. “We want to encourage and recognize excellence throughout the industry. There are many people doing incredible work in existing buildings and going totally unnoticed. With Carrier’s help, the EBies are going to change that.”

For more information and to view the winners, visit the EBies website at www.ebies.org.

About Carrier
Carrier is the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

For more information on Carrier products for your home please visit Sandium.Com

Carrier Achieves Breakthrough with Industry’s Highest Efficiency and Quietest Gas Furnace Models

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, April 11, 2012 – Carrier’s latest innovations to its Infinity® 98 gas furnace linetop the industry, providing consumers with the most efficient furnace and the quietest furnace in the industry. Carrier, the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Infinity gas furnace line with Greenspeed™ intelligence combines modulating and variable-speed technologies with a communicating control system to constantly adapt to a home’s conditions.

“The Infinity 98 fully modulating gas furnace, in the 60,000 Btuh, 5-ton size, is the most efficient gas furnace a consumer can buy with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 98.5 percent*,” said John Gibbons, director of product and platform strategy, Carrier. “This means that 98.5 cents of every dollar spent on gas goes directly to heating the home. This is a tremendous accomplishment in the efficiency level and cost savings associated with gas furnaces, especially when standard furnaces typically waste 20 cents or more per dollar spent on heating costs.”

Unveiled in the fall of 2011, the initial launch of the Infinity gas furnace line included 60,000 and 80,000 Btuh models in the 3.5-ton size, a 100,000 Btuh model in the 5-ton size and a 120,000 Btuh model in the 5.5-ton size – all delivering precise comfort with reduced energy use. Instead of blasting a home with heat in a perpetual “on”/ “off” cycle, Infinity gas furnaces with Greenspeed intelligence operate at a gentle, low capacity up to 90 percent of the time. When combined with an Infinity® control, the modulating gas valve in the Infinity 98 furnace can adjust heating output up and down through multiple stages in one-percent increments from 40 up to 100 percent of capacity to more accurately match comfort needs while increasing the energy efficiency of the furnace.

“Two of the Infinity 98 furnaces included in our initial launch have already been recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR® in 2012 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” said Tom Archer, manager of heating and indoor air quality product marketing, Carrier. “Now, we are building on that success with the expansion of the Infinity 98 gas furnace line to include additional sizes and the most energy efficient furnace in the industry, with an AFUE of 98.5 percent.”* According to the criteria set by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, products recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2012 demonstrate efficiency performance that is truly exceptional, inspirational or leading edge, and already qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

The expansion of the Carrier Infinity 98 gas furnace line has also resulted in the quietest gas furnace in the industry.** The furnace’s quiet operation is made possible by technology that distributes heated air at the lowest possible setting for the majority of the heating season. In low-fire mode, where the furnace operates most often, it is very quiet, less than the sound of a running refrigerator.

“I am pleased to announce that Carrier has engineered the most energy efficient and the quietest gas furnaces in the industry,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of sales and marketing, Carrier Residential and Commercial Systems. “It is another reason why Carrier is a pioneer in the industry. We continually strive to ‘raise the bar’ for our customers in terms of product efficiency, quality and innovation.”

For more information on the Infinity 98 fully modulating gas furnace line or other Carrier products, call 1-800-CARRIER or go to www.residential.carrier.com to find a local Factory Authorized Dealer in your area.

* The Carrier® Infinity® 98 gas furnace (Model 59MN7A060V21-20) is the most efficient furnace at 98.5% AFUE.
**Based on sound level testing of the Carrier 59MN7A060V17-14 and leading competitive gas furnaces during steady-state, high-fire and low-fire operation. For more information regarding the testing results and procedure, visit www.cacfurnaces.com.

About Carrier

Carrier is the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

If you live in the South Bay Area of California and would like to learn more about Carrier Gas Furnaces please visit Sandium.Com