Vol. 6: Issue #17: Letter #117 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)

It's Not Your Father's HVAC System! (Part II)


      In the 1st segment of this 5 part series, we described briefly the 2 types of heating systems currently in use in the U.S. today and commented on the changes taking place as the emphasis shifts from convenience and comfort to efficiency and economy (Click here to review).

     Merry Sherman Unlike the equipment of yesteryears, a HVAC unit of today for example, that is only equipped with a single-speed motor, leaves much to be desired in both comfort and economy. In the winter, the blower is either “on” or “off”. As the unit is designed to provide heat in the coldest weather, it runs at full speed whenever it is on. This results in alternate blasts of hot air followed by a gradual cooling off until the next blast of hot air arrives.

      In the summer, it is more of the same but in reverse. A blast of cold air followed by a warming trend and then the blast of cold air all over again.

      But the truth is, that here in Tidewater Virginia, most of a home's HVAC system’s operating hours occur under much milder conditions. In late February, it is not uncommon to see signs of Spring everywhere and sometimes we don’t have our first freezing temperatures until nearly Christmas. This means that only a fraction of the heating and cooling capacity of the system is actually required most of the time…if we could only control it…and that’s the beauty of variable speed motors.

     HVAC units equipped with variable-speed motors (or even 2 speed motors) can in effect, reduce the output of a 5-ton air conditioner for example, to as little as a 1½-2 tons. By introducing just the right amount of cooling as needed, the inside climate conditions are much improved...for by operating at a slower speed, the cycle of operation is extended. This not only avoids those uncomfortable “on”/“off” blasts of cold air but the extended cycle achieves a much better control of humidity.

     That’s the wonder of variable speed technology. It not only makes life more comfortable but saves energy by matching motor speed to load requirements while simultaneously extending the motor and system life …providing a level of comfort that you’ve never before experienced and saving you money in the process!

     Next time when we continue this discussion on “why today’s technology and HVAC are inseparable”, we’ll cover among other things, the one, single most improved technological improvement…scroll compressors and variable speed compressors.

3rd NOTICE:

     Even though there are only 9 days to the end of summer, there seems to be no end to the rise in gasoline prices that have in many places already broken the dreaded $3/gal mark. Small wonder then, that many predictions of unheralded high heating costs this winter are everywhere. And even though there may be a few more 90 degree days left for this year, the calendar reminds us that not only is summer winding down…but more important is the realization that “Nobody Has Cancelled Winter” and that the cold days of winter are right around the corner.

     Whether you heat your home with oil, natural gas, or electricity, recent news reports about rising energy costs should have you shivering. “Utilities nationwide are warning customers that their bills will be high this winter, said Chris McGill of the American Gas Association, which represents the natural gas retailers. The Energy Information Administration estimates that natural gas could cost more than $10 per thousand cubic feet by January, about 30 percent more than it did this summer” and these warnings were made before Hurricane Katrina!

     This utility, like many others across the nation, is telling it’s customers to take steps now to save energy and manage costs this winter and the best way to do this is to have the heating system “checked and tuned up” to get ready for winter. Our 32 point “check up-tune up” is one of the most comprehensive ones available anywhere. This is no idle boast. We have posted on our website for you (and all the world to see), the details and benefits for each of the 32 points. See for yourself by clicking here.

     By our newsletters of 08/09 & 08/23, we reminded our many customers, not only of the need for this vital service, but of our annual, strictly limited, "early seasonal promotion" (Sept 1–Oct 31) when we offer substantial discounts to those wise enough to register for this service that is so essential for their personal comfort and economy of operation of their heating system.

     As we have said before, it is for PURELY, SELFISH REASONS that motivates us to give away so much money (and we still hate it!) but to date, we haven't been able to devise any other plan that provides us the time necessary to properly prepare the heating systems for the hundreds of our customers who depend on us each year for this essential service.

     However, this does make for both of us a "win-win" situation. We win by getting you to order early (and can do more jobs)...you win, if you order early by getting a $135 value for a lot less money (and you can save even more if you order on line) as you join hundreds of others who every winter, make Climatemakers their contractor of choice for this important service.

     As always, there is a sliding scale of discounts for early registration beginning with a whopping 40% discount for the earliest registration. You can see this sliding scale of discounts and/or make your on line reservations and see specific definitions of each of the 32 points we check by clicking here .

     The cost of the "check-up/tune-up" is a small price to pay for superior equipment performance that result in lower energy bills and extended life performance. Remember, THE MAJOR CAUSE OF EQUIPMENT FAILURE IS INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE.


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Climatemakers Ltd.

Merry Sherman
2nd Generation President
Phone #: 757-468-5800
Fax #: 757-468-5805
email: comfort@climatemakers.com
Web site: http://www.climatemakers.com
"Your family's indoor comfort is our family's business"


     P.S. Our newest web page entitled "The Amazing Scroll Compressor" is now posted. You can see an animated explanation of what many people claim to be the greatest technological improvement in air conditioning history by clicking here.

     P.P.S. You can also see for yourself, the professional response your call for services generates (and the response you can expect), by clicking here to see our recently updated overview of operations.

     P.P.P.S. Our 200+ page website is constantly being updated to add content and to make it easier to navigate…so that you can find answers to your questions about HVAC, quicker than ever before. Visit it often.

     P.P.P.P.S. Remember, if you have any questions about the HVAC system in your house; how we can be of better service to you, or about our web site, please email them to me. I'd like to hear from you. Our web page, "Testing Your HVAC IQ", is an online test of your knowledge about Heating and Air Conditioning. You are especially invited to visit it by clicking here.

     Programmable Thermostat. Automatically regulates the heating/cooling in your house to suit your lifestyle. Click here to find out how.

     Electronic Air Cleaner. Removes dirt, dust and pollen to improve your health. Click here to find out how.

     Humidifiers. Adds moisture to the air in the winter. Click here to find out how.

     Zoning System. Saves even more energy as it increases or decreases the heating/cooling in those rooms where and when it is not needed. Click here to find out how.

     Need more HVAC information? We've got a FREE website full of it. Click here.

     
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