The Federal Energy Tax Credit for upgrading your existing furnace and air conditioner to today’s high efficiency models is ending in 4 short months.
When you start the process of getting at least 2 competitive bids for a new HVAC system, decide on the system best suited for your needs and finally fit into the Contractor’s schedule for the installation, you could be looking at as much as 4 to 6 weeks, so don’t delay getting started.
Also, the increased number of homeowners taking advantage of the 12/31/2010 Energy Tax Credit deadline have put a huge dent in the available utility rebates , which could run out before year end.
Just 4 Months Remain
August 30th, 2010Heat Pump Rebate Lowered
August 6th, 2010The year 2010 has seen most consumer rebates for purchasing high efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps from our utility companies rise. The exception is Minnesota Valley Electric Co-op, which has reduced their Heat Pump rebate from $500 to $350. This after completely eliminating their high efficiency air conditioner rebates in 2009.
Focus on the Furnace
August 5th, 2010I understand this may be obvious to most of you in Minnesota, but I feel it needs repeating. Focus your attention on the furnace when it is time to replace your home comfort system and then match it with the air conditioner that fits into your budget. The current energy tax credits will also influence the air conditioner you choose in order to maximize the tax credit ($1500)
but be certain to select the right furnace first. I say this strictly due to the number of hours each system works in an average year in Minnesota. Buy the best furnace you can and you will realize the quickest return on your investment. And best of all, the utility rebates and energy tax credit will help offset the additional cost of the best furnace. 8000 heating hours/year vs. 500 cooling hours/year, this really is a no-brainer.
Dakota Electric gets it
July 19th, 2010I have blogged on a number of occasions the benefit of purchasing a high efficiency furnace with an ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) and finally an Electric Utility sees the benefit of this motor and is giving a $100 rebate for installing this blower motor in both an existing furnace and a new furnace equipped with an ECM motor.
I am so thrilled to see Dakota Electric offer this rebate and help offset the higher initial cost of this motor.
My hope is that the other Electric Utilities will follow suit and join Dakota Electric in offering a rebate to homeowners who choose to purchase an ECM blower motor in their new furnace.
Dakota Electric gets it, I hope the others will follow.
Hail Damaged Air Conditioner
July 9th, 2010Like every summer, 2010 has brought hail storms which have damaged the coil fins on a number of Twin Cities air conditioning units. This damage can , in some cases, be “Combed” out to put the fins back in their original factory spacing but in more severe cases an insurance claim must be filed and the entire unit replaced.
The folded over fins (from the hail damage) do not allow proper airflow to move through the condensing unit for the necessary heat transfer required to cool your home. Without proper heat transfer , your air conditioner will not produce the necessary BTU’s to cool your home.
Take a quick look at your air conditioner to see if there is hail damage and if so, call a Contractor to get a quote on the necessary repairs.
Water on the floor
July 2nd, 2010I had another call today about water on the floor around the furnace. This is an inevitable problem with all air conditioners if you do not do preventive maintenance on your A/C system.
As you all know, an air conditioner rings gallons of water out of the air as it cools your home. This water is drained from the evaporator (“A” coil) by gravity through a hose connected to the front of the coil, above the furnace.
The “A” coil has a drain pan on it’s bottom which catches the water to be drained away. The “A” coil also catches dirt in the air stream which mixes with the water and will eventually build up enough to clog the drain fitting and hose, causing the water to overflow the pan and run onto the floor around the furnace. Be sure to check the drain system for debris and replace the hose periodically. We recommend an annual maintenance plan which will leave this messy job to our service technicians.
Installation Video
June 30th, 2010We are very excited to share a video we have created to outline the process we use to install a new furnace and air conditioner. We realize most people have never purchased a replacement HVAC system and have a number of questions which will be answered by viewing this short video. You can find the video on our website under the” Start Here” tab as “Informational Video”. We hope you find this video helpful and informative. Please let me know your thoughts and any questions you may still have after viewing the video.
Thermostat Fan Setting
June 22nd, 2010Hopefully you all are aware of the “other” setting on your thermostat which controls the operation of the furnace fan. The switch marked auto / on tells the furnace to run the fan only when the thermostat calls for heating or cooling when it is in the “Auto” mode. When the switch is in the “On” mode the fan runs all the time.
I personally like the “On” mode all the time you have your windows closed. This will minimize the temperature difference from the upper floor of your home to your lower floor and reduce the time your furnace and air conditioner run. Another great benefit of running your fan all the time is that you are constantly filtering the air in your home. This will also reduce the need some of you have for an additional dehumidifier in your basement.
When it comes time to replace your furnace , be sure to purchase a model with a high efficiency DC blower motor which uses up to 80% less electricity.
BBB Accredited
June 22nd, 2010I am thrilled to see the number of Homeowners who are checking with the BBB prior to contracting with us for a new Furnace and Air Conditioner. We are very proud of our A+ rating and being an Accredited Member of the BBB.
Air Conditioner Start Up
May 19th, 2010Now that the thermostat is finally reading 75 degrees +, most of you will be starting your air conditioners for the first time. Before you flip the circuit breaker to bring on the system, be sure your furnace filter is clean and the bypass damper in your humidifier is closed or in the “summer” position.
Your furnace fan runs at a much higher speed (CFM) when your air conditioner is on versus when your furnace is heating, so a clean filter is even more important in the summer.