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).
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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