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.