While homeowners choose to undertake many kinds of home renovations, installation and/or repair of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is usually considered an exceptional measure. Yet the heating and cooling system in any structure is a critical factor in occupant comfort and quality of life. The purchase of a furnace, air conditioner or ventilation system is a major investment and deserves careful consideration. Most provinces require the hiring of a licensed or qualified HVAC tradesperson to perform the work because of the safety concerns and consequences involved. However, homeowners frequently do not distinguish among contractors on anything other than price. Consumers should be aware that the lowest price is not always the best value!

There are some obvious red flags to look for when you are shopping around for a contractor. For example, reputable contractors will not quote prices without seeing the job. Reputable contractors will not request large cash advances prior to the delivery of any equipment or materials. And any reputable contractor will readily provide a full business address as well as a telephone number where they can be reached. Apart from these more obvious tip-offs, there are a number of guidelines that a homeowner should keep in mind in order to get the best value when hiring a heating and air conditioning contractor.

1. Finding Reputable Contractors

You may wish to contact neighbours, friends, relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done recently by an HVAC contractor. You can also use the business directory for your area, or newspaper, radio and television ads to identify contractors. In most cases you will be better off selecting contractors that promote the quality of their service and equipment at a reasonable rate, rather than just low prices. It may be best to select experienced firms. If possible, try to visit their offices.

You will want to determine whether the contractor has appropriately certified personnel on staff (sheet metal, refrigeration and air conditioning or electrician journeymen, gas fitters, etc.), whether 24-hour emergency service is available, and whether the contractor offers maintenance and service agreements after the installation and warranty. The warranty policy should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and labour and should indicate who is responsible for honouring the warranty.

2. Getting Estimates

Arrange for the contractor to come and inspect the job site. Some small jobs may be priced out and an estimate written immediately, but larger jobs may require additional time to price properly and to prepare a heat loss and gain calculation for proper sizing of the equipment.

Make sure that each estimate is written on a proper form that is easily read and understood. When comparing the estimates received, the statements about the work to be performed and the materials used should be of comparable quality, or the estimates should make proper allowances for any differences. Be sure that the estimate includes the proper permits and licenses. The warranty policy should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and labour. If the contractor uses sub-contractors for some of the actual work, these should be listed on the proposal and in the contract.

3. The Contract

The contract is the agreement between the homeowner and the contractor that specifies what work will be performed and gives a firm dollar value on that work. It is a legal, binding document when signed by both parties, so be sure you understand and agree with the contents before signing. Any changes or additions in the work to be done should never be made without those alterations being written into the contract and initialed by both parties. If extra billing is to occur, it must be clearly stated and initialled by both parties.

In addition to the name, address and telephone number of the consumer and the contractor, the contract should clearly state the following items:

* required licenses and permits to be purchased by the contractor
* responsibility for removal of old equipment and materials
* warranties and guarantees on materials and labour
* approximate start and completion dates unless specific dates and times are agreed upon
* price and terms of payment

The contractor should also provide orientation regarding operation and maintenance of the equipment, and should leave an operations and maintenance manual with the consumer.

4. Payment Methods

There is no standard method of payment, so the payment schedule will vary from company to company. In any case, the payment schedule should be easy to understand and clearly stated if interest charges are applicable. A nominal deposit may be requested. Get a receipt for your deposit or have the amount shown on the contract and get the salesman to initial it. All payments should be made directly to the company named in the contract.

5. Insurance

It is important that the contractor and any sub-contractors each have public liability and property damage insurance, and be able to produce a certificate of good standing from the Workers Compensation Board. You may wish to ask who the policy is with and follow up to verify that it is current.

6. References

Reputable contractors will be more than willing to give you the names and addresses of customers they’ve done work for in your area. You may wish to contact the Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of consumer complaints about its members. You should also ask whether the contractor is a member of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC-Canada), the industry association for heating and air conditioning contractors in Canada. HRAC requires its members to carry relevant trade, fuel safety and municipal licenses as well as workers compensation. A companies membership in HRAC tells you that the company is properly licensed and that they are committed to continuous improvement through education and training.

Reprinted with permission from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada. www.hrac.ca

**Courtesy of Sears Home Central - Home Central

Note: For American contractors, please visit the Air Conditioning Contractors of America at www.acca.org.

A healthy home is in your hands. Just use the checklists below.

Source Control
The best way to improve the air in your home is to attack problems at the source. The following checklist will help you do just that.

Tips to help control dust and other biological contaminants
*Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction, and a rotating beater brush to loosen ground-in dirt. Two-ply bags with HEPA filters ensure the dirt stays in the bag.
*Install hard surface coverings on floors, windows and furniture — they help repel dust.
*Avoid pets inside your home. If you wish to keep a pet indoors, make sure it is groomed often and keep it away from carpets, furniture and beds.
*Wash bedding weekly at a hot setting.
*Use hypoallergenic dust covers on your mattress and pillows to deter dust mites and other biological contaminants.

Tips to help control odors, fumes, and gases
*Keep interior doors leading directly into the garage closed. Leave the garage door open at least 5 minutes after a car enters or leaves the garage.
*Extinguish all burning embers in your fireplace before shutting the flue.
*Leave the door open to any room that does not have a return vent.
*Use non-toxic cleaning products. Keep them sealed and store them away from high traffic areas in your home.
*Eliminate tobacco smoke in the home.
*Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Tips to help control the humidity levels in your home
*Check your home for leaks near windows, doors, attic accesses and dryer vents.
*Ensure your ductwork is inspected and cleaned by a professional.
*Reduce static electricity in your home by installing a humidifier.
*Maintain relative humidity in the 35 to 50% range. Over 50% can promote mold and other bacterial growths. Below 35% can cause sore throats, sinus congestion, skin disorders, warps in wooden furniture and floors, separation in wood floors, and gaps in molding.
*If you live in a warmer, humid climate, be certain your air conditioning equipment is sized properly and ensure it’s in good working order for the best dehumidification. (If no air conditioning system is present, a dehumidifier can be a good option to maintain proper humidity in your home.) In colder climates, a humidifier may be used to increase humidity levels as needed.
*Have a precision tune-up performed on your heating and cooling system twice each year for maximum efficiency, comfort and safety.

Ventilation

Today’s modern homes are tightly sealed to keep conditioned air in and save energy. The problem is, without the right amount of fresh air, your home can become a breeding ground for pollutants. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do with the help of a Service Experts professional to improve ventilation in your home.

Here are just some of the many aspects of healthy ventilation you should be aware of when it comes to ensuring that your family can enjoy a healthy home:
*Have your kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans tested to determine if a back draft from another flue (such as your water heater or fireplace) is drawing carbon monoxide into your home.
*Contain your renovations to one room at a time.
*Seal and vent renovated rooms before continuing to the next project.
*Have an existing ventilation system properly maintained with regular service.
*Mechanical ventilation systems such as Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) are balanced systems that bring in and filter the outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. These systems capture energy and use it to heat or cool the incoming air for greater energy efficiency and comfort.
*Rather than opening windows for ventilation, consider solutions that only allow filtered conditioned outside air to come indoors and help dilute any pollution in your home’s air.

Filtration
Another way to keep your home healthy is to clean the air by filtering out as many pollutants as possible.

A proper filtration system helps clean the air in your home:
*Determine the appropriate air filtration and cleaning equipment for the needs of your family. Service Experts can help educate you regarding various options so that you can choose the option that is best for the health of your home.
*Regardless of the options selected, an important step in good filtration is the constant recirculation of air throughout your home.
*Remove up to 97.5% of all airborne house dust in less than 24 hours, as well as 99.9% of all allergy causing pollen and spores, with an air cleaner.
*UV lights are an excellent problem solver in areas where bacteria or biological contaminants are a concern.
*UV lights can reduce and destroy biocontaminants by bathing them in high intensity UV.
For the complete filtration system, ask your Service Experts professional about the newest filtration and purification system –the photo catalytic purification system–which combines filtration of particles and bacteria as well as reduces odors.

**Courtesy of Service Experts - Expertise You Can Rely On - Guaranteed!

Chris Paulsen

A familiar story with older homes is that the original windows let in drafts and allow a large transfer of air. This problem will cost you some money in both the summer and winter, where you will spend that extra money on keeping your house cool and warm because of the air transfer. When it rains, do you find that your windows leak? If so, this can be more then just an annoying problem, the water can seep into your walls creating and structure. The trapped moisture could lead to molds and air pollutants.

You might think it is time for new windows, but that is not necessarily the case. Storm windows have been around for years and you might even have them in your basement. These can easily slide into place, covering your beautiful old stained glass or lead windows without having to replace them and damage your home’s curb appeal. Storm windows will cut all your air transfers and leaks at the same time. All this at a fraction of the cost of having your windows replaced! It is keeping your money in your pocket.

The usual aluminum triple track, which gets its name because it holds two glass sashes and the screen which slides up and down on two separate tracks, will not win any beauty contests. However, it will play a preservation role which will protect valued windows from the elements.

One of the common mistakes people make is caulking a storm window’s bottom edge and along the windowsill. This tends to trap water, which leaks in or pools on the inside area between your windows. You will want to give that water an opportunity to escape before it damage can occur.

Chris Paulsen
cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Don’t Assume That All Contractors Are “Pretty Much The Same”

The most important part of shopping for a new indoor comfort system is to pick the right contractor. Choose the wrong one and you risk getting a new system that will not keep you comfortable and will not save you much, if anything, on you monthly utility bills.

In order to get the efficiency and comfort you deserve, you must find a contractor who will:

1. select the right size of equipment for your home
2. install the equipment properly
3. uncover and solve any pre-existing problems with your duct systems or house insulation.
4. ask you a lot of questions
5. NOT provide a quote before doing a diagnostic testing - a good contractor will mention this, a bad one won’t.
6. NOT force you to make a rush buying decision - steer clear of pushy sales people
7. explain everything and suggest several options available to you
8. NOT try to sell you a system over the phone

All contractors are certainly not the same. Sad to say, a small minority are downright dishonest. Both NBC’s Dateline and CBS’s 48 Hours recently aired hidden camera sting operations exposing fraudulent heating and cooling contractors. A number of these companies that they called out either bent the facts, or commited outright fraud on national television. The Better Business Bureau ranks heating and cooling as one of the highest complaint generating industries.

Fortunately, the great majority of contractors are honest. They work hard and mean well. They are ethical, at the leading edge technically and have business and customer service systems in place that ensure high levels of client satisfaction. Invest the time to identify a good contractor, it will be time well spent.

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

People who choose to have their heating ducts cleaned tend to do so because their children or other family members are suffering from breathing problems. Air and furnace ducts, when uncleaned, breed mold and mildew and lead to poor air quality. Furnace duct cleaning will also improve the efficiency of your furnace.

Duct cleaning requires not only of the ducts themselves, but of the entire furnace system: the blower, heat exchangers, cooling coils, and condensate pan. When these parts are clean, air flows efficiently through the entire system.

If you or someone in your household is experiencing health problems, and you suspect your furnace air ducts might be the problem, call a duct cleaning company. They can inspect your furnace ducts, and will most likely use robotic video equipment to show you how dirty the ducts actually are. If the video surveillance reveals mold anywhere in the duct system, it’s time to clean your furnace ducts.

Dust and mold can appear to be similar on a scan of the ducts. If the furnace cleaning professionals are unsure, touch a piece of tape to the inside of a furnace duct, and have a lab analyze it for you.

Methods of Cleaning Furnace Ducts

There are several ways to clean furnace ducts. One way is to use an extremely powerful vacuum, which remains in a truck outside. A long hose runs to the furnace area and attaches to the furnace ducts. From the rooms, mechanical brushes, air jet brushes or air snakes pull the dust loose within the furnace ducts.

Another way to clean furnace ducts is with a smaller vacuum unit located inside your house, in the vicinity of the furnace. This vacuum should contain a HEPA exhaust filter to ensure that the dust from the furnace ducts does not fill the air in the room.

A third way of cleaning furnace ducts is to run a rotating brush that is attached to a vacuum nozzle through the furnace ducts.

When selecting methods and services for your furnace duct cleaning, look for quality over cost. A poor quality furnace cleaning job can leave you worse off than before, as it can pull the dust off the furnace duct walls without sucking it all in.

Remember, furnace duct cleaning costs money, so before you sign a service contract, ensure that the company has given you sufficient visual evidence that furnace duct cleaning is necessary. Also, make sure your furnace duct cleaning provider can explain to you in detail how he/she will clean the entire system, not just the ducts. If one component of the system is left uncleaned, it may recontaminate the entire system, defeating the purpose of having put out the cash for the cleaning in the first place. Ask that your furnace duct cleaning provider give you a full duct-length visual inspection after the cleaning is complete, preferably with a camera inside the ducts.

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Maintenance and Care

Annual maintenance will improve the efficiency and prolong the life of your equipment, and is often required to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Your equipment should only be serviced by a qualified service technician.

Caution: Do not perform any maintenance without turning OFF the power to the equipment.

Gas Furnaces

1. Permanent or disposable air filters should be cleaned and changed every two months during the heating and cooling seasons.
Note: For new homes, it is advisable to wash permanent filters once per month for the first year.
2. Check unit operation annually. Do not wait until you need heating! Annual maintenance is required to maintain the warranty.

Air Conditioners

1. After turning the power to the unit off, rinse outdoor coil annually with garden hose to remove dust, grass cuttings, etc.
2. Check unit operation annually. Do not wait until you need cool air! Annual maintenance is recommended.
Notes:
A. It is recommended that the thermostat be set no lower than 21ºC (70ºF) for cooling. Below this temperature, ice could form on the indoor coil, possibly resulting in damage to the equipment.
B. If ice forms on the connectors going into the indoor coil or outdoor unit, turn equipment off and call for service immediately!
C. In cooling mode, do not lower temperature setting on the thermostat unless the outdoor unit has been off for five minutes. The breaker will probably trip or a fuse may blow if you turn it on too soon.

Humidifiers

1. Turn humidistat to OFF position, then turn water supply off, and close humidifier damper every spring.
2. Turn water supply on, then turn humidistat to ON position, and open humidifier damper every fall.
3. Empty water reservoir on drum type every spring.
Notes:
A. Only operates when the furnace fan is running, and the humidistat is calling for humidity.
B. Acceptable humidity levels vary dependent upon outside temperature but they usually range between 30% and 50%.
C. Place conditioning tablets in water reservoir to prevent bacteria buildup.

Electronic Air Cleaners

1. Gently clean the electronic air plates every two months. Use approved cleaner.
2. Clean pre-filters every two months
Caution: To avoid improper operation, be careful not to bend plates

Media Air Cleaners

1. Replace or clean filters every two months. Some systems require the filter to be replaced more often, depending on environmental conditions. Filters may need to be changed more frequently in newly constructed homes, homes under renovation, or homes where several pets live. Call us for filter media.

Fresh Air Ventilation Systems

1. Check intake and exhaust filters monthly. If required, vacuum the filters, or rinse under a water tap. Mild detergents may be used, but do not use solvent cleaners.
2. Check the core every six months for dirt accumulation. If required, slide the core carefully out of the case. Clean the core with water and mild detergents only. Do not use solvents or other cleaning agents; the water temperature must not exceed 65ºC (150ºF). Do not use a high-pressure hose, and be sure to replace the core carefully. It must be properly aligned with the service instructions facing outward and the arrow up.
3. The drain pans should be wiped clean with water and mild detergents. Avoid solvent-based cleaners!
4. Set dehumidification control to summer setting or winter setting dependent on applicable season.
5. Check outside hood to make sure it is free and clear of debris.

Thermostats

Conventional type: This type of thermostat does not require any maintenance. Note: If the room is dark, a small blue flash may be noticed when heating or air conditioning comes on. This is normal.
Programmable / Electronic types: Annual replacement of batteries is necessary for proper operation where applicable.
Notes
A. This type of thermostat normally maintains the temperature within half of 1ºC, unlike conventional thermostats, which may vary up to 3ºC. The furnace or air conditioner may cycle more rapidly, especially under low load conditions. This is a normal operating condition.
B. Programmable thermostats can conserve energy and save you money.
C. Do not set back your temperature more than 3ºC. A temperature difference of more than 3ºC will not provide any savings.
Downloads
1f80-261 Programmable Electronic Digital Thermostat installation and operation instructions Download (204KB, PDF)
1f90-371 Thermostat ManualDownload (320KB, PDF)

Continuous Fan Operation

Definite advantages can be obtained by providing continuous fan operation, particularly with the use of fresh air ventilation systems, energy efficient air cleaners and power humidifiers. Today’s new and efficient motors can save you hundreds of dollars while providing better indoor air quality.

Home Comfort Products

Call us for home comfort products: Arpi’s Industries in Calgary 1-403-236-2444

STAY WARM - ENERGY EFFICIENT GAS FURNACES
Natural gas furnaces are up to 96% fuel efficient. They can save you a bundle and are also environmentally friendly, reducing the global greenhouse effect. Two stage firing and variable speed blowers are energy-saving features available on certain models.

STAY COOL - ENERGY EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONERS
Use less fuel with a high efficiency air conditioner. The lower the decibel ratings, the quieter the equipment operates to conform to noise pollution regulations. Warm weather dehumidification! Energy Efficient! Dependable! Environment Savings!

STAY COMFORTABLE - HUMIDIFIERS
Proper humidity greatly lessens the instance and severity of respiratory infections and can reduce excessive heating due to improved comfort levels. Cut down your energy consumption with environmentally friendly controls. The acceptable humidity range is between 30% to 50%.
Recommended Relative Humidity should be 35%
Sahara Desert 25%
Death Valley 23%
Average Heated Home 13 to 16%

BREATHE EASIER - ENERGY EFFICIENT AIR CLEANERS
Help to decrease the effects of allergies and reduce illness by removing airborne dust, dirt, pollen and allergens from the air you breathe. Your high efficiency air cleaner will control your indoor environment and will continue to assist your ventilation system in providing cleaner, healthier air quality.

BREATHE CLEAN - QUALITY FRESH AIR SYSTEMS
Using the latest technology, HEPA filters help rid your home of stale, stuffy air and polluting particles. A true HEPA filter is 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns, and can trap dust, dander and smoke particles to clean the air you breathe. A HEPA filter can also help eliminate contaminants released by household chemicals, building materials, carpets and furniture. A quality fresh air system is essential for healthy air because today’s homes are built relatively air tight. They are also important for removing excessive humidity and preventing potentially damaging condensation.

STAY SAFE - CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Guard against carbon monoxide (CO), a potentially hazardous chemical. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. A properly working CO detector can provide an early warning to you and your family before this potentially deadly gas builds up to a dangerous level. A CO detector is an inexpensive way to help insure your family’s safety and well being. CO detectors can be used as backup but not as replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances.

**Article courtesy of Arpi’s Industries Ltd. - your Calgary Home Comfort, heating, cooling, air conditioning and furnace specialist.

Indoor Air Quality

In our newer homes or renovated older homes, indoor air quality is becoming more important all the time. Our houses are getting tighter with new windows, doors and insulation. In fact, our houses are having trouble breathing. Do not forget all the new things we are adding like large jetted tubs, dishwashers, steam showers and more. All these add to moisture problems and potential mold. On the other side, we add forced air furnaces to dry out our homes like the desert. With all of these great additions to our quality of life, we can add systems to control our indoor environment. Let’s look at treating the air first.

Ultra Violet Lights
The system I have in my home is the Sanuvox system. All our staff have this installed in their homes, because we know it works. This is a light installed in your existing forced air furnace and it treats the air as it comes into contact with the light. Check out all the technical information at www.sanuvox.com. You will be amazed how effective this is in controlling odours and bacteria. For those of you that need a little extra convincing, ask about the portable unit that we can lend out. Ideally this is best used in the bedroom of someone with allergies or a sensitivity to dust and mold, etc. We lend it out for a couple of days, you see how this makes a difference to your sleeping and breathing. Then we return and try to get it back! Generally we then schedule an installation date. A number of the doubters have bought the portable to use at work to combat the poor air in sealed office buildings.

Humidifiers

Now that we have the air cleaned up, let’s look at adding the proper amount of moisture to it. We generally install the Honeywell flow-through humidifier. These are the most cost-effective models and add ample moisture to an average home. For additional information, visit www.honeywell.ca and follow the links. If you need additional humidity and want to conserve water, look into the Desert Spring Humidifier. It has an auto-flush feature and is the most efficient unit on the market.

Air Filtration

The final part of the system is proper air filtration. In general, the filter supplied with your furnace is the bare minimum to stop large particles from entering the blower motor and causing damage to it. It does little for your comfort level. We often install a filter bank with a pre- and post-filter in the place most installers leave for an electronic air cleaner. This, combined with the other options, will give you indoor air of better quality than you will find almost anywhere outside of a computer clean room.

**Article courtesy of McKenzie Mechanical Inc. Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration located in Calgary, Alberta. McKenzie Mechanical is a Calgary based mechanical contractor. We service all major brands of heating, air conditioning, ventilation, light commercial refrigeration systems, indoor air quality equipment and on demand water heaters. Since we only install the best products available, this is not based on price alone but on manufacturer support, reliability and end user satisfaction.

Heating and cooling are two of the most important components of home ownership. In fact, heating and cooling systems are major factors for those looking to purchase homes, and a critical part of living comfortably in a home.

You may frequently hear the term HVAC, which is used to describe home heating and cooling systems. The acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, which are the three primary functions of a home system. They control air temperature and humidity, and maintain the quality of air in the home.

Central Systems
Heating and cooling systems may be classified as central or local. Central heating and cooling is the most standard method, and is defined by a system that produces warm or cool air in one central area and then distributes it throughout the home. There are many types of systems that work as central systems, from traditional split systems to packaged product systems.

Determining the Investment: In Home Comfort System

Like buying a car, a comfort system’s standard features plus optional equipment affect both performance and price. These are the five main determining factors you should consider as you evaluate a new home comfort system: equipment size, energy efficiency, sound level, safety features and installation quality.

1. Size: Properly sized equipment will meet the exact heating and cooling needs of the home.
2. Sound Level: Higher rated equipment will operate more smoothly with less noise.
3. Efficiency: Energy efficient equipment saves more money on utility costs.
4. Safety: Safety features give your family peace of mind.
5. Installation: Professional installation determines long-term, worry-free operation. Ensure your new system comes with an 100% satisfaction guarantee.

With increasing attention focused on health concerns from biological contaminants and dust in the indoor environment, the American Lung Association recommends the use of duct cleaning:

Duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, nor is scientific evidence currently available to conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g. dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed.

When health problems are believed to be the result of biological contaminants or dust in indoor air, it is important to first determine that contaminated ducts are the cause of the health problems and verify that the ducts are, in fact, contaminated. The source of the problem may lie elsewhere, so cleaning ducts may not permanently solve the problem.

People who have their ducts cleaned should verify that the service provider takes steps to protect individuals from exposure to dislodged pollutants and chemicals used during the cleaning process. This may involve using HEPA filtration when cleaning, providing respirators for workers and having occupants vacate during cleaning.