Posted by Brian Sofich on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 11:31 AM
The US Department of Energy estimates you can save10% on your heating bill by rolling back your thermostat 10-15% for just 8 hours. If you are gone 10 hours a day for work and sleeping 6-8 hours of the day, then you really only need to keep your house warm enough for comfort standards a few hours per day. Reducing your average temperature by 10% for a total of 16 hours per day could save you 20% on your heating bill.
What temperature should you set? Columbia NW Heating recommends setting your thermostat to automatically heat and cool your home to your comfort first. The programmable thermostats today typically have 4 periods that can be set differently for all 7 days of the week.
Suggested winter schedule:
Wake up in the morning at 6:00 to 72 deg.
Leave for work at 7:30 and drop down to 60 deg.
Come home at 5:30 to a nice warm 72 deg.
Go to bed at 10:00 and let the home go to 64 deg.
If your home is well insulated it may never drop to the lowest temperature. Once you set your thermostat, it will automatically regulate your home’s temperature and you should never have to think about it again – or at least until the seasons change.
We recommend 3 different thermostats to our customers, the Trane TCONT802, The Trane comfort link remote (can use your phone to adjust temps) and the new Trane XL950 comfort link II with a 7 inch display.
Check out what Consumer Reports has to say about the Trane XL950
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Fri, Dec 09, 2011 @ 06:09 PM
Hot water heaters last approximately ten to fifteen years. Even if you have an older heater there are things you can do to improve efficiency.
Most hot water heaters look like a vertical cylinder. The principle of the water heater is that cool water enters the cylinder and the water is heated. The hot water is at the top of the system.
Having hot water available is expected when you get in the shower or do dishes, and yet there are ways to save money if you understand the way a hot water heater works.
Tips To Saving Money on Hot Water:
- Use an insulating jacket to cover your heater. The jacket can reduce heat loss by 25 -40 percent, dependent upon the age of your water heater.
- Reduce the water heater temperature to 120 Fahrenheit. Each 10 degree reduction in water temperature saves 3 - 5 % of the energy consumption.
- Wash clothes in "warm" or "cold" settings. This is better for most fabrics, and conserves heated water.
- Lower your thermostat or turn it off when you go on vacation. You won't need hot water while you are away. (Be sure you know how to turn on the hot water heater before you turn it off. If it has a pilot light, it may be safer just to lower the temperature instead of turning it off completely.)
- In addition to the blanket, you may want to consider insulating the pipes as well. This can reduce heat loss from the hot water heater on the way to the tap.
If your hot water heater is older, you may want to consider a new hot water heater. Have your system evaluated annually to make sure you don't wind up having a hot water emergency when you have a house full of guests for the holiday! Besides, the newer hot water heaters are more efficient and you could potentially save in energy costs the equivalent of the cost of the heater!
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 @ 12:09 PM
Holiday lights can be very beautiful, and hiring an electrical contractor to install your holiday lighting system may not have been a consideration. Each year, during the holiday season, there are hundreds of fires caused by electrical outlet overloads. The dangers of the season may be overlooked in the spirit of creating a beautiful environment for the holiday.
Even if you don't hire an electrician to install your lighting, you may want to have an electrical contractor evaluate your outlets and electrical system before determining where to put the tree. It may also be prudent to have service upgraded before the holidays if you plan on putting on an extensive lighting display.
There are a few tips to avoid having a dilemma or catastrophe during the holiday season:
- Don't overload the outlet. Using an extension cord will increase the number of plugs you can utilize, but don't start daisychaining these extension cords to create a fire hazard.
- Buy UL Aproved holiday lights from a reputable vendor and make sure that they are UL approved. With so many dollar outlets importing low cost items, it may seem that you are getting a bargain, however, the concern over lead in addition to poor construction may lead to other problems. Better to pay a bit more and get lights that are approved for use in your home by Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
- Keep the tree from drying out, but beware of standing water and electricity.
- Unplug your tree when you are not home. Yes, it's beautiful, but if something happened and you are not there to react, it could be the end of the holiday.
- Watch pets around wires, especially young puppies and kittens. Puppies tend to chew, and even kittens have been known to try to chew on wires. They also may like to try to climb the tree which can become dangerous if the tree falls over.
- Be aware of tripping hazards. With the strands of lights and extension cords, you may want to use some electrical tape or duct tape to secure the electrical wiring to the floor and prevent tripping hazards. Particularly if your relatives may need to use a walker, wheelchair or cane, this would be critical. They may not see the cord, and then may fall.
Holidays can be safe when you take the precautions of thinking through your holiday plan and planning how and where you want to plug in that tree with the holiday lights. If in doubt, call a licensed electrician to help and advise for the best and safest holiday season!
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 @ 10:01 AM
Winter months and heating systems can cause symptoms of dry air. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air to alleviate those issues. There are some concerns, however with humidifiers when not used property, including mold, bacterial growth and dispersal of minerals into the air.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and can be helpful, especially in the winter. Dry heated air can cause static and skin conditions to exacerbate, however too much moisture can encourage mold or bacterial contamination. Use of a humidifier when conditions require correct moisture setting depends upon existing conditions.
Health concerns may result from the dispersal of microorganisms and minerals by humidifiers that haven't been cleaned. There are a few simple steps to protecting your family from airborne contaminents that could be harbored in humidifiers:
- Periodically, you should empty the tank, wipe surfaces dry. After cleaning, refill daily. Daily maintenace of portable units will reduce growth of microorganisms.
- Water with low mineral content may prevent build-up of minerals which woudl be dispersed into the air. Using distilled water instead of tap water may reduce mineral contamination.
- Clean humidifiers using a brush or other scrubber to remove any scale, deposits, or film that has formed on the sides of the tank. Wipe all surfaces dry.
- Cleaning products or disinfectants can also become airbone through ultrasonic humidifiers. Be cautious when using them. If in doubt, use water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Always rinse the tank thoroughly with several changes of water.
- Do not allow water to stand for extended periods of time. Change water frequently to keep the water clean.
- Set the humidifier to less than 50 percent humidity. High humidity levels encourage growth of biological organisms.
- If you see water condensation on windows, walls, or pictures, lower the humidistat setting, or use the humidifier less.
- Watch for dampness near the humidifier. If it's a portable unit, don't allow absorbent materials, such as carpeting, drapes, or table cloths, to become damp. If it's a whole house unit, watch for dampness or stickiness on furniture.
- Contact your physician if you have respiratory symptoms which you believe are associated with periods of use of your home humidifier, even if you are following maintenance directions.
Humidifiers can be a terrific device if used properly and maintained correctly. Be sure to ask your heating and cooling system professional for instruction on setting your humidifier to the proper settings for your home or office.
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 @ 12:35 PM
As the temperatures start to dive, it's time to think heating system. Heating can be expensive. If you’d like to reduce your heating bills even further this season, consider giving some of these free or low-cost tips a try.
1. Lower your thermostat. The difference of a few degrees may save you 5 to 10 percent on your heating bill, but may not be noticed that much, particularly during the middle of the day when it's warmest outside, or in the middle of the night when you are likely tucked into bed.
2. Be aware of heat from other sources. Instead of venting the bathroom shower, keep the bathroom door open to share the warmth. The oven generates heat when you bake, you can leave the oven door slightly open as it cools to share the heat (Keep children, animals and fingers away though!).
1. Use blankets or snugglies. If the house is cold or drafty, you can always wear a sweater or grab a cover. If you feel a chill while watching television or reading, try a blanket or snuggie. Your body will also feel warmer if you wear a cap.
4.Turn down the hot water. You can fudge on the hot water, and turn the thermostat to 120 instead of 140 degrees and save some heating expense.
5. Cover windows at night. When it's cold outside, cover your windows to reduce heat loss and keep cold air outside. Reverse this during the day, and uncover the windows during the day to let the sunlight naturally warm the rooms.
6. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats range in price, but chances are you'll save more than you spend because you will reduce your heating expense. Most programmable thermostats have the ability to create a schedule where you can reduce the heating during the day when no one is home, or even when you are sleeping. Many also have a vacation mode to adjust for times when there is no reason to keep the home as warm.
7. Close the flue to fireplaces or wood stove. If you aren't using that fireplace be sure the flue is closed and install glass doors to minimize heat loss.
8. Get a heating system checkup. Proper maintenance will help your heating unit run more efficiently. Electric and oil heaters should get professional attention at least once a year and gas heaters every other year. Remember to replace the air filters - dirty filters lead to higher heating costs.
When was the last time you changed your heating filter? When was the last time you had a professional evaluation of your heating system? Do you believe your heating system is running efficiently?
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Thu, Oct 13, 2011 @ 11:01 PM
One of the most forgotten causes of fires in the home is the clothes dryer. Every year, thousands of fires have been caused by clothes dryers, resulting in deaths and injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that fiires can occur from lint build up. Lint accumulates in the dryer or in the exhaust duct and blocks the flow of air. This can result in excessive heat build-up, potentially causing a fire.
To prevent fires:
- Clean the lint screen. Always clean the lint filter or screen before or after each drying cycle. If you notice that you've gone through a cycle and the clothes are still damp, this may be an indication that there is an accumulation of lint.
- Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct. While the dryer is running, check where the exhaust air escapes. If it's not flowing it's blocked. You can try to clear the exhaust pipe by disconnecting from both ends and using a snake type device, or to be assured of clearing the line, have a professional clean it for you. Remember to reconnect both ends before attempting to use the dryer after cleaning.
- Clean behind the dryer. Have a professional remove the back of the dryer and clean the lint that may have accumulated. You should have this done at least every 6 months. In the interim between cleanings, keep the space behind the dryer clear of clutter.
- Use a metal duct to replace plastic or foil ducts. The flexible plastic or foil type ducts have spirals that act to trap lint, and are suseptible to kinks and crushing, which will reduce air flow. Replacing this with a metal duct will improve airflow.
- Be aware of chemicals. If the clothing has become soiled with a chemical like gasoline, cleaning agents, cooking oils, it could be volatile and the heat from the dryer could cause a fire. Wash the clothing more than once, and use a low heat to dry. Avoid leaving piles of clothing that may have been soiled by chemicals as well - the heat buildup could potentially cause a fire.
When was the last time you cleaned the dryer exhaust or behind your dryer? To schedule an appointment, give us a call or use the button! (Ask about our FREE dryer vent cleaning with duct cleaning when you call!)
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Tue, Oct 04, 2011 @ 01:33 PM
As the weather starts to turn colder, we expect to be able to switch systems from cooling to heating easily. In a perfect world, that's a no-brainer, it can be as simple as pressing a button or changing a setting. The reality is that our heating system has been dormant all summer, and now it needs some attention to get started.
There are three major benefits to scheduling a fall Tuneup before starting your heating system:
1. Improve Efficiency 21%. When your system is tuned up and running efficiently you will improve the operation and enhance the life of your system.
2. Improve Capacity 25%. If you turn on the heat and it takes a long time to get warm, or you feel that it's just not operating quickly, it may be time to have your system tuned up.
3. Reduce Utility Costs. As your heating system operates more efficiently it will take less energy to get more results, therefore you will reduce your utility costs. Dependent upon the type of heating system you have, that can mean less gas usage, less electrical usage or less oil usage.
Schedule a home heating system tuneup or commercial system heating tuneup today, before the rush!
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Sun, Sep 25, 2011 @ 10:47 PM
A geothermal heat pump collects Earth's natural heat in the winter, and draws heat from your home in the summer. It's a truly efficient and green way of heating or cooling your home or office.
Unlike a traditional heating system, geothermal heat isn't created by burning fuel like a furnace. A pre-designed series of pipes, called a loop, is typically installed - sometimes in a nearby pond or lake, or below the surface of the ground. Heat is transferred through the pipe by fluid to your home. An electrically driven heat exchanger compresses this heat and brings it to higher temperature which is then distributed through ductwork in the home.
In summer, the underground loop draws heat to the outside wher it is absorbed by the Earth. Much like the way a refrigerator keeps your food cool, heat is drawn out of the home versus the way an air conditioner cools - by blowing in cool air.
Geothermal heat pumps require little maintenance. With less mechanical components than traditional systems, most of those components are underground, and for the most part, worry-free. Geothermal systems are also quiet to operate, especially when compared to noisy furnaces or airconditioner units.
Since geothermal systems rely on the constant temperature of the earth, they are efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The cost of installation can usually be offset by the ongoing savings on energy bills - which could be as much as 30 - 40% less, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA includes geothermal heat pumps in the EnergyStar® program due to the high efficiency.
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 08:58 PM
Air conditioning or heating, it's important to regulate the humity in your home. As summer draws to a close, we can say goodbye to those long hot humid days of summer...You know how you feel when it’s humid - your skin feels sticky, your brow is sweaty, the air feels thick. Inside the home there is humidity as well, but it manifests a bit differently. If you are itching, sneezing, and coughing, it may be due to humidity inside your home.
But what happens when your home is too dry? The heating system will create dry warm air in your home, and with fall and winter coming upon us, you may want to be sure you are ready to regulate the humity in your environment!
Humidity Can Make You Sneeze?
Humidity doesn’t actually make you sneeze, but it does create a possible breeding ground for mold growth and dust mites. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Allergens live on counter tops, tables, in carpet, on pillows, and mattresses. Warm temperatures and high humidity create a perfect environment for allergens to thrive and grow.
Keeping the humidity at 50 percent or lower may result in lower mold and dust mite growth, and therefore, reduce allergens in your home.
Humidity and damp conditions are also conducive to bugs and termites.
Dry Skin And Static?
During winter months, the concern is adding humidity to the air. When the home gets too dry, skin irritation, breathing difficulty and static electricity can be problems. Heaters rob the air of moisture in the home, so having a stabile humidity will make the air feel more comfortable.
Solutions
If you suspect that the air in your home is too moist or too dry, then you may want to consider a few ideas:
- Vent the areas that create moisture - showers and bathrooms
- Install vent fans for cooking and use them
- Have you home evaluated by a professional to determine humidity levels, and determine whether a humidifier or dehumidifier may be warrented
- Reduce carpeted areas in your home - carpet retains moisture and is also a favorite breeding ground for mites. At the very least, vacuum carpets weekly.
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.
Posted by Jody Raines on Sun, Aug 28, 2011 @ 02:22 PM
Most homes use 120-volt, 60 Hz, single phase, alternating current to provide electricity for their home.
Voltage is delivered by alternating current; where the voltage cycles in an alternating rhythm from 0 to 169 volts. This aternating current is compatible with most appliances and electronics.
During a power surge, the voltage exceeds the peak voltage of 169 volts.
Brownouts, or spikes are harmful. An sudden surge of electricity voltage can cause an arc of electrical current. This arc damages the delicate electronic circuits.
Power surges can also be small - and these small surges also take a toll on appliances. Over time, these smaller surges can ruin your appliances and electronics.
Power surges can happen and be undetected. They may originate from the utility company during power grid switching or through events like lightening during a storm Even appliances like air conditioners or otehr heavy electrical draws may cause mini surges within your home.
To protect your electonics, you can use Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and be sure your home is grounded. You may have plug in strips that you think have built-in surge protectors, but if they are not rated as surge protection devices, they may not protect your electronics.
- Surge protectors should list their UL Approval. This is a national benchmark.
- Look for surge protectors with an indicator light that indicates it needs to be replaced.
- Be aware of the manufacturer's warranty. Does the warrany cover the device only, or does it also cover any damaged equipment?
The best way to protect electronics and equipment from lightening during a storm is to unplug it. Power surge protection should be part of your arsenal to protect your home and devices and assure their longevity. Check with a licensed electrician to evaluate your situation and suggest ways to protect your home.
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.