What's Going Up Your Chimney?

Morgan Relaxing in Front of the Fireplace

It's that time of year again when we love to enjoy the comforts of a fire.  However, this holiday season you need to make sure that Santa Claus is the only thing going up the chimney.

There is nothing quite like having a fire to get into the holiday spirit.However, many of us often forget to close the damper after the fire is out and the embers have cooled. Leaving your damper open allows the cold outdoor air to enter your home and for energy savings to go right up the chimney!

You may think that by utilizing the fireplace you are giving your furnace a break. However, if you don't remember to close the damper, you will actually force your furnace to work a bit harder.

TIP:  Each morning after a fire, I grab a piece of newspaper and use it to close the damper.  When I am finished, I leave the paper lying on the fireplace grate as a reminder that the damper has been shut.  If I don't see the paper, I know that the damper is still open!

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin and are looking to replace your furnace, contact me at 1st Choice Heating & Cooling for a free estimate.

Happy Holidays!

It's Time to Humidify!

Early Snowfall in SE Wisconsin 11-16-14

It appears that "Old Man Winter" has decided to show up early this year and stay for a while.  This also means that your furnace has been at work earlier than in years past.  The continued use of your furnace and prolonged cold weather can significantly lower your home's humidity, so it is time to turn your humidifier back on.

Average humidity levels in most homes should range between 30-50%, with 45% being ideal.



Benefits of Increasing Your Homes Humidity

• Soothes nasal passages and eases the symptoms of the common cold, as well as help you to heal faster.
• Relieves the symptoms of other upper respiratory ailments like asthma and allergies
• Combats dry and cracking skin
• Protects your home's wood furniture, trim and flooring by keeping it from drying out and cracking
• Reduces static electricity

A whole-house humidifier is easy to add and costs less than you may think to have installed on your existing HVAC system.  If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact Wayne at 1st Choice Heating & Cooling or call our office at 262-547-2030.

Beware "The Reaper"

According to forecasters, this Winter season may prove to be as brutal as last season.  All the more reason to fear "The Reaper" HVAC contractor.

Recently, I was invited to give a proposal to a young couple who had just purchased a home and made the very wise choice of having an energy audit performed. They learned that their 5-year old furnace was not performing to the required standards, and they automatically assumed that they needed to replace it. They called in several HVAC contractors to give them bids on a new furnace, and all of them readily provided them with a quote to replace their existing unit.

I was uncomfortable with this situation, and I told the couple that I couldn't believe that a furnace this new was ready to be declared "DOA".  Instead, I offered to send in one of our technicians to take a look at it.  If upon inspection, they determined that it had a failed heat exchanger or other "fatal" issues, I told them that I would be happy to quote them the price for a new furnace, as well as apply the service call charges toward their new purchase.

As I suspected, our technician found that their furnace was in good working condition. However, the poor energy efficiency readings they had received were due in part to the fact that the unit had not been properly installed.  Our technician made a few adjustments, and the homeowners were out only the cost of a standard tune up.

Did I lose out on a sale...yes.  Was it the right thing to do...absolutely!  I am banking on the fact that we now have a service customer for the remaining life of that furnace, as well as a new furnace when their existing one finally "gives up the ghost".

This is why we are a NARI contractor, and why homeowners should always make sure they look for a reputable contractor.  If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact me at 1st Choice Heating & Cooling.  You can be assured that I will give you an honest assessment of your HVAC needs.

HVAC Technology in the Fight Against Ebola

"Gigi" Robot

In the on-going fight to eradicate Ebola, a technology that is already being used in the HVAC industry for years is now giving hospitals a "fighting chance" of eliminating the virus.  It has also been used for years to help combat Anthrax.

The robot "Gigi" at left, blasts ultraviolet (UV) light to kill 99.9% of germs in hospitals.  Click on link below for complete report from CNN.
CNN - Germ Zapping Robot

At 1st Choice Heating & Cooling, we have been making UV light equipment available to our customers for over a decade.

Second Wind UV Light

How does it work?  Bacteria and viruses living in your home are transmitted through the air and spread through your HVAC system from room to room. Installing an ultraviolet (UV) light to your system attacks the DNA of the organisms and renders them harmless. By eliminating viruses during the cold and flu season, this technology can help to keep your family healthy.  As an added bonus, the UV light also attacks bacteria and germs that cause odors, keeping your indoor air quality healthy and odor free!

Adding a UV light to your existing HVAC system can give you some "peace of mind", and it is easier and more affordable than most people would think.

Contact your local HVAC contractor today to get a quote on a UV light.  In Southeastern Wisconsin, call 1st Choice Heating & Cooling and ask for Wayne.

Don't Turn Off That Humidifier Just Yet

Carrier Humidifier

If you have a whole-house humidifier as part of your HVAC system,  it has probably been getting a workout lately. The very cold, dry conditions of January and February have taken their toll and sapped most of the moisture out of our homes.

Generally speaking, I like to advise my customers that when we set our clocks ahead  for daylight savings time (DST), it is often the appropriate time to turn off our humidifiers.  However, as we all know, this Winter has been a bit unusual.

This season, I would strongly suggest continuing to run your humidifier until we start to see more spring-like weather conditions.  Once we start to see a period of warmer temperatures and "non-frozen" precipitation, you can turn it off.

I would also like to suggest that since our systems have gotten quite a workout in recent months, you may also want to check on your furnace filter.  If it is looking dirty, you will want to replace it before the start of the Spring/Summer cooling season.

Time to replace

If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and have questions or would like more information on including a whole-house humidifer on your current HVAC system, contact me at 1st Choice Heating and Cooling in Waukesha.

The Fine Art of Replacing a Rooftop Unit

BP Convenience Store - Waukesha, WI

If you or someone you know owns a business that needs to have their rooftop HVAC unit replaced, make sure you hire a contractor with experience.

Not every HVAC contractor is familiar with the finely-orchestrated procedure required to pull off a seamless replacement.  Chances are that the work will be done during business hours, so it is vital that there is as little disruption as possible.

A good contractor will have the required rooftop experience and contacts to coordinate the following:


1.  Crane rental
2.  Delivery by product distributor
3.  Electrical contractor
4.  Salvage company (to take away old unit)

All of these pieces need to be in place at precisely the right time to make the job a success.  Forgetting to schedule just one of the above, will result in costly overages and down time.  Not to mention the additional time that the heavy equipment will be sitting at the place of business.

As was the case with a recent replacement in a high-traffic area, it also required the rental of barricades/equipment to enforce traffic control.  Making sure that the contractor you hire has successfully coordinated a number of rooftop replacements will save you headaches in the long run.

Rooftop Replacement at BP C-Store (Waukesha, WI)

In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling for your rooftop replacement needs (generally 25 tons or less) at 262-547-2030.

Maintaining Your HVAC System Like Your Car

Your home's HVAC system is one of the biggest purchases you will make other than your home and automobile.  So why is it that we don't treat our furnace and air conditioner like we do our car?  You wouldn't drive a whole year without getting an oil change, would you?

Routine tune ups and preventative maintenance are crucial if you wish to get the full life expectancy out of your car, and the same applies to your home's HVAC system. 

It is also important to make sure that the company you select to provide your maintenance is doing more than just checking to make sure your furnace doesn't have a cracked heat exchanger and/or that there is ample refrigerant in the air conditioner.  It is easy to get lured in by an advertisement or coupon offering a deeply discounted tune up.  Remember...you get what you pay for.  A good HVAC contractor will provide a complete tune up, with an extensive checklist.  Click here for an example of what a complete service/maintenance program should provide:  1st Choice Maintenance and Safety Inspection.  

It goes without saying that you don't want to be the homeowner that has to make that emergency call on the hottest or coldest day of the year, much less on a weekend or holiday!  Creating a maintenance schedule with your trusted HVAC contractor will assure your comfort and peace of mind for years to come.

In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

Tips for Keeping Cool and Saving Cash this Summer

Last year's record heat really tooks it's toll on air conditioning systems and our pocketbooks!  Now that we are settling into the air conditioning season for this year, I thought it was a good time to remind folks of some of the different ways they can help stay cool and save energy during the heat.

#1 Keep a Close Eye on the Forecast
There are plenty of websites and smartphone apps available these days to keep you informed several days in advance of a hot spell.  If you can anticipate the heat before it happens, you can turn on your A/C in the evening or early morning hours prior to the forecast for heat.

#2  Plant a Large Shade Tree
If the south and west side of your home receives a great deal of direct sunlight during the afternoon and evening hours, you might want to consider planting a large shade tree.  Your local nursery can tell you which varieties are fast growing and provide the maximum amount of coverage.  If you can't wait for it to grow, many nurseries and tree services have planting trucks that can deliver and plant large balled and burlapped trees.

#3  Keep Doors and Windows Closed
I realize that this tip is purely common sense, however, there are many areas of the house that are easy to forget.  If you are closing up your house after having the windows open, don't forget those rooms that you rarely enter (i.e., kids bedroom, guest room).  Once you have closed the windows, don't forget to also close the blinds or drapes too...especially if the rooms are on the south and/or west side of the house.

#4  Set a Reasonable Temperature

The ductwork in most homes is designed to allow for 15-20 degrees of cooling over the outside temperature.  It doesn't matter how big or efficient your air conditioning unit may be, if the ductwork can't handle it, you simply will not get 70 degrees when it is 105 degrees outside.  Every year we run unnecessary service calls to individuals who think their systems are not working properly.  Save yourself the hassle and cost of a service call by realizing your systems capabilities.

I hope you have found these tips helpful.  If so, please stop by our Facebook page and let us know @ 1st Choice Heating - Facebook

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin and haven't had your air conditioner tuned up in a while, or would like a quote for a new system, contact us at 262-547-2030, or click on our website at 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

How Old Is Your Furnace?

Old Furnace

Every time I do a home improvement consumer show I get the same thing.  Someone walks up, slams their hand down and says, "I've got a 30-year-old furnace and it's still working great!"  In fact at most shows, there are several of these characters who feel inclined to stop by and chat.

Of course when you ask them if they are ready for a quote to replace it, they proudly declare, "I don't plan on replacing it until it dies".  As they walk away proud of themselves for sharing that bit of information, I roll my eyes and chuckle.  What they don't realize, is that having a furnace that old in your home is the equivalent of commuting to work daily and taking your vacations in a 1983 model vehicle.  It may still get you from Point A to Point B, but you may as well be throwing dollar bills out the window as you drive along.

1983 Chevy Malibu Wagon

The average life of today's modern furnace is 17-20 years and 20-25 years if regularly maintained. Anything older than that is simply blowing money right up your chimney.  In fact, the money you could have saved in energy costs may have already paid for a new system.  The truth is, most people I talk to are surprised because the cost of a new furnace is less than they estimated.

In addition to energy savings, HVAC systems now have advanced technology like newer cars.  How would you like to be able to control the temperature in your home using your smart phone, laptop or tablet?  Newer furnaces also let you know when they need routine maintenance.  And don't forget about safety.  A 2013 model car is going to have much tougher safety standards than a 1983 model.  The same goes for your furnace.  The potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from a unit that old is substantially increased.

So if the furnace in your basement looks more like the station wagon above, what have you got to lose by getting a quote from a reputable contractor.  If nothing else, you will at least be prepared when your current unit finally reaches the end.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling at 262-547-2030.

Staying On Top of HVAC Technology

1st Choice Staff Receiving Training 

Staying on top of the latest technology can be tough in this day and age.  The HVAC industry is no exception.

The newest thermostats (controllers) allow the homeowner the flexibility of adjusting their home comfort system from their computers, tablets and smartphones. They also link to the internet to provide wireless access to the latest weather data.

As a contractor, you need to take advantage of the resources available to you and make sure that your staff of installers and service technicians are well-versed on the installation, service and troubleshooting of the new WI FI controllers.

 (smartphone app)

As a new generation of technology saavy homeowners emerges in the marketplace, it will become vital that the HVAC contractor you select is up for the job!  Anyone can come into your home and install a furnace and/or air conditioner, but can they properly set up your system's wireless controller?  Make sure you ask the right questions when requesting a bid from a contractor.  Be sure to ask whether or not their staff has been properly trained on the latest equipment.  Failure to do so may result in headaches in the future.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Simplified

Do you suffer from any of the following:

- Eye and/or skin irritation
- Sinus congestion
- Sneezing, runny nose, colds, flu
- Headaches or dizziness
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Sore Throat
- Various other respiratory ailments

If the answer is YES to any of the above, installing optional Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ) equipment may help ease your symptoms.

Much of the problem with indoor air quality stems from the way modern homes are built today.  For purposes of energy efficiency, they are now sealed up as air tight as possible. The problem with this is that stale air, laced with odors, chemicals, irritants and even miniscule insects, becomes trapped.

Fortunately, HVAC manufacturers have developed products which address specific indoor air quality issues.  Below is a list of equipment, along with a simplified explanation of how each functions to address IAQ problems:

WHOLE-HOUSE HUMIDIFIER

Dry indoor air can make your home feel uncomfortable, causing skin irritation, creating static shock and damaging home furnishings and woodwork.  Added moisture also creates energy savings by allowing you to lower the thermostat.  Example: 70 degrees (moist) = 72 degrees (dry)

WHOLE-HOUSE ELECTRONIC AIR PURIFIER 
                                                 
Places a charge on airborne particles and collects them like a magnet.  Reduces pollutants, such as dust, smoke, smog particles, mold spores and pet dander from the air passing through your heating and cooling system.

WHOLE-HOUSE MEDIA AIR CLEANER
                                               
Traps and filters major pollutants, such as dust and pollen from the air passing through your heating and cooling system.

ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATOR (ERV) 
                                             
Exhausts pollutants, while recovering both heat and moisture.

HEPA AIR CLEANER
                                 
The HEPA Air Cleaner connects to the return air duct and diverts 1/3 to 1/2 of the dirty air through a tightly sealed filtration system.

UV LIGHT SYSTEM
                                             
Uses UV light to kill mold spores and certain live airborne bacteria passing by the lamp.

CARBON MONOXIDE MONITOR
                                             
Uses sophisticated electronics and unmatched sensor technology to detect and record the levels of Carbon Monoxide circulating in your indoor air, as required by State law.





Contact your local HVAC contractor to determine which of these products are best suited for your system and symptoms.  In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

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Fiscal Cliff Deal Restores Energy Tax Credits

One additional bonus from the recent Fiscal Cliff Agreement was the extension of The American Taxpayer Relief Act tax credits which had expired in 2011.  Not only have they extended the credits through 2013, but have made them retroactive to January, 2012 and included credits for air conditioners and heat pumps.

If you installed a high-efficiency system in 2012, it may qualify for the retroactive credit.  If you are looking to update your current HVAC system with new high-efficiency products, the tax credit is available through 2013 on eligible equipment, including:

furnaces  - $150
boilers - $150
advanced main circulating fans - $50
central air conditioners - $300
heat pumps - $300
water heaters - $300

The maximum amount you can claim is $500, and it is cumulative to the beginning of the tax credit period, which started in 2006.  In other words, if you have already claimed $500 on other energy-efficient home improvement projects (i.e., windows, insulation), you cannot claim any additional credits.  For more information on qualifying equipment, contact your tax preparer

In Southeastern Wisconsin, call 1st Choice Heating & Cooling at 262-547-2030 for more information on installing energy-efficient products in your home.

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Home Comfort In The Palm of Your Hand

"MyInfinity" Phone App

"Infinity Touch Control" Compatible

Imagine you are out holiday shopping and decide to go out to eat afterwards?  You won't be home for several hours, but your thermostat is still set at 72 degrees. How would you like the convenience of lowering the temperature by simply picking up your smartphone? When you are ready to head home, you can change it back to 72 degrees.

Carrier now brings that technology to you in the form of the "MyInfinity" app available for download on your smartphone. The app is
available for Carrier customers and is compatible with the "Infinity Touch Control" thermostat shown here.

Having the ability to control your home's comfort no matter where you are, combined with a high-efficiency Carrier "Infinity" system will drastically cut down on your energy consumption, and save you money on your utility bills.

For more information on the "Infinity" family of products, controls and the "MyInfinity" phone app, see your local Carrier Authorized Dealer.  In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling located in Waukesha.

Preparing for Winter

As you rake the fall leaves and prepare your yard for the coming winter months, it is important to think about preparing your furnace as well.   Making sure your intake and exhaust are free of leaves is just as important as clearing them of accumulating snow later in the season.

It is also the perfect opportunity to check and/or change your furnace filter.   Making sure your system has a clean filter, ensures that it will be operating at maximum efficiency.  Also, don't be tempted to purchase a "cheap" replacement filter.  You do get what you pay for!

Most importantly, have you had a qualified HVAC contractor do a tune up on your system in the past few years?  If not, you may be setting yourself up for problems that will inevitably occur when it is least convenient.  If your system has not received routine maintenance, it is more likely to breakdown during a severe cold snap, resulting in an emergency service call.  I cannot tell you how many furnaces I have come across that have suffered an untimely death due to lack of maintenance.  Failure to have your furnace checked on a periodic basis is the equivalent of operating your car without changing the oil.

Investing in a little preventative maintenance now will save you money and headaches down the road.  If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

Have You Changed Your Filter?

It only takes a few minutes, but it is easily one of the most overlooked home improvement tasks...changing the furnace filter.  Many homeowners take considerable time doing their homework and making the investment in a high-efficiency furnace.  Why wouldn't you take the time to make sure it is running at maximum efficiency?

If you haven't done it yet, check your filter now... too many systems are often forgotten and the filter is left to languish.  If it looks anything like the filter shown above, you are long overdue.

Now that you've replaced it, make sure you schedule the filter replacement on your calendar each year.  Not only will a clean filter keep the furnace running properly, it will vastly improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).  It may also save you from that unexpected service call.

IMPORTANT:  Don't be tempted to purchase the "bargain" filter from your local home improvement store.  Like most everything, you do get what you pay for.  Many HVAC contractors will provide you with the proper manufacturer filters for a very reasonable price.  

If you are in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling in Waukesha.

Important Notice for Northern States Homeowners

If you are a homeowner who lives in the northern half of the United States, here is some important information you should know:

"2007 Energy Bill"

In 2007, The U.S. Congress passed the Energy and Independence Act (the "2007 Energy Bill").  What does this mean for you?  The passing of this bill allowed for the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop regional standards for the installation of heating and air-conditioning equipment.  In the case of the northern United States (including the State of Wisconsin) high-efficiency, condensing furnaces will be required after May 1, 2013.

These new standards will require that gas furnaces installed after the mandated deadline must have at least 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).  The current standard is 78% AFUE.  This will effectively exclude the installation of non-condensing furnaces and may result in additional venting requirements for the exhaust, and/or minor renovations to accommodate the new equipment.

What Can You Do?

If you are looking at replacing your home's furnace in the next few years, you may want to call your local contractor.  If you don't want to install a 90% efficient, condensing furnace, you can still upgrade to a non-condensing gas furnace before May 1, 2013.  Having a contractor come out and inspect your current system, venting and space requirements will help you to determine your options.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating & Cooling at 262-547-2030 to answer any of your questions and/or to set up an appointment to review your current system.

Turn to the Experts During a Heat Wave

This summer's unprecedented and relentless heat has been very good for reputable HVAC contractors, but it has also provided an opportunity for the amateur installer to take advantage of consumers.  When your air conditioning goes out in a heat wave, it can be very tempting to contact the first one who can show up at your doorstep.  However, it is important to step back and keep one thing in mind.  Why is this individual available at a moment's notice, when every other contractor is booked solid?

A reputable contractor will charge a fair price for a service/diagnostic trip and make every effort to get to you as soon as possible.  They will also make a knowledgeable assessment of the situation and proceed with service and/or replacement based on the life-expectancy of the product.  If a unit is replaced by someone other than a factory-authorized dealer, you may also face problems later with regard to the warranties for parts and labor.

It is also important to find a contractor who belongs to a professional association such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).  Contractors are carefully screened prior to membership to insure “ethical” practices.  In addition, the consumer who encounters issues with a NARI contractor can achieve satisfaction through its arbitration process. 

If you are feeling the heat and need service or a new system quickly, it is worth taking the time to do it right.  Keep a box fan going for an extra day or two to insure you get the proper product at a fair price that is installed per factory specifications.

  

Wayne Abendschein is a Comfort Specialist @ 1^st Choice Heating & Cooling, a Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealer.  Wayne is also an active member of Milwaukee NARI and currently serves as chairperson for the Spring and Fall Home Improvement Shows.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact us at: www.1stchoiceheating.com

Keeping Your Cool In Extreme Heat

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the first half of 2012 has proven to be a real record breaker, and the remainder of this cooling season should see more extreme temperatures.

As the thermometer continues to soar into the triple digits, there are several important tips you should remember to help you "keep your cool".

• Keep windows and blinds closed while running the air conditioning.  When closing windows, make sure they are locked in order to maintain a proper seal.

• Change your furnace filter.  As odd as it may seem, maintaining a clean filter is even more important to your system during the cooling season.

• Keep vegetation cleared a minimum of 18 inches surrounding your air conditioner condenser unit.

• Maintain your thermostat at a "reasonable" temperature.  Manufacturer's standards will maintain the temperature in your home somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 degrees below the outside temperature.  Therefore, if it is a sweltering 105 degrees outdoors...don't expect your system to be able to maintain 75 degrees.

• Be patient with your HVAC contractor, they are doing everything they can to get to each and every one of their customers...especially those "no cooling" calls where health considerations are at play. 

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling  for more information or a quote.